How to write a good one-sentence pitch

Don’t you just love how-to writing instructions?

I know I do!

You must admit, DIY is a lot easier with a little help from friends.

Working Men cartoon characters Jeanswriting.com

That’s why I absolutely love an article from Karen Cioffi and Writers On The Move!

I admit, writing a one-sentence pitch is hard and something I’ve yet to completely agree. But I keep working on it. That’s why I was so excited to read this easy explanation of what does and does not work. And why!

When selecting a book to read, the first thing I read is the pitch. If that is too confusing or convoluted I pass. Why? Because that pitch is a good indicator the story inside will be more of the same.

Karen gives examples of how and how not to write a pitch/logline for your book. She explains why one is so important and even gives us a formula. I just love formulas.

Be sure and click on the link below and write your one-sentence pitch.

The One Sentence Pitch for Your Manuscript

Got it?

What did you think?

Did her tips help you write a better pitch?

Now you show me yours and I’ll show you mine. Ha Ha.Me Bitmoji Tee hee Jean M Cogdell

All kidding aside, share your pitch in the comments I’d love to read it.

Here is a one-sentence pitch/logline for my WIP.  Here goes… Me Bitmoji Gulp Jean M Cogdell

An aspiring author is thrilled when she meets a literary agent and mystery buff who agrees to become her mentor; thrills turn to chills when the agent shares a story plot about two women who get away with murder – a fictional plot, the agent plans to become a reality with the writers help.

What do you think? Be gentle, I bruise easily.

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Is Your Story PRIMAL?—Anatomy of a Best-Selling Story Part 6

Great info. Thanks for reminding me about IMDb.com. Not only a good resource for loglines and summary help but just plain fun.

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Kristen Lamb's Blog

Geiko Caveman. Geiko Caveman.

Okay, so if you have read all the blogs in this series, you should understand what makes a scene vs. a sequel, understand the three-act dramatic structure. You also understand that the antagonist—or Big Boss Troublemaker—is the engine of your story. Without the BBT, your protagonist’s world would remain unchanged. The BBT’s agenda drives the story. It is the engine. No engine, no forward motion.

By this point, you should also be able to decipher a good idea from a not-so-good idea and then, once decided, state what your book is about in ONE sentence. You can have up to three, but let’s shoot for one.

Welcome to part SIX of my series on novel structure–whoo-hoo! Today we are going to discuss gimmick versus fundamentals of a good story.

First, gimmick. Here is the thing. There are only so many plots. DO NOT try to…

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