Pitch Perfect at FOLD 2025

What do you do with a manuscript when you think it might be done? You PITCH IT.

Pitch Perfect gives aspiring authors like you the opportunity to meet with an agent or editor and receive feedback on your manuscript, synopsis, and query letter. You must have a completed manuscript of fiction or creative non-fiction that has not been previously published. Once you submit the first twenty pages of your manuscript, along with a synopsis and query letter, you will be matched with an agent or editor who will review your materials. Following the review, the agent or editor will schedule a 20-minute virtual meeting with you to provide feedback and advice. 

The deadline for submissions is February 1, 2025. The fee to participate in Pitch Perfect is $49, payable after applications have been approved.

Please read the below FAQs thoroughly and continue to the submission form at the bottom of this page.

1. Who is eligible to submit to Pitch Perfect?

Pitch Perfect is open to any aspiring author who has a completed manuscript that has not been previously published. Preference will be given to applicants who have not yet published any works (either traditionally or independently).

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

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.

3. What genres of writing can I submit?

Applicants can submit long-form fiction or non-fiction in the following genres:

• Literary Fiction
• Commercial Fiction
• Memoir
• Narrative Non-fiction
• Young Adult Fiction
• Young Adult Non-fiction
• Fantasy
• Horror
• Mystery
• Romance
• Science Fiction
• Thriller

PLEASE NOTE: In 2025, Pitch Perfect will not be accepting graphic novel or poetry manuscripts.

Writers of children’s literature (excluding YA) are asked to submit to Pitch Perfect at FOLD Kids 2025, which will take place in Fall 2025.

4. 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.

5. Will my assigned agent/editor review the whole manuscript?

No. Agents and editors will only review and provide detailed feedback on the first twenty pages of the manuscript.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Do I have to submit a synopsis? 

Yes. Generally, synopses are an essential part of pitching manuscripts to agents/editors. They allow agents/editors to quickly review the entire arc of the story, including how it ends.

9. What should I include in my synopsis?

Everything! Seriously. A synopsis should include all major plot points, as well as minor ones that you think are important. It should also include the ending–spoilers required! Author Jane Friedman has some advice on how to write a good synopsis.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. Is there a fee to participate in Pitch Perfect?

Yes. The fee to participate in Pitch Perfect is $49, 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.

17. How will I know if I’m selected?

Submissions are due on February 1. You will be notified of the status of your application in mid-March. 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 April, and your one-on-one meeting can take place any time before mid-May.

18. Where do I apply?

You can find the submission form here. Please be prepared to upload the first twenty pages of your manuscript, your synopsis, and your query letter.

If you have questions that have not been addressed above, please contact writers@thefoldcanada.org. Please use “PITCH PERFECT” in the subject line.