PitchFest FAQ
Q: How do I know whether I should attend PitchFest or QueryFest?
A: If you have a completed, polished novel that you’re trying to sell, PitchFest may be right for you. If you’re a newer writer who may not be quite ready to pitch, or an experienced writer who might need advice on your career path, QueryFest may be right for you. QueryFest’s 15-minute sessions can also help better prepare you for PitchFest, increasing your chances of making a good first impression on that agent or editor you’ve been eager to meet. Please, no pitching during QueryFest.
For questions from writers about PitchFest, ThrillerFest Deputy Director / PitchFest Susan Lee can be contacted at susan@thrillerwriters.org.
For questions from writers about QueryFest, Director Jim L’Etoile can be reached at queryfest@thrillerwriters.org.
See below for more information.
If You Are A: | Then You Should Attend: | |
PitchFest | QueryFest | |
Writer with Completed Polished Manuscript to Sell | X | |
Writer Not Yet Ready to Sell a MS and want Advice | X | |
Writer Wondering if the MS is Ready to Pitch | X | |
Writer Seeking Help on Query Letter | X | X |
Writer Wanting to Check Out the Process Before Pitching Next Year | X | X |
Self-Published Author Seeking Traditional Publisher | X | X |
Self-Published Author Seeking Advice on What to Do with Self-Published Work | X | X |
Self-Published Author Seeking A Sale of Movie Rights (Producers don’t always attend PF. Check website for confirmations) | X | |
Self-Published Author Seeking Career Advice | X | |
Published Author Looking for A New Agent or Editor | X | X |
Published Author Seeking Advice on a New Manuscript | X | |
Published Author Seeking A Sale of Movie Rights (Producers don’t always attend PF. Check website for confirmations) | X | |
Published Author Seeking Career Advice | X |
Q. How does PitchFest work, exactly?
PitchFest 2025 will take place in-person on Thursday, June 19th, 2025 at the New York Hilton Midtown from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST, following CraftFest.
Writers queue up to pitch their manuscript to some of the best agents and acquiring editors in the business. At PitchFest 2024, we had over 60 agents and editors attend, excited to find the next bestseller. You can read about just a few of our Success Stories here).
PitchFest works much like speed dating. You’ll stand in the line of any agent or editor you’d like to pitch. When it’s your turn, have a seat, introduce yourself, and pitch your manuscript. They will want to know about you and why you feel qualified to write the story you did. You’ll have a maximum time of 3 minutes with each agent or editor you meet. If you go much longer, you may be asked to move on by one of our volunteers.
This time frame is designed for you to have a conversation with the agent or editor, so please don’t plan to deliver a monologue. Start with a succinct, high-level pitch (see below for preparing a pitch), then answer questions from the agent or editor. The experts may or may not ask questions. At the end, they will either request a sample of your work or tell you your project is not right for them. Either way, please thank them for their time, then move to the next name on your list and make your next pitch.
It serves you best to be prepared and concise with your pitch. Please do your research ahead of time on which agents/editors you want to target. All our agents have shared their “wants/don’t wants” on the PitchFest site.
Once you have prioritized your list, you can locate the agents in their respective rooms, where they will be seated alphabetically.
PitchFest ends promptly at 5:00 PM, so our volunteer staff will make an estimate based on how many people are in line in the hour leading up to the end of the event and hand out “end of line” cards. These cards indicate that the “end of line” card holder will be the last person permitted to pitch that agent.
The PitchFest team, volunteers, and security will be on-site the day of the event for any last-minute issues that may come up.
You may take breaks whenever you need to, as you are free to stand in line for whichever agent, publisher, or editor you’d like. Wear comfortable shoes, and if you have trouble standing for long periods of time, consider investing in a $20 travel seat to carry with you. As always, we accommodate all special needs. Email susan@thrillerwriters.org with questions about such accommodations.
Q. Are these real agents and editors, or the kind who that say they are the real deal but charge me to read my manuscript and then steer me into vanity presses?
Our agents and editors are the real deal. They work with/sell to major publishers around the world, and they are highly respected in the field. They do not charge a fee to read your work, and they do not steer you toward vanity presses (which, for those unfamiliar with the term, are companies that will “publish” your book only if you pay them). Our agents only work with publishers who pay YOU for your writing. All agents who attend PitchFest are either members of the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR) or have sold to an ITW-approved publisher. Only editors from ITW-approved publishers are invited to participate.
Q. How do I prepare a pitch for PitchFest?
A “pitch” at PitchFest is a ~60 second description of your thriller/mystery/suspense/crime fiction story that explains the story hook and doesn’t give away the ending. A pitch includes a description of the protagonist, where they are, what they want, what challenges they’re up against, and why they care about their goal. Be sure to “hook” agents/editors with an opening line or two that explains what makes your story unique (for example, if you were Jeff Lindsay pitching Darkly Dreaming Dexter, you might say, “My book is about a blood spatter expert who is also a serial killer, but his victims are all criminals.”).
We’ve also compiled the following advice from agents and editors about developing your pitch:
- DO have at the ready an elevator pitch (also known as a logline) for your book. Approximately 25 words, loglines are extremely useful at the conference in general when you get asked the inevitable question, “What’s your book about?”
- DO practice your pitch. Aim for no more than 60 seconds, because your entire time with the agent or editor at PitchFest will be a maximum of 3 minutes, and you want to leave room for conversation. We don’t encourage memorization, but rather getting comfortable talking about your story succinctly and concisely. Remember that this is a conversation about your book, not a recitation.
- DO be yourself! No one knows your story like you do, so channel the passion and excitement you feel about your story when you talk about it. PitchFest may feel intimidating, but agents and editors are just people too, and everyone is eager to hear about new stories.
- DO have some comps (other books published in the last 2-3 years that are similar in tone/style/content to your book) at the ready. This helps agent/editors picture where your book may fit in the marketplace.
We also offer the opportunity to practice your pitch via Virtual Practice PitchFest (see below), which happens in the two months prior to PitchFest. Details about this free program are emailed out to the PitchFest registrant list in Q1.
Q. I’ve never created a book pitch. Will I learn how to pitch at CraftFest?
Yes, that’s one of the topics at CraftFest: teaching you how to present your work to agents and editors and close the sale with them. We provide a full presentation on effective pitching during CraftFest on Thursday.
Q. Is there anything I should know about pitching etiquette at PitchFest?
Yes: Treat agents like fellow humans, and be kind and courteous. Pitching can be stressful, but please do not objectify an agent or view them as the person who’s standing between you and your dreams. Agents are here because they want to find great stories and share them with the world, but just like you, they might be tired, jet-lagged, and dehydrated, so give them some grace.
Respect social boundaries. Pitching is appropriate ONLY while the agent is seated at their table. While you may bump into agents at the cocktail party or in the bathroom, that is not the right time to launch into your pitch.
Q. What is Virtual Practice PitchFest?
Everyone who signs up for PitchFest before April 15 is eligible for the free Virtual Practice PitchFest event in the month before to PitchFest. Virtual Practice PitchFest is your chance to practice your pitch online with one of our Author Experts, all of whom are published and experienced mystery or thriller writers. They’ll offer feedback on your pitch and help you polish it so you’re prepared for your face-to-face time with agents and editors at PitchFest. Virtual Practice PitchFest will be in mid-May 2025 and details for sign-ups will be sent out in mid-April to the PitchFest registrant list.
Q. Do I have to stay the whole three hours?
We do not take attendance. You can stay for one pitch, one hour, two hours, or the whole three. It’s entirely up to you. Some authors have their list of six or twelve agents and editors they want to see, and when they’re done, they leave. Others stay the entire time and pitch as many experts as they can. Pitching is a numbers game—the more people you see, the more yeses you’re likely to get. Remember that receiving a partial manuscript request does not guarantee representation. Your chances of securing an agent improve if you can get more experts to request your work.
Q. Are the agents and editors paid to be at PitchFest?
Absolutely not. They are volunteers investing their time, hoping to find captivating stories written by respectful and passionate people. Don’t be discouraged if one of your top picks isn’t interested in your story; it may just be that your book isn’t right for that particular agent/editor. Move on to the next person on your list and try again.
Q. How will I know when to move to the next line?
The agent or editor will tell you. We’re giving our experts three-minute timers and/or having them manage their own schedules. Once they invite you to send them some pages of your manuscript, or tell you that your project isn’t a good fit for them, please thank them for their time and move on. Bring a pen and some paper to write down contact information.
We allow the agents and editors more freedom in managing their own schedules because some may say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ within fifteen seconds, while others require several minutes or more. Please don’t worry about any of this. Just relax and concentrate on having a pleasant, lively discussion.
Q. Should I keep a copy of my manuscript on my computer or iPhone, so I can instantly email it to the agents if they ask?
If an agent or editor wants to see your manuscript, they will give you their email address and provide further instructions. Again, bring a pen and paper to write down contact information, because we will not share this information after the event. We are very protective of these generous industry experts.
Q. Who can answer more specific questions about PitchFest?
Susan Lee is the ThrillerFest Deputy Director ThrillerFest/PitchFest, and she can be reached at susan@thrillerwriters.org.
Be forewarned: We’ve been running PitchFest for years, and we have witnessed many instances where writers who take shortcuts or aren’t willing to do the work tend to wash out quickly. The business of publishing is tough and takes elbow grease, along with a little luck. We know it’s important to guide you rather than do the work for you, so please read through the FAQs, peruse this website, and educate yourself before emailing our team with questions. ITW staff and ThrillerFest event volunteers work hard to provide you with information in advance, but we have other jobs (writing and otherwise) and responsibilities that limit the time we can commit to answering questions. Respect and courtesy are appreciated.
Q. Can I go to the bathroom during the pitches?
You can take a break whenever you need one. Go to the bathroom, get a drink of water, sit down, and take a deep breath. When you return to the room refreshed, join a new line (please, no cutting or saving places).
Q. Who can I talk to at PitchFest if I have questions?
The PitchFest team will be there the entire time. There will also be many volunteers identifiable by their volunteer lanyards in the rooms to answer questions and assist you as needed. Finally, the wonderful on-site ThrillerFest staff can help. We will also have security in bright orange shirts if you see or experience anything concerning.Q. Can I change lines if mine is too long?
Absolutely. If the line you are in is long and you see a shorter one, feel free to move to the end of that line (not cut in). The more experts you talk to, the more likely you are to find one who wants what you’re selling. Follow your agent/editor priority list, but try to see some of the others, too. You never know who’s going to love your work. While waiting in line, please try to keep conversation to a minimum and your voice low out of respect for the writers who are currently giving their pitch.
Q. Why do you have agents AND editors at PitchFest? What’s the difference?
The most common path to publication is to secure a contract with an agent who then sells your work to an editor at a publishing house. That said, if you can get an editor at PitchFest interested in publishing your work, you can use that interest as leverage when approaching an agent. Some editors at the event don’t require authors to be agented, providing you with an opportunity to sell your book to them directly, but this is an exception, not the rule.
Q. Some of the agents on the confirmed list are from the same agency. What if two agents from the same agency request to see materials?
If this happens, simply let the agents know when you email them that their colleague also requested your materials from PitchFest. They’ll work it out internally.
Q. Are the agents and editors at PitchFest really taking on new clients?
Every agent and editor who attends is actively seeking thriller manuscripts, and many are looking for other genres, including mystery, suspense, true crime, and supernatural. Review the participating agent/editor bios and photos on the ThrillerFest website to learn what each expert is looking for and what they are NOT looking for. Note: some agents may be closed to queries on their website but open to queries to the pitches they connect with at PitchFest. Those agents may give you a specific way to contact them.
Q. Do I need a completed manuscript, or can I just pitch what I have written so far or throw out an idea I have for a novel?
We strongly recommend you have a completed, polished manuscript before signing up for PitchFest (unless your manuscript is a non-fiction project). We know from experience that if agents like what they see, they will want to sign you as a client immediately and try to sell your book to a publisher. You want that, too. They cannot sell your book unless it’s finished, and they may not be as interested in your idea/book months from now when you do finish. Do your best to type THE END before coming to PitchFest–and pitch your best book, not several books. It’s fine to mention to an agent that you have written other books, especially if they ask about other projects you are working on, but with limited time to pitch, it’s best to focus on just one. You can pitch a self-published book, although you’re better off pitching a fresh, new manuscript that has not been published. The agents and editors love unique voices, new concepts, and books that haven’t already been on the market. If you want advice on how to complete your novel or whether you’re headed in the right direction, please sign up for QueryFest instead.
Q. If everyone is a volunteer, why am I charged to attend?
From renting the conference rooms, the pitch rooms, and the book room to securing hotel staff, refreshments and air-conditioning and keeping the bathrooms fresh and breezy, there are many costs associated with ThrillerFest. Although our main purpose is to help writers make the necessary connections with people in the industry, providing a venue in New York City requires a large investment. Even the board of directors pays to attend the conference just like you do, which helps keep the costs down for everyone.
Q. Do people who attend PitchFest actually get representation?
Sometimes, but not always. Some of those who have secured representation have shared their success stories with us. While there’s NO GUARANTEE, REAL OR IMPLIED, that any agent will like your work, the opposite is equally true: they may all love your work. Some writers secure representation, but never get a publishing deal. There is no definitive outcome here other than one: If you don’t attend PitchFest, those agents and editors will miss an opportunity to hear you pitch.
Even if no agents are interested in your story (which is rare), going through the process of pitching is still an enormously valuable opportunity. You will have met the top agents in the business, experienced the pitching experience, made important contacts, received feedback on your presentations, and learned a lot of things about the business. And you’ll have the inspiration needed to improve your book and return next year.
Q. How do I know if an agent or editor likes my pitch?
If the agent or editor is interested, they will request a partial or, in rare cases, the entire manuscript, to read. This will always be something you email them after the event, per the instructions they will give you. If there is no interest, the agent or editor will not request any material. If they do not request material or let you know it’s a “pass” for them, be courteous. A simple, “Thank you for your time” is all that’s needed before moving on to another line.
Q. How long is each pitch?
Three minutes. Occasionally, an agent or editor will take longer with a writer, and we appreciate that when a match is being made, it may require more time. Agents and editors, along with the PitchFest organizers, appreciate your patience. This is all about match-making, and your time will come.
Q. Should I carry a stack of printed manuscripts, queries, or synopses in case an agent wants one?
No. Keep these pitch package materials in your hotel room, or better yet, leave them at home. The agents will ask you to send this via email if they’re interested. They don’t want to haul a hundred pounds of manuscripts on the subway when the day is over. And please don’t hand agents a flash drive. Agents will not insert flash drives into their computers, for fear of viruses.
Instead, focus on preparing a one-page synopsis for after your session, in case an expert asks you to email a synopsis along with sample pages. If you want to learn how to write a synopsis, check out Writer’s Digest Synopsis Writing Basics or advice from industry blogs by Jessica Faust or Janet Reid.
Q. How about business cards?
Although it’s always a good idea to have business cards with you, please don’t force your business card on an agent or editor unless they ask for it. If you do have business cards, make sure your contact information is prominent, especially your email. You can get cards printed online, or at a local print shop. Remember that less is more.
Q. Should I have a website?
A website is not required for pitching. You may want to consider having one anyway, so people can find you easily. If you’re not ready to build a website, consider reserving the domain name you’ll want to use as a writer so you’re prepared when you become a published author.
Q. Can I practice my pitch while I’m in line?
We request that you do not practice your pitch while you’re in line, at least out loud. The pitch room(s) will be full of people simultaneously hearing and making pitches. If you want to talk, please go into the hall. When you’re sitting in that pitch chair and can hear the agent saying clearly, “I love this idea! Can you email me the manuscript?” you’ll thank us.
Q. Can I sign up ONLY for PitchFest?
In order to attend PitchFest, you must also sign up for Master Class, CraftFest, or ThrillerFest. Although you can sign up for Master Class, CraftFest, or ThrillerFest without also doing PitchFest, we don’t allow you to sign up ONLY for PitchFest.
Again, we want to make sure you are as prepared and professional as possible before pitching. Agents’ and editors’ time is valuable, so please prepare accordingly. Making Master Class, CraftFest, or ThrillerFest a prerequisite for PitchFest helps ensure that only authors who are making a serious commitment to their craft will be pitching, which provides everyone with a better experience. After all, if the agents stop coming because the quality of pitching is poor or the writers are not professional, they’ll never hear great ideas from serious writers like you.
Q. What should I wear to PitchFest?
While we recommend business casual, there is no formal dress code for PitchFest. Consider that you’re trying to sell your work to major agents who are professional and expect you to take this process seriously. Dress like you respect them and the process. Make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes, as you’ll be on your feet a lot.
Q. What happens when PitchFest is over?
Pitching will occur from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM. When the PitchFest event is over, please feel free to take a break before the ThrillerFest Opening Cocktail Hour at 6:30 PM. Many of the agents and editors will be attending the cocktail hour too, so remember to be courteous. Please don’t follow an agent or editor into a bathroom, to their room, or out onto the street. What you may see as passion or ambition might be interpreted as ‘creepy stalker’ behavior, and we know that’s not what you intend to put across.
Q. Why would I choose to go to the virtual room to pitch an agent online instead of sticking with the in-person agents?
It is just as possible to make a powerful connection with an agent or editor virtually as it is in person. Some of our agents and editors simply aren’t able to make the trip to New York that day, as much as they would like to. Pitching to them virtually may be your only opportunity to connect with that agent. Remember to speak clearly, pitch succinctly, and smile, just as you would in real life.
Q. Other than PitchFest, what other event opportunities do you offer writers who are ready to publish a book?
Because so many writers wanted more time with experts to ask advice rather than pitch a completed manuscript, we created QueryFest. While PitchFest is about making connections and pitching, QueryFest–where pitches are strongly discouraged–is more about preparing the writer for an eventual opportunity to pitch. QueryFest will be available throughout CraftFest and ThrillerFest where attendees can meet one-on-one with an industry expert for 15 minutes. Writers can get instant feedback on query letters or the first two pages of a manuscript. Due to the overwhelming popularity of QueryFest, we limit the number of sessions you can purchase to five, but you will only be allowed a maximum of two sessions with the same agent or editor. Eligibility for QueryFest requires registration to CraftFest, Master Class, or ThrillerFest. Again, no pitching during QueryFest, please.
For writers interested in honing their craft, Master Class on Tuesday is an excellent opportunity to have a bestselling author review and critique your work and/or impart pearls of wisdom that you just can’t get anywhere else. The classes are intensive and intimate, with ten or fewer writers assigned to one instructor.
CraftFest is another amazing opportunity to learn from bestselling authors and experts in the industry, and it is highly recommended if you attend PitchFest. PitchFest cannot be purchased as a single item (you must either sign up for CraftFest, Master Class, or ThrillerFest) because we want you to be as prepared as possible for the pitching sessions. This is a professional business, and agents/editors expect you to conduct yourself accordingly. CraftFest is held on Wednesday and Thursday morning, just before PitchFest.
ThrillerFest takes place on Friday and Saturday, and provides a unique opportunity to meet readers, authors, the media, and many others. And of course, the Thriller Awards Banquet, held on Saturday night, is our last hurrah before closing the conference for another year.
Remember: All of the agents/editors attending PitchFest are excited to find their next great story, and they just want to hear a little bit about your project. Introduce yourself and say a quick hello, keep your pitch short and sweet, and answer their questions about your story. And remember to have fun and breathe! 🙂
For any questions that haven’t been addressed by our FAQs, please email susan@thrillerwriters.org.
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