-
ensure
the target already knows you or is aware of you before you even try and pitch."
"Secondly, really understand
his/her work style and preferences (you could even ask them long before you
pitch)."
That’s a difficult one. Looking over their author list gives some idea of their past choices, but isn't foolproof as each title is so different.
Making contact with an author who works with the agent would be one way of
getting the information. Some agents are quite specific and say what they
require on the website – and of course, the sensible person matches those
requirements.
- "Finally, understand their next steps in the the pitch process (e.g. is his/her next step to present to a committee, board etc). By understanding this stage you will be able to prepare your pitch in a format that makes their life a little easier"
Here we seem closer. If the agent accepts you and your story, then s/he has to pitch it to
editors of publishing houses, who then has to convince her colleagues that her story is the one they should take on. It follows that if we provide a killer title, a succinct tag line or
selling blurb that really works, then it makes their job so much easier.
"Just my observations - not sure if they
translate from the business world to the wonderful and exciting literary world."
It was good to see them, Helen, and thank you. Do tell if you think I'm missing opportunities!
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