Ready to take your book idea to the next level? Join publisher **Brenda Knight** (*Books that Save Lives*) and **Debra Eckerling**, *The Book Proposal Expert*, for an engaging *Lunch & Learn* that demystifies the art — and the heart — of a winning book pitch.

In this practical and inspiring session, Brenda and Deb will walk you through what it takes to grab the attention of agents and publishers, from crafting the perfect hook to presenting yourself as the ideal author for your project.

You’ll learn:

1. What is and is Not a Pitch
2. How to Craft an Effective Hook
3. Query Letter 101
4. The Basics of the Book Proposal
5. The Art of Pitching Yourself and Your Platform

This is one of the best possible ways to prepare for the [San Francisco Writers Conference](https://www.sfwriters.org/) and our own [Pitch-O-Rama 2026](https://wnba-sfchapter.org/register-for-virtual-pitch-o-rama-2026/)!

This interactive event also introduces Pitch Clinic, a new offering, which in part benefits WNBA-SF, where authors can book 30-minute sessions with Brenda and Deb for real-time, personalized feedback on their pitches.

Whether you’re just developing your book concept or getting ready to query, The Art of the Pitch will get you going in the right direction.

**About the Speakers**
**Brenda Knight** is a distinguished publishing professional with more than 25 years of experience, currently serving as Publisher at Books That Save Lives and President of the Women’s National Book Association, San Francisco Chapter. Starting at HarperCollins, she worked with luminaries like Paulo Coelho, Deepak Chopra, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, honing her editorial expertise. In 2015, she was named IndieFab’s Publisher of the Year for her innovative leadership.

Brenda authored *Random Acts of Kindness*, *Badass Affirmations* (selling over 500,000 copies), and *Women of the Beat Generation*, which won an American Book Award. As founder of Books That Save Lives, she champions inspirational nonfiction. She teaches at the San Francisco Writers Conference and Writing for Change, mentoring emerging authors. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Brenda is dedicated to advancing literacy and equity in publishing. She blogs about simple acts of kindness at [LowerHaightHoller.blogspot.com](http://lowerhaightholler.blogspot.com./). Visit her work at [BooksThatSaveLives.net](https://www.booksthatsavelives.net/) and connect with [Brenda on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-knight-361005a/).

**Debra Eckerling** is a goal strategist, author, and book proposal expert who helps writers, entrepreneurs, and consultants transform their ideas into sellable books. The founder of The DEB Method for goal-setting simplified, Debra specializes in guiding clients from concept to proposal with clarity, confidence, and direction. With more than two decades of experience leading workshops, coaching thought leaders, and consulting with organizations, Debra has a knack for helping busy professionals develop, organize, and articulate their ideas in a way that resonates.

Debra is the author of *Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting*, *Planning and Achieving Your Goals* and *52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting*, and hosts *The Book Proposal Podcast* and *Book Proposals Simplified* on Substack. She is also a regular contributor to and speaker for [WritersDigest.com](http://writersdigest.com/). Learn more at [TheBookProposalExpert.com](http://thebookproposalexpert.com/) and connect with [Debra on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/coastbunny).

To get the replay, be sure to also register here: https://wnba-sfchapter.org/november-20-free-lunch-n-learn-befriend-your-writers-block/

Debra Eckerling

Women's National Book Association - SF Chapter

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The Art of the Book Pitch

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Women's National Book Association - SF Chapter

The Art of the Book Pitch

Women's National Book Association - SF Chapter

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