Navigating the Process of Publishing a Novel Shares Similarities with Working as a Secret Service Agent
In the bustling city of Manhattan, the International Thriller Writers (ITW) host their annual ThrillerFest conference, a gathering of hundreds of creative minds from the world of thriller writing. One of the conference's highlights is the PitchFest event, where writers get a chance to make a verbal pitch to literary agents, hoping they will request to see their latest manuscript and potentially represent them.
Former police officer and Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service, J.J. Hensley, shared his experiences from PitchFest, having attended the event as a crime fiction writer. Hensley found success with his first novel, Resolve, which was a Thriller Awards finalist in 2014. As a member of the ITW, he was well-acquainted with the organization that hosts the Thriller Awards.
The PitchFest event lasts for over two hours, and it's impossible to speak to every agent. Writers spend a significant amount of time standing and waiting. Hensley, with his background in protection assignments, found this aspect of PitchFest familiar. He learned several lessons from his protective duties, including the importance of being ready to react, periods of discomfort, and relief when it's over.
At the end of Pitchfest, writers are given tickets for two free drinks at a reception. This is a chance for writers of all levels, from first-time novelists to famous authors, to mingle and talk about various topics. The reception can bring a sense of relief, even though it may take weeks or months to hear back from agents. After Pitchfest, writers often have a "Wheels Up" feeling, indicating they did their best and can relax a bit.
To increase chances of success, it's important to have a strategy and do a risk assessment to approach high-priority representatives. Making poor choices, such as standing in line for an agent not interested in a specific genre or writing style, can result in wasted time. It's crucial to be prepared and knowledgeable about one's book, as some agents may ask questions about it.
During his time with the USSS, Hensley conducted investigations related to counterfeiting, check fraud, wire fraud, and cell phone cloning. Much of his duties involved protection, particularly in Washington D.C., which is known as the protection capital of the world. This experience has undoubtedly equipped him with the skills needed to navigate the challenging world of literary agents and publishers.
The 2025 ThrillerFest PitchFest in Manhattan saw approximately 60 different literary agents and publishers participating, offering authors three-minute pitch sessions. Despite the excitement and potential opportunities, PitchFest is not without its challenges. Air conditioning may not be sufficient in the crowded rooms, leading to discomfort. Writers often dress up for PitchFest, which can cause discomfort, especially if a ballistic vest is worn under a dress shirt. There is a certain amount of risk involved, as only a limited number of agents will be spoken to.
In conclusion, PitchFest is an invaluable opportunity for writers to showcase their work and connect with literary agents and publishers. With a well-thought-out strategy, a risk assessment, and a readiness to react, writers can make the most of this exciting event. As J.J. Hensley's experiences demonstrate, the lessons learned in protection assignments can be applied to the world of literature, making the journey to success a little less daunting.
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