Pitch-O-Rama 20th Anniversary- History & Past Memories

You’re formally invited to the 2023 Pitch-O-Rama!

What Is Pitch-O-Rama? (POR)

When WNBA-SF Chapter hosted its first pitch event in 2002, it was simply called “Meet the Agents,” inspired by a New York Chapter pitch night they’d called, “Speed Dating with Agents.” In 2003 the San Francisco Writers Conference featured the idea of timed pitches with agents. However, no one anticipated the incredible changes the publishing industry would undergo in the intervening twenty years, including growth in self publishing, hybrid publishing and publishing books in digital formats.

During these past twenty years, WNBA-SF Chapter has kept up with these rapid fire changes, and now includes publishing professionals, not only agents, but acquisition editors, and freelance experts who can advise emerging, diverse authors in their most promising publishing pathway in our umbrella event now called, Pitch-O-Rama.

Early Beginnings

The first time Kate Farrell attended “Meet the Agents” was about fifteen years ago, it was held at a funky restaurant next to the Ferry Building, Sinbad’s by the Bay on Pier 2 with incredible views. Established in the 1970s, many things contributed to Sinbad’s being memorable. Literary agents were seated at café tables around the edges of the room with small lines of aspiring authors in front of each agent. It was welcoming, informal, and conversational. 

In 2012, Kate volunteered for “Meet the Agents” at Sinbad’s and arrived in a heavy, early morning downpour. Running late, someone came to usher us into an unheated, cold, dreary space where nothing had been prepared for the event, not even coffee. Rainwater pooled on the glass-paned atrium roof that leaked in unpredictable cracks as we moved furniture for the agents, who all came in spite of the weather. 

It was the last time for MTA at Sinbad’s, a divey restaurant with faded glamor, soon condemned by the city and demolished in 2016, but part of WNBA-SF Chapter history.

In 2013, Pitch-O-Rama was held at Swiss Louis on Pier 39; in 2014 and years following it was held at the Women’s Building in the Mission where it grew in size and reputation until the pandemic closed it down as a live event in 2020.

Memories From Past Attendees & Publishers 

I well remember attending my first WNBA–SF Pitch-O-Rama as an acquiring editor several years back. The room was buzzing with excitement and alive with ideas. It seemed almost too good to be true: being surrounded by people who have dedicated their lives to writing and upholding the importance of literacy in our culture. I must have spoken with at least 50 writers and there were some fantastic book concepts and pitches. The day went by in a flash.

When I left, I was very inspired and doubly glad to be part of the writing community of the Bay Area. I acquired one book which was pitched to me at the Pitch-O-Rama in 2014 and worked with an author I met at the 2015 POR. I introduced her to an agent who was able to get her a contract with one of the major New York houses. In the years following I have acquired over a dozen books, with some of these authors publishing multiple books and winning awards. – Brenda Knight 

You never know what might happen when you pitch your writing project to an agent or editor at the Women’s National Book Association-San Francisco Chapter’s Pitch-O-Rama!  The event’s format is well organized and I was fortunate to be able to hone and refine my presentation by attending a pre-pitch coaching session with an expert.  The chance to get feedback on your writing project by Bay Area agents or acquisition editors in such a supportive environment is not to be missed.  Although we were told it is extremely rare, I left the event with a contract offer from an agent as well as positive feedback from all the editors I spoke to.  Many thanks for the hard work and efforts that the San Francisco Chapter members bring to this event for all who attend. – Elaine Rock, Author of The Biography of Dusty Roads

Overall, the Pitch-O-Rama was not only helpful, but fun, with lots of laughter, networking,  and relevant information. As a newbie, I felt at home and am pitching the WNBA to my friends and colleagues. Go women writers! WNBA, you rock! – Susan Allison

I participated in the WNBA-SF Pitch-O-Rama in 2021. At the time, I’d almost completed my memoir, From Junkie to Judge: One Woman’s Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction. I worked hard on my pitch and three of the agents asked me to submit to them. Several months later, with the manuscript polished and ready to go, I did so. Even though other agents were interested, I signed with Anne Marie O’Farrell, whom I had met via the WNBA event. – Mary Beth O’Connor, author of From Junkie to Judge.

I will always be incredibly grateful to WNBA-SF for the Pitch-O-Rama. Several years ago, I was struggling to get an agent. I had a toddler at home, and I was sure I had missed the boat. Here in the Bay Area, there are many talented writers, but very little of the literary industry is local. There were big pitch conferences in New York and other parts of the US. But at the time, I couldn’t travel because I had such limited time and money as a new mom. I was pining away on my computer, querying agents and drowning in the isolation. 

I found out about Pitch-O-Rama, and immediately registered. I met with Laurie McLean who didn’t represent my genre, and another agent whose name I don’t remember, but she mostly represented literary fiction.

Just that I could see that agents were human beings and that I could have a five minute turn to be the center of their attention. The biggest enemy of the aspiring writer is despair, and this event came at the right time to give me access to a little bit of that human connection that could keep me going until I could actually find an agent and get on my publishing path. – Aya De Leon, author of Undercover Latina, The Mystery Women in Room Three, Queen of Urban Prophecy, A Spy in the Struggle,  etc. 

The Pros of Online Meetings 

In the virtual format,  Pitch-O-Rama now hosts over 100 participants from around the world who meet with six to seven agents in the span of five hours. The virtual format simplified the pitching process by eliminating the commute to a venue and expanding the collaborative and creative process that writers experienced. When the event was held in person, aspiring authors waited in long lines to pitch their work, now held virtually using break-out- rooms. WNBA-SF organizers discovered the virtual format was tremendously beneficial to participants. In 2021 four writers in Break out Room 11 bonded and later published a blog about their experiences in the California Writer’s Club Bulletin.  

The Story of Room 11

Anniqua Rana 

After an unexpected series of events ranging from power outages, to a lost internet connection and outside distractions, Anniqua found herself in Room 11 with fellow writers Rebecca, Renée, and Prisca. There she was able to form literary friendships and find new inspiration for her work from her peers.  And she received useful feedback from multiple publishers and agents. 

Rebecca Inch Partridge 

In her spare time Rebecca is a freelance editor that values networking with others. Although she was hesitant about Pitch-O-Rama’s online setup, she found the format to be surprisingly helpful. Being surrounded by the same writers throughout the day in Room 11 encouraged her to practice and hone her pitch. After the event, Rebecca felt she would be well prepared if she was asked to pitch again to future agents. 

Prisca Bienlien

By engaging with her writing peers and listening to agents’ and editors’ feedback, Prisca’s experience at Pitch-O-Rama was all about growing and learning. While waiting for new agents to enter the breakout room, she took the opportunity to listen to her fellow authors and pitch her own projects. Prisca notes that being surrounded by a group of like-minded individuals shaped her experience. It was more fun and less frightening than she expected. 

Renée J Anderson

Renee pitched her manuscript “The Clown  Prince & the Mermaid” which was 80% complete. Prior to POR, she was interested in  learning how to pitch rather than focusing on her nerves or landing a deal. Her intent was to get her feet wet, pitch her novel and have fun. She found agents and publishers at Pitch-O-Rama were very supportive and gave great advice. Renee’s pitch evolved during the hours of Pitch-O-Rama based on feedback and her own experimentation. 

If you are ready to register or want more information on the

20th Anniversary Virtual Pitch-O-Rama on April 29, 8am- 1 pm PST, please go HERE!