Unfortunately there is no such thing as the perfect pitch. Even worse, how do you boil all the awesome going on in your book into a query, or something shorter like a 35 word pitch. The short answer? You don't. You can't include every cool detail. You also can't answer every possible question asked. That's what the book is for. So how do you know what to include and what to toss?
The first question to ask yourself is what is the single most unique part of your book? What makes you book different from all the other ones out there with similarities? If you've found that bit then you have the basis for your pitch. Why start here? Because the point of your pitch is not to tell every little detail and plot point but to intrigue the reader, make them want to know more about your book.
From the unique piece, you can start crafting. Build outward from there. With that unique part, you should be able to tie to at least one important piece of your pitch, your inciting incident, your conflict, and/or your stakes. Once you have a link you should be able to weave all the details together into your pitch. Make sure you include enough detail that you can follow a logical progression through all of these things without leaving holes or too many confusing questions. But you also don't want so much detail that you are giving away your entire book or overloading the reader. Find the balance.
Now that you have a pitch, see what kind of questions people are asking about it. Questions aren't always a bad thing. Your reader should be asking questions after a pitch but they shouldn't be ones driven by confusion. They should want to know more about your story. Hopefully you planted a seed that makes them want to read and learn more about your book. So don't worry about trying to squeeze in every detail. Find what reels in the reader and ditch the rest.
Obviously a query is going to have more detail than a logline or short pitch but if you focus on the unique hook of your story first, that should help you bring in just enough detail to weave a great pitch.
What helps you construct your pitches?
I've come around to writing the pitch before writing the manuscript. I figure if I can't come up with a good pitch, then I need to rethink the manuscript. When the manuscript is done, then I already have a rough pitch to work with.
ReplyDeleteohh I like that idea. I think that helps you frame the story and it's a definite bonus to have a pitch when you finish :)
DeleteStaying away from traditional publishing certainly helps me with my pitches.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I'm curious to know more. For instance do you stay away from traditional publishing as to not be swayed by other pitches out there or some other reason?
DeleteNo, I stay away from traditional publishing because traditional publishing is a mess right now and, instead of trying to reinvent themselves to be more fair to the authors, they are clutching tighter and tighter and trying to find more ways to keep authors from getting paid, like only giving them 10% royalties on e-books, something that costs them nothing. On top of that, they have cut the services they offer to their authors to almost nothing, so, unless you are a big name (like King or Rowling), you end up, basically, in the situation where you are paying them to take your money. Or keep your money as the case may be.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't start me on agents...
I certainly need all the help I can get on this lately... Some writers are superb pitchers also. This is a skill all its own.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true! Some writers it just comes naturally to. I know it's definitely something I have to work on.
DeleteHang in there. I'm sure you'll come up with a great pitch :)
I try to capture the hook/conflict of the story in the pitch. Like you said in your post, you only have a few lines to capture the essence of your story and it's impossible to show much more than the hook and maybe voice.
ReplyDeleteyeah the hook and conflict are definitely important. And yes voice! Also very important! Thanks for your thoughts :)
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