Perfect Your Pitch

Perfect Your Pitch
Friday, February 6, 2026 by Andrea Merrell

Image by Wolfgang Eckert from Pixabay By Andrea Merrell

According to Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, pitch can mean: a high-pressured sales presentation; advertisement; recommendation; or plug. In this post, we want to eliminate the words high-pressured and concentrate on presentation.

In your career as a writer, there will be many opportunities to pitch your work. Let’s look at some keys to help you hit the target.

Consider the words succinct and concise—a thirty to sixty-second synopsis of your project, delivered with passion and persuasion. Think of this as an ice breaker that may lead to a more extensive explanation of your WIP (work in progress).

Back-Cover Copy

Most authors find it hard to create back-cover copy for their book. It’s a matter of putting your book into a nutshell that will let people know what your book is about. I typically suggest creating this first. It helps you see the overall picture more clearly which, in turn, helps you present it more clearly. Some writers find it helpful to begin with back cover copy and then develop their shorter elevator pitch.

Subtitles and Taglines

Sometimes your elevator pitch can be something as simple as using your subtitle or tagline. My first book, Murder of a Manuscript, has a catchy title, but it’s a little elusive. A few people have asked if it’s a novel. The best way I’ve found to explain my book—thus creating an elevator pitch—is to use the subtitle: Writing and Editing Tips to Keep Your Book Out of the Editorial Graveyard.

Pitching to an Agent, Editor, or Publisher

Don’t be shy, intimidated, or afraid. These professionals are there to help you, not embarrass you or make you feel unqualified. Remember, they were once in your shoes. Just be yourself.
Do your research. Before you meet with an industry professional, be familiar with the genres they represent and know what they are looking for. (Side note: Don’t try to meet with everyone. Pray for guidance and choose only three or four people to meet with, unless they recommend someone else to you.)
Be prepared. Have business cards with your photo. Don’t try to present your entire manuscript. If you have a one-sheet, it should include your name, contact info, title, short synopsis (think back cover copy), and a short bio.
Ask questions, but don’t monopolize your entire fifteen minutes. This can be a good time to throw out a few ideas and brainstorm with someone who can give you direction. (Another side note: If you hand someone your one-sheet or pages to read, please sit quietly and allow them to read. Don’t offer comments and try to explain while they are reading.)
Be gracious. If you get what you consider to be negative feedback, don’t argue—and don’t take it personally. Most of these professionals have been in the business for years. Take the feedback as constructive and learn from the opportunity.

Bottom Line

Know your work so well that you can say it in a few short sentences. Always be ready. You never know whose life your words may touch or when that opportunity will arise, whether at a writers’ conference or in line at the grocery store.

photo – Image by Wolfgang Eckert from Pixabay