Time to Pitch ~By Suzy Leopold

Are you ready for some pitching?

StL Cardinals

No! Not that kind of pitch! 

You don't need your bat and ball!

You need a piece of paper and a pencil.

I'm talking about a pitch for a book! Specifically, a verbal pitch for a reader, an agent or an author. 

WHO should write a pitch?     

• Writers

WHAT is a pitch?    

• A concise summary of a book. 
• A compressed summary of a book.
• A summary of a book expressed in very few words.
• A synopsis of your story.

WHY write a pitch?

• Support the vital idea and premise of a story.
• An excellent tool that clearly states the purpose and meaning of a story.
• To capture the attention and hook a reader, an agent and/or editor.

HOW to write a pitch:

There are numerous styles of pitches and many ideas on how to write a pitch.

There are elevator pitches, 3 to 5 minute pitches, structured loglines, verbal pitches and more. 

There are a variety of examples, templates, and frameworks to guide your writing as you create a pitch.

Example #1

1. Once upon a time there was ________.

2. Every day ________.

3. One day ________.

4. Because of that ________.

5. Because of that ________.

6. Until finally ________.

Example #2

• Identify the main character. Who is he/she? Why should the reader care?
• State what he/she wants/needs.
• Explain what stands in the way.
• Briefly share the beginning, middle and end.
• Idnetify the genre.
• Share your pitch with enthusiasm.

Example #3

• Somebody ________.
• Wants/Needs ________.
• But ________.
• So, ________.
• Then ________.

Words to Know:

• Concise
• Succinct
• Focused
• Clarity
• Premise

Additional Thoughts on Preparing a Verbal Pitch:

Consider the thesis of your manuscript. Think about a thesis in the thematic sense and not in terms of plot. What is your story ultimately about?

Think about the heart of your story. What is it truly about? What do you want the reader to take away?

Use active, concise language and short sentences so the listener can process all of the information. 

Just like writing a manuscript, once you have a draft for your pitch, it is important to reread it. Read the pitch aloud. Revise it again and again. Rewrite your pitch. 

Just as you seek some objective opinions and fresh eyes for your manuscripts, share your pitch with a trusted writerly friend or a critique group.

You may want to consider writing four to five pitches for one manuscript. Consider writing the pitch in different ways with several voices. Write a pitch in the main character's voice or in an author's voice.

Tell your story in a unique way so that the listener will request to hear more about your story.

A well planned pitch should intrigue and pique interest.  A thoughtful pitch will make your manuscript stand out from the rest. 

Choose your words carefully. This is time for your story to shine. Practice your pitch. Memorize your pitch.

Happy First Day 

of Autumn

Autumn on the Illinois Prairie

Time to play ball!

Share your idea of a verbal pitch for a manuscript that you are writing. Post it in the comment section below.