by Bethany Jett, @BetJett

It’s time to dispel any fear, dread, or hesitation that arises when we talk about one sheets. The one sheet is a tool to help start the conversation between you and the editor or agent to whom you’re pitching. It is not the end-all, be-all of your writing career.

That said, if you’re going to use a one sheet, it should follow a consistent format. Personally, I recommend having a one sheet so you have somethign to slide across the table, a momentary distraction from your nervousness.

As an author, I don’t acquire manuscripts, but I’m always impressed when I see a well-crafted one sheet. It tells me that the person is polished and professional, and in just a few seconds, I can get a grasp of what their heart is about.

We’re at week #9 in our conference countdown, which gives you plenty of time before the Blue Ridge Conference to share you one sheets in the Facebook group for a friendly critique.

What is a one sheet?

A “one sheet” is a piece of paper that contains the critical information about your manuscript, such as genre, word count, target audience, synopsis, contact information, and your bio. It allows the agent or editor to get an idea of you and your book. However, at it’s essence, it’s as conversation starter.

What if I don’t have a one sheet?

You can still pitch to an agent or editor without a one sheet. There is no rule or requirement that says you have to have one. In fact, at every writers conference, I find that attendees feel so much pressure to have a one sheet that they avoid the fifteen-minute appointments if they don’t have one.

Please don’t waste the opportunity to pitch your book!

How do I create my one sheet?

You can create your one sheet in any word processing program, like Word, Publisher, or Pages. You can also use Canva’s letterhead option to make a stunning one sheet. There are lots of options, but the main thing is to create a cohesive flow without cramming a ton of information.

How many one sheets should I print and bring with me?

You don’t need to pack a lot of one sheets. Honestly, the person you’re pitching will probably hand the one sheet back to you. If they are interested in your proposal, they’ll likely ask you to send that, not the one sheet. I usually pack five or six copies.

What should I include?

1. Contact information

   The same information you include on your business card should be included on your one sheet. If you’re already represented by an agent, you can include his or her contact information.

2. Headshot and Short Bio

   Keep your headshot professional and small. You have a lot of information to include and your headshot doesn’t need to take up half the space. The same goes for your biography. Include relevant detail and provide a call-to-action for people to check out your website or a specific social media platform.

3. Book Title and Blurb

   Think of this as back cover copy or a short synopsis. Fiction and nonfiction one-sheets vary slightly, but you’ll need a great hook, as well as details about how the book progresses. You can find more details on one-sheet blurbs from Rachelle Gardner’s blog, Edie Melson, and Andy Lee.

4. Book Statistics

   A small section of the one sheet will include your approximate final word count, genre, audience, and how long it will take to complete. If you have endorsements, include a couple here, as well.

5. Relevant Photo

   My first one sheet did not include a photo and I admit, it would have helped things tremendously. Your one sheet should look beautiful. Make sure the image is relevant to your topic, though. If you write historical romance, a picture of an alien space ship makes no sense.

   Keep the aesthetic of your one sheet clean and don’t be afraid of white space or color.

Here are some sample one-sheets:

Fiction: Alone
Fiction: When Sparrow Falls
Nonfiction: Parables

[reminder]Have you found one sheets to be useful when pitching?[/reminder]

 Bethany Jett is a military wife and homeschool boy-mom who is addicted to suspense novels and all things girly. She is an award-winning author, speaker, ghostwriter, and founder of JETTsetter Ink. In her spare time, Bethany is working on her Masters degree in Marketing: New Media and Communication.

Bethany writes on being the CEO of your life at BethanyJett.com. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.