Pitching to Publishers
How to pitch your story to a publisher
- Social
- Published
Jen & Sylvia Soska
Do’s and Don’ts for Writers
You are a writer—learning how to write or pro or anywhere in between—with a story to share, and now you need to get it out to the right people. How do you take a concept or your pitch to a publisher? Have no fear, we are here to help. Here at the Rippaverse, we believe in being great together, and we want to help you all follow your dreams, just like we are. I know it can feel daunting to figure out the right steps to take, but grandiose things have small beginnings. Step one is to believe in yourself, and we can help you sort out the rest.
What to Do First
The first step in pitching is finding the correct submission channels. Sending unsolicited pitches can lead to your work being unread, destroyed, returned, or—even worse—taken by a company. Some companies have a clause that unsolicited work becomes their property upon submission, so be careful. Reach out and ask about submission processes, as every company is different.
Do’s:
- Submit through proper channels—know who to send your pitch to and what they are looking for. If you submit a horror story to a romance publisher, they are going to let their fellow publishing houses know about you…and not in a good way.
- Research the submission process—reach out to inquire before submitting. If the publisher is not accepting submissions and you send one in, they are likely to put you on the ‘never accept’ list!
Don’ts:
- Never send your work randomly—copyright law protects you and your work, and requires that publishers delete or return unopened unsolicited (wasn’t asked for) submissions.
Remember, the business world can be harsh, and not everyone has your best interests at heart. Protect your work by following the right steps.
Perfect Your Pitch
Once you’ve found the right contact, it’s time to pitch! The keys to a memorable pitch are enthusiasm and conciseness. People naturally mirror emotions, so if you’re excited about your story, your audience will be too. Confidence is everything. You’ll also want to have different versions of your pitch ready:
- One-liner: A single sentence summarizing your story.
- Elevator pitch: A paragraph-length pitch you can deliver in about 30 seconds.
- Full pitch: A more detailed version, but still succinct. Stick to the essentials and paint a picture, but don’t overwhelm with details.
Do’s:
- Be passionate—enthusiasm is contagious.
- Prepare multiple pitch versions—one-liner, elevator pitch, and full pitch.
- Practice your pitch—repetition will boost your confidence and delivery.
Don’ts:
- Don’t overwhelm with details—keep it focused and let them ask questions.
- Don’t rush—take your time, engage your audience.
Create Promotional Materials
After a successful pitch, be ready to leave behind promotional materials. These materials can include your completed script, concept art, and a synopsis of your project. A great way to package this is with a one-sheet: one side featuring eye-catching artwork and the project’s title, and the other side a brief project summary with contact information.
Do’s:
- Have a completed story or script—be ready to back up your pitch.
- Create a one-sheet—include your concept art and project summary.
- Make sure your materials are easy to read—clarity is key.
Don’ts:
- Avoid overexplaining—keep your materials concise.
- Don’t forget your contact information—make it easy to follow up.
Following Up
You’ve nailed the pitch, left your materials, but haven’t heard back. What now? Follow up—politely. Companies are busy, and it takes time to review pitches. However, avoid bombarding them with emails. If you don’t get a response, take it as a learning experience and move on to the next opportunity.
Do’s:
- Follow up—but only once or twice.
- Be courteous and professional—your reputation matters.
- Stay persistent—keep pitching to other publishers if one says no.
Don’ts:
- Don’t take rejection personally—it’s part of the process.
- Don’t get discouraged—perseverance is what separates success from failure. Some writers are rejected hundreds of times before they are picked up by a publisher/agent.
By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to pitch your story effectively and navigate the world of publishing. Believe in yourself, prepare thoroughly, and never give up on your dreams. The Rippaverse team is rooting for you!
One final thought!
If the traditional publishing route doesn’t feel like the right fit for you, don’t worry—you have options. At Rippaverse, we understand that every creator’s journey is unique, and that’s why we offer RippaSend, our independent publishing platform. With RippaSend, you can take full control of your story, retain creative freedom, and publish your work on your own terms. Whether you’re a first-time writer or a seasoned pro, RippaSend provides the tools and resources you need to bring your vision to life independently. Let us help you make your mark!
