Pitching Do's and Don'ts with Alex Adsett

In this 3-hour workshop, Alex Adsett will give you the behind the curtains information on pitching to the publishing industry. This will include an overview of literary agents - what they do for an author, their place in the publishing industry ecosystem, and if and when you need one. Alex will then outline the different kinds of pitches – verbal, written, accidental that you might come across in your publishing journey, and what the expectations are around how and when to pitch. We'll cover things like what to put into your cover letter, comparison titles, horror stories from the trenches, and the gold star examples of great pitches. This workshop will arm you with a great overview of pitching your manuscript, what not to do, and tips and tricks on how to make you and your manuscript stand out. Attendees will have the opportunity to volunteer to do a 3-minute practice pitch to the room, and receive a live critique from Alex. There will be time to do up to 10 pitches only, so attendees will be asked to nominate themselves to be chosen at random to present.

Participants are invited to stay for a networking drink at Crystalbrook Byron from 4pm – 6pm, following the workshop.

Date: Saturday 13 July
Time: Workshop 1pm – 4pm with Networking Drink 4pm – 6pm
Where: In-person at Crystalbrook Byron 77/97 Broken Head Rd, Byron Bay 
Cost: $100* member/concession  | $140 non members + booking fee

About Alex Adsett

Alex Adsett is a literary agent and publishing consultant, who has been working in the publishing and bookselling industries of Australia and the UK for more than twenty five years.  She has managed Alex Adsett Literary since 2008, which now includes three other agents.

As a consultant, Alex provides commercial and strategic advice to authors and publishers regarding copyright and publishing contracts. She has worked with numerous small publishers and bestselling authors to negotiate their contracts, and make sure they have the best possible deal.  

As a literary agent, Alex represents more than 50 exceptional authors and illustrators, writing stories for all ages and across all genres.  She represents all fiction and narrative non-fiction for all ages, from picture books to young adult to adult, with a focus on commercial and genre fiction. Some of her authors include Melissa Lucashenko, Isobelle Carmody, Peter Greste, and Dinuka McKenzie.  She is an alumni of the Australia Council’s Arts Leaders program, and regularly speaks on copyright and publishing contracts around Australia. More info on Alex can be found via her website www.alexadsett.com.au

*The Byron Writers Festival workshops are designed for 18+ participants.

Supported by Crystalbrook Byron