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EVENT OUTLINE 2020 AWP CONFERENCEEvent Title: The Ps and Qs of Pitching and Querying, or Paths to Publishing SuccessEvent Description: Three authors and two agents will discuss an array of options for early-career writers seeking to publish their manuscripts. We will describe differences between publishing with big-five imprints and independent presses; discuss ways to find the right agent and research the many and varied independent presses; present strategies and etiquette for effective query letters and pitches; and provide resources and strategies for successfully organizing your publication endeavors.Panelists Maryka Biaggio (moderator) is a psychology professor turned novelist with a passion for historical fiction. Her novels, Parlor Games and Eden Waits, are based on true stories set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her writing has won Willamette Writers, La Belle Lettre, and Oregon Writers Colony Awards.Ann Davila Cardinal is author of YA novels Five Midnights and Category Five (Tor Teen, 2019 and 2020).Margaret Sutherland Brown is an agent at Folio Literary Management.Panel Discussion Sections and Questions1. Getting ready: Researching and understanding optionsWhat are the differences between the Big Five, other traditional publishers, and small presses?How do I decide whether to seek representation from an agent or pursue publication with a press (many of which don’t require agent representation)?Where can I learn about literary agents and literary agencies and what sort of work they’re looking for?Where can I learn about independent and small presses and what they’re looking for? How can I assess the reputations of these presses? Where can I learn about presses that don’t require agent representation?2. Sending out query letters to agents and editorsHow do I know when my manuscript is ready to submit to a literary agent or publisher?What are some best practices for writing a query letter? How can I learn what makes a strong or weak query letter? What is a comparison or “comp” title?? What if I don’t have previous publications or an MFA? What do agents expect? Why are the submission rules different for each literary agent and agency? If a literary agency has lots of agents, how do I decide which one to pitch to?Is it acceptable to query multiple agents simultaneously? Similarly, can I query multiple editors simultaneously? What if an agent or editor asks for an “exclusive”?How does one submit to small presses? What are some of the reasons agents and editors reject manuscripts? Will they give me their reasons? What do I do if I receive an offer of representation? What questions should I ask an offering agent to help determine if we’re a good fit? What will they ask me? Is there etiquette for informing other agents who are considering the project?How will my agent decide where to send my manuscript, and what’s the difference between being published by a small or indie press or a top-five publisher?What should I do if I’m offered publication by a press and I don’t have an agent? How do I navigate the contract and other details?What happens if I’m not happy with my agent? Can we talk?What do published authors wish they had known before going through this process?3. Finding pitch opportunitiesWhen is the ideal time to pitch at a literary conference?? Before my manuscript is complete? After?What are the various pitch formats used at writing conferences? How do I prepare for a live pitch? Should I bring any materials with me?What do agents or editors want to hear in a pitch session? Will they want to know how many times I’ve submitted if I’ve submitted elsewhere? Will they think I’m bragging if I talk about previous publications or contests I’ve won? How will I know if it went well or not?4. Organizing your endeavorsWhat’s the best way to follow up after a pitch, and how long should I wait?What are some best practices for tracking queries and submissions?Supplemental files for uploading:Website for Publishers Marketplace, a good resource for learning about agents: list of Independent Publishers and University Presses: of places to look for agents and advice on querying (Liza’s seminar document)Sample Excel Spreadsheet for tracking queries ................
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