I'm joining this wonderful panel tomorrow to talk about selling your show. But I want to share something here in case you can't join us. And it's about having your pitch come from the place that started it all. /1 https://twitter.com/PodTalesFest/status/1328397425241853952

A lot of writers warn you about the weight of repeated rejection. It's warranted. Each new thing you pitch will likely get a dozen rejections (if you're lucky, a purchase). But likely nothing. And it can quickly get demoralizing--so much that you think about quitting. /2

Here's the thing: you're not the only one who feels that. The execs hearing the pitch do, too. They can sense where the pitch is coming from.

I did standup comedy for 12 years. Talk to any comedian and they'll say rejection is a part of the career. They mean it. /3

Every joke you see destroy on stage is a joke that's been rejected a hundred times. And good comedians roll with it cuz you sense their joy in being on stage telling their jokes & their joy in seeing your reaction to them. Comedians enjoy being the ones to make you laugh. /4

That's how I approach pitching. If I have a dozen pitches lined up, I expect to kill each one. But I know I won't. It doesn't dampen my joy in getting to tell my story. These people took the time to come hear me live & I'm gonna give them a great time. /5

And they will sense that joy.

Earlier this year I got invited by a network to adapt a book. That was my 4th time pitching them. They rejected my adaptation but invited me back a month later to hear my original because they enjoyed hearing me pitch. They bought that one. /6

When I was a comedian there were many rough nights. But I reminded myself with the help of other comedians why I did it--I loved it. I was a storyteller with an audience who wanted to hear it. I quit when that joy of performing standup left me. And I now bring that joy here. /7

When I get invited to pitch I don't think "Here's my chance to sell something." I think "This is gonna be fun!" The execs sense that and even if they don't buy it they invite me back. Cuz they know I love telling stories & people love watching others doing things they love. /8

You may not be a smooth speaker.

But you're a storyteller. That's why you're here. The execs want to enjoy your story. Find a way to enjoy telling it. Because everyone will sense that. And if they don't buy it, at least you got to share it. Which is the point of it all. /fin

There is a lot more to this. If you'd like to hear more, join us at @PodTalesFest tomorrow in the first link. Happy Friday!