It’s That Time Again… #PitchWars!

As social media becomes the cornerstone of author platforms, it’s not surprising to see twitter pitch parties and agent/mentor contests emerging as a popular way to attract the attention of agents and editors. One such contest that has gained momentum over the last few years is Pitch Wars.

Organized by Brenda Drake, Pitch Wars is more than just a writing contest; it’s a chance to work closely with established authors-mentors for two months. Writers send an application consisting of a query and the first chapter of their manuscript to five mentors who they feel are the best fit for their work. The mentors comb through all their applications and choose ONE writer to work with. For the next two months, mentors get down and dirty with their chosen manuscripts, offering creative content suggestions, line edits, tightening plot points… essentially making sure the manuscript shines in anticipation of the agent round on November 3-5 when over 23 agents, representing everything from middle grade to adult, make requests.

But what makes Pitch Wars unique from other contests is the way it brings the author community together. From Google chats to twitter interactions, the writers who are involved in Pitch Wars, whether published authors or mentees submitting applications, stay engaged long after the contest is over. They offer support and encouragement in an industry where rejection and the perpetual “no” seem to reign supreme. Several Pitch Wars mentees go on to become Pitch Wars mentors themselves, giving back to a community that cheered, cried, and celebrated with them along their path to publication.

How competitive is Pitch Wars? Well, last year mentors saw in excess of 1200 applications with the majority falling into the young adult category.  (Full stats can be found on Dan Koboldt’s blog) This year’s contest looks to be even bigger! Submission window opens August 17th and is only open for a short 24 hours. Submission details and the list of mentors can be found on Brenda Drakes Blog.

Happy writing, and may the power of the muse be with you!

Trisha Leaver is the Vice President of the CCWC and a Pitch Wars mentor. She writes young adult fiction and is published with FSG/ Macmillan, Flux/ Llewellyn and Merit Press. Her YA contemporary, THE SECRETS WE KEEP, received starred reviews from both VOYA Magazine and School Library Journal and was named of Teen Vogue’s top ten summer reads. You can find out more about Trisha and her published works on her website: www.trishaleaver.com