Do You Really Need a High Concept Idea?

There’s a moment in nearly every writer’s journey where we ask ourselves: is my story “big” enough? Maybe you’ve heard the term “high concept” thrown around in writing groups or seen it on agency wishlists. It sounds impressive. It sounds like something we’re supposed to have.

Understanding what a high concept idea is (and isn’t) can help you make smarter choices about how you pitch, position, and shape your story.

What Is a High Concept Idea?

Put simply, a high concept idea is a story that can be summed up in one line and immediately hooks people.

Think:
“A teenage girl takes mushrooms and meets her 39-year-old future self.” (And, btw, if you haven’t seen My Old Ass, you really should)
Or:
“A team of specialists can infiltrate your dreams and implant ideas.”

Those are the kinds of premises that make agents and readers sit up. They’re quick to understand, easy to pitch, and loaded with story potential. The classic Hollywood definition? “A unique idea that sells itself.”

But here’s the key: a high concept idea doesn’t guarantee a good book. It just makes the story easier to pitch.

Why Writers Get Hung Up on High Concept

In a recent conversation with writers in our weekly Q&A, one writer wondered if her heartfelt story about a family dealing with change was “too quiet.” Another described her novel-in-progress as “probably too simple” to stand out.

It’s a vulnerable feeling especially in a world that often rewards splashy hooks and instant marketability.

But here’s what I shared with them: stories with quieter premises can absolutely find an audience. What matters most is execution.

Case in point: Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead is, at its core, about a boy growing up in difficult circumstances. Not exactly high concept. But it’s a stunning, emotionally rich novel. Why? Because it’s masterfully told.

The One Thing High Concept Can’t Replace

Even the most dazzling premise won’t carry a novel if the characters feel flat or the structure doesn’t hold. Many of us have had the experience of picking up a “big idea” book only to set it aside after a few pages because the execution didn’t deliver.

High concept stories need just as much care and craft as quiet ones. 

Some of the most satisfying novels don’t sound remarkable when reduced to a sentence. What makes them unforgettable is the way the author builds tension, grounds the reader in a vivid world, and reveals the complexity of her characters.

That’s the magic of execution.

So, Do You Need a High Concept Idea?

In short: no.

You don’t need a high concept idea to write a good book, to get published, or to reach readers. What you need is clarity, care, and a story only you can tell. That might come in the form of a big “what if?” or it might be tucked quietly into the space between two characters who love each other but can’t quite say it.

If you do happen to have a high concept idea? Wonderful. Make sure your execution lives up to it. If not, don’t let it stop you. Your story matters now, more than ever.