James Spackman

Friendly workshops that develop publishers' skill and confidence with presenting books. Led by experienced publisher @blackpooltower

Trade mark registered

[James Spackman @BookPitchDoctor]

What this vampire has to do with pitching novels and why 'Ronseal' goes on the Banned List. It's The Book Pitch Doctor's Surgery #5: 'why is pitching fiction so hard?'

Link here: https://t.co/JWjR6j4bZi

[James Spackman @BookPitchDoctor]

Why passion for a book will only get you so far ...

My latest Book Pitch Doctor's surgery is all about having an argument.

https://t.co/0Uz4jKkebG

[James Spackman @BookPitchDoctor]

Prof. Brian Cox has changed up his vocal delivery pretty dramatically and it works a treat. More authority, less starry-eyes wonder. Like it.

[James Spackman @BookPitchDoctor]

'Should I ask questions when I pitch?' A pre-Frankfurt special edition of The Book Pitch Doctor's Surgery.

(Also addresses the question: 'have we had enough "love letters to ..." in books' Spoiler: yes)

Newsletter here: https://t.co/lWZksVvXLI

[James Spackman @BookPitchDoctor]

Should we talk more like Mike?

This week's Book Pitch Doctor's Surgery is all about what to do if you talk too fast when you're nervous. Link here: https://t.co/CWuJSciGB2

[James Spackman @BookPitchDoctor]

... and brilliant as always to collaborate with @parkandlibrary my excellent @midascampaigns colleague :)

[James Spackman @BookPitchDoctor]

Excellent workshop at @HarperCollins yesterday on Advance Information sheet copywriting - quote of the day was @JoRoseSings "you know a good line - it's like when you try on some new clothes and want to dance" 🪩

[James Spackman @BookPitchDoctor]

A cracking Book Pitch Doctor sesh at Penguin Random House UK yesterday. We did pausing, "list-speak", audible full stops, books-as-props, rhetorical questions, "Pret mode" and author stalking ...

[James Spackman @BookPitchDoctor]

This is fascinating from @byagoda in the @guardian on US adoption of British speech - I had no idea 'bit' was a Britishism ... https://t.co/Dhw2texfZc

[James Spackman @BookPitchDoctor]

@jayrayner1 On it. Thanks, and have a good show :)

[James Spackman @BookPitchDoctor]

5x15 at the Tabernacle was good last night. Interesting from a presentation pov too. Jay Rayner talking fluently without notes or lectern, with well-choreographed slides ... but with an eager energy which felt a bit needy.

[James Spackman @BookPitchDoctor]

@jayrayner1 It's very gracious of you to respond. Thank you. And that of course makes total sense and is really useful info (for a presentation nerd like me). 👍

[James Spackman @BookPitchDoctor]

Also, someone described a book as "a love letter to ..." which is a candidate for the BPD Banned List.

[James Spackman @BookPitchDoctor]

I wondered if longer pauses after his punchlines would convey more deadpan confidence and let the lines land better.

[James Spackman @BookPitchDoctor]

Where did it all go wrong for Roman Roy at his dad's funeral? Was it a maelstrom of repressed emotion? Or did he just use the wrong script format?

The Book Pitch Doctor's Surgery email #2 asks the question 'should I pitch from a script?'. Link here: https://t.co/ezVHW9l3Pr

[Arvon @arvonfoundation]

What goes into a winning non-fiction proposal? Join veteran publisher & literary agent James Spackman (@blackpooltower) for a hands-on workshop where you'll craft a compelling proposal and learn the industry essentials to get your book published.

Info 👉 https://t.co/98yuzdJGR7

[James Spackman @BookPitchDoctor]

Yes, the OFFICIAL newsletter of The Book Pitch Doctor, folks! 👇

[James Spackman @blackpooltower]

What, I hear you ask, can Kermit the Frog teach us publishing people about public speaking?

GREAT QUESTION. You can find the answer in my new email newsletter, The Book Pitch Doctor's Surgery, link below ...

https://t.co/Sx6jL3cX2S

[James Spackman @BookPitchDoctor]

I used this speech as a "what not to do" example in a presentation training webinar yesterday.

Natural gestures = brilliant.
Forced, over-coached gestures = bullshit.

See also: Tory Thumb Weirdness.

[Carol Vorderman @carolvorders]

This strange but fervently delivered speech, with multiple hand gestures for emphasis, from Penny Mordaunt basically translated into

Tories are freedom fighters

And the world follows every move of the Tories to lead them to a place of freedom fighting nirvana

Andrew Boff anyone?🤔

#CPC2023 aka
Conspiracy Party Conference

[James Spackman @BookPitchDoctor]

@creatorchip @ThebksAgency glad you enjoyed it, and Laura was fantastic, no?

[SYP London @SYP_LDN]

The first of our recorded events is available for our delegates on the website! Head to the conference page and watch ‘Publishing Initiatives Around the UK’ with @CatMitchell17, @Cstoreyy, Irum Fazal and @BookPitchDoctor! ☺️ It’s not too late to get your tickets… #SYPConf22