- Level:
- Novice
- Lessons:
- 6 Lessons
The Elevator Pitch
How to tell a captivating tell in just a few sentences and create a compelling pitch for your story - and marketing.
- Reading Time
- approx. 4 min
When somebody asks “what are you writing about?”, you can tell them a captivating tale in just three sentences. This technique comes from author and writing educator James Scott Bell. It’s a useful way of telling others (and reminding yourself) about your story.
- The first sentence introduces the main character and describes their initial situation.
- The second sentence begins with the word when and describes the inciting incident.
- The third sentence begins with the word now and describes what must happen for the main character to win the objective.
The pitch is a great tool for writers, filmmakers, entrepreneurs - anyone trying to quickly summarize and sell their idea. Whenever I’m writing a novel or short story, I usually print out the pitch and keep it near my computer. If I end up tweaking the story along the way, I’ll update the pitch to always keep me focused.
Genre Pitches
Let’s take a look at pitches in different genres to get you started.
Mystery/Detective
Detective Ted Brewster is a brilliant but jaded homicide detective in the city of Burlington, Vermont. When a string of seemingly unconnected murders all point to an impossible culprit - a killer who died 20 years ago - Ted must confront his own past with the dead killer to unravel the truth. Now, racing against time and battling his inner demons, Ted must piece together the clues, unmask a cunning copycat, and prevent the next murder before the ghosts of his past consume him.
Psychological Thrillers
Dr. Evelyn Frost, a renowned psychiatrist specializing in memory disorders, leads a seemingly perfect life in a picturesque suburban town. When her own memories begin to unravel, revealing disturbing glimpses of a forgotten past and a patient she doesn’t remember treating, Evelyn’s grip on reality starts to slip. Now, caught between trusting her fractured mind and the mounting evidence of a sinister conspiracy, Evelyn must uncover the truth about her past before she loses herself entirely.
Young Adult (YA)
Sixteen-year-old Zoe Chen is a shy, tech-savvy high school junior who finds solace in her VR gaming community. When a glitch in her favorite virtual reality game bleeds into the real world, altering the lives of players around her, Zoe realizes she’s the only one who notices the changes. Now, with the help of her online best friend and her skeptical twin brother, Zoe must step out into the real world to uncover the truth behind the glitch, stop its spread, and save both her virtual and real-world relationships before it’s too late.
Horror
George Mumford, a grief-stricken widower, moves into his ancestral home in the coastal town of Gloucester, Massachusetts to start anew. When he discovers a hidden room filled with antique mirrors that show reflections of the dead, George becomes obsessed with using them to reconnect with his late wife. Now, as the boundary between the living and the dead blurs, George must confront the malevolent spirits unleashed by his actions and seal the portal before the entire town is consumed by an ancient, insatiable evil.
Fantasy
Alarin Moonsong, a young elf with an extraordinary ability to communicate with plants, lives a peaceful life in the forest of Wieldspar. When a blight spreads through the realm, turning lush landscapes into barren wastelands and corrupting magical creatures, Alarin discovers their power is the key to stopping it. Now, with a cynical gnome and a bumbling human wizard, Alarin must find the ancient Tree of Greybor, and heal the land before the blight consumes everything they hold dear.
Science Fiction
Dr. Aria Yip, a brilliant quantum physicist, works tirelessly on a revolutionary teleportation device in her isolated lunar research facility. When her first successful human trial accidentally opens a gateway to a parallel universe where humanity is on the brink of extinction, Aria finds herself face-to-face with her alternate self. Now, caught between two dying worlds and hunted by interdimensional forces, Aria must navigate complex ethical dilemmas, outsmart her doppelganger, and save both realities before the fabric of the multiverse unravels completely.
Historical Fiction/Fantasy
Isabelle Durand, a talented young seamstress with dreams of becoming a fashion designer, struggles to make ends meet in 1920s Paris. When she unexpectedly inherits a mysterious antique sewing machine that once belonged to inventor Thomas Saint, Isabelle discovers it has the power to stitch designs that come to life. Now, as her creations catch the eye of the city’s elite and arouse suspicion from those who would exploit her gift, Isabelle must navigate the glittering world of haute couture, protect her magical secret, and decide whether to use her newfound power to change her destiny or alter the course of history itself.
Romance
Daniel Summers, a successful but abrasive wedding photographer in New York City, prides himself on creating perfect happily-ever-afters for his clients while swearing off love for himself. When a last-minute cancellation forces him to take on the wedding of his college girlfriend, whose infuriatingly beautiful sister happens to be the bridesmaid, Daniel’s carefully constructed walls begin to crumble. Now, caught between his growing feelings, professional integrity, and the ghosts of his past, Daniel must decide if he’s willing to risk his heart and reputation for a chance at his own fairy tale ending.
Conclusion
By distilling the core concept into three sentences, the pitch allows you to communicate the heart of your story in a way that hooks the listener. It forces you to identify the key elements that make your story irresistible. Whether you’re pitching to an agent, producer, publisher or investor, having a tight pitch enables you to make a strong first impression.
So… What are you writing about?
This lesson was taught by:
Corey Ostman
After spending three decades writing science fiction for machines, he now writes science fiction for humans. His brain is almost entirely in the future, so if you encounter him, you’re likely experiencing a form of temporal rift.