IN THE MAJOR LEAGUES

Aspiring writers know that sending out a manuscript can feel like throwing it into the void — grabbing a publisher’s attention is almost as tough as finishing your magnum opus. Which is why the Book Doctors, agent Arielle Eckstut and author David Henry Sterry, are here to teach you how to craft an irresistible pitch. Today they host Pitchapalooza at Jersey City’s WORD Bookstore, where 20 would-be writers are randomly selected and given one minute to sell their projects. A panel of judges provides some gentle critiques to help make pitches more alluring, and they’ll offer the winner a personal introduction to an editor or agent. Snagging that elusive in to the publishing world can make all the difference: Gennifer Albin, a past Pitchapalooza victor, went on to a lucrative three-book deal with FSG.

Thu., May 22, 7 p.m., 2014