I’m doing it again! Pitch Wars, that is. And can I tell you how excited I am?
It really happened!
I feel more fortunate than ever. Because with Pitch Wars, the odds are most definitely not in your favor. This year, Brenda Drake’s epic contest garnered the highest number of entries yet–somewhere around 2600. That makes the odds of getting in about the same as getting into the Ivy League. (!!) But if you do get in, the odds of getting an amazing, super-cool, loves-you-like-their-own mentor is extremely high. These mentors are in it for the love, man. They love writing, they love writers and they love helping you make your manuscript the best it can be.
I’m thrilled to have Cass Catalano and Shauna Holyoak as my mentors this year (yeah–I got two! Bonus!) Together with me and my fellow mentee, Gaye Sanders, we are Team oMG. For the uninitiated, MG means middle grade, which means readers typically between 8 and 12 years old. I love writing MG because those years are such a pivotal time in life. It’s exciting and scary, and books can be a great companion, helping you figure it all out. Actually, that sounds like me, now, with my mentors!
oMG squad hug
Seriously, although I entered hoping to get the opportunity to put my work in front of some top-notch agents, no matter whether I connect with one or not, I know I will get something hugely beneficial out of Pitch Wars this year: a community.
I first entered Pitch Wars three years ago and I gained a lot, including becoming a stronger writer, but most beneficial was the community I became a part of. Our group of over 80 mentees is still in touch, supporting each others’ writing and celebrating each new book published by one of us. And so far, there are a lot!! That deserves a separate post, which I promise I’ll do soon. I also connected with a super-supportive mentor, Lisa Lewis Tyre, whose writing I love. You can check out her debut novel, Last in a Long Line of Rebels, here and she’s got another book, Hope in the Holler, coming out in early 2018.
This year’s Pitch Wars class is turning out to be incredibly supportive and fun. I’m loving being a part of this group and am learning everything I can from them as well as Shauna and Cass. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about–taking my writing to the next level so that (hopefully someday) my words will be out in the world, touching the hearts of children.
The next step is revising, revising, revising and honing my pitch for the agents. I’m ready to take on the challenge!
Prepare for battle
The Muse says...
charmingthemuse
chickstories
hostingthemuse
pursuingthemuse
Vivi Barnes
4chicks.wordpress.com 
How do you get into The Pitch Wars? I have never heard of it.
Hi, Wenona. Once a year, authors can submit a query and writing sample to be considered by several mentors of their choosing. The deadline is generally sometime in August. If one of the mentors chooses you, you’re in! Brenda also runs some other well-regarded contests. You can check them out here on her webpage: http://www.brenda-drake.com/ If you write MG, YA or adult, you should check them out!
You are an amazing writer and I wasn’t shocked at all to see your name on the list again. I’m sure you’ll knock the revisions out of the park. Fingers crossed for the agent round!