You Ask, We Answer: How Can I Maximize a One-on-One Pitch Session?
Julia asks: “I’m attending a conference where I’ll be doing one-on-one pitch sessions with magazine editors. Can you give me any advice?”
I have done these one-on-one pitches before. I recommend reading through the magazines and coming up with a few short pitches for each. But at the conference, attend the editors’ workshops/panels, because they’ll give you an idea of what they’re looking for. Then you can formulate a few more pitches and then choose the two or three best to pitch during your one-on-one.
Don’t bother giving the editors your clips…they have enough to carry around as it is! You can give the editor your business card if you have one and offer to send the editor clips by e-mail or mail. (Though you can always have clips ready in your bag in case an editor does ask for them.)
If an editor rejects one of your ideas, don’t waste your precious 7 minutes by asking why…just trust that he knows his magazine’s needs, and move on to your next pitch. I know an editor at a major magazine who has done these sessions, and he told me he hates when writers try to argue with him or ask for justification. Just move on!
Seven minutes is not very long, so ask the editors if you can have their e-mail addresses to send them fleshed-out queries on any of the pitches they’re interested in and to pitch them more ideas. Good luck! [lf]
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Oct 19, 2009 Editors, You Ask, We Answer
