I was going to point out in the post (but decided not to) that you can tell the evolution of the pitches a bit, in that the Chester Barkingham pitch doesn't quite have the grabby hook that the other ones do. I'm still working on it!
That gives me hope because currently when I describe my books it takes me give or take an hour 😉 it will be cool to see how your pitch changes as you refine it! (Future substack post??)
But you also have a book where all you have to do is say the title! Just leave it at that! Seriously, if people aren't looking to pick up your book based on the title alone, what are they even doing?
Yes! I suddenly realized, not only from a point of competing, but just a point of being helpful, that it was nice to have a quick synopsis. There are SO MANY books! I want to help people find the right one!
I often say that if you're having trouble with a manuscript, trying to write a pitch can shine a light on what's not working. Or what is! I have definitely written pitches for manuscripts-in-progress and learned that the book was about something I didn't even realize.
So smart! And your pitches are so good!!
I was going to point out in the post (but decided not to) that you can tell the evolution of the pitches a bit, in that the Chester Barkingham pitch doesn't quite have the grabby hook that the other ones do. I'm still working on it!
That gives me hope because currently when I describe my books it takes me give or take an hour 😉 it will be cool to see how your pitch changes as you refine it! (Future substack post??)
But you also have a book where all you have to do is say the title! Just leave it at that! Seriously, if people aren't looking to pick up your book based on the title alone, what are they even doing?
You're the best. Thanks for making me feel like a million bucks today :)
The post-it synopsis is such a great idea, especially for book fairs where there is a LOT of competition!
Yes! I suddenly realized, not only from a point of competing, but just a point of being helpful, that it was nice to have a quick synopsis. There are SO MANY books! I want to help people find the right one!
This is genius! Just pulled out sticky notes to put on my books at upcoming events!
Love this! I have a festival next weekend so this post is perfect timing.
DO IT! I can't wait to hear about how well it works! (It seriously was like a magic trick.)
I’m excited to try it!
I love this idea Julie! Anything to make it easy for people to know "Yes" I'm interested in this person's creations.
Such a timely post. I'm doing my first event for my debut picture book! I'm typing up pitch cards right now!
Perfect! I did think that when I do another festival, I would bring pre-made cards. I'm always looking for an excuse to break out the laminator.
So good. I love this.
Oh my gosh, so smart. Totally stealing this in the future.
Oh good!
What a great exercise to use a Post-It note to create a book summary, even for those of us with unpublished manuscripts. Love it!
I often say that if you're having trouble with a manuscript, trying to write a pitch can shine a light on what's not working. Or what is! I have definitely written pitches for manuscripts-in-progress and learned that the book was about something I didn't even realize.
Great, simple tip for increasing sales at book events!
Seriously, the encouragement you give us someday-I’ll-have-a-book-in-the-wild people is so appreciated.
Love this, Julie! I'm going to do this myself!