In order to determine the potential for a product, you develop a business plan. The book proposal is a business plan for a book.
Even before writing a book, there are certain things that you need to know. And this is true whether you’re writing a memoir, novel, children’s storybook, chapbook, historical, how-to, self-help or coffee table book. If you are seeking some measure of success with your book project, you must find out:
• Is there a market for this book?
• Who is your audience and how will you reach them?
• What titles compete with yours?
• How does your book differ from others on this topic?
• Who is your target audience and how can you reach them?
• What are your publishing options?
• What are the possible consequences of your publishing choices?
• What are your responsibilities as a published author?
• How will you promote your book once it is published?
A well designed book proposal will answer these important questions. It will also help you to determine:
• How realistic is your vision for this book?
• What is the best way to organize your book?
• How can you make it more salable?
Establish Your Platform Before Writing the Book
Your platform is your following—your way of attracting readers. Here’s what I recommend you do before bringing out your book.
• Start writing articles or nonfiction stories for national magazines.
• Become columnist or regular contributor to a website, newsletter or magazine related to your topic.
• Seek an endorsement for your book or support for your project from a well-known national organization.
• Establish and nurture connections with high profile people in your field.
• Borrow, buy and/or build a mailing list.
• Build a website and start a blog related to your book. Offer something of value and promote, promote, promote.
• Establish a social media presence.
• Take a class or read several good books about promotion in general and book promotion in particular.
• Become familiar with appropriate talk TV and radio shows nationwide and how to land interviews.
• Do something newsworthy.
Keep in mind that a book proposal is for you—to help you determine whether your book is a good idea or not. And then, if you plan to seek a traditional publisher for your project, you will be required to write a book proposal for him.
A Nonfiction Book Proposal should include:
Cover letter
Title page
Table of contents
Synopsis or overview
Marketing section (Who is your target audience?)
Promotional ideas (Include your platform.)
Market Analysis or comparison of competitive works.
About the author (What makes you the best person to write this book?)
Chapter outline
Sample chapters
Samples of illustrations, photographs, etc.
A Fiction Book Proposal should include?
Cover letter
Synopsis or overview
Promotional plan
About the author
For much more about writing a book proposal, order my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html or How to Write a Successful Book Proposal in 8 Days or Less, http://www.matilijapress.com/bookproposal.html
Or sign up for my online, on demand book proposal course: http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookproposal.htm