Practically Painless Pitching Workshop

September 24 – 30, 2023

$15.00 Members | $30.00 Non-Members
(Limited to the first 50 to sign up)

Registration for this workshop is now closed.

The very successful author, Christina Dodd once said, ‘Submitting your work is like getting on stage, pulling down your pants, and asking for comments.’ Pitching is the same. Let’s face it; the thought of it is enough to make the strongest shudder and run.

So why do it? Because you believe in what you’ve written, and want to give it the best chance to be sold, right? RIGHT.

First, who am I to teach this class? I have fourteen books out now, as well as having won a RITA Award for Best First Book, but before that, I had 417 rejections before I sold, and I pitched a bunch.

I realized that pitching can be learned systematically and professionally, just as querying or any other aspect of submitting. I have tools to help you do this with poise and confidence.

What you will learn:

• How to create a logline that sizzles, and turn it into an elevator pitch
• How to create a compelling five-minute pitch
• How to practice effectively
• Pitch tips for the big day
• Etiquette
• Follow up

BONUS:
By the end of class, you’ll have the building blocks for your query. AND you’ll be able to talk about your book without rambling or sounding crazed!

How the class will work:
There will be lessons and homework to create your pitch.

You will then practice, and submit a video for critiquing, by myself and the class. Lather, rinse, repeat, until you are a star! Don’t be nervous, everyone in class will be in the same boat, rowing to the same destination: SUCCESS!

Meet the Instructor: Laura Drake

Laura Drake is a New York and self-published published author of Women’s Fiction and Romance. Her debut, The Sweet Spot, won the 2014 Romance Writers of America® RITA® award. She’s since published 13 more books. She is a founding member of Women’s Fiction Writers Assn. and Writers in the Storm blog.

Laura is a city girl who never grew out of her tomboy ways. She gave up the corporate CFO gig to write full time. She realized a lifelong dream of becoming a Texan and is currently working on her accent. She’s a wife, grandmother, and motorcycle chick in the remaining waking hours.