Hey, busy writers! Finally sending out those queries to agents? If not, what’s holding you back? Oh, yes, there’s so much to prepare—your query letter, your opening pages, a 1-2 page synopsis… And don’t forget that one thing that always trips us up: the pitch. You know, that 1-3 sentence summary of your 300-400-page manuscript? It’s enough to make anyone choke on their coffee. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here are 5 ways to slay that query pitch dragon:
1. Don’t panic
If an agent asks for a pitch, don’t freak out! This is your moment to show that you’re prepared, you know your story, and you’re ready to be represented. Sure, it’s intimidating, but the pitch is just another opportunity to prove you’re the real deal. Take a little time to craft it thoughtfully—this isn’t a last-minute “throw it together” job. A killer pitch tells the agent you’ve done your research, you understand the market, and you’re serious about your manuscript. So breathe. You’ve got this!
2. Don’t get lost in the weeds
How to explain the depths of your protagonist’s internal struggle, while also describing how they uncover their grandfather’s dark secret, all while falling for the love interest, who’s unknowingly part of a government conspiracy? While your story might be that complex (or even more so), a pitch isn’t the place to dive into every detail. If you’ve got just one sentence to work with, use this formula: Who is your character? (Think occupation or main descriptor: student, orphan, adventurer, etc.) + What’s your hook? (What happens that they must act upon, or what makes your book compelling.) + What’s in the way? (The obstacle or conflict they need to overcome.)
Example:
- A young girl + must deliver food to her grandmother + while being pursued by a wolf = Little Red Riding Hood
If you’ve got 3-4 sentences, break it down further:
- Who’s your character and what’s their problem?
- What do they attempt to do about it? (The goal—the reason people will want to read your book.)
- What’s at stake if they don’t succeed? (The consequences or stakes of failure.)
Keep it tight, keep it focused, and make your future agent and readers care about your protagonist’s journey.
3. Don’t oversimplify
Here’s the thing: While your pitch needs to be short and punchy, don’t oversimplify the heart of your story. You’re not just summarizing the plot—you’re selling your book. This means the pitch should still convey what makes your story stand out from the crowd. Don’t leave out those special qualities that make your story worth reading. For example, if your book is about a small-town girl who discovers she has magical powers, the pitch should include how that magic impacts the character’s journey—not just the fact that she has powers. Whether it’s about her inner transformation or the external stakes, make sure your pitch shows why the reader (or agent) should care.
4. Don’t go it alone
You don’t have to figure out your pitch by yourself! This is where your critique partners or beta readers come in. Get their opinions on whether the pitch captures the essence of your story. If they’re familiar with your manuscript, they can help you pinpoint what’s truly compelling. Sometimes, you’ll miss the forest for the trees (or vice versa), so getting feedback from others is invaluable. Ask them, “Does this pitch make you want to read more?” If they hesitate, that’s a sign to refine it further.
5. Don’t ignore the instructions
When an agent provides guidelines on how to pitch your book (like a 1-sentence logline or 3-4 sentences), make sure you follow them to the letter. It might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many writers ignore these instructions. Agents know exactly what they’re looking for, and if they want a quick, snappy logline, that’s what you give them. The goal is to sum up your story clearly, concisely, and compellingly. Follow the guidelines and make every word count.
Conclusion
Summing up your entire manuscript in a few sentences isn’t easy—but it’s not impossible. The key is to show your future agent that you’ve got something that anyone would be willing to read, simply by hearing the basic concept. So take some time and get creative with this. And don’t forget to save your pitch somewhere handy, along with any other details agents typically request. It’ll be one less thing to stress about when you’re ready to query. You’ve got this!