Some hopeful authors want a detailed blueprint showing them how to publish their books. They want a guide to follow from start to finish—from approaching a publisher to distributing boxes and boxes of books. There are actually many guides for new authors, but not the kind most authors desire.
Authors want to know:
• What publisher should I contact?
• Do I need an agent?
• How do you write a query letter?
• What goes into a book proposal?
• How much does it cost to self-publish?
• How much money can I make on this book?
And they want specific, etched-in-stone answers.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone give you exact templates for your query letter and book proposal, precise figures for producing your particular book, the name of an agent and/or publisher who will delight in working with you and definitive earnings?
Even a book shepherd can’t give you that blueprint you want. If you publish a dozen or 10 dozen books, you still won’t have a precise guide to publishing set in stone.
Publishing is a rather ambiguous, unformulated activity. While, of course, there are parameters, rules, policies, recommended strategies, guidelines and such, each publishing project requires thought, heads-up research, attention to detail and tons of creativity.
That’s why I stress the importance of education for the author who contemplates publishing. In order to make the best decisions for you and your project, you must understand something about today’s publishing industry, know your options, realize the possible consequences of your choices and be aware of your responsibilities as a published author.
I wrote The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book for the new and struggling author. It is designed to be read BEFORE you make that final decision to pursue publication. I’d prefer that you read it before you write your book. It could make the difference between you writing a salable book and one that only your closest friends will purchase.
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
Patricia Fry’s Online Book Proposal Course
It’s too late to join in on my Article-Writing Course. We’re moving along faster than usual and we’re coming up on lesson number 3.
But I’m presenting my Book Proposal Course when this one is finished—probably around the first of September. If you are thinking about writing a book, you are in the middle of writing one or even if you have finished your manuscript, you will probably need a book proposal. Who needs a book proposal, anyway? You need to write a professional book proposal if:
• You are thinking about writing a nonfiction book.
• You are writing or have written a nonfiction book for publication.
• You are seeking an agent or publisher for your nonfiction book.
• You’ve written a novel or children’s book and your publisher asks for one.
For an in-depth article on writing a book proposal PLUS sample book proposals for two books that sold, go to http://www.matilijapress.com/articles/write_bookproposal.htm
To learn more about the Book Proposal Course, go to http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookproposal.htm