Creating a One Sheet for the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Conference, held this year in Indianapolis, IN, is always a fun and creative way to present your novel to an agent, editor or newly found author friend! While it need not be fancy, or costly, think of it as an advertisement for your book and a first impression for you as the author. It should be visual, in an easy-to-read format and contain the essential information about you and your pitch. Below is a sample of the One Sheet I designed in 2009.
The title, the genre, and the author’s name are at the top with a banner. For a personalized touch, I added a Bible verse that related to my novel. In the body is a short blurb, much like found on the back cover of a book. It should be concise and contain a hook. I included one sentence that explained the moral premise and setting. At the bottom of the page is my name, photo, contact information and tagline.
Although I cannot credit my One Sheet, this novel is now contracted with Revell, a division of Baker Publishing House, and due to release in June of 2014. It is currently going through titling and cover design! And that is all very exciting!
I carried the One Sheet with me over the years, and found printing it on standard computer paper the easiest way to bring to conferences as it’s easily tucked in an editor’s folder, or even folded to slip in a purse or pocket.
One year, I printed it on 8×10 glossy photo paper, and though it looked pretty, it was awkward to hand out. If you decide on a stiff paper, I would suggest using a 5×7 or even a 4×6 photo card. It’s a great way to remind those you met at conference what you are writing and to put your face with the title.
For more detailed information on creating a One Sheet, check out Dineen Miller’s 2008 post on the ACFW blog. Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/1d0Rfhj
What do you write? Have you ever attended a conference? If you write Christian fiction the ACFW Conference next month in Indianapolis is a wonderful place, to grow as a writer, meet others in the industry, and pitch your novel. And a One Sheet is a wonderful way to share and showcase your writing!
Comments 11
Who can write more clearly than you about such things! I assure you, nobody, I’ve seen something like this only on https://usagrantsforsinglemothers.com/. I enjoyed the guide and suppose you have more such stuff?
If yes, so please post it since it is somewhat unusual for me at the present moment, and
not only for me, that is my view. Hopefully, I can get
an in-depth manual of yours and be aware of all the news and the latest data.
Author
Why, thank you Jessica! I’m glad (and honored!) that you found the One Sheet post helpful. The One Sheet was successful for me and I wanted to share in hopes it would inspire other new writers. I haven’t written books on the writing craft, but here are many books out there on the subject. Some of my favorites are written by Donald Maass. Fire in Fiction is one, but he has several. Also, Brandilyn Collins and James Scott Bell have some excellent books for writers. Hope that helps!
Thank you, Melanie! I look forward to meeting you, too!
Really lovely! Thanks so much for sharing! I look forward to meeting you in Indianapolis!
Blessings,
Melanie
Thanks for the example.
Thanks, Judy!
Thank you, Ane and Angie! It was fun to make – and I hope fun to read! :o)
Great post! I have been designing a few one sheets for ACFW members this year. It has been so much fun to use my creative juices to help display other ideas! Almost as fun as writing!:)
Veyr nice, Rebecca. I remember when they used to say plain and simple, no fancy graphics. But in the last 2 or 3 years, I’m seeing more creativity in one sheets, and I LOVE it. 🙂
Thank you, Bethany! I’ve heard a lot about New Adult Fiction lately! I love “where grit meets Grace” Great tagline!! I think it’s good to have a great One Sheet, even if you’re not going to conference – you never know who might want to know about your novel. And it’s a good exercise in honing an elevator pitch! Thanks for stopping by! Hopping over now to see your One Sheet!
Rebecca, your book sounds so interesting. I’m sure I’ll enjoy reading it! I write New Adult Fiction–where grit meets Grace. I won’t be able to attend the ACFW conference this year, unfortunately, but I’ve been working on my one sheet anyway. The Lord knows when it will come in handy.
This post is so concise and helpful! I’ll be sure to send people your way. I must’ve posted my link to the ACFW loop within minutes of yours. So funny. (Great minds?) If anyone would like to see a way-more-creative-than-necessary one sheet, swing by my site and click on the writing tab. I wanted something I could hang on my office wall, so I worked with a graphic designer (NOT AT ALL NECESSARY to make a good impression). Love this time of year as writers are hustling and bustling to present themselves and their work well . . .