How Does #PitchWars Work Exactly?

Pitch Wars is a contest started by Brenda Drake. You can read about it on the official site: pitchwars.org.

This isn’t your average contest. You don’t just submit a query/250, get selected from the slush and then hosted for an agent round. You don’t just get a little feedback on your query/250 during a short window between selection and agent round. For this contest, if you get picked, your whole MS will get feedback from the mentor who chooses you, and you’ll have three months to work on substantial revisions between being selected and the agent round. It’s time-consuming, stressful hard work and a totally amazing opportunity to improve your writing and become a part of the Pitch Wars family, which many would say is the biggest reward.

So how?

First — make sure you have a polished manuscript that is query ready. If not, then you shouldn’t submit. (More advice on how to prepare here.)

Second — follow the #PitchWars feed on Twitter for fun, games, information, and camaraderie.

Third — research the mentors. You’ll want to narrow to mentors who are asking for your age category and genre. And then you’ll want to further narrow to mentors who you think would be the best fit. Sort of like researching for agents to query. Except we’re not agents. We’re all authors like you.

Fourth — follow the mentors you’re interested in on Twitter. Interact. Ask questions. Watch the video chats. Watch #AskMentor. Check out the Pitch Wars forum AMAs.

Fifth — When the submission window opens, submit your query, synopsis, and first chapter to the mentors you hope to work with. Watch for the submission form. The Pitch Wars schedule is here.

Sixth — watch the #PitchWars feed for hints from the mentors, and bite your nails to the quick wondering if it’s YOU they’re all salivating over.

Seventh — any questions? Please refer to the Pitchwars.org FAQ.

Once the announcement is made for the selections, if you’re on the list, scream for joy, then buckle your seat belt and get ready to work your ass off.