Katharine Sands compiled a book of essays by as well as interviews with agents in Making the Perfect Pitch (ISBN: 0-87116-206-7 Publication Date 2004). While some essays and interviews are better than others, each one will provide information about the agent helping the reader decide whether or not to approach the agent for possible representation. Sometimes the reader will realize that an agent’s attitude, comments, or a point of view means the agent isn’t the best choice for him/her.
Essays
The essays written by agents are certain to intrigue, inform, and entertain. They cover topics such as query letters, talent, verbal pitches, proposals, and acquisitions. The agents will often express opinions that disagree what agents want to see in a submission reminding the reader that writing and publishing are always influenced by subjectivity. They all agree that the writing must stand out in some way. Well known agents like Peter Rubie, Sarah Jane Freymann, and Jeff Herman wrote informative essays for Making the Perfect Pitch. Titles like How I Learned to Sell Sex, Dean and Rock ‘n’ Roll and In the Singles Bar of the Literary Persuation, add a little levity to an important topic for writers wishing to succeed. This group of essays will introduce writers to the agents and help them improve their submissions.
Interviews
Sands conducted interviews with several agents including Meredith Bernstein, Donald Maass, and Jane Dystel. Sands does an excellent job asking the questions she anticipates writers want answered. The interviews provide insight into not only what the agents want to see in submissions but into the agent’s minds. She and the agents discuss the components of a good book, the slush pile, and the what makes a work stand out enough for an agent to sign a writer. Titles like I Love to Tell a Publisher: “Have I Got a Virgin for You!” and I Want to Hear a Diva Do Opera make the reader smile.
Non Agent Essays
Sands also includes a few essays by industry professionals to provide insight into the publishing world. Acquisitions, collaborations, copywriting, and an editor’s perspective to pitching are all covered by publishing industry professionals who aren’t agents. These essays will help writers hone their skills for writing as well as pitching their work.
Making the Perfect Pitch is a valuable read for anyone searching for a literary agent. Sands compilation of material provides information in a nonthreatening manner and paints agents as people doing their job. At times, confusion ensues when two agents have differing opinions driving home the point that knowing an agent’s likes and dislikes is essential when preparing a submission. Most of the essays and interviews are quite enjoyable though a few are a bit dry. Overall, Making the Perfect Pitch is easy to read, informative, and interesting.
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