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PBS Elements of a Picture Book Pitch

Elements of a Picture Book Pitch

Focusing on Obstacles and Stakes

PBS Elements of a Picture Book PitchA great picture book pitch isn’t just about conveying what your hero wants—it’s about what’s standing in their way. It’s about conveying the dramatic tension in your story, and what’s at stake for your hero.

Understanding the role of obstacles and stakes is key to creating a pitch that resonates with agents, editors, and ultimately, readers.

Hero and Goal

Every pitch starts with a hero and their goal. But achieving a goal without obstacles is too easy… why should the reader care? It’s the challenges and conflicts that make a story engaging.

The Role of Obstacles in Picture Book Pitches

Obstacles are the hurdles your hero must overcome to achieve their goal. They add dramatic tension and drive the plot forward. The actions the hero takes to overcome the obstacles create and inform their emotional journey. When crafting your pitch, clearly identify the obstacles and show how they complicate your hero’s journey.

PBS Elements of a Picture Book Pitch - Why Stakes MatterWhy Stakes Matter

Stakes are what your hero stands to gain or lose. High stakes make your story more compelling. They give the reader a reason to care about whether or not your hero succeeds. In your pitch, make sure to highlight the stakes to show why the story matters. Why does this story deserve to be a picture book?

And remember, in picture books the stakes don’t have to be life or death to be important—learning how to tie your shoelaces can make the difference between walking into a classroom with confidence and falling flat on your face. Make sure what’s at stake in your manuscript and pitch resonates for, and is relatable to, young readers.

Make Your Picture Book Pitch Dynamic

Incorporating obstacles and stakes into your pitch make it more dynamic and engaging. By showing the challenges your hero faces and what’s at risk, your pitch will be that much more likely to capture the interest of agents and editors.

 

 

 

 

Want more help with picture book pitches? Grab our FREE Picture Book Summit Pitch Formula HERE!

 

 

 

 

 

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Kelli Panique

The Purpose of a Picture Book Pitch

Piquing Agent & Editor Interest Without Giving Away the Farm

PBSummit Picture Book Pitch Formula Crafting a compelling pitch is an essential skill for any picture book author. It is the single most important part of your submissions package to agents and editors for publication consideration. A well-written pitch will spark an agent or editor’s interest, making them eager to read your manuscript.

But what exactly is a pitch, and how do you create one that stands out?

What is a Pitch?

A pitch, also known as an elevator pitch, hook, or logline, is a brief synopsis of your picture book. It’s a 1-3 sentence summary that captures the essence of your story without giving away too much. Think of it as your story’s “trailer”—it should be intriguing and leave the audience wanting more.

Why is a Pitch Important?

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