When composing your elevator pitch, you want to answer these questions: WHO is this story about? WHAT is the situation? WHERE does the story take place? WHY does it matter?

• The protagonist: WHO is your main character? What makes this character unique? What does this character want at the beginning of the story?

• The conflict: WHAT is the situation? Who or what is standing in the way of your protagonist achieving his or her goal?

• The stakes: WHY does it matter? What’s at risk if your protagonist doesn’t achieve their goals? What is the worst thing that will happen? What will their success or failure mean to your protagonist?

• The setting: WHERE does the story take place?