The Elevator Pitch
"So, what's your book about?"
I'd been at ALA no more than 45 seconds. I was standing in line for the exhibit hall with my friend, Marie, and frantically juggling all the crap they'd just given me at registration. The lady in front of me heard me say something about trying to touch base with my editor. Without preamble, she turned about and asked the magic question.
"So, what's your book about?"
There it was. My opening. My golden opportunity to knock her socks off with the amazing premise of my book and guarantee a sale come September.
Except I blew it. Paused. Stumbled. Gave the most bland description of my book possible.
Her eyes glazed over as she tentatively took the card I shoved at her. She smiled weakly and shoved it in her bag. Pretty sure that LOSING IT will not be on her TBR list any time soon.
I got better as the day went on (thank heavens), but I didn't have anyone begging for an advanced copy or anything. I went home determined to hone my elevator pitch. I researched, beseeched my husband for advice, and found out these important points:
The best elevator pitches are
15-30 seconds long, and roughly 150 words. memorable and delivered with Passion, Precision and Persuasiveness.focused on how your listener can benefit from whatever you're pitching (in this case, my book). practiced to perfection--in front of the mirror, while you drive to work, in the shower, etc.With those points in mind, I grabbed a pencil and started experimenting. How could I quickly capture the coolest things about my story in 15 seconds in a way that made my listener feel like they would benefit from reading this book? It wasn't easy but after several tries, and badgering my family to repeatedly ask me, "So, what's your book about?" I felt like I was getting closer.
I love my story. My main character is a freakin' hero. He doesn't let his obesity, or his dad's stroke, or an obnoxious bully or the fact that his best friend doesn't support him get in the way of what he wants to do: run cross country. To him, running is not just a sport; it's a way of standing up.
Maybe not perfect yet. I'm still practicing in front of the mirror.
Feel free to ask me next time you see me: "So, what exactly is your book about?" I'll be ready. :)
I'd been at ALA no more than 45 seconds. I was standing in line for the exhibit hall with my friend, Marie, and frantically juggling all the crap they'd just given me at registration. The lady in front of me heard me say something about trying to touch base with my editor. Without preamble, she turned about and asked the magic question.
"So, what's your book about?"
There it was. My opening. My golden opportunity to knock her socks off with the amazing premise of my book and guarantee a sale come September.
Except I blew it. Paused. Stumbled. Gave the most bland description of my book possible.
Her eyes glazed over as she tentatively took the card I shoved at her. She smiled weakly and shoved it in her bag. Pretty sure that LOSING IT will not be on her TBR list any time soon.
I got better as the day went on (thank heavens), but I didn't have anyone begging for an advanced copy or anything. I went home determined to hone my elevator pitch. I researched, beseeched my husband for advice, and found out these important points:
The best elevator pitches are
15-30 seconds long, and roughly 150 words. memorable and delivered with Passion, Precision and Persuasiveness.focused on how your listener can benefit from whatever you're pitching (in this case, my book). practiced to perfection--in front of the mirror, while you drive to work, in the shower, etc.With those points in mind, I grabbed a pencil and started experimenting. How could I quickly capture the coolest things about my story in 15 seconds in a way that made my listener feel like they would benefit from reading this book? It wasn't easy but after several tries, and badgering my family to repeatedly ask me, "So, what's your book about?" I felt like I was getting closer.
I love my story. My main character is a freakin' hero. He doesn't let his obesity, or his dad's stroke, or an obnoxious bully or the fact that his best friend doesn't support him get in the way of what he wants to do: run cross country. To him, running is not just a sport; it's a way of standing up.
Maybe not perfect yet. I'm still practicing in front of the mirror.
Feel free to ask me next time you see me: "So, what exactly is your book about?" I'll be ready. :)
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