You say you have the next Great American Novel (or the next non-fiction bestseller) burning a hole in your software? Wouldn't you give absolutely anything for one minute in which to pitch your brilliant book idea to a publishing industry insider?
Well now's your chance, when the renowned speed-dating-for-writers event known as"Pitchapalooza" comes to our own Bookshop Santa Cruz. The dynamic duo officially known as The Book Doctors (Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry), authors of the how-to Bible "The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published" will appear live at this book event this Thursday, July 28, with "an all-star panel of publishing experts" ready and willing to hear your 60-second pitch on why your book is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Whoever is judged to have the best pitch wins an introduction to an appropriate publishing industry honcho (agent or editor). In addition, anyone who buys a copy of the Eckstut/Sterry book gets a free consultation (worth $100).
Here's a note to starry-eyed newbie authors. Your time is short: don't waste it attempting to compare your book to other bestsellers, or, conversely, explain why your book is superior to Book A or Book B in your genre. (Chances are someone on that panel of experts sold or edited Book A or Book B; you never know.) Instead, come up with a couple of killer sentences (or plot points, or "hooks") that position yours as the best book idea ever, and convey the flavor of your writing. If your book is funny, make 'em laugh. If your book is a thriller, give 'em goosebumps. Show, don't tell. You only have one minute. Make every syllable count!
(No ticket or pre-registration is necessary, but be warned: depending on the size of the crowd, pitch-time may be awarded on a lottery basis.)
"Pitchapalooza" hits BSC Thursday, July 28, 7:30 pm. For more info visit the BSC website, or call 423-0900.
(Above: What would Shakespeare pitch? Joseph Fiennes in Shakespeare In Love.)
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