The next great American writer might be discovered at Off Square Books when Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry, co-founders of The Book Doctors, a company dedicated to helping authors get their books published, present Pitchapalooza, a kinder, gentler “American Idol” for books. In an event designed for authors to pitch book ideas and get advice about the publishing process, 20 writers will be selected from the audience to give a one-minute book pitch. Judges will help authors improve their pitches and pick a winner who will receive an introduction to an appropriate agent or publisher.

Arielle Eckstut, a literary agent for 18 years, is the author of 7 books and David Henry Sterry is the bestselling author of 13 books. They have appeared everywhere from The New York Times to NPR’s Morning Edition to USA Today.

Everyone is welcome, but if you want to pitch you must purchase a copy of The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published (Workman, pb. 15.95). And that’s not all--- anyone who buys a copy will receive a free 20 minute consultation, a $100 value.