Just like an elevator pitch, we are going to keep this blog post short and informative!

An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive sales speech that’s perfect for those times when you have to sell your book on a moment’s notice.  By creating a short speech that you can refer to at a moment’s notice – i.e., your elevator pitch – your chances of getting tongue tied should decrease.

A good elevator pitch should last no longer than a short elevator ride, hence the name “elevator pitch.” You should be able, in 20 to 30 seconds, to explain why your book stands out from the crowd.

Let’s jump right in and review some important elements that you should consider incorporating into your speech.

Goal – What’s the aim of your elevator pitch? In this case, you want to raise awareness about and ultimately sell your book.

What’s your book about? – You should be able to clearly and concisely explain what your book is about and why reading it is worth their while. Remember, before someone else can be excited about your book, you have to show them your excitement. Your genuine emotion will exude a sense of integrity and that is something people don’t forget! And don’t forget to smile – you’re a published author and you’re proud of your work!

Why is it unique? -You need to distinctly identify what makes you and your book different. This is your main selling point; you should be able to tell a person exactly what sets your book apart from the rest in its genre.

Simplicity – Although this is a sales pitch, don’t act like an overzealous used car salesman. Rather, communicate your ideas clearly and concisely, focusing more on your passion for your story than solely on making a sale.

Write it down – Once you have some ideas of what you would want to talk about, write them down. Then condense the information and choose the points that you think will best help you sell your book in the shortest amount of time. After you have written a rough draft, go over your pitch with a fine-tooth comb until you have tailored it to pique your audience’s attention.

Practice makes perfect – At first, it may seem a little awkward to practice your pitch out loud, but like they say, practice makes perfect! Practice enough and your speech will become second nature. As a note, always remember to be aware of your body language, because sometimes it speaks louder than words. To look comfortable is to be comfortable; believe in your words and try not to sound too rehearsed.

Crafting and perfecting an elevator pitch gives you a valuable “back pocket” resource for those times when you have to flip a switch, put your best foot forward and promote your book in the quickest, most efficient way possible.

Going up!