Mix a leap of faith with hutzpah, and there’s no turning back.

Yesterday, I survived my very first #PitMad, Twitter’s platform for authors to pitch their completed manuscripts to agents/publishers searching for new writing talent. The sum of a pitch will average three sentences or less and include a minimum of two hashtags [#PitMad #A]. You may add tags like #P (paranormal), #LF (literary fiction), or #WF (women’s fiction), so agents can locate you inside the endless feed of hundreds of pitches.

Condensing a 450-page novel’s premise into less than 280 characters is infinitely more daunting than checking your phone several times a day for #PitMad likes and re-tweets. The biggest challenge of this marketing ploy requires that you chisel the book’s premise into a soundbite, a nano-second. Why? Because if you can’t effectively describe your main character, identify the major conflict, and gauge how huge the stakes are, you may need to consider a major re-write.

If you overhaul your manuscript, there’s a good chance you’ll produce a better product. It’s what writers do: they create a product wrapped up in a message worthy of contemplation. Since I started writing The Phantom Wife two-and-a-half years ago, I’ve met writers who’ve dumped their entire WIPs because of one rejection, one editor’s criticism. Or even a lack of likes during a brutal marketing scene like #PitMad. 

Now, that’s pure madness. I’d never do anything quite that drastic; however, I’m open to viewing my novel from renewed perspectives. I’m the first to admit I’ve got a lot to learn about publishing, which leads to noting the most popular pitches in yesterday’s #PitMad fell into four genres: young adult, sci-fi, fantasy, and black voices matter. Why these and not others? Books in these genres are selling quicker than they can be written. 

Take notice: paranormal, Southern Gothic, and historical romance are not included, which are the genres that I blend. My characters are edgy, some rather dark. They’ve been beaten up by life and survive only because they’re eccentric, driven, and gifted. Spirits appear often, some benevolent, others not so nice. Tarot is consulted, tea leaves are read, and hoodoo spells are cast in hopes of changing the course. It’s why we read fiction. We crave scenarios that overcome huge hurdles and conquer the impossible.  We crave control and if we can’t have it, we surely expect our fictional friends to grasp it.

So, how did I fare during #PitMad? Actually, a lot better than I anticipated. I received a nod from a publisher that I may or may not pursue, but most importantly I connected with a lot of new writers and participated in a necessary rite of passage en route to publication. I learned what agents and publishers are looking to sell right now. Next round, other genres may step forward. By the time another #PitMad recycles in the spring, I plan to have snared an agent. I’ve plenty of time to query those specifically searching for my type of novel, both here in the States and beyond. Until then I’m keeping the faith.