Get Submission Ready: Prepare Your Pitch!

In the second workshop in their submission series, Literary Agents Gina Maccoby and Jennie Dunham will cover key elements of the pitch to make it pique the interest of potential readers.

It's hard to distill a whole story down to a pitch, but it's a necessary part of the process of getting published. Their presentation will be followed by hands on sessions with Jennie and Gina critiquing participants' first pages. 

Note: This workshop is for writers of middle grade and young adult books. Participants should focus on one manuscript and should have at least a rough complete draft since the process of preparing a pitch requires drawing on the entire story.

This workshop will include:

• Pitch Presentation - how to talk about your story and finding appropriate comparison titles. Hands-on exercises to make sure your story is fresh and your narrative engaging (please bring a draft pitch to work on).
• First Pages Feedback - participants’ first pages will be read aloud and receive comments from Gina and Jennie, including a followup question. 
• Informal Round Table - general Q&A discussion for the whole group

Faculty Bios:

GINA MACCOBY

Gina Maccoby (AAR, SCBWI, Authors Guild) is a New York literary agent representing authors of literary and upmarket fiction and narrative nonfiction for adults and children, including New York Times bestselling and award-winning titles. She represents children's books and literary fiction and nonfiction for adults. Gina served four terms on the Board of Directors of the Association of Authors' Representatives and is a member of both the Royalties and Contracts Committees. Prior to establishing her own agency in 1986, she was a literary agent at Russell & Volkening for six years. Gina grew up mostly in Northern California and graduated from Harvard College.

JENNIE DUNHAM

Jennie Dunham (AAR and SCBWI member) has been a literary agent in New York City since 1992. In August 2000 she founded Dunham Literary, Inc. Her clients have been New York Times bestsellers and numerous awards. She represents children's books for all ages as well as literary fiction and non-fiction for adults. Jennie served as Head of the AAR’s Program Committee for five years. While a member of the Electronic Committee, she attended international meetings to create the ISTC (International Standard Text Code). Before founding Dunham Literary, Inc. in 2000, Jennie worked at three literary agencies, including 6 years at Russell & Volkening. She graduated from Princeton University and has a masters degree in Social Work from New York University.

*TICKET POLICY*

Full ticket refunds are available two weeks prior to the event (3/14). If the case that the event must be canceled, full refunds will be distributed.

By purchasing a ticket, you agree to SCBWI's code of conduct.