Book proposal basics
For nonfiction authors pursuing traditional publication, they will have to start with a book proposal. This is like a business plan for a nonfiction book. It “sells” an agent or acquisitions editor on the book and convinces them to invest in it. It also helps the author create a roadmap for what they will do as they write and promote the book. For self-publishing authors, writing a book proposal first will help them figure out what they need to do to stand out from the crowd.
Elements of a Book Proposal
Essentially, a book proposal contains these sections:
- Overview: a narrative section that describes the book and how it will be written, with details such as length, illustrations, and special features.
- About the Author: a full description of who the author is and why they’re the right person to write this book.
- Marketing/Promotion: a section that defines the proposed book’s audience and outlines the author’s plans for promoting the book, including special marketing hooks/ideas. This should contain action items that the author plans to do (promote the book on their blog, keynote at relevant events) and suggestions for publicity that a publisher wouldn’t automatically know about.
- Competition: a comparison section that describe how the book is similar to – and different from – other books that have already been published. If there has never been a book like this one, that’s a very bad sign. This section should include titles that are fairly recent and have sold well.
- Chapter Outline: a description of each chapter of the book, usually a couple of paragraphs per chapter. Bullet points help get material across quickly.
- Sample Chapter(s): one or two full chapters showcasing the author’s writing and the subject of the proposed book.
Some agents and acquisitions editors may want to see a slightly different presentation, which the author can easily accomplish by varying the final format according to specific needs, which can usually be found on their websites.
The author needs to remember that the proposal will be seen by agents and editors who have hundreds of other query letters, manuscripts, and book proposals piled in their email inboxes. They often have assistants screen the pile first. The goal should be to hook them – overworked agents and editors and underpaid assistants – with a well-polished, well-thought out proposal.
