Why Every Nonfiction Writer Needs to Write a Book Pitch

If you think that only an aspiring author seeking a traditional publishing contract needs a pitch, think again. Every aspiring nonfiction author should take the time to craft a 25-word pitch--even those thinking of independently publishing their books.

Many people know of a "pitch" as an elevator speech. This is the short and creative promotional speech you have ever ready to offer if and when you happen to find yourself in an elevator, lunch line or cocktail party with a literary agent or acquisitions editor. Having this speech prepared allows you to pitch your book. An effective pitch should elicit one response from the person who hears it: "Tell me more." You should then be prepared with three bullet points that elaborate on the pitch.

However, if you don't plan on pitching to an agent or editor'for instance, if you plan on independently publishing your book'you should still craft a great pitch. In fact, just as an aspiring nonfiction author needs a pitch prior to actually completing a book, any nonfiction writer planning on writing a book should have a pitch before sitting down at the computer to compose a manuscript. The reason for this is simple: A book pitch helps you focus your idea. If you take the time to write a pitch prior to writing your book, you'll know exactly what your book is about, which means you'll write a targeted'and more successful'book.

It's been said that if you can't write your book's idea on the back of a business card, you don't know what it's about. That's why I recommend writing a 25-word pitch early in the process of conceiving your book. At the San Francisco Writer's Conference, the pitch conference held each year used to require that pitches be 25 words or less (without the title). These days, they allow up to 50 words. (I've helped judge the contest for the last two years.) I suggest you start with 50 words and then to edit your pitch down to about 25 words. A book hook, which should follow your book's title upon first reference in a nonfiction book proposal, can be as short as 15 words. This sentence is used by a publishing house's marketing department and functions in much the same way as a pitch, only it is meant to gain readers rather than literary representation or a publishing contract.

When writing your pitch focus on how people will benefit from reading your book, how it is unique or its special benefits and features. You want to be clear about what it is about, how it is unique and why someone should read it.

Once you've accomplished this, you can pitch to an agent, an acquisitions editor or a prospective reader. When someone asks you what you're book is about, you won't hesitate to answer. Plus, when you sit down to write your book, you'll know exactly what your book is about and what promise you must keep to your readers. That means you'll be more likely to write a successful book--one that sells.


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Do you have a pitch for your book? Get a FREE PITCH GUIDE when you sign up for CopyWright Communications' free newsletter at http://www.copywrightcomunications.com . Nina Amir is a speaker, author, writing and publishing coach and mentor. Hire her to help you move past your fear and frustration with the publishing process. Reach your dream of getting your work published. Get your Free Pitch Guide at http://www.copywrightcomunications.com .