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Proposal Tips

WRITE A WINNING NONFICTION BOOK PROPOSAL!

An excellent book proposal is the most important tool you will need to get your nonfiction book represented and sold. Below are a few general tips for writing your proposal. For additional information, visit our Resources For Writers section.

COVER LETTER

• Be concise and professional. One page only.
• Clearly state your genre, word count and title/subtitle.
• Answer the question: What is the premise of this book and what makes it unique? Why are you the best person to write it?

COVER SHEET

Include title, subtitle, authors name, (agents name), address, phone, fax, and e-mail, properly formatted.

PROPOSAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

The contents of your proposal, including page numbers

OVERVIEW

The future of your project rests in the strength of the overview you write. Be thorough, yet succinct and to the point.

Tell publishers why you are the perfect person to write this book, and why nobody else could do a better job than you, and back it up with evidence.

Let them know the length of the book and any special features.

Focus your overview on:

• The genre of your book, the premise of the book and what it covers--keep in mind that the broader and more focused audience you can reach, the better your chances for publishing.
• Why will your book sell, what will people take away from your book that they can't get elsewhere?
• What need will your book fill, how will it benefit the readers?
• What makes your book unique or timely, and why are you the authority? If this is a series or has the potential for spin-offs, list that here.

MARKETING

Research the target market of this book:  Who will want and need to buy this book, and why?

Give statistics and be specific and thorough. (i.e.: there are X diabetics in the United States, and only X books, therefore they NEED this book.) These statistics can often be found in the World Almanac, or www.internetstats.com and other library and online resources, such as trade associations. 

NONFICTION authors: Platform is everything!  

• What proof do you have that you are already in front of this target market on a regular basis? Publishers want to know not so much what you plan to do, but what you are doing now.
• List any speaking engagements, media appearances, professional associations, websites, blogs or other evidence of platform already in progress.
• Include press kit information if you have it available, and list any contacts you have that will help publicize your book.
• Mention how many books you will buy per quarter or per year.
• Will you hire a publicist? Will you match the publisher’s marketing budget up to a certain amount? What newspapers and magazines focus on your area of expertise?
• Will you put together your own press packet, make a video or audio, go into schools, give talks or run ads? Give details.

COMPETITIVE / COMPLEMENTARY BOOKS

• Do your homework. Research other books similar to yours, and discuss how yours is similar (in terms of the likelihood for success) and different (in terms of being unique or bringing something new to the conversation.)
• Know your genre. Go to bookstores and find out where on the shelf your book would fit, and then acquaint yourself with the books in that area.   Go on-line to www.amazon.com and www.bn.com and find out what they have that is similar.
• Look in Books In Print for forthcoming titles. On your list of other books include, publisher, price, year released, number of pages and ranking. Then tell how your book is new and better. How does your book differ from the rest?

AUTHOR BIO

• List what your background and experience is and evidence of your expertise in the subject matter/what makes you an authority.
• List your education, relevant work and life experience, credentials and professional memberships. Include a resume or CV if it supports your book.
• Include a small digital photo if you have one.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Do a complete table of contents with sub-headings. This can be combined with your chapter-by-chapter outline.

CHAPTER-BY-CHAPTER SUMMARY

Write a brief paragraph summarizing each chapter

SAMPLE CHAPTERS

Include your first chapter, and your best chapter. You may include a third chapter if you think if will help sell your book.

If possible, make the last chapter included end with a cliffhanger that will leave them wanting more.

ATTACHMENTS

Include anything you believe will enhance your credibility, or help illustrate the importance and need for your book. (Articles, photographs, graphs)