The high concept is a construct with which I’ve struggled as a new entrant to fiction writing, so today I went looking for some down to earth advice.

I found quite a lot of useful information on a site called #writersstore.

Two writers caught my attention. The first was Steve Kaire who provided this succinct 5-point checklist for what constitutes a High Concept.

https://www.writersstore.com/high-concept-defined-once-and-for-all/

He says the high concept should reflect:

1. Original and Unique Premise

2. Mass audience appeal

3. Story specificity

4. Obvious potential, all in

5. One to three sentences.

Not a big ask at all, really???? Urk. It’s going to take a LOT of practice.

In romance fiction, sometimes it feels like there’s nothing new under the sun, but if one book is to be noticed above another, the high concept needs to be clear in any pitch.

So I tried to find more advice, and again, I landed at #writersstore.

This time, the author of the article was James Bonnet http://www.writersstore.com/conquering-the-high-concept/

This piece offered clear examples. Bonnet’s suggestion is to keep the high concept description to as few words as possible. It should revolve around a fascinating subject, a great title, the inciting action and the hook.

Check out what he says.

There may be hope for me yet!