If you had to hook an editor in 100 words, how would you do it? Remember that editors have heard many pitches. How is your story different? What is the conflict of your story?
Here are a few tips for creating that perfect pitch:
- Start out simple and expand:
Example: A heroine finds love while on vacation in Nice.
Better: A pregnant travel writer experiences wild “no strings” passion with her late husband’s arch enemy while on vacation in Nice…until an earthquake forces them to choose between their old lives and what could be the greatest adventure of all…love.
- Think about capturing an editor’s attention.
- Make your pitch direct, not too gimmicky.
- Show your knowledge of the line you are targeting.
- Include the juiciest elements of your story.
- If you can’t find those elements, your story might need rethinking.
- What are the best hooks in your romance?
- What excites you about your romance?
So, now that you’ve done some pondering and crafting, it’s time for you to send us your pitch. Make us—the editors—enthusiastic about your story and the directions it could take. Take us on a short journey of 100 words. Please submit to us at ucanwrite@harlequin.ca by 10:00 a.m. EST, today, September 18, 2015. Be sure to include in the subject heading: SYTYCW: The Pitch Challenge. We’ll randomly pick five to critique by today at 2:00 p.m. Good luck!
Join the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #SYTYCW15, and follow @HarlequinSYTYCW.
