Pitch it

Want to find out if you have a fully formed idea? Write it into a one-page pitch.

Make it good enough that you can read it to a stranger, and they can understand it. Not just the story idea but how the big beats fit together.

Guidelines:

• You won’t be able to get the full story on the page. You’ll have to choose what stays and what doesn’t.
• Be ruthless with the one-page limit. A sentence over doesn’t count. This rule not only means storylines but possible sentences and words. Do whatever it takes to get it on one page.
• You can play with fonts, sizes, and margins—I am not a monster. But make sure it is legible and easy on a reader’s eye. You’re cheating if you have to use a magnifying glass to see the words.

Once you’re done, try reading it to people. Nothing tells you better whether your story works than reading it. I recently did this with two pitches, and the reactions between the two were night and day. I knew exactly which one works and why the other failed.

Leave a comment on how it worked or if you have any questions.