I’ve made the leap and signed myself up for my first writers’ conference in October. I’ve even managed to reserve an appointment with an agent who represents novels in my genre. It’s only a 10 minute slot, so I began to wonder about the best way to approach the interview. After a few days researching agent and editor advice on the web, I’ve compiled the most consistent points in this blog post for those who also find themselves in this situation.
The first important thing to note is that the entire 10 minutes should not be used as one long pitch. Most people do not recommend more than three minutes for the actual pitch. The remaining time is for the agent to ask questions about the writer’s work and vice versa. So, the pitch itself needs to be boiled down to a few poignant sentences, and you need to be prepared for in-depth questions about your characters and plot.
A more obvious recommendation, perhaps, is to be professional. Dress as for a job interview and be polite. If the agent offers advice on how to better your query or your work, take it as constructive criticism, not an insult. Know what you plan to say, but do not read your pitch to the agent from notes or your query letter.
I feel the final piece of advice is easier said then done. All of the agents and editors suggested that writers need to relax. Someone who is too nervous tends to rush through the pitch in a way that the agent cannot understand and is nearly incapable of answering questions. It is not necessary to launch into your pitch the moment you set foot in the room. If it will help you to relax, it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment to introduce yourself and exchange pleasantries. Take the time to make yourself a little comfortable (but not so much that you ruin your professional aura). The agent, after all, is human too, and talking the time to calm your nerves may put them more at ease as well.
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