Silence Your Inner Critic

After parting ways with my previous agent, I found myself standing outside the conference room doors at PitchFest, my carefully rehearsed elevator pitch committed to memory, but would I be able to come across coherently and articulately? The prospect of diving back into the query trenches—that familiar yet daunting landscape of form rejections and endless waiting—made my brow sweat and pulse accelerate. I’d done this dance before with my first book, but somehow, returning to it after having representation felt like starting over at ground zero.

But I entered through those doors anyway with false bravado.

Over the course of three hours, I pitched my manuscript, each three-minute slot a whirlwind of nerves transforming into passion as I plowed forward. The initial nervousness evolved into determination mixed with cautious hope. The vulnerability of putting myself out there again morphed into a kind of fierce pride in my work.

Lo and behold, months later, an offer of representation came through!

Gayle signing her contract!

I learned sometimes the best opportunities come from having the courage to start over, to walk through those doors even when your hands are shaking, and to believe that the right partnership is worth the search. So if anxiety, fear, and apprehension take over, quash them, and take the leap of faith. ThillerFest and PitchFest are there to help you to succeed—a partner in your journey. Whether you land an agent or editor, you will make connections of a lifetime, not only in your profession, but personally as well. And who couldn’t use more of those?