When to Develop Your Book’s Elevator Pitch - article

One piece of the market puzzle is the elevator pitch. Your elevator pitch is a short, part hook/part summary of your book. It's called an elevator pitch because it should take a 30 second elevator ride to share it. 

An elevator pitch is a big piece of your marketing plan, but when do you start developing it? Authors should think about creating an elevator pitch early on in the creation process, even before they have competed writing their book. For some, an elevator pitch is the very first step on a journey to write a novel.

You might be surprised how many times you're asked this question in a professional setting: What is your book about? You don't want to come across unprofessional when asked this question. Networking is a crucial part of creating a successful book. You want to create "buzz" about your book, and your elevator pitch is the way to do that. Hemming and hawing or rambling are sure ways to miss a big opportunity. 

Most authors hone their elevator pitch with their critique group. Once the pitch is refined and hooks audiences, it's ready to be shared with your bigger networking circle. You will meet editors, agents, and publishers at events like conferences and retreats. Your elevator pitch can open the doors for submitting your manuscript. You might even sell your book on the strength of your pitch. You don't want to be remembered as the author who didn't have a clue what her novel was about. 

Your elevator pitch isn't for just the beginning of your journey. You will get a lot of mileage out of it. Once your book is published, your pitch will be used in marketing efforts -- book buyers, online blurbs, web copy, printed marketing materials -- your pitch will be used again and again as the hook to get your book into readers' hands. The mandate is easy: create a polished, professional elevator pitch ASAP. 

Create your pitch and practice sharing it. Don't hesitate to seek help. Your book's future depends on 30 seconds of content. Begin now to ensure it's an irresistible 30 seconds.