When I saw the opportunity to pitch at the 2024 SCBWI Australia East PD day at the State Library of NSW I decided to give it a go. I had been working on my YA manuscript, Drawing Nudes While Making Other Plans for a couple of years and was starting to make plans myself for what I would do with it. The previous year I had attended the SCBWI Retreat and had received both constructive and encouraging feedback from both my group and the pitch session that had taken place. Due to this and the encouragement of my critique groups I felt like I might be in with a chance.
I was super excited when Deborah Abela emailed to say that I had been selected to share my pitch. I was equally nervous.
The talks that day were brilliant and the pitch session was scheduled for the end of the day’s proceedings.
I was the last one to pitch. With my heart beating so hard I though it might crack a rib (that’s how anatomy works right?) and my printed palm cards (top tip, you can’t hold a microphone and palm cards at the same time) I got up there. I spoke about the concept of the story, my main character’s arc and comp titles. I also made the decision to use part of my three minutes to share the opening of the manuscript because I thought it gave a clear sense of the voice and feel of the text. My decision paid off. Laura Harris (formerly the Publishing Director of Penguin Random House Australia) visibly squirmed in her seat during my pitch. She said she was hooked and thought that I would have publishers knocking on my door. Everyone I talked to afterwards was just so lovely. I don’t think I walked out of the library that day, I floated.
Laura Harris
The following day Deb got in touch, she shared that Laura had asked her to pass on her details and that she would love to help me find a home for my manuscript. I couldn’t believe it.
I signed up with Laura’s management service and we worked on some making some small changes to strengthen my manuscript. From there we went out on submission in November. This was met with interest and feedback but unfortunately no yesses. With Laura’s guidance I re-worked my story again over the Christmas holidays, keeping in mind what the publishers had said. We went out again at the end of February and had an offer from Penguin Random House at the start of May. I was, and still am, thrilled.
Laura was a dream to work with and I’m so grateful to have had her supporting me and championing my work. I would not have had the opportunity to work with her had it not been for SCBWI and the chance to pitch my work.
Zoe Gaetjens Insta: @zoegaet