More and more publishing professionals agree with me that the first step in producing a successful book project is writing a book proposal. Writing a book without a book proposal is like starting a business without a business plan. People do it, but their potential success is usually compromised.
You wouldn’t construct a building without a plan, sew a dress without a pattern or develop a new automobile design without detailed diagrams and carefully developed specs. Why would anyone write a book for commercial distribution (they want it to sell by the thousands) without first devising a plan to determine:
• Is this a viable product?
• Is there a market for this book?
• What else is out there like my proposed book?
• How will I get this book published?
• What are my publishing options and which one is best for my book?
• Who is the target audience and where are they?
• How will I get the attention of my target audience?
• Why will anyone purchase a book by me on this topic?
• What is my marketing plan?
• What can I do to develop a platform?
I guess there are many people who don’t think ahead—who don’t do their homework—who make decisions by the seat of their pants. Just look at the horrendous mistakes made in recent years with regard to housing mortgages. Thousands of people are losing their homes because they didn’t look ahead. They didn’t study their options and the possible consequences of their decisions.
Publishing isn’t a whole lot different from other aspects of our lives. Here are some hard truths:
• Writing is a craft and publishing is a business. You must approach these two activities in very different ways.
• Knowledge should be your number one priority when entering into the world of publishing.
• The more popular writing and publishing becomes, the more options and opportunities will be available.
• While there are some worthwhile and credible publishers, agents, etc. eager to work with new and seasoned authors, there are also more sharks.
• Competition in the publishing industry is over the top fierce.
• Your best chance at success depends on a well-researched book proposal.
• The best time to write a book proposal is before you start writing the book.
If the idea of writing a book proposal is scaring you half to death, you might consider taking my online, on demand 6-week book proposal course. Check it out at http://www.matilijapress.com/bookproposal.htm
My latest pod cast has gone live. If you’d like to hear me talk with Phil Davis about the things you keep reading about here in my blog, check it out at http://www.authorsonthenet.com
And remember, any day that includes writing is a good day. If becoming a published author is your ultimate goal, concentrate your writing efforts on the revered, highly important book proposal.