You've completed a manuscript for your book or short story. Or maybe you just have a terrific idea. But now how do you sell an agent or an editor on my project? Answer: You need to pitch them. If that sounds scary, take heart. Because the Mystery Writers of America’s New York Chapter will help you.

MWA-NY has assembled an expert panel for a program at the Bloomingdale Library. Whether you are an aspiring writer hoping to get published or a current author who wants to hone your pitch skills, this is your chance to listen to—and question—Amy Stapp, a leading New York book editor at Tor/Forge (Macmillan), Paul Stevens, a top agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency, and Jason Starr, an international bestselling author of suspense novels (as well as comics and graphic novels), all of whom will be there with one goal: to talk you through the harrowing process of pitching your project. The panel with be moderated by New York Times bestselling author David Grann. Come for practical tips, answers, and inspiration. Leave armed to be pitch perfect.

This program is part of the Mystery Writers of America’s Mentor Program. Applications will be available at the event and can be downloaded by clicking here.

Moderator
David Grann is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and an award-winning staff writer at The New Yorker magazine. His latest book, Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, will be released in April. Based on years of research, it explores one of the most sinister crimes and racial injustices in American history. His first book, The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon, was a #1 New York Times bestseller and has been adapted into a major motion picture, which will be in theaters next year. Grann’s other book, The Devil and Sherlock Holmes, contains many of his New Yorker stories, and was named by Men’s Journal one of the best true crime books ever written. He is the recipient of several honors for outstanding journalism, including a George Polk award.

Panelists

Amy Stapp acquires mystery, suspense, women’s fiction, and historical fiction for Forge Books and Tor Teen. She is actively seeking gritty suspense, lighthearted mysteries, mature YA, psychological horror, character-driven historical fiction, and smart romance. When not reading, she enjoys travelling, experimenting in the kitchen, long runs with her dog, and champagne with friends. Currently looking for: psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, historical fiction (in particular early 20th century), stories set in the American South or with an international element. Particularly interested in complex, unexpected characters. Not looking for: science fiction/fantasy, paranormal, military, political, ancient history. 

Jason Starr is the international bestselling author of many suspense novels, and his work has been published in over a dozen languages. He also writes comics and graphic novels for Marvel, DC, Vertigo, and BOOM! Studios, and many of his books are in development for film and TV. He has won the Anthony Award twice, as well as a Barry Award. His latest novels are Savage Lane, and Gotham: Dawn of Darkness, based on the hit FOX TV show, Gotham. 

Paul Stevens joined the Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2016. He has worked as an editor for 15 years, primarily at Tor Books, where he edited science fiction, fantasy, and mystery. Paul represents authors such as Jeremy Finley, Sean Grigsby, Alyc Helms, Leanna Renee Hieber, Dan Koboldt, Michael Livingston and Stephen S. Power. An Ohio native and a graduate of the Ohio State University, he also grows carnivorous plants.