Chapter 2 | On Pitching
An elevator pitch is a brief way of introducing yourself, getting across a key point or two, and making a connection with someone. It's called an elevator pitch because it takes roughly the amount of time you would spend riding an elevator with someone!
Your elevator pitch must get to the concept or question at the heart of your story quickly and succinctly and is good to have in your repertoire for any in person pitching opportunities.
Your elevator pitch is basically your tagline and logline smooshed together that hopefully include:
the set up (external stakes) - the crucial elements the reader needs to know before being dropped into the story.
the conflict (internal stakes) - the big question at the heart of your story that evokes intrigue
hook (philosophical stakes) - the big thematic elements of your story
Here is an example of some elevator pitches:
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
'Two teenage cancer patients begin a life-affirming journey to visit a reclusive author in Amsterdam. (IMDb)
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. (Amazon)
The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum
A man with amnesia faces life on the run from shadowy enemies as he fights to piece together his identity — and his mysterious connection to the CIA. (Netflix)
Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Yearning for escape and adventure, a young boy runs away from home and sails to an island filled with creatures that take him in as their king. (IMDb)
There are examples of elevator pitches everywhere - pick your favourite books, films and tv shows and see how they’re talked about online!