Print Friendly, PDF & Email

In this episode we’re going to talk about the legendary elevator pitch … and how to create one that does exactly what an elevator pitch should do. Talking Points:

  • What is an elevator pitch?
    • Sentence – High concept, the hook
    • Paragraph – Radio Pitch / Back cover copy …
    • Page – Short Synopsis
  • Why do you need one?
    • Pitching to readers
    • Pitching to influencers (taste makers, editors, agents)
  • The Subway pitch (especially at conferences) – a few quick stories
  • An example, James’ first novel, Rooms:
  • Don’t put every worm on the hook
  • This is SHOW BUSINESS! Leave the audience wanting more!
  • Log lines
  • Using the “What if?” motif works well for many writers
    • What if you were given a chair and told it was made by Jesus Christ. Would you believe them?
  • Practice. Then practice more. Then practice more.
  • Twitter –
  • You’ll use your elevator pitch forever
  • Send us your elevator pitches and we’ll do a show that comments on them.
Liked it? Take a second to support Thomas Umstattd Jr. on Patreon!
Become a patron at Patreon!

Want more help?

Get a weekly email with tips on building a platform, selling more books, and changing the world with writing worth talking about. 

You have Successfully Subscribed!