What elements must you include in a novel pitch to catch a publisher's attention?

1 Genre and word count

The first thing you need to tell the publisher is what genre and word count your novel belongs to. This helps them to identify your target market, your competitors, and your expectations. Different genres have different conventions and standards for word count, so make sure you follow them and avoid being too vague or too ambitious. For example, don't say your novel is a "fantasy adventure with a dash of romance" if it's actually a 200,000-word epic saga. Be specific and realistic about your genre and word count.

2 Hook and premise

The next thing you need to include in your novel pitch is a hook and a premise. A hook is a catchy sentence that grabs the publisher's attention and makes them curious about your story. A premise is a concise statement that summarizes the main conflict, the protagonist, the antagonist, and the stakes of your story. Together, they form the core of your novel pitch and show the publisher what your novel is about and why it matters. For example, a hook for The Hunger Games could be "In a dystopian future, 16-year-old Katniss volunteers to take her sister's place in a televised death match." A premise could be "Katniss must survive the brutal Hunger Games, where she faces deadly opponents, a corrupt government, and a forbidden love."

3 Comparison titles

Another element that you should include in your novel pitch is a comparison title or two. A comparison title is a published book that is similar to your novel in some way, such as genre, theme, style, or audience. It helps the publisher to understand your novel's position in the market, its appeal, and its potential. However, be careful not to compare your novel to too many or too famous titles, as this could make your novel seem derivative or unrealistic. For example, don't say your novel is "the next Harry Potter" or "a mix of Twilight and The Da Vinci Code". Instead, choose titles that are relevant, recent, and resonant with your novel.

4 Bio and credentials

The last element that you should include in your novel pitch is a bio and credentials. A bio is a brief introduction of yourself as a writer, highlighting your background, experience, and personality. Credentials are any achievements, awards, publications, or qualifications that demonstrate your credibility and authority as a writer. They show the publisher that you are serious, professional, and capable of writing a quality novel. For example, you could mention your education, your previous works, your memberships, your reviews, or your endorsements.