2025 Pitch Perfect: KidLit Edition

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is eligible to submit to Pitch Perfect: KidLit Edition?

  Pitch Perfect is open to any aspiring author who has a completed picture book, middle grade, young adult or graphic novel manuscript that has not been previously published. Preference will be given to applicants who have not yet published any works (either traditionally or independently).

• I’m already a published author (either through a traditional publishing house or through self-publishing). Can I still submit to Pitch Perfect: KidLit Edition?

  Yes. So long as the manuscript you are submitting has never been published in any way, it can be submitted to the Pitch Perfect program. Please note that preference will be given to applicants who are not yet published.

• What kind of writing can I submit?

  You can submit fiction or non-fiction in the following genres:

  • Picture books (ages 5-8)
  • Middle grade fiction or non-fiction (ages 9-12)
  • Young adult fiction or non-fiction (ages 13-16)
  • Graphic novels.

  Please do not submit work that has been previously published (this includes self-published work). 

• My manuscript was previously self-published. Can I still submit it?

  No. The Pitch Perfect program will only accept manuscripts that have never been published.

• Will my assigned agent/editor review the whole manuscript?

  If you have submitted a children’s picture book (1000 words or less), then yes, the agent or editor will review the full text of the manuscript.

  If you have submitted a middle grade, young adult or graphic novel manuscript, then no, the agent or editor will only review the first 20 pages.

• Why do I need to have a completed manuscript?

  The goal of Pitch Perfect is to give aspiring authors the chance to discuss the work they submitted as it relates to the entire manuscript. In the one-on-one meetings, you will be asked questions about where the story goes and how the characters evolve. Without a finished manuscript, it is difficult to answer clearly, which in turn makes it difficult for the agent/editor to provide useful feedback.

• Does the manuscript have to be polished?

  The pages you submit should be polished, but the remainder of the manuscript does not need to be. However, the Pitch Perfect program is most effective if your manuscript is as close to ready for publication as you can manage on your own.

• Do I have to submit a query letter?

  Yes. Generally, query letters are an essential part of pitching manuscripts to agents/editors. For the Pitch Perfect program, the query letter will help us match you with an agent/editor best suited to review your work.

• What should I include in my query letter?

  We were going to explain all of this in our own words, but that’s a lot of work. Instead, check out this guide to query letters by author Jane Friedman. Query letters can take different forms and agents/editors/publishers often require differing information in the letters they receive. Use Jane Friedman’s article as a starting point and customize it based on your own manuscript and circumstances. In Pitch Perfect, your assigned agent/editor may also give you feedback on how to improve your query letter.

• What’s the difference between an agent and an editor?

  An agent is an author’s representative when submitting manuscripts to publishers. Most traditional publishers do not accept submissions from unagented authors. Agents agree to represent authors when they believe they can successfully sell the manuscript to a publisher.

  An editor works at a publishing house. If they are an acquiring editor, they are responsible for reviewing and accepting manuscripts for publication. There are also other types of editors who specialize in various aspects of writing craft.

  Both agents and editors have extensive experience in reviewing manuscripts and query letters and offering advice on how to improve both.

• Can I choose who reviews my manuscript?

  In the application, you will have the opportunity to indicate whether you prefer an agent or an editor. We work hard to match each applicant with an agent/editor who is best-suited to their manuscript. However, we cannot guarantee the type of reviewer you are assigned.

• Do I have to come to Brampton to be a part of Pitch Perfect?

  No. All of the Pitch Perfect sessions will be virtual and will take place over Skype, Zoom, or telephone–whatever works best for you and your assigned agent/editor.

• What can I expect from the one-on-one meeting?

  You can expect questions about the plot of your story and how the characters evolve. You may also expect questions about how you envision the work will be published, as well as your publishing goals in general. These questions will inform the feedback you receive, which may include what works well in your manuscript and query letter and what needs improvement. You may also ask the agent/editor specific questions about your manuscript. The purpose of the one-on-one meeting is to give you advice and direction for improving your manuscript and motivating you on your publishing journey.

• Is there a fee to participate in Pitch Perfect?

  Yes. The fee to participate in Pitch Perfect is $39, which will be payable only after your application has been accepted. This fee goes toward compensating the agents and editors who are reviewing manuscripts, as this work is outside of their regular job responsibilities. The fee also helps cover the cost of organizing and facilitating the Pitch Perfect program.

  If cost is a prohibitive factor, please indicate so in your application. We understand that writers from marginalized communities may face financial hardships, and we will try our best to accommodate.

• How will I know if I’m selected?

  Submissions are due on September 2, 2025. You will be notified of the status of your application by the end of September. If you are accepted, you will be sent a link for payment. You will also be given an opportunity to submit updated pages.

  You will be matched with an agent/editor at the beginning of October, and your one-on-one meeting can take place any time before November 9.