Pitch Wars!

Last week I entered Pitch Wars, a contest where writers can win a mentor who provides feedback on an unpublished manuscript. This contest is widely respected and has resulted in several book deals. I've registered before with Gunpowder Falls, and even though I wasn't selected as a mentee, I met a lot of people. Many of those people were mentors who have published a few books recently and have first-hand knowledge of the industry, while some were fellow writers on the edge of success like myself. All of this takes place online through social media, which helps builds bonds with people who live across continents and over oceans. Really, even though I wasn't selected last year, and may not be chosen this year with Firemark, I am happy to build a tribe of people who have similar goals and struggles as myself. 

The sample I submitted included a synopsis, query letter, and first ten pages. Some mentors had over 140 applicants and are still taking the time to read through all of their submissions. There are mentors for every genre, and part of the fun is reading everyone's blogs to see if they would be a good fit. I submitted to four mentors who specialize in romance and enjoy paranormal romance. It wouldn't make much sense to appeal to someone who has no knowledge or interest in the genre in which I'm writing. If the mentors read something they like, they can request additional material to help make their decision on which project they would like to take on. Needless to say, I keep refreshing my email. 

This year, Pitch Wars received over three thousand submissions total, most of them for adult manuscripts as opposed to middle grade or young adult. 

If you'd like to read more about it, check out this link to their awesome new website.

In everything we do, we cannot underestimate the value of community. Having people who can guide, understand, and support us through challenges, gives us the strength to carry on through the ups and downs. Next weekend, I'll be attending my first face to face Virginia Romance Writers meeting. I've been a member for a while, but this will be my first meeting. While a community can be online, I know my parents relax a little when I'm meeting "real people" even though I have to take off my introvert coat and put myself out there. 

Regardless about how you build your tribe, humans are social creatures and are better versions of ourselves when we reach out. 

Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Onward, 
Kathryn