Do I need a fully developed idea before I pitch?
Hell to the yeah, you do!
(That was so 90’s)
Seriously though, please do have your idea fully fleshed out before pitching! Don’t mess up a potential start of what could be a great working relationship with a half-baked idea.
No one likes anything half-baked; food, firecrackers (duds are what I called them growing up), jokes, stories…they all end up in the garbage or booed at!
Going in unprepared can possibly ruin your chances of ever getting back in that room again. I’m not saying it hasn’t been done successfully beforehand, but that usually happens with seasoned professionals, who’s already proven themselves before. And even their ideas get booted!
As an independent content creator, we can’t at this point in our careers, afford the luxury of going in with stories half-prepared. So do the work.
Having trouble fully developing your idea?
I suggest doing a mind map of it. Sometimes, looking at the BIG picture can be overwhelming. Mind maps are a great help because they allow you the freedom to brainstorm and categorize all of the important plot points and other important creative stuff you want to see happen and feel necessary to the BIG picture. In my book, #100Pitches: Mistakes I’ve Made So You Don’t Have To, I guide content creators step-by-step through a mind mapping process with probing questions, that helps with the creative development process.
I hope you take my advice before pitching and flesh out your idea! First impressions are the best and most lasting impressions!
Oh, One last thing… starting 6/24, I’ll be promoting a 7-day contest! 2 lucky winners will get one of my books and a 1-hour pitch coaching session, valued at 321.95 for FREE! Stay tuned and check back for more info on how you can win right here.