If you have ever searched for a job, you have probably been advised to create and perfect your elevator speech. In other words, know how to describe who you are and your expertise in a few simple sentences. That way, if you ever run into someone who can advance your career, you'll be able to explain what you can offer the company in a quick and memorable manner.
When marketing your book, it's equally important to be able to summarize your book and highlight why someone should read it in preparation for the day you run into a book buyer, literary agent, or publisher. It’s imperative that you describe your book without spoiling it or boring the reader. After all the time and effort you've put into crafting each and every word, this is no easy task. Don't fear! Read on to learn how to capture the essence of your book and effectively relay it to a potential customer.
"Craft your book's elevator speech as if it's going to be printed on a billboard with mere seconds to capture your target’s attention."
Words on a billboard need to be simple and direct to ensure the message is absorbed by target consumers zooming by at 60 miles per hour. Craft your book's elevator speech as if it's going to be printed on a billboard with mere seconds to capture your target’s attention. Of course, mention the book's title and who the book is intended for (e.g. Is it a children's book or a book for people looking to invest money for the first time?).
Then, think of something memorable that will help a person recall the book at a later date. This can be done by comparing the style to that of a famous author or book (e.g. written in the style of Harry Potter or as terrifying as a Stephen King novel) or by mentioning something your book offers that no other book does, such as your unique expertise in a certain area or a plot that's rarely been touched by another author. Be sure not to dwell on the memorable piece. It should be a hook to entice your potential reader to learn more, just like an advertising slogan. Make sure this part of your description doesn't give anything away and is no longer than two sentences. Ideally, the person you’re talking to will be so intrigued that they'll want to buy your book right away.
"Specifics are not important in your elevator speech and will make your book less memorable to the person you're talking to."
If you're still having trouble, make sure you're leaving out all auxiliary parts of the book. Forget subplots and supporting characters. Leave out everything that isn't essential to the most basic part of your book. Narrow it down to something like "Lawyer saves criminal's daughter" or "My book helps entrepreneurs write an efficient marketing plan." Specifics are not important in your elevator speech and will make your book less memorable to the person you're talking to. Useless information and minute details will only make them tune you out. You want to excite, not bore, your potential customer. Sure, your short description may not be all your book has to offer, but it's enough to let the reader judge whether or not the book is a good fit and, hopefully, spark enough interest to pick up a copy.
When giving your elevator speech, be excited and confident about your work. No one will be excited to read a book that the author isn't even thrilled about. Use colorful terms when talking about your book and answer questions succinctly and happily. Don't over promise, but make sure you convey that you are proud of your book and believe readers will enjoy it.
I was glad to see that the pitch can include a reference to a comparable novel with the phrase "written in the style of" since the story line and overarching themes In my opinion are comparable to the classic play "Death of A Salesman" and I did not want to be too presumptious.
I have learned to switch up my "elevator pitch," having to rehash the same narrative is tedious. I hit most of the bullet points and just switch up my delivery a tad bit. It's a lot harder to sell a book than a burger, but I believe it will come with time.
Great information - Thank You! I am a first time writer just having finished my incredible life story: "Naked in the Middle of a Tornado: The True Story of One Family's Unbelievable Fight Against Polycystic kidney Disease (PKD)". I now have a starting point.