Going Up?
Your elevator pitch is a crucial aspect of your work, author. If you don’t know, an elevator pitch is a concise way to introduce yourself and your book while getting key points across and connecting with someone. They call it an elevator pitch because it’s roughly the same amount of time you’d spend in an elevator with someone.
The content of your pitch is, of course, directly related to your book, author. At its core, what is your book about? What is the hook? What makes your book unique? What can you say that will make your listener want to read your book? Spend some time with these questions.
Think about the essence of your story. How can you briefly talk about the main character, their goal, and the central conflict? Remember to keep it simple. Avoid diving into subplots or complex backstories, that’s for the reader to find out!
The elevator pitch is brief and concise. Think 30 seconds or about 3 to 4 sentences. Don’t be afraid to tailor your pitch to the person you’re talking to either. If they’re an agent, consider adding in similar authors for comparison.
Your pitch needs to be well practiced so you can say it at a moment's notice, but still needs to stay conversational. Practicing with peers, friends, and coworkers (really anyone who will listen) is your best way to get comfortable with your pitch. You want it to feel genuine rather than over-rehearsed.
The most important factor about your elevator pitch, author, is the heart! You don’t want your pitch to be monotone and boring. You want your pitch to be exciting and heartfelt! Excitement is contagious, use that to your advantage when crafting your elevator pitch.
