Preparing a Perfect Book Proposal
A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Winning Proposals
From Slush Pile to Publication: Tips for Fiction and Non-fiction writers on how to get an editor's attention.
Preparing a Perfect Book Proposal
A Step-by-Step Process
The physical presentation of a book proposal is really important. A professional approach radiates confidence.
Always:
- Double space the manuscript
- Use good quality paper.
- Attach supplementary material such as previously written articles, a resume and/or reviews of earlier work.
- Place materials in a white presentation folder and be sure to address the proposal to the right editor—someone who recently handled a similar project.
Cover Letter
The cover letter will accompany the proposal and should be short and to the point. Introduce the project with an intriguing summary. Write as if you’re summing up your idea to your friends and relatives. If they don’t grasp your concept right away, experiment with another approach. Keep focused and keep your tone lively.
Remember, the personal touch is what captures an editor’s interest. To get a good idea of how to say what’s important in few words study video covers. In 50 words or less, an entire two-hour movie is described.
Title Page
The title page should be equally impressive. Titles are the calling cards to your work. Having a great title is essential. It should be catchy, yet capture in few words the essence of the book. The subtitle narrows down more of what the book will be about.
The Overview
The overview is similar, but not the same as the book's introduction. Explain what you’re going to write about, how you’re going to write it, what qualifies you to write about it, and why it’s important. Make clear the benefit of the book to both readers and the publisher. The overview should be approximately ten pages in length.
The overview is where you’ll convince an editor to buy your book, so use your strongest writing ability. A good book proposal is as interesting and convincing as your book will be. Is your style clear, lively and energetic, informative, entertaining or touching? Start the overview with an anecdote that draws the reader in. Include in this section how long the book will be, and when you’ll deliver the completed manuscript.
Marketing
Include ideas on how to market the book and how you will assist in its promotion in the marketing section. Here are some ways to do this:
- If you work for a company that will buy copies of your book, mention it.
- If you write for a magazine or newspaper that may excerpt the book, mention this as well.
- If you speak at any events and can sell copies of your book there, include this.
- If there are more opportunities to sell your book in the academic and trade market, explain how and why.
- Convince editors in the competition section that your book is different, the first of its kind, or if not the first, the best.
- Do your homework. Visit a bookstore or go on-line and search for any books that might be construed as similar or competing. List the titles. Point out what they don’t have, that your book will. Don’t be too critical.
Biographical Information
The biographical section is where you sell yourself and your qualifications. Highlight all relevant experience and list articles and books previously published.
Chapter Outline and Sample ChaptersThe chapter outline is a narrative description of the book. In this section, show that you have thought through the concept of the book. Each chapter should be titled. Outlines read like mini-chapters with lots of compelling anecdotes to make them interesting. Begin this section with a table of contents. There is no set length. Be as concise as you can. Half a page is generally a good idea for each chapter.
Many publishing houses will require sample chapters. Check submission guidelines as the number of chapters varies from house to house, with most requesting between one and three chapters.
Follow these simple steps to ensure that fiction and non-fiction book proposals rise to the top of the slush pile, capturing the editor's attention every time.
