WOOHOO! I finally pitched three manuscripts to Publishers!
My name is Karen Tyrrell, award winning author of four resilience books for adults and children.
FIRST I developed my new stories to the highest possible publishing standard— written with passion and energy. I critiqued, rewrote, tweaked, formatted and had them professionally edited to perfection… over months AND years !!
Now it’s time to face my FEARS, be BRAVE and take action!
I presented my manuscripts with a front page including my name, address, contact details, genre and word count. They were formatted in Times Roman 12 font, doubled spaced with a header including title, author, and numbered pages.
I MUST launch my books into the publishing world!
How to Pitch to Publishers
1. RESEARCH your dream publishers, ones who match your genre, themes and word count. Research their books which are similar to yours. Locate the submission guidelines on their website.
2. FOLLOW the exact submission guidelines to a T developing a “perfect” manuscript and a KILLER synopsis. READ How to Write a Killer Synopsis.
3. CREATE a KICK ASS query letter that’s irresistible to publishers …
How to Write a KICK ASS Query Letter
1. INTRODUCE yourself explaining why you contacted each particular publisher. Mention if you’ve met or have a connection.
2. HOOK a publisher with your most captivating elevator pitch or Logline emphasizing the conflict between protagonist and antagonist until your hero achieves their goal.
3. SHARE your best book information including genre, word count, intended readership, book themes and comparative titles to the publisher.
4. PITCH your author bio highlighting your awards, publications, writing and speaking credentials and author platform.
5. INVITE the publisher to contact you leaving all your contact details.
Send off your KICK ASS query letter and manuscript via email or via post following submission guidelines exactly.
Related Article: Write & Publish a Children’s Novel
I finally faced my fears, and launched three children’s books into the publishing universe, feeling terrified and exhilerated at the same time …
ANNOUNCING… Taa Daa
NEW resilience Children’s books are searching for homes in the publishing world.
- One humorous sci-fi adventure novel …
- Two unrelated picture books with different themes, settings and characters …
Can you please transmit positive Book Karma out to the universe?
What publishing tips resonated with you?
Please leave a Comment below, LIKE, tweet or Google plus 🙂
Sound advice for a difficult task
Hi Steve,
Sending out to publishers is the MOST terrifying thing I’ve EVER done… But at least I’m actually doing it. I appreciate your comment here. Thanks, Karen 🙂
Thanks for the advice Karen
Hi Anita,
Really appreciate your checking out my advice.
Wishing you all the best with your writing and publishing … Cheers, Karen 🙂
I’ve bookmarked this page for future reference. Thanks, Karen 🙂
Hi Jacqui,
Thanks for “The Bookmark”. You’re a fabulous critique buddy and friend. I really appreciate all your feedback and support. See you on Saturday before our writers meeting … Karen 🙂
Sound advice 🙂
Thanks Sally,
for taking a peek on my ‘Pitching to Publishers’ tips and giving your “sound advice” stamp of approval.
Much appreciated,
Karen 🙂
[…] How to pitch to publishers: http://www.karentyrrell.com/pitch-publishers/ […]
Hi Karen, been following your success over the years and appreciate you providing advice fro the rest of us. I’ve finally finished my fictional novel and now need to work out the pitch.
regards Lindy Holmes
Hi Lindy. Thanks for getting in touch with me.
For the pitch… ask yourself: What’s the most intriguing thing or secret within your story?
What intriguing hook could you give the reader/ publisher to entice them to read your book?
Ask your Beta readers, critiquers and your editor to help you answer this.
If you stuck in an elevator, what could you say to someone to convince them to read your book?
Hope this helps,
Karen 🙂
Hi Karen, I have written a children’s comedy/drama manuscript all about six dogs who have handicaps, they meet up and become best friends, then go on a fun and scary adventure of a life time. I am not sure how to go about writing a really good Pith, to send to Publishers? Can you please give me any advice on this project? thanks for your time, Pamela
Hi Pamela,
If you book is FUN and SCARY… translate that into a pitch that firstly intriguing and secondly Fun and Scary. Choose the most powerful and descriptive words you give your pitch energy and appeal. Good luck .. Karen 🙂