For most hopeful authors, writing a book proposal seems like an overwhelming task. They may study articles and books about how to write a book proposal. They might review successful book proposals. But when it comes to writing one, they freeze. They question the format, the order, the scope and the focus. They wonder, “What is the point?” “How long should it be?” “What is meant by platform, synopsis, competitive works?” “And what the heck is a chapter summary?”
A book proposal is a sales pitch for your book. A book proposal with all of the right elements and information will help an agent or publisher determine whether your project is worth representing or publishing. And the Chapter Summaries section of a nonfiction manuscript is an important aspect of any book proposal.
So how is a Chapter Summary constructed? Too often, authors simply pull paragraphs from their chapters in order to create a summary. But what does this really tell the publisher about that chapter? Some authors try to mention practically everything that’s in the chapter in a sort of rapid, staccato style. How is a publisher supposed to follow narrative that is so densely compacted? So what does a Chapter Summary contain? How is it presented?
I suggest that a Chapter Summary is actually a description of the chapter. It should include the purpose of the chapter, an overview of what it encompasses and, perhaps, one or two anecdotes or examples. When you finish writing a summary of a chapter, read it from the point of view of the publisher and determine the following:
• Have you captured the essence of the chapter?
• Is your description clear, uncluttered and concise?
• Does the Chapter Summary reflect how your chapter is organized?
• Do your anecdotes or examples appropriately represent the theme of the chapter?
• Is this a good representation of the way the book is written?
I recommend writing your Chapter Summaries in the same person, tense and general style as your book is written.
The Chapter Summary is just one aspect of the book proposal. To learn more about how to research for, construct and prepare a book proposal, read The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. I dedicate almost 100 pages of this book to writing a book proposal for nonfiction and fiction books. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
Folks tell me that my chapters on writing a book proposal are easy to follow and understand. One author said that the book proposal was still a giant mystery to her until she sat down with my book. She said that I was able to get through her book proposal block and guide her in finally writing one.
I can tell you that once you write one, you have a template to follow from now on. You also have a measure of confidence that will see you through even the most complicated book proposal in the future.
If you’d like me to take a look at your Chapter Summaries, email me at PLFry620@yahoo.com.