Michigan State University and the College of Arts and Letters are giving students and recent graduates an opportunity to break into the publishing industry with a chance to “pitch a book idea” to a panel of accomplished judges at the first Pitchapalooza from 5:30 to 7 p.m. March 30 in the Erickson Hall Kiva.
The judges will choose one winner to receive an introduction to a publishing professional.
“This is a great opportunity for students and recent graduates to learn about the publishing industry, their potential career paths and how to stand out for jobs and internships,” said Victoria Morris, internship developer at the College of Arts & Letters. “We wanted to bring in experts to showcase the career options and mindset necessary to break into publishing.”
New York City authors Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry are the “Book Doctors” and will join MSU alumnus Dennis Pace to form the panel of judges.
“We brought in the Book Doctors because we have so many students interested in careers in publishing,” Morris said. “They will give students helpful information, and it should be a fun, entertaining event.”
Pitchapalooza also will offer two optional workshops, both held on March 30 in Case Hall, before the pitch competition. The workshops and pitch competition are as follows:
- Case Hall Spartan Room: “How to Get Published” from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Case Hall Spartan Room: “How to Break into a Career in Publishing” from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
- Erickson Kiva: “Pitchapalooza Book Pitch Competition” from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
All events are free and open to the public. Book pitching is limited to students and recent graduates.
For more information or to apply for the competition, visit the Pitchapalooza web page or e-mail Victoria Morris at morrisvi@msu.edu