DiscoverBook Marketing Tips and Author Success PodcastHook, Line, and Bestseller: The Art of the Elevator Pitch
Hook, Line, and Bestseller: The Art of the Elevator Pitch

Hook, Line, and Bestseller: The Art of the Elevator Pitch

Update: 2025-09-19
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Description

Ever wondered why some books get noticed while others gather dust? The secret might be simpler than you think: a powerful elevator pitch.

In this eye-opening episode, Penny and Amy reveal how one author transformed her fortunes at a writers' conference by crafting a compelling elevator pitch – going from zero interest to landing both an agent and a publishing deal for the exact same book. 

The hosts break down exactly what makes an effective elevator pitch, walking you through the essential components. They tackle common mistakes authors make, from drowning pitches in unnecessary details to relying on generic descriptions like "it's about love and loss" (cue the buzzer sound!).

Through before-and-after examples across fiction, romance, business, and memoir genres, Penny and Amy demonstrate the dramatic difference between mediocre and magnetic pitches. They offer practical exercises to help you create your own winning pitch, including recording yourself, testing on strangers rather than supportive friends, and creating tailored versions for different audiences.

Whether you're pitching to agents at a conference or marketing directly to readers, this episode provides the tools to make your book stand out in seconds. Ready to transform how you talk about your work? Your perfect elevator pitch awaits.

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Hook, Line, and Bestseller: The Art of the Elevator Pitch

Hook, Line, and Bestseller: The Art of the Elevator Pitch

Penny C. Sansevieri and Amy Cornell Author Marketing Experts