There are two types of appointments offered at PPWC:  Pitch appointments and Read & Critique appointments. 

WHY WOULD I WANT AN APPOINTMENT?

If you're wondering what an editor might think of your story, looking for some face-time with an agent to see if s/he might be a good fit to represent you, or craving some honest feedback on your writing from an industry professional, then you'll want an appointment at the next Pikes Peak Writers Conference. 

WHAT KIND OF APPOINTMENT DO I WANT?

A PITCH appointment is an 8-minute one-on-one meeting between you and an editor or agent where you pitch your manuscript.  (Manuscript must be complete.)

A READ & CRITIQUE appointment is for showcasing a sample of your writing for industry professionals who will provide on-the-spot feedback.  (Manuscripts need not be complete.)  There are three kinds of Read & Critique:

• R&C X where you read aloud the opening page of your manuscript to an editor or agent who provides immediate verbal feedback.  A small number of participants are assigned to read in the same session, and other attendees can sit in.
• R&C 1-2-3 where a staffer reads the opening page of your manuscript to a panel consisting of one agent, one editor, and one author who provide immediate verbal feedback.  The writer's identity is kept anonymous.  Attendees are encouraged to sit in.
• R&C "Author" where you read the opening of your manuscript to a published author who provides immediate verbal feedback.  This is a closed-room session with a small number of assigned participants, and "round table" discussion is encouraged. 

CAN I SIGN UP FOR BOTH PITCH and READ & CRITIQUE APPOINTMENTS?

Yes, but keep a few things in mind—

• There are a limited number of appointments.
• Signing up for an appointment does not guarantee you will receive one.
• No attendee is permitted more than one PITCH appointment or more than one READ & CRITIQUE appointment.

HOW DO I KNOW I'M READY TO PITCH?

• Your manuscript is complete.  The goal of a pitch appointment is for the editor or agent to say “send it!”  Therefore, to pitch you must have a finished manuscript.  Don't pitch a manuscript that you can't send right away.
• You've done your homework.  Read up on the editors and agents who are taking pitch appointments, and make sure you are a good fit for their publishing house or agency.  Our conference brochure and Website have information about each editor and agent.  Also, know where your manuscript fits into the marketplace—where would a bookstore display it?  Be able to summarize your project in a one sentence "logline."
• You’ve practiced.  The best pitchers have practiced talking about their projects and answering questions the editors and agents are likely to ask.

WHAT CAN I DO TO BETTER MY PITCH?

Attend workshops designed to help you refine your pitch.  PPW offers a free pre-conference "Write Brain" session in Colorado Springs that addresses pitching as well as other conference topics.  There are also workshops and other programs available AT the Pikes Peak Writers Conference (such as Speed Pitching and Pitch Coaching) to help you hone your pitch until it’s perfect.  Note that not all PPWC pitch "prep" opportunities are included in your registration fee, but there is never an additional charge for a Pitch appointment or Read & Critique appointment at our conference.

I WANT AN APPOINTMENT!  WHAT DO I DO NOW?

The main thing to do is register for PPWC immediately when registration opens on November 15, 2011.  The earlier you register, the better your chance of receiving an appointment.  Prior to registering, figure out what kind of appointment(s) you want, and do your homework on the editors, agents, and authors who are taking appointments, so you're prepared to indicate your preferences on the PPWC registration form.

Start Here:  To learn more about our editors and agents, visit our Faculty Page.