Pitch Critique Sessions
Pay to Pitch, or Watch and Learn!
Face-to-Face Pitch Critiques, $30 to pitch, FREE to observe
Get live, real-time feedback to help you hone your pitch from an industry professional in a large group setting. The feedback will be focused on ways to make your pitch stronger and more compelling.
Not pitching? Watch for FREE! Enjoy this breakout in the style of our much-loved First Pages sessions. Listen to your peers pitch and receive feedback–an invaluable opportunity to gain insights and understanding into what makes a successful pitch. You won’t want to miss this! (Note: Pitches are for STORY ONLY. Illustrators interested in feedback on illustrations or picture book dummies should visit the Portfolio Critiques and Submissions page or the For Illustrators page.)
To Secure a Pitch Session Slot, choose the add-on during registration (limit of 10 paid pitches per room, no limit on observers).
Registering for a paid pitch before the early bird deadline (July 1) also includes:
● A FREE pre-conference webinar on July 19 to learn how to develop a pitch
● A FREE pre-conference virtual roundtable on August 30 with fellow conference attendees to practice your pitch among peers
NOTE: You can register for a paid pitch critique even if you cannot attend one or either of the webinars. The webinars are optional and designed to help you be ready to pitch before the conference. For more information about these summer learning opportunities, visit the Pre-Conference Opportunities page.
Participating Faculty:
· Stephanie Fretwell-Hill, agent, Red Fox Literary (picture books & middle grade)
· Lauren MacLeod, senior literary agent, Aevitas Creative Management (middle grade & young adult)
· Nicole Tugeau, agent/owner, T2 Art & Literary Agency (picture books)
· Deeba Zargarpur, senior editor, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and Salaam Reads (middle grade & young adult)
General Paid Pitch Critique Guidelines
NOTE: Specific instructions will be discussed during the pre-conference webinars on July 19 and August 30, and emailed to participants by August 23, 2025.
· Bring two (2) copies of a written pitch (one for you and one for the industry pro). You may only pitch one (1) project during your time slot. (Note that all pitch sessions will take place simultaneously, so you should NOT sign up for multiple pitch sessions with multiple faculty members.)
· Your pitch should consist of 1-3 paragraphs, no more than 200 words. (What you would write in the plot section of your query letter.)
· You’ll have five (5) minutes to both read your pitch to the group and receive feedback from the industry pro. Keeping your pitch under 3 minutes will ensure your agent or editor has 2-3 minutes to give you feedback!