10 Things You Shouldn’t Say to an Agent During an In-Person Pitch

[jongibbs]

There are lots of great blog posts about how to pitch a novel in a face-to-face meeting with an agent, but sometimes, what you don’t say can be just as important.

With that in mind, I’ve made a list of things writers probably shouldn’t say during an in-person pitch (with special thanks to Bill Mingin, my friend from the GSHW, who inspired this

Comments

[peadarog]

10) Unless you accept me as a client, this marriage is over!

[jongibbs]

Lol :)

[jongibbs]

Good one :)

[jongibbs]

I've got somewhat derailed my own self over these last few weeks, but things are finally settling down.

[chant_1]

LOL - great post, Jon! How about "My mom thinks I'm the next J.K. Rowling!"

Or "My story is too complex to sum up in a short format so I've taken the liberty of putting it to music. Here, hold my guitar case..."

[jongibbs]

Ooh, a musical pitch. I like it, especially if you can get some Tuvan throat singers to provide some backing vocals :)

[chant_1]

Well, throat singers...psh, just goes without saying! ; ) I mean, if you really want to land an agent...

[paulwoodlin]

If your daughter thought you were the next JKR, I'd be more impressed. ;)

[wendigomountain]

I'm just willing to bet an agent hears #8 more than anything else.

[jongibbs]

I sincerely hope nobody's ever tried #6 :)