First You Pitch, Then You Die
When you have to ask a favor, that could mean everything, how do you make it stick?
My first master publishing class is starting next week!
Register here.
SEPTEMBER 7
First You Pitch, Then You Die - Master Publishing Class I
I’ve published hundreds of bestsellers, and promoted them like thunder.
But when it comes to rejection? I’ve rejected more than I can count.
Authors ask editors like me to buy their manuscript, or to read it for the first time, and give feedback. —Maybe a line edit or more.
Other authors ask their more-famous peers for a blurb; an opinion— they ask for reviews from celebrity readers.
Authors search for others to help us with our research, our interview needs, our pressing deadlines. It’s a quid pro quo spin cycle!
I’m a writer too, I know it all too well. I’ve had my heart in my hand when I had to write someone I really admired, for a favor. The anticipation of rejection can stop you from doing it at all.
It’s difficult to ask those who’ve “made it” to lend a hand, to pay it forward, to be a mentor. We come with our hat in our hand, or even a demand.
So WHY — when you, the artist, write to someone who could help you, why would they refuse? —Or ghost you? Are they really too busy? Or, do they think you’re not good enough?
Is what you’re asking too much? Should you have put your ask a different way?
We wonder, when we get rejected or ignored, if there’s something we’re missing.
Well, you are.
By using real examples of the worst pitches and the most annoying asks, you’ll see what makes editors, agents, and publishers scream in agony and throw your well-meaning letter in the TRASH.
I’ll also show you the “asks” that are well-received, that enhance a friendship or mentorship instead of hurting it.
Yes, you can share your own examples with me, in confidence, before we begin class. Want to know why someone turned you down? Show me what you sent them. Or share a triumph!
You will learn in this class how to ask for support with grace and confidence: blurbs, reviews, read-throughs, editorial reviews, and all manner of favors . . . withut alienating yourself from the very people whose favor you hope to curry.
Is it funny to laugh at the misfortunes of others? Hell yes. But now we will be relieved to take a confident step ourselves.
A $35 deposit saves your spot in Master Class 1: Paypal Link
You’ll pay the remainder before class starts. Each two-hour workshop is $175 — or there’s a significant discount if you purchase four workshops at a time.
Book Publishing Master Classes with Susie Bright
• Classes Meet Thursdays on Zoom for two hours: 10am PST / 12pm CST / 1pm EST
• Each master class session takes place in a ZOOM class, 2 hours in length, with a 10 minute break.
• Each class is limited to 10 students.
• For each class, Bright will invite you to send any preliminary materials or questions before the workshop, so she can address your specific background, goals, hopes—all of it!
TUITION
Any One Class: $175
Any Four Classes: $550
I meant to say read it not wad it.
I wrote a manuscript (novel) but was told by editor I was not a “known” writer. How do you get known if no editor wads it? Catch 22. I self-published it. But then how do you sell it? It is on Amazon but only a friend bought it. It was futile and I gave up. Wanna read it? (I am half joking).
Mike Tempesta