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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/5575-The-Elevator-Pitch.html
Fantasy: March 20, 2013 Issue [#5575]

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Fantasy


 This week: The Elevator Pitch
  Edited by: Storm Machine Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

The elevator pitch begins with the premise. You must understand what your book is about in order to pitch it to someone else.


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Letter from the editor

There are several ways to figure out where to put your book on the shelves. While we say we write speculative fiction, generally we as writers are specific about fantasy or science fiction. Start with the simplest way to explain it- an elevator pitch. This is very short and (we hope) only begins a discussion about your book. It is designed to get someone hooked on what's going on within your story in the time it takes for the elevator to get to its destination.

Can you hook someone that quickly? Or do you ramble on while someone looks bored?

Try to think of your book as one sentence. It seems impossible, but the main story line has a way to be explained simply. In Hunger Games, a girl is sent into the arena to fight to the death. In Ender's Game, a boy learns to fight the war against the Buggers. In Lord of the Rings, Frodo takes a journey to destroy the one ring.

The more you can figure out how to express your book simply, the more people can figure out whether it is something they want to read. No, it won't give all of the story away, but it is easier to tease potential readers in with tidbits.

Sometimes there are major subplots that also need to be considered in the short pitch, but often the main story line is enough. Perhaps you also want to talk about the relationship aspect of Hunger Games to make it more appealing to those who want to read more romantic pieces.

Always put the best foot forward for your book. I might refer to Twilight playfully as the vampire playing with his food, but that will not have the same impact on readers, agents or editors as the potentially tragic love story between the human and the vegetarian vampire.

Remember the elevator pitch is about the plot. Your character may drive your story, your setting shows it off, and the language you use brings it to life for your book.

Practice taking your favorite books into elevator pitches, then turn those new skills on your own works. It is always good to learn how to be brief. Writers need these skills for query letters, pitches with agents, and talking to readers (and buyers of the books). If at first it feels like you're leaving too much out, keep trying until you find that one main thread that holds the book together.

More Information:
http://www.writing-world.com/publish/pitch2.shtml
http://www.sfwritersu.com/nina-amir/posts/1271-how-to-craft-a-winning-book-pitch...


Editor's Picks

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Dawn of the Phoenix Open in new Window. (ASR)
Dust and ashes of the earth 'til the moment of rebirth.
#716865 by Kraken through the Snow Author IconMail Icon

 The Lost Tale of Shaharazad Open in new Window. (13+)
A story "roughly" in the tradition of the Arabian Nights.
#918728 by Norksquad Author IconMail Icon

 The Fall of Revenants Open in new Window. (E)
professional space dogfighters must deal with a hotshot outsider
#226760 by John~Ashen Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#303766 by Not Available.

 Taking a wife Open in new Window. (18+)
The post-genome family relationships are not strictly governed by historical gender roles.
#597528 by Cinderella Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1860081 by Not Available.

Untitled/unfinished Open in new Window. (E)
A child's three wishes will make you stop and wonder.
#1855176 by writerpenman Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1923112 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1923839 by Not Available.

 
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Word from Writing.Com

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