New York Write to Pitch 2024

[EditorAdmin]

Dear Writer,

Thank you for leaving a review of the 2024 New York Write to Pitch.

Best,

AAC Admin

[mherman4]

The pitch that I came in with and the pitch that I came out with - are two totally different things, in the very best of ways. I learned about POV, what the reader cares about, and how to put that to work in my pitch, and also in my book itself. I am so grateful for the coaching I received at the conference, THANK YOU for everything! 

[Rustin Levenson]

Thank you to Michael and Paula. Before, during, and after, New York Write to Pitch was a true learning experience. 

[Julia Warner]

Here we go friends!

Honestly, going into this event... I was terrified.  I've completed an MFA in Creative Writing from a good program and that helped me approach the conference with a level, confident head (you don't need an MFA for this conference btw--if you write and are serious about being professionally published, attend it).  However, meeting some "big fish" in the industry with my child (as we sometimes feel about our treasured WIPs) can be daunting for any writer.

As an author seeking a good deal for a debut novel/series, I felt it was my duty to find and submit to this conference and man... I am glad I did.  One of the greatest benefits is the amount of time and energy that goes into perfecting a pitch and practicing that pitch live.  There's nothing quite as scary or meaningful as live feedback from an agent, editors, authors, and publishers.  It helps open the veil into the process of publication in an approachable way-- giving faces to those who will receive your manuscript.

Obviously, I recommend attending this conference (or trying to--polish your pages y'all!) but some pieces of advice that I didn't realize I needed but experienced/heard from the conference were the following:

• SLOW DOWN.  Haste breeds waste.  Sure, get the draft down, but when you're sending your work to professionals, do all in your power to be professional.  Of course you want to be relevant, but relevancy is only possible if the work is good work.
• Seek out mentors in the industry.  Their experience and anecdotes are meaningful, harrowing, and incredibly helpful.  They also care about what you do and understand it.

I could go on and on about the lessons and practical knowledge I learned through this conference, but nothing will replace you actually deciding to go to it.  Seriously.

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk ;).  Have a lovely day and hey, if you go to one of these, perhaps I'll see you there.

-Julia Warner

 

[Kathryn Maughan]

I've been to many writers' conferences. Most focus on one learning about craft OR pitching. This one combines both: we were actively pitching to industry professionals while, at the same time, learning how best to hone the pitch--and all instructions included the 'why' so we can take that forward to future projects.  Every single person in my group left with a sharper, much more powerful and effective query. It's an intense few days, and well worth it.

[Kate Rounds]

The many iterations of the pitch helped me decide what to cut from my manuscript. The publishing professionals were not only helpful, but they seemed to get into the spirit of the conference. I really appreciated the vibe in the room. The writers were rooting for one another, not competing with one another. 

[Martha Moody]

The write-to-pitch program was terrific. I came away with lots of ideas not just about pitching but about how to improve my manuscript and become a better citizen in the writing community. Paula and Michael are rich in knowledge, savvy, and contacts. They are generous teachers. And all we participants were interesting people (of course) so any downtime between sessions was a pleasure.

[Stuart Nachbar]

I came into Write To Pitch as if I was part of the full cast of The Apprentice, expecting that I would be "fired" in an editorial way. I left with honest, but also encouraging feedback, as well as a direction for my novel that I could take off and run with. I learned so much that I was writing a revised outline with plot points and pinch points as I waited to pitch the guest editors and agents in the actor's audition setting and while I was at breakfast and dinner before and after each day. Michael and Juju encouraged me in the perfect way: tell me the truth about the story, give me ideas to make it better, give me feedback from the guest editors and agents and show me how to present myself and my work respectfully. Write To Pitch has a steep and fast learning curve. It was the best program for where I am as a writer. I look forward to the opportunity to participate in the self-directed program that follows.

[J.R. Verwey]

Write to Pitch has been a harrowing experience and the greatest investment in my writing to date. I cannot express this enough. I will be doing it again for my next novel.

This was an intimate workshop with a cohort that truly took an interest in each person pitching. Beyond the workshop, the feedback from the industry professionals was invaluable.

[Catherine Ellbogen]

Money (and time) WELL spent!  I can't stress that enough. As an "aborning author," I heeded the admonitions to leave my ego at the door and came in hungry to learn the answer to the burning question that has eluded me after nearly a year's worth of boilerplate rejections: "Why?"  Is it my query letter?  My premise? My writing? What...what?? 

Having faculty the caliber of Paula Munier impart her gems of experience across four intensive days, along with the opportunity to sit before three publishing editors, a literary and film agent, and a developmental editor, and receive candid and specific feedback was invaluable. And the format of bringing together a hand-picked, well-matched group with whom to interact and share ideas both in and outside of the sessions truly added to the experience, and I came away with a new friend and someone off which to bounce ideas.

In addition to a refined professional pitch, I now have a wealth of newly-minted knowledge on how to improve my novel to have a more than fighting chance to break through the tsunami of queries to accomplish that first step toward realizing my dream of becoming a traditionally published author.  Thank you Paula and Michael.  Well done!

 

[Catherine Birtwell]

Good Morning Fellow Writers and Mentors,

I must second the emotions expressed by several of the writers attending the Write To Pitch Conference. I was equal parts thrilled to be facing the prospect of pitching to agents and editors and simultaneously terrified by the idea. I devoured all the pre-event lectures and assignments and nervously took my place in the circle on Day 1 as each of us presented our stories. 

I have taken many amazing writing classes. Gotham Writers…you guys are superb. Mike Curtis, your lessons are written in my heart and shape every piece of dialogue, and every page I write. 

Write to Pitch is the quintessential final piece for me, and will be for most I will venture to say, with its wild blend of serious writerly directives and sometimes humorous overweening pride. Scimus Via.

it’s true. Avoid the soggy middle of your story with the six act two goal approach. Take it to heart.

Many, many thanks to Michael and Jinju for your incredible support and guidance, and your continued messages of love to us all. 

Last and not least, to my fellow writers, who could fail to fall in love with our group? The level of empathy and support I found with you all meant so much to me. 

To all aspiring writers struggling to pull your stories together, if you want to get out of the slush pile and in front of top notch agents and editors with your polished, one on one pitch, Write To Pitch is THE event for you. Don’t wait. Go now. 
Catherine Birtwell


 

[Jane Weinkrantz]

I wasn't exactly sure what to expect as I'd only gone to one prior pitch conference and it was much shorter, but this is the conference you need for some unvarnished truth and all the inside dish you won't find anywhere else. Paula tells it like it is. ("You all need to work on your titles!) She gave us a look into her process as a writer and as an agent. This was an extremely helpful four days. I 'm taking Paula's advice and letting my subconscious do the writing for a week before I return to my keyboard, but she and the other agents and editors have given me  much to think about. I would definitely recommend New York Write to Pitch.