I need to write an elevator pitch. I’ve had my first session with my publicist, Brian. The idea is to give Called to Account a proper launch, with radio and podcast interviews, press releases etc. Brian asked lots of good questions, and I gave lots of rambling, semi-coherent answers. What authors do I compare myself too? What are similar books that we could say, ‘if you liked that, you’ll love this?’
Claire and I agreed that my books aren’t like any other. There are certainly books that have influenced my style, I’ve told you about them already. My books have been described as “Bond-esque”, but Bond isn’t historical fiction.
Brian asked me to write an elevator pitch. The idea is that you get in an elevator (lift) and have 20 or 30 seconds to sell your book to a publisher, for example. The target was 150 – 180 words. I think the guidelines were longer than that. After several attempts, and suggestions from Brian, I came up with this.
The Sir Anthony Standen Adventures have collected some good reviews.
This book would equally make an excellent action comic book or television serial! Sir Anthony Standen inhabits his world like some inverted, world-weary, and cynical ‘Candide’. In the words of Shakespeare ”bestriding the narrow world like a Colossus.” – The Historical Fiction Company.
I think fans of historical fiction, perhaps those that enjoyed ‘The Da Vinci Code’ would enjoy this book. – Love Reading.
Spy techniques, fight scenes, and an array of attractive supporting characters give the novel a James Bond–esque atmosphere while staying rooted in historical context. – Kirkus
In Called to Account, Maria and Antonio set off for Frankfurt to find a buyer for their wine and expand their vineyard. They find a buyer, and Maria finds an admirer. When they visit the man preparing their bill of exchange, he and his wife have been strangled. The victims are Jewish, so the mayor isn’t interested. They hunt for the killer, as a pogrom explodes. Maria and Manuel fall in love. Manuel is hiding something. Which will prevail, love or hate?
I think it needs more polish, but my brain is frazzled. What do you think?