From the pitch to the page, would-be authors learn from book pros

Margaret Rumford of Fairfield had the gathering at Barnes & Noble in hysterics with her story proposal last week to "book doctors" David Henry Sterry and Arielle Eckstut. Photo: Jarret Liotta

Denise Lovett of Westport, in the background, listens to David Henry Sterry compliment her pitch for her novel last week at Barnes & Noble. Lovett was chosen the winner at Pitchapalooza and the "book doctors" -- Sterry and his wife, Arielle Eckstut -- will be getting her in touch with an agent to help her get the work published. Photo: Jarret Liotta