The Book Doctors Present: Pitchapalooza Video Trailer
Ladies, & Gentlemen: It’s Pitchapalooza!
Pitchapalooza is American Idol for books (only without Simon). Twenty writers will be selected at random to pitch their book. Each writer gets one minute—and only one minute! In the last month, three writers have gotten publishing deals as a result of participating in Pitchapalooza.
Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry are co-founders of The Book Doctors, a company dedicated to helping authors get their books published. They are also co-authors of The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published: How To Write It, Sell It, and Market It… Successfully (Workman, 2010). Arielle Eckstut has been a literary agent for 18 years at The Levine Greenberg Literary Agency. She is also the author of seven books and the co-founder of the iconic brand, LittleMissMatched. David Henry Sterry is the best-selling author of 12 books, on a wide variety of subject including memoir, sports, YA fiction and reference. They have taught their workshop on how to get published everywhere from Stanford University to Smith College. They have appeared everywhere from The New York Times to NPR’s Morning Edition to USA Today.
HOW: At Pitchapalooza, judges will help you improve your pitch, not tell you how bad it is. Judges critique everything from idea to style to potential in the marketplace and much, much more. Authors come away with concrete advice as well as a greater understanding of the ins and outs of the publishing industry. Whether potential authors pitch themselves, or simply listen to trained professionals critique each presentation, Pitchapalooza is educational and entertaining for one and all. From Miami to Portland, from LA to NYC, and many stops along the way, Pitchapaloozas have consistently drawn standing-room-only crowds, press and blog coverage, and the kind of bookstore buzz reserved for celebrity authors.
At the end of Pitchapalooza, the judges will pick a winner. The winner receives an introduction to an agent or publisher appropriate for his/her book.
PRICE OF ADMISSION: To sign up to pitch, you must purchase a copy of The Essential Guide To Getting Your Book Published. Anyone who buys a copy of receives a FREE 20 minute consultation, a $100 value. If you don’t want to pitch, the event is FREE.
New York Times article: http://tinyurl.com/3tkp4gl.
Pitchapalooza mini movie: http://tinyurl.com/3jr8zte.
Pitchapalooza on NBC: http://thebookdoctors.com/the-book-doctors-pitchapalooza-on-nbc-television
Here’s what people are saying about Pitchapaloza:
“We came to Pitchapalooza with an idea and six months later we got a book deal with a prominent publisher. We simply couldn’t have done this without this opportunity and without David and Arielle. We had been working on this project for several years, on our own, and struggling without any guidance. We were really discouraged by the entire process. Winning Pitchapalooza, and working with these two, really helped us focus and renew our enthusiasm in the project. And now we’re going to be published authors!”—Nura Maznavi and Ayesha Mattu, Pitchapalooza winners Litquke, San Francisco, Oct. 2010
Here’s what people are saying about The Essential Guide To Getting Your Book Published:
“I started with nothing but an idea, and then I bought this book. Soon I had an A-list agent, a near six-figure advance, and multiple TV deals in the works. Buy it and memorize it. This little tome is the quiet secret of rockstar authors.”—New York Times best-selling author Timothy Ferris, The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich,
Laila El-Sissi
July 14, 2011 @ 10:38 am
I bought the book THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO GETTING YOUR BOOK PUBLISHED. i cannot pu it down and I wish i read it when I got the idea of writing my memoir.
Thank you for you for the valuable information you offered in that book.
admin
July 14, 2011 @ 10:47 am
Thank you so much for this very kind comment! We really appreciate it!!! Cheers, Arielle & David
Barbara Delaney
July 14, 2011 @ 10:53 am
Liked the video. A good way for people to get a sense of Pitchapalooza. I found Suzanne Wells response to winning heartfelt and engaging. Zoe Schiff was interesting too.
The audio was a bit muffled on some pieces.
admin
July 14, 2011 @ 1:13 pm
Thx for the comments, Barbara. FYI, Zoe is only 15!
Erin Solej
July 14, 2011 @ 10:59 am
After watching the Pitchapalooza trailer, I felt like I was right back there again at Bookends in Ridgewood, NJ, waiting, hoping, for my name to be called. The energy was high and the place was packed! I didn’t get chosen to pitch, but I gleaned so much from Arielle and David’s critiques that I was inspired to try, try again. I attended another Pitchapalooza at Mendham Books where I was given the encouragement and the direction I needed to move forward with my writing. Arielle and David are extremely generous with their time, and you can tell they truly enjoy working with writers. I would highly recommend their book to anyone who wants to get published, and consider yourself fortunate if you get a chance to attend one (or two) of their events. Hmmm, I wonder when they’re going to be in this neck of the woods again…
admin
July 14, 2011 @ 1:13 pm
You’re so sweet, Erin! And, don’t worry, we’ll be back soon!!!
cc
July 14, 2011 @ 11:09 am
Top friggin’ notch, guys.
Great arc to the end and that gut shot of the woman talking about going home to the kids and baby-sitter, holy god. Plus, it’s great to see the purple blazer again!
Can’t wait to catch you guys on the west coast.
admin
July 14, 2011 @ 1:12 pm
Thank you so much, Chris! Hope to see you, 2!
Genn Albin
July 14, 2011 @ 11:35 am
I love it! It’s like a mini-Pitchapalooza, and Suzanna Wells’ comment about going home to her kids pretty much nailed how it feels to win.
admin
July 14, 2011 @ 1:11 pm
Awwww…
Bill Patterson
July 14, 2011 @ 11:46 am
Pitchapalooza is nerve-wracking, scary, and satisfying as can be. I went to one in April, and the positive feedback I got from not just the Book Doctors, but the audience as well, was fantastic, and motivated me to continue pursuing publication.
The film trailer captures the essence of the contest. I liked how there were many people shown, many of which capture the essence of the pitch. The constructive criticism shown is exacly the same kind of caring help that you receive when your pitch is done.
The only thing that should have been brought out more is that Pitchapalooza is not just the two Book Doctors, but also at least one other industry professional. I know that it’s not guaranteed that there will be one there, but I don’t think the Doctors have failed to have one at one of their nights.
Well done, Arlene and Henry!
admin
July 14, 2011 @ 1:11 pm
Good point, Bill. We did have panelists in at first, but then it seemed like they were a permanent part of the event and it was confusing. But ideally, we would feature an guest panelist. Thx for the feedback!
Bill Patterson
July 14, 2011 @ 4:55 pm
My heartfelt apology to Arielle. I totally screwed up her name. I feel so bad, because she gave me such great feedback during my pitch. Please forgive this lapse.
T Wallach
July 14, 2011 @ 11:51 am
Pitchapalooza is a rockin’ event! You guys make a great team–captivating, entertaining and ever so helpful!
admin
July 14, 2011 @ 1:10 pm
Thank you thank you thank you!
Eddie Louise
July 14, 2011 @ 12:57 pm
Great event! Great Book!
Somebody needs to clone you guys so every aspiring writer gets a chance to pitch their idea to you. I learned so much from your advice to all of the writers.
Well done!
admin
July 14, 2011 @ 2:52 pm
Thank you, Eddie!!!
Rania Anderson
July 14, 2011 @ 1:39 pm
Trailer is great and very good representation of what it like to be there. Might have added one statement at end from someone (like me) who did not get to pitch at the event but had an amazingly valuable opportunity to pitch and get feedback in the 20 minute consult offered.
All the best,
Rania
admin
July 14, 2011 @ 2:52 pm
Shoot. I wish we had done that, Rania. Great idea!
MaryAnn L. Miller
July 14, 2011 @ 1:44 pm
I loved being reminded by this trailer how totally cool Pitchapalooza is!!
It was fun to pitch and a great help in refocusing me on the story I pitched.
Pitcha… is a tool and I mean that in a good way!! Love to see you guys again.
admin
July 14, 2011 @ 2:53 pm
Thx so much, MaryAnn. Would love to see you again, too!
Victoria Dixon
July 14, 2011 @ 2:02 pm
I agree, Suzanne Wells’ comment moved me. This trailer looks great. If you were to make a new trailer later on, I’d suggest more interviews both with Pitchapalooza winners and with those people who went on to receive contracts. This event was worth every second and I’ve touted both it and the book online. Thanks so much to David and Arielle for the opportunity!
admin
July 14, 2011 @ 2:53 pm
Thx for the comment, Victoria. Yes, we should definitely have people who have gotten contracts. Great idea!
Bill Minikel
July 14, 2011 @ 4:05 pm
Energy, enthusiasm, anticipation and hope permeate the room as writers await the next name called for their opportunity to pitch their project. The video captures the essence of the event as writers tell their tales and the experts critique in a positive fashion and offer spot-on advice to improve one’s product.
I was blown away by the number of great ideas presented, and learned a great deal from the feedback each writer received from the panel. I was fortunate to present and got fantastic feedback from the audience and panel, and from the individual consultation as well. These folks don’t just work with the winners, but with any writer they believe has a chance to be successful. The video put me back in Booksmith’s on Haight Street in San Francisco, and I’ll attend future pitchapaloozas just for the excitement. It’s a great idea that’s fun and informative.
Thanks for the opportunity and encouragement you’ve given.
admin
July 14, 2011 @ 5:32 pm
Wow, Bill. Thx so much for your support!
Jane Wells
July 14, 2011 @ 4:24 pm
Great video!
I love the book and have completely treasured the 20 minute consultation you guys gave me, however … When are you coming to Toledo or Detroit – or anywhere in Michigan for that matter? I want to take your suggestions and pitch for a win!
(Oh, and it has nothing to do with the shared last name, but I cried when Suzanne Wells spoke at the end – that is exactly what my heart longs for.)
Janis Leslie
July 14, 2011 @ 5:20 pm
It looks & sounds true to life! It brought me right back to my Northvale,NJ Pitchapalooza event, which was a wonderful experience even though I didn’t even get picked! Your warmth in your critques, along with your funny words, have calmed me to believe I can go forward with my book. Thank you for your time, support and so far, patience with my beginners nerves!
admin
July 14, 2011 @ 5:32 pm
We know you can do it, Janis!
Bill Patterson
July 14, 2011 @ 5:23 pm
If I might have one more bite of the pie…
The magic of Pitchapalooza is its very accessibility. Anyone, and I mean _anyone_, can come. And for the price of a book, pitch. You can have ten works in progress, or, like the lady who sat next to me at Ridgewood, have just an idea, and have a chance to get up in front of three industry professionals.
And it’s not a cattle call or a human slush pile, either. I heard you both field some darned interesting ideas, and some for which I was not so thrilled. And yet, you made every pitcher feel like their work was special and worthy. Every unpublished author probably feels (like I do) that their work is merely ‘OK’. Pitchapalooza videos would give would-be authors some idea of where their work stacks up against other aspirants in the field.
There’s no reason why these can’t be a continuing series for each event. I think every pitch should be filmed, and a ‘best of the best’ pitch gallery selected for your YouTube channel. That would be an invaluable resource for other pitchees. Who knows? “The Best of Pitchapalooza 2011” DVD? It could happen!
Nardo
July 14, 2011 @ 5:25 pm
Pitchapalooza taught me more about publishing than any creative writing class ever could!
admin
July 14, 2011 @ 5:31 pm
Now that’s quite a compliment!!!
Pitchapalooza, “An American Idol for Writers” Appearing at the 2011 Conference — Cape Cod Writers Center
July 14, 2011 @ 6:33 pm
[…] The Book Doctors […]
Suzanne Wells
July 14, 2011 @ 7:49 pm
OMG! Get a series going with those pitches!
Yeah, I clicked the ruby reds. My tiara is teetering on my head, my kids are home for the summer and making me crazy, my computer morphed itself into a bigger, better hyper-gadget, and that book proposal brews.
I’m getting there, I swear! Rock n; Roll, all the way. Ugh. I got boxes now, for songs, poems, photos, meditating and well- you get the picture. The dog paces, the cat turned 4, Santa brought a baby parakeet, and kids grow with every tic.
“Pitchapalooza” was a Godsend for my family. A community of artists, loving their craft. Mentors mentoring, sharing their experience, and a laugh. A tribe. Does it get any better than that? There were tears when I came home that night, after the shaking. I’m going to get there.
admin
July 15, 2011 @ 9:46 am
Great to hear from you, Suzanne! We can’t wait to see the proposal!!!
Freya
July 14, 2011 @ 11:08 pm
I loved the concept and idea. It’ll help a lot of authors out there trying to get their voice heard.
Here they have a chance to pitch their book and even get feedback on their pitch. Wow, neat stuff!
Congrats Suzanne!
All the best Arielle & David!
Freya
Author Community Manager – BookBuzzr.com
admin
July 15, 2011 @ 9:45 am
Thanks so much, Freya!
Stacey Gill Dastis
July 15, 2011 @ 6:36 am
Ok, I was nervous when someone told me I was on there, but I watched anyway, and it almost made me cry – when the woman won and said she could go home and tell her kids she won something. So wonderful. Great clip with the youngest winner ever who just could not believe she won & then issued that huge smile to end the video. Love pitchapalooza. Still working away on my book. Thank you for all your help and support. Talk soon. – Stacey Gill Dastis
admin
July 15, 2011 @ 9:44 am
Love this comment, Stacey! Let us know what’s going on with the book.
Jeff Krauth
July 15, 2011 @ 10:02 am
I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to present my humor book, Wryku, at the Book Expo Pitchapalooza in N.Y.C. It was great to hear the audience laugh, and I really appreciated the advice from David, and Arielle. Although I didn’t “win’, it has been extremely helpful to work with such caring industry professionals.
admin
July 15, 2011 @ 12:24 pm
And we loved, Wryku, Jeff!
Nancy Levine
July 15, 2011 @ 10:12 am
Beautifully done mini-movie! I particularly loved how you captured the essences of the pitchers and their stories in the barest yet richest of sketched lines. The YouTube equivalent of a Raymond Carver short story. Inspiring, compelling, entertaining. You guys rock! Pitch on! 🙂 xo Nancy
admin
July 15, 2011 @ 12:25 pm
This is definitely the first, and hopefully not the last time, we’ve been compared to Raymond Carver. You’re a doll, Nancy!
Nicole Screnci
July 15, 2011 @ 11:16 am
When I attended Pitchapalooza at the Chester County Bookstore, I had no idea what to expect. I arrived without any clue what a pitch was and as I looked around me I noticed everyone had note cards and papers. I began to live that familiar dream I have where I’m in a classroom and we are about to take a test and I realize I never attend this class before. Luckily I wasn’t called that day and my dream didn’t become a reality. I was fortunate enough to learn that day what a pitch is all about and thoroughly enjoyed myself. It’s amazing to see what talent is out there. I wish I had this book before I even started to write my book because I had many things so wrong. Fortunately I now have the book in my possession and feedback from my phone call with David and will begin to perfect my pitch and novel. Thanks!!
admin
July 15, 2011 @ 12:25 pm
Isn’t it amazing, Nicole, how many great ideas there are out there? That’s why we never tire of doing this event!
admin
July 31, 2011 @ 2:59 pm
So glad you were able to enjoy without worrying about being called!
Johanna Burke
July 15, 2011 @ 12:23 pm
Just as fun as the “Book Ends” Pitchapalooza. You guys are a gift to those of us in mist of 1st. time publishing. Again, chuck full of new info my brain didn’t take in the 1st. time. Meeting U 2, has given me more confidence & enabled me to get closer to my 2011 dream for “Asphalt & Co.” Many thanks for your really outstanding efforts!
Johanna B.
PS. Sound w/ loud background noise in tent can be reduce w/different mike set-up. H&M in NYC carries a great line of mikes that addrs. this problem.
admin
July 31, 2011 @ 2:58 pm
Thank you so much, Johanna. What kind words!
Chris Nadeau
July 18, 2011 @ 9:14 am
Pitchapalooza is an amazing concept. It was very interesting to hear all the different book ideas and expert commentary after each pitch. The 20 minute consultation offer afterwards for those who didn’t get to pitch is priceless! Without David and Arielle’s book and expert advice thus far, I’d still be lost on the muddy road of book publishing not knowing which direction I should head. Their insight into how to accomplish my goals of getting published has put me on the right road and the right direction.
Pitchapalooza and The Essential Guide To Getting Your Book Published…the GPS (Getting Published System) of the book world!
admin
July 31, 2011 @ 2:57 pm
We so appreciate this, Chris!
jennifer cusumano
July 18, 2011 @ 12:30 pm
I pitched my book, Angels Around Her, this past May at David & Arielle’s Pitchapalooza event at the Javitz Center (BEA) and was both thrilled by their positive reaction and amazed at their keen insight and generosity in sharing creative marketing ideas and really savvy advice. I particularly appreciated how they really tried to see the best in every pitch, without being short or dismissive. They were always kind and constructive. As a result, I’m on my way to being published (with guidance from their fantastic book). I can’t recommend these two all-stars enough!
admin
July 31, 2011 @ 2:57 pm
Let us k ow what happens, Jennifer!
Carol Forbes
July 20, 2011 @ 5:37 am
I thought the video was very good. One thing I liked that happened in the publishing workshop was when I pitched and there was a simple suggestion to list the names of the missing people to start off my query letter. Before and after examples are great. I learned so much from the workshop I knew the pitching session would be invaluable as well.
Tegan Tigani
July 21, 2011 @ 9:59 am
Great video! My co-author and I prepped for the Seattle Pitchapalooza at Third Place Books using some of your fabulous YouTube posts of previous Pitchapaloozas, and your book has been our guiding light for every step of our journey to publication.
This video is a great tool for potential pitchers and for event coordinators; it helps viewers visualize and understand the amazing experience. It also helps people who may feel shy about pitching to see that it is so, so worth it!
Thank you for all you are doing for authors and the publishing industry. Cheers!
admin
July 31, 2011 @ 2:55 pm
We hope to make it back to Seattle this year, Tegan. We’d love to see you if so!
Alyssa Colton
July 21, 2011 @ 3:08 pm
The trailer does a great job of showing what a Pitchapalooza session is like. Even if you don’t get picked, you will definitely learn a lot. It’s entertaining but also educational–and inspiring! David and Arielle’s critiques were encouraging and constructive and I thought they were always right-on. This is like a writer’s boot camp for the internet age.
Though I didn’t get picked, I did get a phone consultation with David from buying the book. So it was win-win!
admin
July 31, 2011 @ 2:54 pm
Thanks so much for your very kind words, Alyssa!
Joanna Parypinski
July 22, 2011 @ 9:13 pm
Oh man, if this became a TV show I would be hooked! What a great idea. Pitchapalooza in Naperville was so much fun (I was “Wednesday Addams” who pitched her horror novel), but, unfortunately, seeing these winners really brings out my jealous side. I will just have to keep working elsewhere towards getting published, with the aid of your helpful guide, which inspired me to create a horror blog that I linked here. Thanks for creating such an awesome event!
admin
July 31, 2011 @ 2:50 pm
What’s going on with your book, Joanna? We remember–and loved–your pitch!
Joanna Parypinski
August 17, 2011 @ 12:13 pm
Thanks so much! Not much is going on with it at the moment. I’m mainly working on some short fiction right now, and I’m going to have several short stories published in the near future, which is very exciting. I’m sure I’ll return to my revisions of the book sooner or later, though. 🙂
Ellen Miller
July 22, 2011 @ 11:00 pm
Arielle & David
Absolutely a FABULOUS idea for a TV Show!
I truly believe a wonderful SUCCESS~!
Do let Andersons Book Store, Naperville IL know about this
So they can spread the word to the guests from your Pitchapalooza event
there in January 2010.
Am available for more testimonials!
With appreciation,
Ellen
Ellen Miller
Author/Producer
“THE HIDDEN HEIRESS…”
Life Story, Book & Movie Videos
http://www.YouTube.com
2010 know about this.
admin
July 31, 2011 @ 2:48 pm
Thanks, Ellen!
Connections at the James River Writers Conference #jrwc11 « Write Am I
October 9, 2011 @ 6:00 am
[…] Sarcastic Broads Club- I am one of the Broads. We had a blast, the Pitchapolooza was book-ended by us. Diane started them off and I closed it down. These are talented women […]
Clay and Dave
November 13, 2011 @ 4:33 am
Thanks for coming to NH last night! We had a great time! We were excited to get a chance tp pitch and even more excited to win! We’re looking forward to working with you, we’ve learned a lot already just from the excercise of writing a pitch and can’t wait to see what’s next as we complete are Quest to catch and eat every kind of freshwater fish in NH…Catch-M-All
Dave and Clay
admin
November 13, 2011 @ 8:01 am
You guys were FABULOUS!!! And there’s such a rabid audience out there waiting for this book. Can’t wait to talk. Cheers, Arielle & David
Angela Bertone
April 25, 2012 @ 3:06 pm
I discovered your contest on The World Literary Cafe. I am sending my pitch in today. Thank you.
admin
May 9, 2012 @ 11:05 am
Looking forward to reading!