9 Steps To Create A Powerful Story Pitch

Learning how to craft a story pitch that sticks is a vital step for writers. While a pitch may feel like just a short note you write to an agent or editor, it can actually launch your writing career. While the story pitch itself may be short, a well-written one should pack a punch.

Whether you are ready to pitch your story right now and looking for tips on how to do so, or simply planning ahead, these nine tips will help you. 

While this post is geared for aspiring authors pitching agents and editors, if you plan to upload your book to Amazon and self-publish, you will still glean a ton of helpful information. After all, no matter who you pitch your book to, knowing how to pitch well will aid in your marketing endeavors. 

From agents, to editors, to your ideal readership, learning how to craft a compelling story pitch is crucial. Grab some paper or open that notes app on your phone so you can get the most out of this blog. Let’s dive straight into it, starting with defining exactly what a story pitch is. 

Story pitch tips: what’s covered 

• What is a story pitch?
• How do you write a pitch?
• What is an example of a pitch?

What is a story pitch?

A story pitch is a short (often 300-word or less) letter describing your story and why the recipient of the pitch should publish it. If you look at traditional or even self-publishing success stories, you will quickly find that the authors knew what their story was about and why it should connect with readers.

You might think, “Of course I know what my story is about. I wrote it!” However, as we discuss each step of the story pitching process, don’t feel discouraged if you discover you know less about your own project than you once thought. This is a stage most writers experience. 

A story pitch that sells is one that, to use a marketing term, understands its unique selling position (USP). With countless books published every day, the person you choose to pitch needs to know right up front why your book is the next one they must sell. 

How do you write a pitch?

Anyone can write a story pitch, but it takes a writer who is deeply committed to communicating the crux of their story and why it matters to truly gain the ear of their intended audience. 

This is where learning to craft a compelling story pitch comes into play. Here are nine ways to up your odds at getting noticed and getting your work published! 

1. Know your elevator pitch 

I’ve spent quite a bit of time working with a boutique literary agency in New York, and they say a story pitch should be no more than 300 words. That’s just over one page, double-spaced. 

Because you have such little time to describe your story, I find it’s helpful to launch into your story pitch with your elevator pitch. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, this should also highlight the theme of your story and any characterization that sets your book apart.

2. Identify the correct agent or publisher 

Once you know how to start your pitch, you need to know exactly who you are pitching, and I mean exactly (more on this in step 5).

Just as you need to work with a launch team who loves your genre, you need to query agents and editors who represent your genre. Much of the story pitching process involves researching the best individuals to submit to. Don’t skip this step!

3. Follow their guidelines exactly 

This should go without saying, but follow the guidelines. It is far too easy to miss guidelines, especially if you pitch to multiple people at once. 

Below are various, opposing guidelines to look out for:

• Paste writing sample into the body of your email
• Do not include a writing sample 
• Share past book sales or marketing plan
• Only share a brief book synopsis 

Every literary agency looks for different factors, so be sure to include the factors they specifically request and in the way they request it. For example, I prefer to attach my sample chapters as a Word document to ensure my formatting converts exactly as I intend it to. 

But, if an agent asks me to paste my first chapter into the body of the email, ignoring this guideline will deter me from making a good first impression, no matter how perfect my formatting is.

4. Take advantage of your subject line 

Writing subject lines is one of my favorite parts of the story pitch process. The recommendation is to keep your email subject line between 30 to 50 characters or 4 to 7 words. There’s no point in crafting a compelling subject line if it doesn’t show up. 

But your subject line matters because is what makes the agent or editor click to open your email. I tend to avoid throwaway lines such as:

• Story pitch from Sarah Rexford 
• YA thriller for [agent name]
• 80k word fantasy 

Yes, these tell the agent about the genre, but they don’t pique curiosity. Instead, try something a little more enticing.

Take a look at these examples: 

• Your next best vacation read
• Is it crazy to ask for 2 min?
• The strangest pitch this week

I don’t know about you, but I want to discover my next best vacation book. If someone asks me if it’s crazy to ask for two minutes of my time, first, I’ll likely think, no, of course not. 

Second, I’ll wonder what they need to ask. (I learned this tip from former US lead hostage negotiator, Chris Voss!) Finally, if someone says this is the strangest pitch I’ll receive, I want to know why.

5. Grab attention with two words

Once you have your elevator pitch locked and loaded, know who you are pitching, and craft your subject line, it’s time to use two golden words: because you. 

This part is simple. Look up genres they love and books they have represented that did well. Then simply say something along the lines of, “Because you love [book title] and passionately represented [book title], I think my [genre] might be perfect for your list.”

6. End with a call to action

After you share about your book and are ready to sign off, don’t forget to end with a question. This primes them to reply to your story pitch or at least think about their answer to your question. 

You can include something simple such as, Is there anything further I can provide for you? You can also link your website or reader reviews and say something like, Read what readers are saying here!

7. Include your bio 

A senior agent once told me that while you only have several hundred words for your story pitch, you can include your bio under your signature. This doesn’t impact your word count but does further showcase your credibility. I now use this tip all of the time. Don’t forget to link to your author website!

8. Follow up

If at all possible, do follow up after a polite period of time. Of course, if the guidelines say not to, you may want to skip and follow up on the next agent or editor. Typically, it doesn’t hurt to reach out once or twice. This shows you are serious. 

9. Create a spreadsheet 

Just as you likely have spreadsheets or some type of organization for your book marketing plan, do the same for your story pitching process. This will help you keep track of who you pitch, when, if you can follow up, as well as track your rejections and ultimate acceptance!

What is an example of a pitch?

An example pitch can start a variety of ways, but let’s begin with your subject line, address a specific agent, use our “because you” method, and of course, include your bio at the end.  

Subject: The title you’ve waited for

Hi [Name],

Because you represented the pulse-pounding story of [Title] and love [genre], I think my debut thriller may be perfect for your list.

[Brief overview of your book.]

[Working book title]’s theme captures the big idea that individuals can achieve seemingly insurmountable odds when they all work together. This book is timely due to [insert cultural relevance]. 

My sample pages are pasted below. Is there anything further I can provide for you?

Kind regards,

[Your name]

[Your name]’s writing has placed as Finalist in several contests and won first place in [notable writing contest]. A high school history teacher for fifteen years, he now speaks at high schools around the country and has a growing email list of 20 thousand. 

How to pitch your story?

The best way to pitch your story is by allowing your personality and voice to shine through. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and never forget to showcase your achievements. 

As you saw in the above example, many agents look for:

• A big idea (look at popular book genres for examples)
• A timely theme
• A credible platform
• Quality writing 

Even if you just have two of the above, you’re doing well. Go pitch with confidence! 

Story pitch: take your next step today

Whether you want to pitch your story and traditionally publish or pitch a magazine to sell your story, great stories start with great outlines. Take advantage of our free Book Outline Generator to create yours, then use it to help you craft your pitch!