Black Writers’ Guild Pitch and Feedback Session: “Why Should I Buy Your Book?”

On Saturday, June 1, 2019 I was a participant in the Black Writers’ Guild first pitch and feedback session titled, “Why Should I Buy Your Book?” at the Enoch Pratt Free Library (Edmondson Branch location) in Baltimore, MD.

This session included a great line up of fiction and non-fiction authors in a very supportive environment. We all sat in a circle and each participant was given a few minutes to pitch their work and convince the audience why they should buy their books. After the pitch was given, the audience had the opportunity to ask questions and give feedback including what they liked, what the author needed to work on, etc.

So here are 3 tips for preparing for a pitch session such as this:

· Prepare a one-line book description. Tell readers what your book is about in one clear and crisp sentence.

o This is what I told the audience: "Gotta Get It Back is a romantic suspense novel set in Baltimore that is a roller coaster ride of intrigue, sex and drama."

· Connect with readers. Tell them your story especially if you write non-fiction and if you do write fiction, tell them why you enjoy writing what you write.

o Since I write fiction, I connected with the audience by telling them that I’m an avid reader of romance novels and that I enjoy watching movies like Mr. and Mrs. Smith and The Bodyguard. All of which represent the best of both worlds for me (romance and suspense).

· Describe the benefits of reading your book. Tell readers what they can expect from reading your book and how it will benefit them.

o I painted a picture of escapism for the audience and that they could get away from paying bills, doing household chores, etc. even though for a short time. I also told them they could expect a thrill ride from start to finish with characters they will love and some of whom they will hate.

Overall, it was a great afternoon and I enjoyed meeting, mixing and mingling with fellow authors and readers. I even sold some books too!

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