Elevator Pitch

One Book, Five Audiences: How to Change the Pitch Without Changing the Story?

Steve Piacente — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 16:35:05 GMT

Current Revision posted to Elevator Pitch by Steve Piacente on 10/8/2026 4:35:05 PM

Join author and communications coach Steve Piacente for 60 minutes of practical tips, quick exercises and a little fun as we tackle one of the biggest challenges authors face: how to talk about your book so people actually want to hear more.

In “One Book, Five Audiences,” we’ll take the same book and learn how to pitch it differently to readers, agents and publishers, booksellers and libraries, podcast and media hosts, and event organizers. You’ll see what each audience cares about, what makes them tune out, and how a small change in your message can make a big difference. You’ll leave with a stronger way to talk about your book and five different ways to put that message to work.

Same book. Five audiences. Five reasons to care.

Here is the handout referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ALC-_2D00_-5-Audiences-Handout.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../OneBookFiveAudiencesHowtoChangethePitchWithoutChangingtheStory.mp4

About the Presenter:
Steve Piacente is a longtime journalist, communications coach, and storyteller who helps smart people sound clear, confident, and human when the spotlight’s on. He spent years as a reporter and editor covering high-stakes stories, then built a second career training executives, scientists, and authors to handle live audiences, tough questions, and unscripted moments without sounding stiff or salesy. As Training Director at the Communication Center in Washington, D.C., Steve works with thought leaders, subject-matter experts and others who know their material but struggle to make it land out loud. His approach is practical, direct, and grounded in real-world speaking situations like readings, panels, interviews, podcasts, and virtual events. He believes audiences don’t want more information - they want to be led somewhere interesting. Steve is also the author of three self-published novels, including Pretender, described by Kirkus Reviews as “haunting in today’s political environment.”

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

One Book, Five Audiences: How to Change the Pitch Without Changing the Story?

Author Learning Center — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 16:33:22 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Elevator Pitch by Author Learning Center on 10/8/2026 4:33:22 PM

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Peyton Corinne's Literal Elevator Pitch for "Unbound"

Peyton Corinne — Mon, 11 May 2026 13:04:15 GMT

Current Revision posted to Elevator Pitch by Peyton Corinne on 5/11/2026 1:04:15 PM

Unbound is a lyrical romance by Peyton Corinne that follows a college couple through first love, heartbreak, and the struggle to come together again. For more on this USA Today bestselling romantic fiction author visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Peyton-Corinne/220355330.

www.youtube.com/watch

Tags: fiction, video, romance & erotica

Vir Das Pitches His Memoir...in an Elevator

Vir Das — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:44:42 GMT

Current Revision posted to Elevator Pitch by Vir Das on 2/2/2026 3:44:42 PM

Going up! Comedian Vir Das attempts to pitch his memoir before he reaches the top floor of the Simon & Schuster building. For more on this emmy-winning comedian and actor visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Vir-Das/220334745.

youtube.com/ watch

Tags: Biographies & Memoir, Nonfiction, video

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

Lindsey Gobel — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 19:00:36 GMT

Current Revision posted to Elevator Pitch by Lindsey Gobel on 2/24/2025 7:00:36 PM

In this webinar session, publicist and communications expert Lindsey Gobel teaches how an author can prepare and deliver dynamic book pitches to publishers, agents and the media. She discusses the “Dos and Don’ts” of pitching your book and the steps an author should complete before presenting their book for potential interest. In addition, Lindsey reviews:

• The differences between target audiences and how to pitch to their specific interests.
• Angles to set an author and their book apart and tie into newsworthy trends.
• Branding and how an author can distinguish themselves from their competition, based on who they want to appeal to, and their key messages.
• Media kits as an inclusive tool for pitching, including examples and a demonstration of what needs to be included in a media kit, as well as how to create one.

Authors who would like to polish their pitches and marketing materials, as well as authors who are starting at square one and don’t know where to begin, will be empowered with the knowledge and skills they gain and will feel ready to promo their book like a pro!

Here are the handouts referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ALC-Dynamic-Book-Pitches-Handout-24_5F00_GOBEL.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ALC-OneSheet-Example.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Foote_5F00_Press-Release-Example-ALC.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../CreatingDynamicBookPitchesforPublishersAgentsandtheMedia2024.mp4

About the Presenter:
Lindsey Gobel is a freelance publicist and communications professional with over 15 years of experience. She creates and manages publicity campaigns for clients in multiple industries, as well as works on a consulting basis with various firms to assist with branding and marketing strategies, creative concepts, and business plans. Gobel’s services have been contracted to ghostwrite books for two professional athletes, which have been published and are sold at national retail chains. She wrote a Tedx Talk that was performed in September of 2018, and her work has been featured in numerous print publications, as well as national media outlets such as ESPN, FOX News, The Today Show and Wake Up with Al.

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

Author Learning Center — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 19:00:20 GMT

Revision 9 posted to Elevator Pitch by Author Learning Center on 2/24/2025 7:00:20 PM

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

Lindsey Gobel — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 12:33:49 GMT

Revision 8 posted to Elevator Pitch by Lindsey Gobel on 10/2/2024 12:33:49 PM

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

Author Learning Center — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 12:30:11 GMT

Revision 7 posted to Elevator Pitch by Author Learning Center on 10/2/2024 12:30:11 PM

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Pitching Yourself as an Author (in 90 seconds or less)

L.E. Perez — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 14:10:41 GMT

Current Revision posted to Elevator Pitch by L.E. Perez on 11/30/2022 2:10:41 PM

You’ve written a book or are working on one. You’re attending a conference or are on a panel. An agent asks you, “who are you and what’s your book about?”

Cue silence. Or, let the ramble begin.

As an author, you have 90 seconds or less to pitch yourself and your work. More than an elevator pitch, this is an opportunity to explain yourself as an author. In this recorded webinar, LE Pérez will teach you some tips, tricks, and provide real world examples to tighten up your presentation of you.

Here is the handout referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ALC-Handout-_2D00_-Pitching-Youself_5F00_Perez.pdf

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../PitchingYourselfasanAuthorin90secondsorless.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Pitching Yourself as an Author (in 90 seconds or less)

Author Learning Center — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 14:07:04 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Elevator Pitch by Author Learning Center on 11/30/2022 2:07:04 PM

You’ve written a book or are working on one. You’re attending a conference or are on a panel. An agent asks you, “who are you and what’s your book about?”

Cue silence. Or, let the ramble begin.

Here is the handout referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ALC-Handout-_2D00_-Pitching-Youself_5F00_Perez.pdf

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../PitchingYourselfasanAuthorin90secondsorless.mp4

Three Things Writers Should Do to Prepare to Pitch Their Screenplay

Michael Tabb — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 18:36:42 GMT

Current Revision posted to Elevator Pitch by Michael Tabb on 9/16/2022 6:36:42 PM

Pitching your screenplay that you put hours, months, and even years into can be a daunting task. The first step to pitching your screenplay is knowing what you are going to pitch, per WGA Screenwriter, author, and MFA educator, Michael Tabb. Preparation is key to successfully pitching and receiving an offer. Second, having a well-rounded understanding of what you are pitching, and being able to answer any questions that are thrown at you. Third, you also want to maintain attention while presenting your pitch and be fully present. Tabb suggests picking 10 big moments or beats in your story to focus your pitch around.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ThreeThingsWritersShoulddotoPreparetoPitchTheirScreenplay.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

Lindsey Gobel — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 16:42:04 GMT

Revision 6 posted to Elevator Pitch by Lindsey Gobel on 8/18/2022 4:42:04 PM

In this webinar session, publicist and communications expert Lindsey Gobel teaches how an author can prepare and deliver dynamic book pitches to publishers, agents and the media. She discusses the “Do’s and Don’ts” of pitching your book and the steps an author should complete before presenting their book for potential interest. In addition, Lindsey reviews:

Here is the handout referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ALC-Dynamic-Book-Pitches-Handout-22_5F00_GOBEL.pdf

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../CreatingDynamicBookPitchesforPublishersAgentsandtheMedia22.mp4

About the Presenter:
Lindsey Gobel is a freelance publicist and communications professional with over 15 years of experience. She creates and manages publicity campaigns for clients in multiple industries, as well as works on a consulting basis with various firms to assist with branding and marketing strategies, creative concepts and business plans. Gobel’s services have been contracted to ghostwrite books for two professional athletes, which have been published and are sold at national retail chains. She recently wrote a Tedx Talk that was performed in September of 2018. Her work has been featured in numerous print publications, as well as national media outlets such as ESPN, FOX News, The Today Show and Wake Up with Al.

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

Author Learning Center — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 16:40:05 GMT

Revision 5 posted to Elevator Pitch by Author Learning Center on 8/18/2022 4:40:05 PM

In this webinar session, publicist and communications expert Lindsey Gobel teaches how an author can prepare and deliver dynamic book pitches to publishers, agents and the media. She discusses the “Do’s and Don’ts” of pitching your book and the steps an author should complete before presenting their book for potential interest. In addition, Lindsey reviews:

Here is the handout referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ALC-Dynamic-Book-Pitches-Handout-22_5F00_GOBEL.pdf

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../CreatingDynamicBookPitchesforPublishersAgentsandtheMedia22.mp4

About the Presenter:
Lindsey Gobel is a freelance publicist and communications professional with over 15 years of experience. She creates and manages publicity campaigns for clients in multiple industries, as well as works on a consulting basis with various firms to assist with branding and marketing strategies, creative concepts and business plans. Gobel’s services have been contracted to ghostwrite books for two professional athletes, which have been published and are sold at national retail chains. She recently wrote a Tedx Talk that was performed in September of 2018. Her work has been featured in numerous print publications, as well as national media outlets such as ESPN, FOX News, The Today Show and Wake Up with Al.

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

Lindsey Gobel — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 17:58:56 GMT

Revision 4 posted to Elevator Pitch by Lindsey Gobel on 8/19/2020 5:58:56 PM

In this webinar session, publicist and communications expert Lindsey Gobel teaches how an author can prepare and deliver dynamic book pitches to publishers, agents and the media. She discusses the “Do’s and Don’ts” of pitching your book and the steps an author should complete before presenting their book for potential interest. In addition, Lindsey reviews:

Here is the handout referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Dynamic-Book-Pitches-ALC-Handout.pdf

About the Presenter:
Lindsey Gobel is a freelance publicist and communications professional with over 15 years of experience. She creates and manages publicity campaigns for clients in multiple industries, as well as works on a consulting basis with various firms to assist with branding and marketing strategies, creative concepts and business plans. Gobel’s services have been contracted to ghostwrite books for two professional athletes, which have been published and are sold at national retail chains. She recently wrote a Tedx Talk that was performed in September of 2018. Her work has been featured in numerous print publications, as well as national media outlets such as ESPN, FOX News, The Today Show and Wake Up with Al.

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

Author Learning Center — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 17:57:20 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Elevator Pitch by Author Learning Center on 8/19/2020 5:57:20 PM

In this webinar session, publicist and communications expert Lindsey Gobel teaches how an author can prepare and deliver dynamic book pitches to publishers, agents and the media. She discusses the “Do’s and Don’ts” of pitching your book and the steps an author should complete before presenting their book for potential interest. In addition, Lindsey reviews:

Here is the handout referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Dynamic-Book-Pitches-ALC-Handout.pdf

About the Presenter:
Lindsey Gobel is a freelance publicist and communications professional with over 15 years of experience. She creates and manages publicity campaigns for clients in multiple industries, as well as works on a consulting basis with various firms to assist with branding and marketing strategies, creative concepts and business plans. Gobel’s services have been contracted to ghostwrite books for two professional athletes, which have been published and are sold at national retail chains. She recently wrote a Tedx Talk that was performed in September of 2018. Her work has been featured in numerous print publications, as well as national media outlets such as ESPN, FOX News, The Today Show and Wake Up with Al.

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

Author Learning Center — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 17:55:27 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Elevator Pitch by Author Learning Center on 8/19/2020 5:55:27 PM

In this webinar session, publicist and communications expert Lindsey Gobel teaches how an author can prepare and deliver dynamic book pitches to publishers, agents and the media. She discusses the “Do’s and Don’ts” of pitching your book and the steps an author should complete before presenting their book for potential interest. In addition, Lindsey reviews:

Here is the handout referenced in the session:

About the Presenter:
Lindsey Gobel is a freelance publicist and communications professional with over 15 years of experience. She creates and manages publicity campaigns for clients in multiple industries, as well as works on a consulting basis with various firms to assist with branding and marketing strategies, creative concepts and business plans. Gobel’s services have been contracted to ghostwrite books for two professional athletes, which have been published and are sold at national retail chains. She recently wrote a Tedx Talk that was performed in September of 2018. Her work has been featured in numerous print publications, as well as national media outlets such as ESPN, FOX News, The Today Show and Wake Up with Al.

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

Author Learning Center — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 17:01:59 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Elevator Pitch by Author Learning Center on 8/19/2020 5:01:59 PM

In this webinar session, publicist and communications expert Lindsey Gobel teaches how an author can prepare and deliver dynamic book pitches to publishers, agents and the media. She discusses the “Do’s and Don’ts” of pitching your book and the steps an author should complete before presenting their book for potential interest. In addition, Lindsey reviews:

About the Presenter:
Lindsey Gobel is a freelance publicist and communications professional with over 15 years of experience. She creates and manages publicity campaigns for clients in multiple industries, as well as works on a consulting basis with various firms to assist with branding and marketing strategies, creative concepts and business plans. Gobel’s services have been contracted to ghostwrite books for two professional athletes, which have been published and are sold at national retail chains. She recently wrote a Tedx Talk that was performed in September of 2018. Her work has been featured in numerous print publications, as well as national media outlets such as ESPN, FOX News, The Today Show and Wake Up with Al.

How Understanding The Screenwriting Market Can Improve Your Pitch

Dan Watanabe — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 14:22:35 GMT

Current Revision posted to Elevator Pitch by Dan Watanabe on 1/14/2020 2:22:35 PM

Entertainment expert and media arts instructor Dan Watanabe reminds writers that screenwriting is a business – you have to study the market and learn what has already been successful if you want to do well yourself. Always keep in mind the key element of your story. This is the element that will entice viewers and make them invested in what you’ve created. That element should always be the focus when pitching your story. By showing that you have a deliverable and understand audience expectations, you will increase your opportunity for success.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../HowUnderstandingTheScreenwritingMarketCanImproveYourPitch.mp4

Tags: fiction, Subscriber, video

Examples of Successful Elevator Pitches

Author Learning Center — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 13:56:32 GMT

Current Revision posted to Elevator Pitch by Author Learning Center on 6/20/2019 1:56:32 PM

One savvy author skill is the ability to deliver your book’s elevator pitch. Every author needs to be able to showcase their book in about 30 to 60 seconds, which is the traditional length of an elevator ride. The elevator pitch is part hook and part summary. The length of a book pitch can vary, depending on who the author is speaking to – i.e. a literary agent, potential reader, or studio executive. If time is limited, a quick pitch should encapsulate the high concept of a book project. The pitch needs to set an author’s project apart from all others. It needs to show relevance and passion. It needs to create irresistible need when exposed to the target audience. And, the elements of a fiction novel pitch will differ greatly from a pitch for a nonfiction book. Below are some examples of published authors pitching their books.

Fiction

Thriller

www.youtube.com/watch

Historical

www.youtube.com/watch

Nonfiction

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

Your Book's Elevator Pitch - article

Molly Blaisdell — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 13:52:53 GMT

Current Revision posted to Elevator Pitch by Molly Blaisdell on 6/20/2019 1:52:53 PM

One savvy author skill is the ability to deliver your book’s elevator pitch. Every author needs to be able to showcase their book in about 30 to 60 seconds, which is the traditional length of an elevator ride. The elevator pitch is part hook and part summary. The length of a book pitch can vary, depending on who the author is speaking to – i.e. a literary agent, potential reader, or studio executive. If time is limited, a quick pitch should encapsulate the high concept of a book project. The pitch needs to set an author’s project apart from all others. It needs to show relevance and passion. It needs to create irresistible need when exposed to the target audience. And, the elements of a fiction novel pitch will differ greatly from a pitch for a nonfiction book. No problem, right? Don’t worry. You wrote a book. You can do this.

Who is the elevator pitch for?

First this pitch is a helpful networking tool. Many conferences feature live pitch sessions where authors, on their search for publication, pitch their books to agents and editors. It’s important to stand out to land a publishing contract. But there’s more. The elevator pitch also comes into play when you create a press release announcing the publication of your book. Finally, that elevator pitch will help at cocktail parties; you will always be ready to share it with potential book buyers.

Here’s something to think about. Do you ever wonder why books that can’t hold a candle to yours get published? It was all about the pitch. Your ability to create a fabulous pitch could be the difference between a publishing contract and a book hidden away in a drawer. Nobody wants that. So how do you craft this important pitch? Here are some tips to help you.

Take a lesson from Hollywood.

First start with hook. Take a lesson from Hollywood. Comparing your work can be effective, but always put a new twist on the comparison, like Moby Dick crossed with Star Wars. You may choose a high concept hook like, “a post-apocalyptic story of zombie infestation and a Vegas showgirl with an axe to grind”. Note how voice is slid in there too. Another kind of hook is the challenging question like: “If you found out God lived next door, what would you do? Yet, another kind of pitch sets up an interesting scenario like: “cowboys versus aliens.”

Create a powerful hook and follow that up with a quick dazzling summary of your book. This summary should reveal your main character, their major dilemma and the epic conflict they will have to go through. You should also reveal your genre and setting and close with something that reveals your passion for your book, like why you wrote it, what inspired you, or who will be drawn to your story. Skip this part if your answers are “I really like books so I wrote one. “I was inspired by grandchildren.” “Or anyone who can read will like my story.” No. No. No!

Finally, when you’ve crafted a strong pitch, practice it “live” with your friends until it consistently lights up the eyes of the hearers. Done? Fantastic, you are ready to step to the front of the pitch line!

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

Elevator Pitch

One Book, Five Audiences: How to Change the Pitch Without Changing the Story?

One Book, Five Audiences: How to Change the Pitch Without Changing the Story?

Peyton Corinne's *Literal* Elevator Pitch for "Unbound"

Vir Das Pitches His Memoir...in an Elevator

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

Pitching Yourself as an Author (in 90 seconds or less)

Pitching Yourself as an Author (in 90 seconds or less)

Three Things Writers Should Do to Prepare to Pitch Their Screenplay

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

Creating Dynamic Book Pitches for Publishers, Agents, and the Media

How Understanding The Screenwriting Market Can Improve Your Pitch

Examples of Successful Elevator Pitches

Fiction

Thriller

Historical

Nonfiction

Memoir

Self-Help

Politics & Social Sciences

Your Book's Elevator Pitch - article

Peyton Corinne's Literal Elevator Pitch for "Unbound"