As Fiona Loakes was unfortunately unable to attend the conference, Jan Jones and Roger Sanderson offered an impromptu alternative – Elevator Pitch.

You find yourself unexpectedly in a lift with one other occupant – an agent! As she presses for the 11th floor you know you only have two minutes to pitch her your latest novel. We were asked, without any warning or time to think, to pitch our latest book in two minutes to the person next to us. We then gave each other feedback.

Next, with the opportunity to think about it more carefully we had 15 minutes to write a more complete two minute pitch which we tried out on one other group member. Those who wished to were then invited to present their pitch to the whole group.

Feedback and discussion followed and it was agreed that we should always make sure to include, even in the briefest form:
  - Our name
  - The title of the book
  - A one sentence summary of the theme
  - The genre
  - Our Unique Selling Point
  - A brief description of the main characteristics of the hero and heroine
  - A brief summary of the situation and the setting
  - A summary of the major conflict and possibly the issues arising
  - And finally the resolution – preferably ending on an upbeat note.

It was a simple but brilliant idea enjoyed by all who attended.