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You have a great book in your hands. You have read it a million times, and you are still in love with it, especially since you are the author! It's your baby, but you know others will benefit from the words that compelled you to sit down and write. Sitting at the kitchen table and mulling over the details will not get your book in the hands of readers. 

You have to carefully craft a pitch and convince publishers to take a chance on your writing. You can't just craft any pitch, however. It must be well-written, carefully researched, and comprehensive. Don't let your baby fall because you failed to develop a strong pitch. Below is a list of ten common mistakes people make when they are trying to pitch their book.

1. Don't forget to do your research. Agents and publishers specialize in certain genres. You wouldn't go to a cardiologist if you broke your arm. The same goes for the world of book publishing. You don't want to mail your submission to a science fiction editor if you have written a cookbook.

2. Don’t treat your pitch like your personal diary by rambling on. Cover the essential elements (overview, market, comp titles, promotion, etc.) or you will lose the interest of the agent or publisher.

3. Never try to pitch more than one book at a time. Channel your passion and dedication into one idea so the agent and/or publisher will understand your commitment to make this idea work. If you start to pitch one idea and switch to another because you fear the agent or publisher may not be interested, your lack of confidence will show.

4. You have to be a reader to be a writer. You want to know the latest trends, but you don't want to follow them. By the time your book gets published, that trend may be dated. So write what you feel passionate about, but make sure you’re always looking ten steps ahead.

5. Don't ask for an advance upfront. This makes you look money-driven and unconcerned about quality. If you are an unknown writer (and you don't have a legitimate audience base that a publisher can view as profitable), an advance may not enter the conversation. The most important part is to get a publisher for your book. The money will follow.

6. Make sure that you maintain copyright to your creative work. No matter how good the deal sounds, you never want to give up the creative license to your work.

7. Don't forget to sell yourself, too. While the book is important, you have to remember that you are the perfect author to write that type of book. Remember to sell your abilities. This will help you secure more deals after this book goes to print.

8. Remember that everybody can improve. Even the best writers can improve on a daily basis so you should always be polite and accept constructive criticism. Never argue with an agent or publisher. You might not believe what they say, but you should always try to see things from their perspective.

9. Don't be nervous. We all get nervous when we step out on stage...whether it be an actual stage or just a mental one. It is natural to feel nervous before you talk to an agent or publisher about your book. But conquer your fears before you enter the office. Nervousness is often mistaken for being unprepared. Be confident. Practice your pitch as much as possible in order to get it just right.

10. Don't forget to check your grammar, spelling, and overall presentation. Enlist another pair of eyes (like a friend or colleague) to look your proposal over and provide feedback.

If you do your research and prepare fully you have a good chance of succeeding. And don't get discouraged if you get rejected. Keep pursuing other agencies because you never know what will happen in the future.
Bear Sampson is a guest blogger for My Dog Ate My Blog and a writer on distance learning for the Guide to Online Schools.