Hello all, Katy Lee here, with an opportunity I know works. I know it works because it is how I sold my first Harlequin book in last year’s editor pitch session. So believe me when I tell you that if you write inspirational romance, whether contemporary, historical, or suspense (like myself) then you don’t want to wait to sign up and get your name in for an opportunity to pitch. Here are the details–or just go here: http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/1042-Happily-Editor-After
A chance to find your manuscript’s perfect editorial match
May 8, 2013 at 1 p.m.
Love Inspired Editor Emily Rodmell and Associate Editors Elizabeth Mazer and Shana Smith are looking to fall in love…with your manuscripts. If you think your story will make our hearts pound and palms sweat, then we have a great opportunity for you.
We’re are on the prowl for new authors for Love Inspired, Love Inspired Suspense and Love Inspired Historical, and we’ll listen to your ideas in a new speed dating pitch opportunity called Happily Editor After.
This opportunity is open to anyone who has never been published with the Love Inspired lines and who doesn’t currently have a full manuscript under consideration with a Love Inspired editor. It only requires that you get a synopsis ready and have a desire to write for the inspirational (Christian) romance market. You’ll have a chance to peruse our online matchmaking profiles and pick the editor who you think would love your story. Then you’ll get to pitch her your idea in one paragraph, and your chosen editor will respond by filling out the following comment card with her first impression of the idea.
Check one:
__I’ll cry if you don’t send me your manuscript (requested full)
__I’d like to get to know your manuscript better (requested proposal)
__I’m not sure if there’s a spark between your manuscript and me, but I’m willing to give it a chance to convince me (requested synopsis)
__There’s just no connection between your manuscript and me (no request, but isn’t it great to know the idea won’t work before you spend time writing it?)
Just like with online dating, polish your pitches and put your best foot forward. Pay attention to our likes and dislikes so you can pick the right match for your manuscript and wow us with your work. Start those manuscripts now so that if you get a request, you can send it in. While full manuscripts aren’t required for the pitch, just like real dating, the more you have to offer, the more interested we’ll be. Please be sure to mention in your pitch how much of the manuscript is completed. A similar pitch session in 2012 resulted in 9 contract offers, so don’t let this opportunity pass you by.
Sign up here: http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/1042-Happily-Editor-After
You can do it! Like I said, I know it works because I was one of those 9! My book, Warning Signs will release October 2013!
Feel free to ask me any questions! I would be glad to help.
Writing Secrets of 7 Scribes 
Good luck, everybody!
It worked because you are a very talented writer, Katy. Good luck to all who enter.
Thanks, Marian! 🙂
Thanks for passing this on, Katy. Way to spread the love! Congrats on the upcoming release:-)
Yes, I hope people will take advantage of it! At least get your name in. You never know!
Katy, sounds promising. And scary. If it’s Christian though, there can’t be any erotica, right? Or in detail intimate scenes?
Good luck to those who submit.
No, Gail, there can not.
Thanks for the inspiration and insight into this great opportunity! My question is how much of your plot would you recommend pitching? I want to tell enough that I feel it hooks the editor but not give too much away! Thanks!
Well, first your pitch can’t exceed 100 words. That really is not much, so you will find you need to be concise in your choice of words. Make them count.
Second, you don’t want to give away your ending. That comes in the synopsis when they request to know more about your story. The key is to show your conflict your characters must overcome, and leave the editor wondering how in the world will they ever do it.
Let me know if that helps, Krystina, or if you need more help, just ask! And welcome to the Scribes!
Hi, I have signed up to pitch and I’m so excited. Any advice for pitching? Should I just have my 100 words prepared and be ready for questions? Or do they simply say yes or no based on the prepared pitch? Thank you and congrats on your success!
First, have your 100 word pitch in a doc that you can simply copy and paste into the chatroom box when you are told to start. Give the name of your story and the line you are targeting, then copy your pitch. They will not ask questions, so don’t worry about that. Not enough time. It goes so very fast.
And if they don’t request your synopsis or proposal or full,,. you are always welcome to submit the old-fashioned way. 🙂
And if you want to let me know how it went after, stop back and share! I’m so excited for you. And good for you, for taking this step! It may change your life.
Hi Katy,
Thanks for sharing! I signed up, but I am already getting supremely nervous about it! And thanks for the “pitch” tips. I’m working on mine, but lately it’s been like trying to pin jello to the wall. 🙂
Ha-Ha! So true. It can be so hard to know if the story line comes across clear or confusing. Test it out on people who don’t know anything about it. Have them tell you back what they understood your story to be about. That may help you pin it down.
As for nerves…I hear ya! I was so nervous, my hands were shaking on the keyboard. It was a good thing I copied and pasted my pitch. I would have never been able to type it.
And you, too…if you want to share how it went, stop back!! Blessings to you on your pitch day! May you wow them!