Pitching is like an audition...

...and you need to know your lines.

Because you don't have time for a retake.

Which is what agent Katharine Sands told us in the workshop she presented today at the Hampton Roads Writers Second Annual Writer's Conference in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She was wonderful, giving us the scoop from the agent's point of view.

And since most of us were writers, not agents, it was an enlightening experience.

Even though we had an agent offering to share her knowledge with us, I am really glad I did some research before attempting my first face-to-face interview with an agent.

I had jotted down talking points for my manuscript. Wrote and practiced a three-minute blurb about it. Knew I would need a little extra time to calm my nerves before actually going in to speak to her so I wouldn't throw up in her lap.

I revised my spiel just before going in to make my pitch, reworking it to focus on place, person and pivot - the words Katharine used in her workshop. But I wouldn't have been able to do any of that if I hadn't been prepared.

And my results?

She said she wanted to see more.

I did a happy dance with my daughter when I got home.

Now, I have to get something to her, quickly. And make sure it looks exceptionally good.

Have you had success pitching to an agent at a conference?