The New York Pitch Conference: Notes From A Reject

In case you are unfamiliar, The New York Pitch Conference has been around for about fifteen years. It is only held four times a year. It provides the chance for amateur writers to sit down, face to face, with professionals from the New York publishing business. The industry experts who put on the event, give you their honest and unbiased opinion of the marketability of your book. You are taught how to pitch your book to acquisition editors from major New York publishing houses. And, you are provided the opportunity to do just that.

Face time with the movers and shakers of the New York publishing business? Take my money!!

I was thrilled, and more than a little freaked out, when I discovered the New York Pitch Conference. Finally, something that wasn't going to be a group of fellow amateur writers sitting around trying to figure out how to get their brainchild into mainstream media. I have never been part of a writer's group. I've felt like that would not be my kind of vibe. I'm not a real "group" person when it comes to creating. But, here was my chance to talk to people in the publishing business in person!

So, I ponied up my $800 for the enrollment fee. No small sum to me. I am, by nature, frugal to the point of calling myself a cheapskate! But, I filled out my application, which included a short synopsis of the first storyline of my concept, and waited, on pins and needles, to see if I'd be granted admission to the event.

After a few days, I received my email informing me that I would be allowed to participate in the Conference.

It was a major understatement to say that I was excited about going. I knew the $800 was going to be far less than half of what the true expense of this trip would be. But, I was ready to take the leap.

After months of anticipation, I went to the New York Pitch Conference.

I left after the first day....

Here's what I learned...

1. Be VERY clear about your concept/story in your application synopsis. I like to think that, had I supplied more detail about my concept. I might not have been granted attendance to the conference. That would have saved me time, money and a whole lot of angst. In retrospect, a well stated rejection letter would have been great.

2. Just stay in Manhattan. Unless you are an experienced urban navigator who loves subways and buses, stay as close to the conference as possible. Otherwise, you'll meet some engaging Uber drivers, who are intelligent and enjoyable conversationalists. Getting a nice room near Penn Station and walking from the hotel to the conference was my first idea. Instead, I cheaped out and stayed in Jersey. Don't do that. You'll truly save time, money and stress by staying as close to the Studios as possible. Also, you'll get that whole Manhattan experience. No Ubers, taxis, buses, nor trains, required. Book a room within a mile or so from the conference and use your feet. It's still the best way to get around the Big Apple.

3. Unless you are a shivering Chihuahua, and still cold in 90 degree heat, I suggest going for the December conference. The Conference is held in Ripley Grier studios. It is a hip, older building inhabited by dance studios. You'll see aspiring actors and dancers there for auditions. But, the building predates central heat and air. There were eighteen people in my group, including the publishing expert and his two assistants. The windows had to be closed to block the sounds of the city. The solitary air conditioner was too loud to be able to hear people speak. So, it was turned off almost the entire time. Granted, I am a hotblooded person...always have been. I rarely require anything more than a light jacket in Winter, even in my teen years. For me, it was so hot and stuffy in that room...even my fingers were sweating. Long story short, if you're a mammal, go in Winter.

4. You will learn a lot listening to other authors' pitches. I revamped what I was going to say a few times, as I heard the feedback and advice given to the twelve people ahead of me. However solid you think your pitch is, be prepared to rethink it.

This is a stock photo. But, remove the table, and it is a pretty accurate representation of the rooms where the conference is held.

So, why did I leave?

1. Admittedly, financial concerns played a role. My "cheaper" room at the HOJO in Jersey did not have a NYC shuttle that would get me where I needed to be on time. Nor, was that shuttle free. Parking was not free at the hotel, either. So, I spent about $140 roundtrip with Uber. I considered relocating to an uptown hotel. But, I had driven to NYC, so parking my car was going to run about $40 a day, if I moved. I was already paying $15 daily parking fees in Jersey. Taking that $140 of Uber charges, and spending it on a room by the conference wasn't really something I wanted to do, anyway. Basically, I saved about $750 by going home. The cost of the Conference is non-refundable. But, I'm cool with that. I laid that money down months ago.

2. Most importantly, I had my answer. The Conference leader's mouth fell open when I started my pitch. Then, his first words were, "You're either mad, or, you're a genius." Then, he went on to say that no editor would ever want my series. Nor, take a chance on my concept. His expert, unbiased opinion was provided politely and in no uncertain terms. The New York Publishing world has no interest in my work. With the elephant in the room(Amazon), they are playing it safe. "Hanging on by their thumbs" were his words. So, a unique, involved idea like mine, isn't something they're looking for...at all.

If you have a mainstream novel written...Go!

It is worth it. If you want the truth about what the NYC publishing machine is going to think...Go!

I know now that New York is not my door...

But, I'm still glad I knocked.