Mastering the Elevator Pitch: A Guide for Every Writer

Every writer reaches a point where they must describe their book in a sentence or two. This could be to an agent, a publisher, a reader, or even a friend who casually asks, “What’s your book about?”

That’s the elevator pitch. If you don’t have one, you’re missing a powerful tool.

An elevator pitch is not the same as a summary. This is one of the biggest mistakes I see writers make. It often leads to a long-winded explanation of the entire plot while the listener's eyes glaze over. The elevator pitch is your story’s hook, boiled down to its essence. It should spark curiosity. Whether you’re querying an agent, networking at a writing event, or marketing your book independently, having a clear pitch increases your chances of generating real interest in your story.

Why Writers Skip the Elevator Pitch (and Why That’s a Mistake)

Many writers avoid crafting a pitch because they feel their story is too complex to simplify. SPOILER ALERT: It’s not. If it is, that’s a story problem. Others assume pitches are only for agents or conferences. However, every writer benefits from being able to articulate their story succinctly.

A strong pitch forces clarity. It compels you to identify your protagonist, conflict, stakes, and unique angle. If you can’t explain your story in one or two sentences, it’s likely that some parts of your manuscript aren’t fully clear either. The pitch serves as a tool for both communication and creative focus.

How to Craft an Elevator Pitch

Can you quickly identify the who, what, and why of your story?

I usually teach writers to think of a pitch in three parts:

1. The Hook

This is the element that grabs attention. It could be a unique premise, a twist, or a compelling question.

Example: “In a future where books are banned, a fireman’s job is to burn them — until he starts secretly reading the very words he’s meant to destroy.” (Fahrenheit 451)

2. The Core Conflict

What’s at stake? What drives your protagonist?

In the example above, the conflict is clear: Montag must choose between protecting his forbidden knowledge or surrendering to a society built on ignorance.

3. The Unique Angle or Theme

What sets your story apart? Why should someone care?

Here, it’s the exploration of censorship, conformity, and resistance — framed through a speculative, dystopian lens.

Common Mistakes Writers Make

• Overloading the pitch with detail: The pitch should tease, not summarize every subplot. If you're giving more than 2-3 sentences, you're doing it wrong.

• Being vague: “It’s about a woman's search for happiness after loss” is generic, too broad, and doesn’t spark interest.

• Focusing on writing style over story: Agents, editors, and readers need the story first; style can be discussed later.

• Mistaking themes for a pitch: "Book club fiction that explores friendship, grief, and the search for happiness." This still doesn't give us any idea of what the story is about — it could apply to any number of novels and doesn't highlight what's special about yours.

  
  

Examples - Before & After

Weak Pitch: “It’s about a future government that controls people’s lives and memories.”

Stronger Pitch: “In a society where every citizen’s memories are monitored and edited by the state, an archivist discovers evidence of her own past being rewritten — forcing her to choose between obedience and rebellion.”

Weak Pitch: “It’s about a family that has problems when the father dies.”

Stronger Pitch: “When their father dies suddenly, three adult siblings must confront old rivalries and buried secrets while deciding the fate of the family home.”

When You’ll Use an Elevator Pitch

Don't get caught without a go-to pitch, especially at networking events with industry professionals and readers.

1. Querying Agents or Publishers: It’s the first impression in a query letter or at a pitch session.

2. Networking Events or Conferences: A quick, memorable pitch helps you connect with industry professionals.

3. Self-Promotion & Marketing: Even for indie authors, a concise pitch is useful for social media posts, blurbs, and newsletter introductions.

   
   

Having a versatile pitch means you can adjust length or detail depending on your audience. Sometimes you'll need one sentence for a casual introduction, other times two to three sentences for a query or book blurb.

How I Help Writers Perfect Their Pitch

I’ve worked with countless authors who struggle to condense complex manuscripts into a few sentences. Together, we identify the hook, distill the conflict, and highlight what makes the story unique.

60+ pages full of step-by-step guides, exercises, and tests to perfect your pitch and strengthen your story.

A 1-hour consultation can focus on your manuscript and leave you with a polished pitch that works across querying, networking, and marketing.

Or, if you prefer a self-guided approach, my Premise & Hook Builder Workbook is an incredible resource that provides exercises, templates, and examples to get your story pitch-ready.

Quick Tips You Can Use Today

• Write three different versions of your pitch: 30 seconds, 60 seconds, and 90 seconds.

• Test your pitch on a friend or writer group. See if it sparks questions or curiosity.

• Don’t memorize word-for-word; internalize the core story and speak naturally.

• Update your pitch as your manuscript evolves — clarity grows with your story.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Your elevator pitch is a small but powerful tool that can open doors. It clarifies your story for you and your readers, helps you engage agents or industry professionals, and can even guide your marketing.

If you haven’t crafted one yet, start today! And if you want a little extra guidance, book a 1-hour consultation or download the Premise & Hook Builder Workbook to refine a pitch that works across querying, networking, and promotion.