2018 Agents and Editors
Our agents and editors are an invaluable resource and, without them, Killer Nashville wouldn’t have the reputation it does for helping emerging writers to find a foothold in the publishing world. Since we began our agent/editor round tables in 2007, hundreds of conference attendees have found representation for themselves and their work at the Killer Nashville Writers’ Conference. Each year, we hear dozens of success stories that list our roundtables as one of the most valuable resources that we offer, but things weren’t always so easy.
In previous conference years, Killer Nashville offered agent and editor pitches. Although the offering was popular, and many capitalized on the opportunity with much success, we knew that Killer Nashville could offer more. After conducting painstaking research and engaging in discussion with agents/other conference organizers, we implemented our round-table format. These round table pitches not only offered the writers a chance to pitch their work by letting their pages speak for themselves, but they also made it possible for the writers to receive feedback from established agents and editors.
Agent / Editor Roundtables
Each round table consists of 10–12 writers, 2 agents and/or editors, and a volunteer to read submissions. When submitting your offering, please remember the following:
- We ask writers provide a minimum of 12 copies of the first two pages of their manuscript for each member of the group to bring the day of their editor round table.
- Please use double spacing with reasonable font sizing, such as 12 pt New Times Roman, with one inch margins.
- In the header area of the first page, include your name, book title, genre or subgenre, email address and/or phone number, and a one-sentence logline/description of the book to give the reader context. (Note: You may start the text at the top of the first page, rather than dropping down a number of lines to begin a chapter in standard manuscript format.)
After each manuscript is read, the agents and/or editors will give constructive feedback on the pages. Each agent and editor has been asked to keep comments instructional, helping writers see both their strengths and where they need to improve. Agents and editors may request partial or full manuscripts, if they think a manuscript has promise.
Since it is understood that these sessions are educational in nature, in practice, each session serves as a pitch without penalizing a writer whose work is not yet ready for representation or publication. In addition, each writer can learn from what is said to the others.
Our plan is to have a total of twenty sessions with two times slots on Friday, two on Saturday, and one on Sunday morning, each consisting of four groups. Round table pitch sessions are one and a half hours long and the sessions are first–come, first–served.
Once the sessions are filled, no more will be offered, but there is time built into the conference schedule for informal conversations with the agents and editors. Multiple sessions are possible, but not guaranteed. Once each person requesting a session has been placed, additional slots will be given in order of registration.
Although we try to accommodate all requests for placement, registration does not guarantee a round table pitch with all agents and editors. Early registration is recommended.
Registration for agent and editor round tables is accepted until the first week of August. Prior to the conference, you will receive an email asking you to rank your preferences and to record your availability/scheduling conflicts.
We will do our best to give everyone his or her first choice. After everyone has been assigned one session, we will begin assigning second choices in order of registration date. The round table schedule will be posted online before the conference (if available), and there will be a printed copy included in your conference packet.
Keep in mind, all agents and editors are looking for new clients. Sign up times are limited and no attendee is guaranteed a position. In other words, once all slots have been taken, no more can be added.