If you’re a writer, if you know writer’s or if you’ve ever hung out with writers, you’ve likely heard the term “Elevator pitch”.
Some of you may know what it is, others may even teach writers how to swing a good elevator pitch.
Most of you might be wondering what the hell an Elevator Pitch is.
The origins are either at Vanity Fair or at International Telephone and Telegraph. Basically, the central figure in these stories are either journalists or test technicians, trying to pitch ideas to the CEO of their respective companies.
The CEO is always on the move, as CEO’s are, and they don’t have time to stop to hear a presentation. The journalist/tech doesn’t push, but is determined to get the idea to the CEO. So they get the CEO into an elevator and pitch their idea in the space of the elevator ride.
This is the make or break point. The elevator ride that typically takes anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes is where the pitch must contain enough elements of the presentation to convince the CEO to want to hear more.
Do yourself a favor and pick up The Art of Getting your Own Sweet Way and Quality is Still Free by Phillip Crosby if you want to hear more about the tech from ITT. He’s the author.
I’ve touched on this a little before, so why am I writing about it now?
Because it’s important, and it’s always a good thing to reiterate the important things.
Not good enough? Thought so.
Let’s say you’ve written a book, or you’re writing a book, and you want to talk to people about it. But you don’t want to reveal too much about it, and/or you don’t want to overwhelm them with the information.
The elevator pitch is handy for giving people just enough to keep them interested.
Perhaps you’re at a writing conference and you strike up a conversation with a literary agent. (It has happened before). An elevator pitch is very handy in this situation.
Better?
Ok then.
Other people, who know a lot more than I do, typically teach classes on this subject. So I’ll leave that to them.
I’ll just give you a basic guide on the elevator pitch.
Your pitch should contain just enough of your book’s plot to hook your audience.
This hook should be an idea that can be given in a single sentence.
If your hook is successful, be ready with another bite sized chunk of presentation. (Is your book finished, in progress, how many words, etc.
Those are the bare minimum basics.
Don’t take me at my word. Seek out those who know more and prepare as much as you are able.
Good luck.
The Wayside 