How to Write a Novel Pitch
You've finally finished writing, revising and vetting your novel. In addition, you may have poured endless hours into writing your synopsis. Now, as if those writing requirements to become a published author weren't tough enough, the hard part begins. You must begin the tough task of selling your novel to an agent or publisher. Selling, or pitching your novel, however, doesn't have to leave you frustrated. Your novel pitch is one of the most important aspects of becoming a published author. It is, after all, what attracts your future agent or publisher to your novel.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
How to Write a Novel Pitch
-
1
Write a short pitch. This pitch is the summary of your novel. According to Louisa Burton's FictionCraft, your pitch should be is either one to two sentences long. Since this is your sales pitch, include an attention-grabbing first sentence.
If you're counting words, your pitch should be approximately 50 words or less.
-
2
Emphasize your conflict in your pitch. It's an important element of your story and in selling your novel. Information about your novel's conflict is what your future publisher or editor what to know about.
-
-
3
Include important details about your novel. In your next short paragraph, let your future agent or publisher know details like the names of your main characters, plot and length of your novel in words. Also incorporate the type of novel, romance or contemporary, for instance, in your pitch.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Also, include your projected audience and what imprint (if you're writing to a publisher) your novel would fit into.
If you have to pitch your novel in person, for instance at a conference, be prepared. In addition to memorizing your interesting and attention-grabbing pitch, have notes just in case you forget. Most importantly, be prepared for the unexpected.
Your future agent or publisher may want you to elaborate on your novel or talk more about your writing experience, which can divert you from your prepared pitch. Worse, according to FictionCraft, you may have to fill in any awkward pauses after your pitch. So have some comments or questions for those dreaded silent moments.
Make sure to pay attention to what your future publisher or agent requests along with your pitch. For example, don't include your partial or full manuscript or synopsis if it's not requested.
Don't rush your pitch. Whether you're writing your pitch in a query letter or trying to grab your future publisher's or editor's attention at a conference, take the time to make it as great as your novel. According to Absolute Write, rushing your novel pitch could be the difference between a publisher or agent wanting to see your novel or rejecting your novel without seeing it.
