Your Assignment for Day 9 of the #14DayPBChallenge is to Write Sample Pitches for Your Picture Book.
What Is A Picture Book Pitch?
Writer’s Digest Distinguishes Between A Synopsis, A Pitch, and a Query. Here:
What Is A Pitch?
“…an explanation of your story in 3-8 sentences. It’s like the text you see on the back of a DVD box. It’s designed to pique your interest. A pitch, like the back of a book or DVD, will not spill the beans regarding the ending.” Writer’s Digest
What Is A Synopsis?
” A synopsis is a front-to-back telling of what happens in your story. It’s like sitting down with a 12-year-old and explaining your entire story in about five minutes.” Writer’s Digest
What Is A Query?
“A query is a one-page letter that explains what you’ve written, who you are, and why the agent should represent you. In a query letter will be a pitch, which is an explanation of your story in 3-8 sentences. You would never find a synopsis in a query.” Writer’s Digest
But to that, I add the following: A synopsis will help you narrow down and focus on what you need to include in your query.
I am turning over the rest of today’s post to the accomplished musician, writer, and filmmaker Paula Yoo, who says that a picture book pitch is a type of elevator pitch–where you have 30 seconds or less to sell your book idea.
“Have you ever heard of the “elevator pitch”? It’s a famous phrase used all the time in the writing industry, as well as in the business world. In a nutshell, the “elevator pitch” is how long it should take for you to tell someone what your book is about. By the time your elevator reaches your floor, you should have been able to “pitch” your book idea in that brief amount of time.
“In other words, an elevator pitch should last about 30 seconds. …
“Pretend you waiting for the elevator at the Society of Children Book Writers &Illustrators national conference. To your left stands a famous children’s book editor. The two of you engage in some small talk as you wait for the elevator. The editor learns you are a writer at the conference. Eager, he/she asks if you have written anything.
“And then the elevator doors open.
“Oh no! You probably have 30 seconds to pitch your amazing picture book to this editor before the elevator reaches his/her floor.
“So how to craft your elevator pitch? Some tips to get you started:
“1. Start with a cliffhanger “hook.”
“This can be in the form of a question or a one-sentence “logline” that conveys your book’s main conflict. “What if a child loses her beloved stuffed toy animal at a laundromat and can’t tell her dad because she hasn’t learned to talk yet?” Or think of your hook in terms of theme or even a personal anecdote that relates to your book. For example: “I have the most stubborn cat who is convinced the full moon is a bowl of milk. She will do anything to reach that moon.” (Note:
Obviously I’m using “Knuffle Bunny” and “Kitten’s First Full Moon” as examples.)
“2. Set up the main character and conflict.
“Then launch into the heart of your story—who’s your main character? Why should we love him/her? What obstacle must they overcome in their quest? (“Trixie and Knuffle Bunny have never been separated… until now.”)
“3. Leave ’em hanging. Don’t spoil the actual ending.
“Conclude with an open ending—will Trixie learn how to speak before Knuffle Bunny is lost forever? …
“When you are working on your elevator pitch, it will help you focus on what the heart of each book is truly about… you’ll learn quickly as to what the most important point of the book is. …
“Make sure your elevator pitch is concise, uses clear language, and has a powerful visual image. Make sure there’s a clear hook that summarizes the main conflict and/or theme.” – Paula Yoo
I found the above words about Ptching a Picture Book on Tara Laar’s Blog: https://taralazar.com/2010/11/30/piboidmo-day-30-2/#:~:text=PiBoIdMo%20Day%2030,SHARE%20THIS%3A