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Interesting. The coaching call/chapter rewrite could be useful to help me get unstuck on my projects. I think I’m at the point of “don’t know what I don’t know” lol.
ReplyGreetings Raiscara,
Thank you for taking the time to comment. It can be a daunting task to begin revisions when we simply don’t know where to start and what questions to ask. I remember being in those points in many of the titles I worked on. I wish you the best of luck in the giveaway and sincerely hope the information helped you!
ReplyWow. I thought I worked on my pitch before for my fiction novel, but it was more of a query letter. Now I understand the difference. A coaching call would be wonderful to talk about genre – mine is a”speculative fiction” – if that is a category at all. What happens when you take some current events and flip them? (I think I just had an idea…) An edit would tell me a lot, as I am on my fifth edit, tightening each time, and now I realize I need to possibly combine a bunch of chapters for better flow…but I need help…and obviously too many ellipses.
ReplyFrom one Book Blogger to another, Greetings! Although, to be honest, I have to admit I started writing reviews to garner name recognition while I worked on my manuscripts. My book reviews, as well as maintaining my social media sites have taken over my life as my scripts sit collecting dust. Nevertheless, I’ve met some terrific writers and believe my day will come.
Thank you for introducing us to the difference between an elevator pitch and a regular pitch. I bookmarked the pages you provided for referencing when my day does arrive. As an English major, I believe I have the other tips ingrained within my mind, namely checking for grammar and spelling. I firmly believe that anyone who intends to write a book should master their grammar and spelling first; this is especially the case for Indie Authors. I’ve declined to review a few books based on improper or incorrect grammar, lack of correct spelling, character dialect, and building, weak plots, et cetera. I get no pleasure out of writing a mediocre book review. I want all writers to be successful.
Thank you for being a part of the second year of #NaNoProMo.
Sincerely,
Donna
Thank you so much for this post! I love that it was clear and easy to understand and that you added some examples. I’ve been doing Twitter Pitch events this past year and that has really helped me craft short pitches.
ReplyHi Sara! So glad the article helped you. Twitter is great practice for elevator pitches! You’re very welcome!
ReplyBlaise,
Thank you for a very helpful article on what’s needed for a successful pitch. I’ve dealt with pitching as a screenwriter, but my screenplays are all comedies. My upcoming novel is fictional but with roots in actual tragedy (the rape and murder of a fifteen year old girl I knew). I’m donating from the proceeds to organizations that help rape survivors and their families. In many ways, I feel that I’m starting from square one on pitching. I appreciate having your article to use as a guide.
Sincerely,
Dana Lemaster
No problem. I’m very glad it seems to be helping people. If you like you are welcome to have our team look over your pitch. I am delighted to hear you are doing such a noble thing. It feels like some authors are skittish to touch on such subjects. It sounds like a deep story I’d like to hear more about.
ReplyIt is always a pleasure to participate in such an amazing event. Such perfect timing too as FyreSyde just opened our first round of submissions. Already, the information has been super helpful and informative. I can’t wait to see how this month goes! It’s always so exciting!
ReplyI’m a little confused – when you say you expect an elevator pitch prior to a query, does that mean the initial reach out to you should literally only have an elevator pitch in it? Or do you mean that’s the intro to a longer email/ letter?
ReplyAn elevator pitch is handy to have when you meet an agent or publisher at a book event. It gives them insight into what they can expect from your book. A pitch itself is where you go into detail as to why a publisher or agent should look at your book. It is very similar to a query letter but much shorter. Think of a pitch as being the description of your book on Amazon. It isn’t elaborating on the details of your book but offering a bit about it and what we can expect from your book.
FyreSyde deals with elevator pitches at the live events we attend. It lets us know if we might want to request a query. We actually deal with querying when it comes to submissions and pitches when it comes to reviews and guest posts. Hope that clears things up for you.
I’ve never pitched a book, but I’ve tried something similar with potential readers. That is, I’ll mention that I’m an author and if they express interest then I hand them a business card. I’ve prepared a card for each of my books with a thumbnail of the cover, where it can be purchased, my web site, and the book’s blurb.
For an elevator pitch to a publisher or agent, would the business card idea be useful?
Brian,
As a publisher, I know I wouldn’t want to get a card to give me a pitch. It usually seems a bit unprofessional and can easily get lost with all the cards I get handed. However, as a publisher who goes to conventions, business cards and advertising cards are an amazing way to reach potential readers!
ReplyYou’re tempting me to make the pitch when I probably wouldn’t otherwise. I’m going to give this serious consideration this weekend and (probably) take the plunge. Really useful post–I like the way you’ve made the distinctions in types of pitches and how-to steps to formulate your own.
ReplyMcKenna,
I’m very glad the post helps you. As a publisher, we are always wanting to hear author pitches, especially since we do so many live shows. Having a pitch can help tell an agent or publisher you meet in person what they can expect from your book. Having one prepared can help you land sales in the weirdest places you might never think of. I definitely recommend having one ready!
ReplyI’m prepping for DFW Con and terrified about the pitch/consultation opportunity. I’ll be coming back to this post many times in the next month. Thank you! Readers are lost in the first chapters, getting unvarnished input is worth more than the suggested retail price would love to win the consult & revision.
ReplyVery glad it helped. I understand how daunting pitching can be. DFWCon huh? You aren’t too far away from us. We couldn’t make it this year unfortunately but we are aiming to go next year. I wish you the best in the giveaway!
ReplySo this article was really helpful.
It also made me feel a whole lot better about myself since I occasionally feel like I’m in a vacuum as an author. Or maybe an abyss…not sure.
Elevator pitches are something I am horrible at. I talk to people for a living, every day and I can talk about writing in general, pop culture, my kids, the shape of the damn clouds etc without missing a beat. Ask me about one of my books and go and on about it talking with my hands and a whole lot of inflection to the point I have bored the person senseless.
So thanks for the advice and course of action. It will help me practice.
ReplyMichael, I’m very glad the article helped you! At FyreSyde, we know what it feels like to feel lost in a vast sea of faces. It’s one reason we pride ourselves on walking with our authors from the very start of their journey. Elevator pitches can be extremely difficult but in the long run can land you sales in some of the most unthinkable places. Definitely spend some time making one and if you need any help, feel free to reach out to us at FyreSyde. We love to help in any way we can!
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