
How to answer the question 'What's your book about?'
From Grammar Girl by QuickAndDirtyTips.com
June 30, 2026 · 10 min · Episode 1198
About this episode
This episode discusses how authors can effectively answer the question 'What's your book about?' with insights from workplace communications coach Joel Schwartzberg.
1198. This week, we look at how to answer the question every author dreads: "So, what's your book about?" with workplace communications coach Joel Schwartzberg. We look at the difference between describing a book and selling it, how nonfiction authors can craft point-driven responses, and how fiction writers can distill their stories into a compelling pitch. Joel Schwartzberg is a workplace communications coach, speaker, and speechwriter. He's the author of "Get to the Point: Simplify, Sharpen, and Sell Your Message," and you can find him at joelschwartzberg.net 🔗 Join the Grammar Girl Patreon. 🔗 Share your familect recording in Speakpipe or by leaving a voicemail at 833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475) 🔗 Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses . 🔗 Subscribe to the newsletter . 🔗 Find an edited transcript . 🔗 Get Grammar Girl books . | HOST: Mignon Fogarty | Grammar Girl is part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network . Audio Engineer: Castria Communications Director of Podcast: Holly Hutchings Advertising Operations Specialist: Morgan Christianson Marketing and Video: Nat Hoopes, Rebekah…
People in this episode
Host: Mignon Fogarty
Guest: Joel Schwartzberg
Topics covered
- book pitching
- author communication
- nonfiction writing
- fiction writing
- workplace communication
Keywords
- book pitch
- author advice
- communication skills
- nonfiction
- fiction
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Grammar Girl, Quick and Dirty Tips
Books & works: Get to the Point: Simplify, Sharpen, and Sell Your Message
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