At some point during the process of writing a book, you may realize that you need a book proposal. Maybe you’ve finished writing your memoir, travel guide, business book, cookbook, mystery, or historical novel and you’re seeking publication. You approach a publisher or an agent who says, “Please submit a complete book proposal.”
Perhaps you’re just thinking about writing a children’s book, a how-to, or an inspirational book and you’ve recently join a local writers’ group or attended a writers’ conference. Surely, during a workshop, a presentation, or even casual networking, the term book proposal will come up.
You wonder, “What is this thing called a book proposal?” And some of you will resist finding out for as long as you can. You’ll go ahead and write your book to please yourself. When you start receiving rejection slips from publishing houses every time you submit the finished manuscript, you may realize that you should have written a book proposal. You eventually learn that, in some cases, this formality can make the difference between a publishing contract and that dreaded rejection letter.
Not only is a book proposal required by most publishers of fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books today, you (the author) should consider it a mandatory part of the book writing/publishing process. Why? A complete book proposal can help you to make better decisions on behalf of your book project, thus experience greater success.
If you’ve resisted the task of writing a book proposal or if those you’ve submitted have been rejected, this book is for you. If you’ve just entered into the world of authorship and you’re faced with the prospect of writing a book proposal, keep reading.
Propose Your Book is designed to take the mystery out of the book proposal. I know how overwhelming writing that first one can be. I was introduced to the book proposal over three decades ago and I didn’t take too kindly to the idea. After dodging the bullet for as long as I could, there came a time when it was inevitable. I had to bite that very same bullet and write my first book proposal. I’ve since written dozens of my own book proposals and I’ve coached many other authors through the process of writing theirs.
Keep in mind that today’s book proposal is not the same document required by publishers in the 1980s and ’90s. Over the years, as the publishing industry has changed, the book proposal has taken on a new significance and form. The online courses I taught throughout the early 2000s, and the subsequent book I wrote featuring tips for writing a book proposal (2004), are no longer in alignment with industry standards.
While there are hundreds more publishing options and opportunities for authors today, there is also an enormous increase in competition. What does this mean for you, the hopeful author? It means that you need all of the ammunition you can muster in order to succeed with your project. Educate yourself about the publishing industry and enter into it only after you are entirely and completely prepared.
In order to succeed in the highly competitive publishing business, it’s imperative that you strive to keep up with the trends and requirements of the industry. Part of that requirement for most authors involves writing a book proposal.
If you’re stressed just thinking about this daunting task, the information and suggestions in this book may provide the antidote you need. Herein, you’ll learn to successfully meet the challenges of writing the all important and necessary book proposal with elevated understanding and purpose. Order your copy here: