How to Write a Pitch Letter

Course Objectives:
By the end of this workshop, participants will:
  • Understand the purpose and importance of a pitch letter in the publishing process.
  • Learn how to introduce themselves and their work effectively.
  • Develop a clear and engaging summary of their manuscript.
  • Identify and articulate the unique selling proposition (USP) of their book.
  • Define their target audience and demonstrate their marketing potential.
  • Craft a professional closing statement and ensure clear contact information.
  • Integrate all elements into a cohesive and persuasive pitch letter.

Course Outline:
Part 1: Crafting the Core Elements of Your Pitch Letter (55 minutes)
  • Introduction (10 minutes)
    • ​Welcome and overview of workshop objectives.
    • Introduction to Ying Compestine and her experience.
  • Crafting Your Introduction (15 minutes)
    • ​Lecture: How to introduce yourself effectively, including background, credentials, and achievements.
    • Activity: Participants draft their own introduction and engage in a brief peer review session.
  • ​​Book Title, Genre, and Brief Introduction (15 minutes)
    • Lecture: How to clearly state your book title, genre, and the essence of your story.
    • Activity: Participants summarize their book’s setting, characters, and conflict, followed by sharing and receiving feedback.
  • Unique Selling Proposition (USP) (15 minutes)
    • Lecture: Identifying what makes your book unique and how it fills a gap in the market.
    • Activity: Participants articulate their book’s unique qualities and engage in group discussion and feedback.

Break (10 minutes)

Part 2: Finalizing and Polishing Your Pitch Letter (55 minutes)
  • Defining Your Target Audience and Marketing Strategy (20 minutes)
    • ​​Lecture: How to define your target audience and why your book appeals to them.
    • Lecture: Importance of author participation in marketing, including platforms and strategies.
    • ​Activity: Participants outline their target audience and create a basic marketing strategy, followed by sharing and feedback.
  • Professional Closing and Contact Information (15 minutes)
    • Activity: Participants draft their closing statement and review contact details, followed by peer review and feedback.
    • ​Lecture: Crafting a closing statement that is professional and engaging, ensuring clarity in contact information.
  • Putting It All Together (10 minutes)
    • Activity: Participants integrate all elements to complete their pitch letter and engage in a final peer review session for last-minute feedback.
  • Q&A and Expert Feedback (10 minutes)
    • Open Q&A Session: Participants ask remaining questions and receive personalized tips and insights from Ying Compestine.

Conclusion (5 minutes)
  • Wrap-Up and Takeaways
    • Recap of key points and encouragement for next steps.
    • Distribution of Pitch Letter Templates for Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Children’s Books

By the end of this workshop, participants will have a well-crafted pitch letter ready for submission, equipped with personalized feedback and actionable insights.
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