TIPS FOR GETTING RESULTS

WRITE A WINNING BOOK PROPOSAL!

An excellent book proposal is the most important tool you will need to get your nonfiction book represented and sold. I recommend the expert books by Michael Larson and Jeff Herman. Below are some tips for writing your proposal.

Elements of a Winning Nonfiction Book Proposal

COVER LETTER- Definitely one of the most important aspects of the proposal, and easily one of the most challenging. Be concise and professional. One page only. You can also mention here why you think the book fits their company.

COVER SHEET- Title, subtitle, authors name, (agents name), address, phone, fax, and e-mail, properly formatted.

PROPOSAL TABLE OF CONTENTS - The contents and page numbers of your proposal.

OVERVIEW- This is the sales pitch for your book, a place to use your 'hook' The future of your project rests in the strength of the overview you write. You have roughly three pages (or more) to get your point across, so it's imperative that you are succinct and to the point. This is NOT the place for modesty. Publishers want you to tell them why YOU are the PERFECT person to write this book, and why nobody else could do a better job than you. Let them know the length of the book and any special features.

Focus on: WHAT genre your book is, what it covers (keep in mind here 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, why are you the authority? If this is a series or has the potential for spin-offs, list that here.

DO NOT INCLUDE: The fact that you have never been published before, why the publisher might be taking a huge risk on you, or anything that is not completely complimentary to you.

MARKET AUDIENCE- The better you know the market audience, the easier it will be to tailor your book to their needs, and to focus your search for a publisher. Pay attention to trends and changes within the market. Give statistics and be specific.

COMPETITION AND COMPARISON- You need to do your homework here. Find out what other books that are similar to yours exist, and why yours is better or different. Go to bookstores and find out where on the shelf your book would fit, and then acquaint yourself with that area. Go on-line to www.amazon.com and www.B&N.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? Include statistics (i.e.: there are X diabetics in the United States, and only X books, therefore they NEED this book) these statistics can be found in the World Almanac, or www.internetstats.com and other library and online resources. Be thorough.

MARKETING AND PROMOTION- List what you are willing to do to help sell your book: book signings, T.V. and radio appearances, out-of-pocket sales expenses, travel. Mention how many books you will buy per quarter or per year. Will you hire a publicist? Will you match the pub's marketing budget up to a certain amount? Also find out what newspapers and magazines focus on your area of expertise, list any contacts you have that will help publicize your book. Will you put together your own press packet, make a video or audio, go into schools, give talks or run ads?

DESCRIPTION AND COMPLETION- What do you envision the final packaging of the book, dimensions, length, etc to be? Also include when the book will be completed. Include a budget of resources needed to complete your book if applicable.

AUTHOR BIO- List what your background and experience is and why are you an authority? Do NOT include anything unnecessary. List your education, relevant work and life experience, credentials and professional memberships. (You can add numbers of members, etc.) Include a resume if it supports your book.

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 OUTLINE- 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- Anything you think will enhance your credibility, or help illustrate the importance and need for your book. (Articles, photographs, graphs)

SASE - Always include a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope!

HELPFUL BOOKS-

1- Write the Perfect Book Proposal: 10 That Sold and Why by Jeff Herman & Deborah Levine Herman

2- How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen

3- The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published by Sheree Bykofsky, Jennifer Basye Sander

4- 2004 Writers Market by Katie Struckel Brogan (Editor), Robert Brewer (Editor)

5- 2004 Writers Guide to book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents by Jeff Herman

6- 2004 Guide to Literary Agents by Writers Digest Books

7- Literary Marketplace (Library)