MSU ‘Pitchapalooza’ to Give Access to Publishing Agent

MSU ‘Pitchapalooza’ to Give Access to Publishing Agent

closeup of book with bookshelf in background

Michigan State University and the College of Arts & Letters are giving students and recent graduates an opportunity to break into the publising industry with a chance to “pitch a book idea” to a panel of accomplished judges at the first Pitchapalooza on Thursday, March 30, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Erickson Hall Kiva on MSU’s campus. The judges will choose one winner to receive an introduction to a publishing professional.

“This is a great opportunity for students and recent graduates to learn about the publishing industry, their potential career paths, and how to stand out for jobs and internships,” said Victoria Morris, internship developer at MSU’s College of Arts & Letters. “We wanted to bring in experts to showcase the career options and mindset necessary to break into publishing.”

Accomplished New York City authors Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry are the The Book Doctors, and will join MSU alumnus Dennis Pace to form the panel of judges. The judges will first hear participants’ one-minute pitches and then will offer advice on how to improve their pitch and will explain the ins and outs of the publishing industry before picking one winner to be introduced to an agent or publisher that is appropriate for their work.

“This is a great opportunity for students and recent graduates to learn about the publishing industry, their potential career paths, and how to stand out for jobs and internships.”

Victoria Morris

“We brought in The Book Doctors because we have so many students interested in careers in publishing,” Morris said. “They will give students helpful information, and it should be a fun, entertaining event.”

Pitchapalooza also will offer two optional workshops both held on March 30 in Case Hall before the pitch competition. The workshops and pitch competion are as follows:

  • Case Hall Spartan Room:  “How to Get Published” from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Case Hall Spartan Room:  “How to Break into a Career in Publishing” from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Erickson Kiva (Room 103):  “Pitchapalooza Book Pitch Competition” from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. 

All events are free and open to the public. Book pitching is limited to students and recent graduates.

For more information or to apply for the competition, visit the Pitchapalooza web page or email Victoria Morris at morrisvi@msu.edu.

Categories: Event / News