You’re in the Room now Prepare for Your Pitch Session!

Dear Literary Hero,

Congratulations! Whether you secured a Buy It Now spot or were able to bid on the last spot, you’ve officially taken a massive step toward your publishing goals.

At the Louisville Book Festival, we believe every great story deserves to be heard. By securing this session, you aren’t just pitching your manuscript—you’re also directly fueling our mission to eliminate book deserts and support literacy across our city. You’re writing your own success story while helping a child in Louisville start theirs.

The "Blind Pitch" Advantage

Because these are blind sessions, there is no need to submit materials for review beforehand. This is your moment to let your voice and your vision shine. The agent will be meeting you with a fresh perspective, ready to be hooked by your story from the very first sentence.

What Happens Next?

To ensure a smooth experience for you and our visiting agents, please keep the following in mind:

Prepare Your Hook: Since the agent hasn't read your pages, your "elevator pitch" is your best friend. Be ready to describe your book’s heart, its stakes, and its "comparative titles" (e.g., It’s like 'The Great Gatsby' meets 'The Martian'). Try to find comp titles that are less than three years old if you really want to stand out.

No Paperwork Needed: You don’t need to bring a manuscript or query letter to the session. Just bring your passion for your project.

Check-In: Please arrive at the Festival at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time, so we can get you to the right room in time.

Your Time Slot: You will receive a follow-up email with your specific 1-on-1 time slot soon, and we will send out reminders two weeks before the festival.

Session Details

Location: In-person at the Louisville Book Festival 10/24/2026 at The Kentucky International Convention Center in Downtown Louisville.

Format: A 1-on-1 live conversation between you and the agent.

A Quick Tip: Take a deep breath! The agents coming to Louisville are excited to meet you and are looking for reasons to say "Yes." They want to find their next great author right here in our city. Be yourself, know your "why," and remember: you’ve already done the hardest part—you wrote the book.

We can't wait to see you at the festival!

With gratitude and literary spirit,

The Louisville Book Festival Team

Celebrating the Power of the Story

The Author’s Pitch-Perfect Prep Guide

Congratulations! You’ve secured a pitch slot. Now, let’s make sure those 10 minutes count. Here is your roadmap to a successful session.

1. The "120-Second" Elevator Pitch

You should not spend your entire session talking. Aim for a 2-minute pitch, leaving 8 minutes for the agent to ask questions or provide feedback.

The Hook: Start with a "high-concept" premise. (e.g., "It’s 'Children of Blood and Bone' meets 'Succession'.")

The Heart: Who is your protagonist, and what is the one thing they cannot live without?

The Stakes: What happens if they fail? (Hint: It should be catastrophic).

The Stats: Mention your word count, genre, and comparative titles (books published in the last 3–5 years that are similar to yours).

2. Your "Pitch Day" Packing List

Keep it light. Agents travel frequently and don't want to carry heavy physical manuscripts.

One-Sheets: A single page containing your contact info, a blurb, and your bio.

Business Cards: Simple and professional.

Notebook & Pen: To jot down the agent’s specific feedback or submission instructions.

Breath Mints: Because nerves are real, and you’ll be talking in close quarters!

3. Research Your Agent

Don't walk in blind. Agents are more likely to lean in if they know you’ve done your homework.

Check their "Wishlist": Do they love "grumpy/sunshine" tropes? Are they looking for "climate-fiction"? Mention it!

Recent Deals: If they just signed a poet like Shelby Leigh or Willie Carver Jr., and your work shares that DNA, point it out.

4. How to Handle the "No" (and the "Yes!")

If they pass: It isn't a rejection of your worth; it’s a sign that your book isn't the right fit for their specific list. Thank them for their time and leave when the session ends.

If they request: Follow their submission instructions to the letter. If they ask for the "First 50 pages," do not send the whole book.

Pro-Tips for Pitching

Dress "Author Professional": You don't need a suit, but look like someone an agent can trust with a multi-book contract.

The "Mychal Threets" Method: If you get nervous, remember Mychal’s mantra: "You Belong." You belong in that chair, and your story deserves to be heard.

Listen More Than You Talk: If an agent gives you a critique, don't defend the book. Write the critique down. It's free professional consulting!

10:30 AM Session – Renee Runge - Spencerhill Associates