This week, I’m offering practical advice on perfecting your elevator pitch—a brief, engaging summary of your book that you can deliver in just 30 seconds.
In this video, I break down the key elements of an effective pitch, emphasizing the significance of theme, premise, and setting, while cautioning against over-detailing the plot.
I give you a taste of my own pitch for the Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries series and demonstrate how to adapt it when introducing a new book.
This skill isn’t just for elevator encounters—it’s equally valuable for writing synopses, back cover copy, or when talking about your work in general!
Hello, Jane Cleland here!
I hear that I’m supposed to have an elevator pitch when someone asks, “What’s my book about?” Well, they’re right. You should have what’s called an “elevator pitch.” That’s because you have about 30 seconds running down on an elevator, and if you’re with someone in an elevator and they say, “Oh, you’re a writer! What’s your book about?” that’s how long you have to answer the question.
What you want to do is talk about theme or premise, maybe introduce something about setting if that’s special. But what you don’t do is talk about plot.
Here’s mine: I write the Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries. Josie is an antiques appraiser who uses her knowledge of antiques to solve crimes. The books are set on the rugged coast of New Hampshire in a quaint small town. They’re often reviewed as an Antiques Roadshow for mystery fans.
Now, if I have a new book out, I may add in another sentence about that particular book. Here’s what I would say for Consigned to Death, the first book in the series:
“Consigned to Death, the first in the series, features art stolen by Nazis and Josie, who is just trying to appraise an older man’s possessions because he was looking to sell much of his valuable collection, finds herself the chief suspect when he’s killed.”
So again, a sentence or two. You want to make sure you include the atmosphere, the feel. Remember, plot is the kiss of death. Gets into the minutia. Too much detail.
It’s hard. It’s hard, but you’ll find it very useful when writing synopses, when writing back cover copy, when talking to people casually. If they have follow-up questions, they’ll ask.
I know you can do it! Did this tip have value for you? If so, I do hope that you’ll like it, you’ll share it, you’ll subscribe to the YouTube channel. Very valuable to me. Thank you.
*Transcripts are software-generated. To report any transcription errors, please use my contact form!
