nonfiction pitch

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The Motion of the Ocean

Writing a Pitch for Nonfiction

The scoop...
I wrote a nonfiction book proposal and then pitched the idea to agents and editors at writers conferences. That’s how I found my lovely agent. I highly recommend this method because you can avoid the dreaded slush pile once someone requests your materials. Which bring us to this important point: Your only goal when pitching is to be able to write these three words on your correspondence:

REQUESTED MATERIALS ENCLOSED.

The agent or editor does not have to clap, smile, or do backflips over your pitch. S/he simply needs to say, “Please send it.” If s/he does not say this, it is OK to ask politely, “May I send you my book proposal?”

OK, so here’s how to write a nonfiction pitch...

A nonfiction pitch answers these questions:
1. Title and genre
2. What is the concept of the book? What is it about?
3. Who is the audience & why do they need this book now?
4. Why are you an authority? What credentials do you have that make you an expert in this field?
5. What differentiates this book from all others on the topic?
(Above adapted from Jandy Nelson’s “Pitch Perfect” in Katharine Sands’ Making the Perfect Pitch)

Steps to writing your pitch:
1. Answer the 5 questions above and the brainstorming questions below.
2. Circle the words, phrases, and information that best capture the essence of your book.
3. Organize the info into roughly 3 sentences (sorry, there’s no magic formula with nonfiction).
4. Play w/ phrasing, tone, order, details, delivery until your pitch is informative & punchy.
5. Ask for specific feedback from others. Is it clear? Is it compelling? What could improve?
6. Based on their feedback, revise your pitch. Share it again. Repeat till you’ve got it right.

Brainstorming questions:
Many of these ask the same questions from above but in different ways. No need to answer them all, but it should get the juices flowing…
1. What is the book’s scope? What does it include and what does it not include? How is this different from other books on the market?
2. Why are you interested in writing it? How did you become passionate about this topic? What made you realize there was a need for it?
3. What is the book’s thesis or lesson? How is this message or the delivery of this message unique?
4. List 5 benefits readers will take away from your book. What’s the greatest problem your book will solve for readers?
5. How will you deliver its benefits? What stylistic elements (lists, sidebars, interviews, etc.) or prose elements (e.g., professional tone, layperson’s voice, research) will help you deliver?
6. Who will buy your book and why? Think specifics—gender, age, income, experience, etc.
7. How will you reach this audience (do you blog, do speaking gigs, teach classes on your topic, etc.)?
8. Why are you the best person to write this book?
9. Why is your book timely? What’s going on right now that creates a good climate for your book?
10. What other books are like yours? What does your book do similarly? What does your book do differently?

Feel free to use this! Here’s where credit is due:
copyright © Janna Cawrse Esarey 2009
author of The Motion of the Ocean, www.byjanna.com

Now, writing a fiction pitch is similar, but a little different...

This information comes from from my “Pitching without Being Pushy” workshop, PNWA Conference 2009.

If you’d like me to talk to your group, email me.

Curious how to pronounce my name? It’s easy.
JAN-nuh Course ES-uh-ree
Rhymes with banana of course yesiree

copyright © 2009 janna cawrse esarey
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