How to answer the question 'What's your book about?'

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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