What is a pitch? 300 word limit...

Status
Not open for further replies.
Pamster

Pamster

Counting Stars
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Jan 8, 2007
Messages
1,913
Reaction score
286
Location
Florida
So I am sucked into it again, the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award has me excitedly editing like a madwoman but I need help with understand a pitch, is it supposed to summerize the ENTIRE work including ending in only 300 words? Thank you guys in advance for the help. :)
 
Pamster

Pamster

Counting Stars
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Jan 8, 2007
Messages
1,913
Reaction score
286
Location
Florida
Anybody know offhand what they are looking for here? :D
 

Danthia

A pitch is a short description of your novel designed to make someone want to read more. It's very much like the back cover copy on a novel, though it usually shows the details and doesn't just say vague things like "learns a terrible secret that crushes their world". You don't want to give stuff away on cover copy, but you do need to give specifics in a pitch.
 
Pamster

Pamster

Counting Stars
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Jan 8, 2007
Messages
1,913
Reaction score
286
Location
Florida
Thanks Danthia, I apprecaite the reply a lot because I read on their FAW about the pitch and was still confused, so you DO give away the ending in a pitch summary then right?

From the FAQ:

What is a Pitch, and why is it being used to judge my entry?
A cover letter or "pitch" which explains your novel's concept is required. This must be less than 300 words. The pitch is more than just a summary, it needs to be a well written explanation of what the book is about. Talk about your novel's strengths with respect to how it is being evaluated; Think about the elements chosen on which to judge your novel for the purpose of this contest; its overall strength, plot development, character development, originality of idea, and writing style or prose. Take the time to study your intended market and make sure your pitch demonstrates that you understand how your book fits within this market and how it will identify with your audience. Remember the book should resonate with who your readers are. The Pitch should be a concise explanation of your book and why the reader would want to read your novel.
 
JamieB

JamieB

Banned
Joined
Jul 17, 2008
Messages
5,957
Reaction score
1,035
Location
O-H (clap clap) I-O
Website
www.jamieblair.blogspot.com
I plan on going from the top down in my pitch by giving the high concept idea first. Mine is going to be along the lines of The Giver meets Romeo and Juliet. And then I'll get into the details and intended audience. I'm hoping this is on target for what is expected. There was an agent blogging over the holidays about the pitch and judging pitches submitted in the comments section. I think it was Book Ends, but I'll have to check and get back on that. She has very specific "how to's" in her comments and would be worth checking out.
 
Pamster

Pamster

Counting Stars
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Jan 8, 2007
Messages
1,913
Reaction score
286
Location
Florida
Thanks JamieB! If you can get the linkto that blog post I would really appreciate it. :D
 

Danthia

A pitch isn't a summary, so you wouldn't give away the ending per se, but you would hint at it, since the resolution is the probably ultimate goal of your protag. You want to show the protag, problem, stakes, and conflict.

That bookends link JamieB posted is great for seeing good (and bad) pitches. She's done it a few times so check the archives. The best way to understand a good pitch is to read a them. The Miss Snark archives are also good for that. She did the Crap-O-Meter Hook contests in, like December-ish for a few years. Read a few hundred there and you'll be a master at it.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.