The One-Sheet
Also known as a pitch-sheet or sometimes a sell-sheet, the one-sheet is an overview about both the author and the book being pitched. It is an easy-to-read, one-page information sheet which includes much of the basic information in the proposal. An editor can pull this one sheet out and use it at a committee meeting to pitch your book. You can also use it when you pitch to an editor or agent at a conference.
Because the one-sheet will be used for quick information, you want to format it for visual appeal. Use boxes and color to highlight important information. While each person’s one-sheet will look different, almost all one-sheets will at least include the following:
Author name and contact information
Book title and mini-synopsis (does not need to include the ending)
Author Bio
Details (genre, wordcount)
Any endorsements
Many people also include:
Author’s picture
Author’s website
A picture that goes along with the theme of the book
A scripture that goes along with the theme of the book
Below is a sample one-sheet for my novel, Peril, which was originally titled The Race that Lies Before Us:
Start with the basics, then embellish to your heart’s content!