Every time I research how to compile a twitter pitch, I always find one common theme.....'stakes'. However, the most favorites I get when I do twitter pitch contests - zero stakes. I do believe you need stakes, and have the pitch be: dynamic, dramatic and unique.
A funny thing, I went on a blog before the 9/10/15 #pitmad to get FREE advice (revision) on my twitter pitch, from an editing services group....Uhhhh.....that was the only pitch all day that got zero retweets and zero favorites.
I wanted to share examples of my twitter pitches that worked *Home Runs* and didn't work *Strikeouts*.
My very first ever attempt at a pitch was a twitter pitch party (1/22/15) off of Erin Niumata - SVP at Folio Literary, personal twitter page. I had no idea what I was doing. I'd never even heard of these 'pitches' on twitter. So, I just tracked (stalked) which pitches Erin was favoring, saw a pattern, and gave it a shot. She favorited my tweet, and requested a partial. I love the tweet, kind of like your first born. I've used it in other pitch events with not much luck:
Teen boy unaware of eternal lineage accidentally interferes in teen girl destiny causes mystifying curse to unfold #YA #adventure
Soon after getting the rejection from Erin, I realized I needed to change a bunch in my MS. I revised so much, entered contests, got more feedback, revamped my entire first chapter and first 250. I continued to do more twitter pitch events, revising my MS, and a huge revision on the query letter.
A huge accomplishment was getting a favorite off the first #PitchCB event 7/24/15. (Check out the article on my blog). I received great compliments off this tweet, from the agent.
#PitchCB Teen girl has a second shot at life after mysterious boy kisses her back to existence. Is the second kiss fatal? #YA #UrbanFantasy
However, another pass off the partial submission.
During Brenda Drake's 9/10/15 #pitmad, I received so much love from the writing community. Below, are the tweets that got a combination of 28 retweets, and zero agent favorites:
One summer in Hawaii, Lacie uncovers forbidden love and ancient legend. She must battle to stay alive & keep her heart intact. #YA #pitmad
Relationship Status: It's Complicated! Because his kiss is killer. Literally. #pitmad #YA #contemporary #UrbanFantasy #mythology
First kiss causes a curse. Second kiss causes confusion. Dealing with your boyfriend's dead mom: Fatal. #YA #pitmad #UrbanFantasy
Now, the ones that haven't really worked - meaning minimal retweets and no favorites (it's a long list):
Teen girl realizes from art class she should be dead. She escapes the haunting memory to only find she trapped in secret ancient legend she cannot break away from.
Treasure Island meets Lightening Thief: in a tropical world, shy Midwest teen must decipher ancient legend or else never return home to the world she knows.
The Hawaiian Islands are no place for shy Midwest teen. But when mystifying legend unfolds it may be impossible to escape alive.
A land. A discovery. A tropical quest. Will shy Midwest girl have what it takes to decipher ancient legend before ancient teens rule everything?
17 yo with sleep disorder ends search for her 1st love after falling for grief struck college student. Will her decision be fatal?
Escaping high school drama, Lacie uncovers ancient legend. Who will prevail in the secrecy: her first love or her true love?
A painting uncovers 17yo Lacie should be dead. She must decipher ancient legend for answers-to save her life. Again.
Witnessing your own death, a secret society, uncovering a legend and your 1st love for 17yo causes betrayal to everyone she loves.
Jilted cheerleader takes on summer adventure: Treasure Island (minus pirates) meets Raiders of the Lost Arc.
Catholic school girl, 2 teen boys, unforgettable summer adventure deciphering ancient legend, hoping they make it home alive.
Drum roll please..... this is the one tweet that I've had more favorites from agents leading to partial or full requests:
Modern day Magnum Pi=teen girl investigates mysterious Hawaiian legend. Plenty of fast cars & romance. Helicopter not included. #pitmad #YA
I love this tweet. It really is what the book is about, and shows off the voice (and my age) as well. NOW, I just need to convince an agent the entire MS is great.
Hope these examples help in your twitter pitching . Please feel free to leave me comments. Not claiming to be an expert, but I can also give comments on your pitch for FREE.
Tips for a great pitch:
Just remember, you have to go through numerous Strikeouts before you can hit it out of the PARK!
Go get a HOME RUN!
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