Pitchapalooza! American Idol for Authors

Aspiring writers, this is your chance at a book deal! Pitchapalooza is American Idol for books (only kinder and gentler). Twenty writers will be selected at random from the audience to pitch their book. Each writer gets one minute—and only one minute!—to impress our judges. Judges critique everything from idea to style to potential in the marketplace and much, much more. Authors come away with concrete advice as well as a greater understanding of the ins and outs of the publishing industry. 

At the end of Pitchapalooza, the judges will pick a winner. The winner receives an introduction to an agent or publisher appropriate for his/her book.

In order to participate, you must purchase a copy of The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published. Purchasing the book does NOT guarantee that you’ll be invited to pitch your book, it simply puts you in the eligible pool. Books may be purchased in advance or on site at the Fair. Audience members who are just watching do not need to purchase anything - it’s free to see the show!

Pitchapalooza is hosted by David Henry Sterry and Arielle Eckstut, also known as The Book Doctors. Arielle is a literary agent and the author of nine books. David is the bestselling author of sixteen books. They’ve taught at Stanford University, Indiana University, and many other institutions. They’ve hosted Pitchapalooza nationwide for years and helped dozens of writers go from talented amateurs to professionally published authors. Ellen Meister is the bestselling author of ten books and lives on Long Island.

JUDGES: David Henry Sterry, Arielle Eckstut, Ellen Meister