The Pitch

A pitch is a tool used to capture the attention of an agent, editor, or buyer and convince them to read your manuscript. Your goal isn’t to summarize every detail of the story, but to spark enough curiosity that they have to see the rest of your work.

The Purpose of a Pitch

• To pique an agent, editor, or book buyer’s interest and entice them to read the manuscript (or book).

• The goal is not to tell them everything.

• The goal is to make them want to read your work.
  
  

Core Pitch Elements

• The Protagonist: Introduce the lead character by highlighting the core traits and relatable qualities that make them compelling to follow.

• The Inciting Incident: Pinpoint the catalyst or unexpected event that upends their normal life and sets the narrative in motion.

• The Stakes: Define the character’s primary goal along with the immediate consequences or loss they face if they do not succeed.

• Core Subject: Define the primary topic or theme driving the book (such as an emotion, concept, or specialized topic).

• Target Audience: Identify the intended readership and explain what directly engages them with the subject.

• The Unique Angle: Detail the fresh, interactive, or distinct approach that sets this book apart from existing titles on the same topic.

Crafting the Hook

• Keep It Tight: Focus on 1–3 punchy sentences that map out the core narrative without over-explaining.

• Focus on Stakes, Not Spoilers: Highlight the protagonist, their driving desire, and the central conflict. Show what they stand to lose, but keep the resolution secret.

• Infuse Story Voice: Match the pitch’s tone to your manuscript’s style; convey suspense, humor, or lyricism through your word choice rather than labeling it.

• Show, Don’t Tell: Demonstrate the story’s unique flavor directly through creative writing instead of explicitly stating its tone.

Pitch Architecture

• The Hook: Grab attention immediately using compelling voice, tone, or premise.

• Character & Context: Introduce the lead character within their everyday world.

• Inciting Incident: Identify the disruption that breaks their routine and triggers the main narrative arc.

• The Stakes: Clearly state why the outcome matters and what the character risks losing.

Pitch Formula A

Pitch = Main Character + Goal + Obstacle + Action(s) + Theme

• Main Character: The central character driving the story.

• Goal: The specific outcome or object the character wants to achieve.

• Obstacle: The primary challenge or adversary blocking their progress.

• Action(s): The steps the character takes to overcome the challenge.

• Theme: The core message, emotional takeaway, or underlying reason the story matters.

Pitch Prompts

• My protagonist is...

• Their goal is to...

• However, they face...

• In response, they must...

• Ultimately, they discover that...

Pitch Openings

• Establish the Setting: Paint the scene or time period immediately.

• Declare the Goal: Open with the character’s primary desire.

• Use “When...”: Introduce the narrative catalyst directly via a conditional opener.

• Lead with Conflict: Jump straight into the central problem facing the protagonist.

• Highlight Juxtaposition: Contrast two unexpected elements right at the start.

Pitch Frameworks A

• Goal-Oriented: [HERO] seeks [GOAL], but faces [OBSTACLE], forcing them to [TAKE ACTION] and realize [THEME].

• Inciting Incident-Oriented: When [EVENT/OBSTACLE] occurs, [HERO] must [TAKE ACTION / PURSUE GOAL] to uncover [THEME].

• Conflict-Oriented: Driven to resolve [OBSTACLE], [HERO] opts to [TAKE ACTION / PURSUE GOAL], ultimately discovering [THEME].

Pitch Pitfalls

• The Synopsis Trap: Explaining the full plot, including the climax and ending.

• The Info-Dump: Overloading the text with background lore, setting details, or minor characters.

• The Generic Hook: Relying on familiar clichés instead of capturing the manuscript’s distinct voice.

• The Passive Protagonist: Failing to clarify the character’s active goal and the direct obstacles in their path.

Pitch Formula B

Pitch = Subject + Approach + Structure/Style + Examples + Takeaway

• Subject: The primary concept or educational topic.

• Approach: The specific lens, perspective, or angle used to present the material.

• Structure / Style: The visual or literary format framing the content.

• Examples: Key details or touchpoints used to illustrate the main idea.

• Takeaway: The primary educational or conceptual value for the reader.

Pitch Frameworks B

• Illustrative Progression: From [EXAMPLE] to [EXAMPLE], exploring [SUBJECT] reveals [THEME / TAKEAWAY].

• Experiential Journey: Take a [STYLE] journey through [SUBJECT] to encounter [EXAMPLES] and discover [THEME / TAKEAWAY].

• Conceptual Overview: [TITLE] uses a [STYLE / APPROACH] to examine [SUBJECT], leading young readers to [THEME / TAKEAWAY].

Maximizing Pitch Hooks

• Definition: The pitch details what the story is; the hook highlights why it is commercially viable and necessary.

• Target Goal: Incorporate up to 3 distinct hooks into the submission package.

• The Differentiating Question: Identify precisely what sets this manuscript apart from existing titles on similar topics.

• Analogy: The pitch formula provides the framework; the hook provides the energy.

Sources for Pitch Hooks

• Character: Unique, unexpected, or highly marketable leads.

• Subject / Concept: Fresh takes on evergreen topics.

• Theme: Universal emotional cores that resonate with young readers.

• Setting / Situation: Distinctive environments or relatable milestones.

• Structure / Format: Unconventional narrative devices, interactive layouts, or circular storytelling.

• Voice / POV: A memorable narrative perspective.

• Juxtaposition: Pairing two contrasting concepts together.

• Timeliness: Addressing topics with current market demand.

Voice & Tone Strategy

• Query Copy: Maintain formal business communications for the cover letter framework.

• Pitch Copy: Mirror the exact tone, syntax, and style of the manuscript text.

• Demonstrate Skill: Show writing talent and emotional resonance directly through narrative sentence structure instead of describing it.

Live Pitching Contexts

• Pre-Publication: Writing conferences, academic or MFA programs, industry referrals, post-submission invitations, or direct professional networking.

• Post-Publication: Media interviews, bookseller presentations, conference panels, and school visits.

Live Pitch Structure

1. Introduction: State your name and credentials.

2. Setup: Provide title, word count, age category, and primary theme.

3. Delivery: Present the concise narrative pitch.

Media & Bookseller Pitch Touchpoints

• Creator credits (illustrator details and notable collaborations).

• Publisher information and release specifications.

• Inspirations behind the project.

• Key emotional takeaways for young readers.

• Purchasing channels and event scheduling.

Live Pitch Guidelines

• Do: Rehearse out loud, record practice runs, prepare for follow-up questions, pace the delivery, maintain eye contact, and present an authentic persona.

• Don’t: Recite text robotically, rush the delivery, pitch multiple manuscripts at once, break professional boundaries, or become defensive during feedback.

Online Pitch Event Protocols

• Format: Social media pitching events designated by specific event hashtags.

• Constraints: Strictly adhere to character limits.

• Technique: Use concise formatting, simplified comp notations (A x B), appropriate industry tags, and remove unnecessary filler words.

Pitch Refinement Process

• Identify: Isolate essential narrative elements, unique hooks, primary conflict, and emotional core.

• Eliminate: Strip away secondary plotlines, unnecessary adjectives, and non-essential character names.

• Test: Read the pitch aloud repeatedly to refine rhythm, verify voice, and trim unnecessary word count.