Unsuspecting Victim: "What is your book about?”
Author: “Well...."

*30 minutes later*

Unsuspecting Victim: "Sounds interesting. Okay, I have to go now. Bye!"

Book explanations too often require a comfy chair and strong coffee. They ramble, stumble, and drag on.

At the beginning of the book-writing process, this is natural. You have been muddling through a swamp of ideas for a while now. Much of the gunk is still sticking to your trousers.

But now is the time to shower and wash the subpar ideas down the drain. At the end of the day, what is your book really about?

Writing an “elevator pitch” for your book is a useful exercise. Pretend you’re stuck in an elevator with a publishing agent who is looking for a book to publish. What would you say to convince him that your book is the one? How can you summarize your entire book in a few hundred words?

Here’s what I might say in such a situation about the book you’re reading now:

“Business professionals who read my book will learn that authoring a book will skyrocket their business to new heights. Anyone willing to dedicate time and effort can publish a book using the Paperback Expert 7-Step Authorship Process.

“My book explains this entire process, starting with Step 1: Plan. This includes identifying the author's Key Motivator, determining the Core Message, and picking out the Focus Market. Step 2: Prepare consists of idea generation during the Brain Dump, organization during the Outline Session, and title brainstorming. In Step 3: Create, the author actually writes the content, later returns to revise it, and may hire an editor or proofreader. Step 4: Bookify guides the author through turning the manuscript into a real book. This includes adding front matter and well as back matter. In Step 5: Enhance, the author enriches the book by inserting images and laying out the interior. Step 6: Design deals with the creation of a stunning cover. Step 7: Publish is the final stage, where the book becomes available worldwide.

“When they have finished reading my book, business professionals will know how to author their own book from start to finish. Once they publish a book and market their author status, they will experience increased credibility and authority. This always results in more clients and business growth."

There are three essential elements to any good Book Elevator Pitch.

1. Purpose of book
2. Main points of the book
3. Benefit to reader

Notice the three points in the pitch above.
Purpose of book — The sentences from "Business professionals who read my book will learn that authoring a book will skyrocket their business to new heights” to "My book explains this entire process."

Main points of book — The sentences from "starting with Step 1: Plan” all the way to “available worldwide."

Benefit to reader — "they will experience increased credibility and authority. This always results in more clients and business growth."
Take a few minutes now and jot down your own Book Elevator Pitch. You can use the space provided here, or type it out on your computer if you prefer.