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First make sure a book proposal is the appropriate document for you. Many new writers make the mistake of using a book proposal for fiction. While that is not entirely unheard of, it is not the usual way to get your work in the hands of a publishing house. Book proposals are often used to market non-fiction books and you may send a book proposal to an agent or editor without having finished the book first. If your interest is fiction, your document should be polished and complete before sending it on. Also be sure to check the Writer’s Market or other reference to see if the agent or publisher you are targeting accepts unsolicited proposals. Many agents and publishers would rather a short query letter before being faced with the whole proposal document. You can also request a copy of their submission guidelines at this time. Don’t forget to include a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
Before Beginning
Thoroughly research your subject before beginning. Are there any books out there like yours? If so, is there room for more? Before developing your idea you should research the market and find out what has been published and what sold and what did not. Talk to your local librarian and bookstore manager. They can tell you what has been popular and what has not. While you have the bookstore manager’s ear it doesn’t hurt to explain your idea and ask what genre he or she would put your book in. You want to be clear in your proposal just what shelf your book will sit on and who will be interested in buying it. You can also check out Publisher’s Weekly to see what is current in the market.
Your proposal should include: a cover page, pitch, detailed table of contents, sample chapter, and attachments detailing related news and your qualifications.
Cover Page
The cover page is pretty self-explanatory. Include the title, your name, your address, and your phone number and email.
The Pitch
The pitch section will outline your idea, what market it is intended for, who the competition might be, publicity and promotional ideas and some information about you, the author. Explain your idea in several paragraphs clearly and concisely. Don’t beat around the bush. Describe the market of readers who will be anxiously awaiting your book. Are they young or old? Male or female? The publisher wants to know that you have done your homework. Be honest about whom you think the competitions will be. If you think it will be a tough market, say so. Give details about how you plan to publicize your work and make sure the agent or publisher is left with the impression that you will work hard to get the word out. Lastly, list your qualifications. Why are you the person to write this book and how are you qualified in the subject? Don’t be modest.
Table of Contents
You should have worked out how many chapters there will be in your book and what each chapter will cover. While this is something that should be given a lot of thought, you don’t have to feel it is written in stone. One of the reasons for sending a proposal for non-fiction is to have the editor give some input for the content of the book. Changes can be made later if needed.
Sample Chapter
While the sample chapter is often the first chapter, it doesn’t have to be. If you think your third or fifth chapter will be more attention getting, then send that chapter. Make sure there are no errors and remember this is what is going to set the tone for your book. Is it going to be an academic document, a humorous piece, or a practical how-to book? Think about your style and consider if it will work with all the other chapters you plan on writing.
Supporting Material
The last part of your proposal should contain any recent news clippings related to your topic or media attention you have received. The purpose of this section is to give credibility to the author and the idea.
Sending it Off
Proofread your proposal and have someone else look at it as well. Then put it in a drawer and take it out a week later and check it again. Once you are satisfied that there are no errors pack it up (without shredded paper or Styrofoam peanuts!) and send it out. If you want your document back be sure to include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with the appropriate postage. Once you have sent your proposal, move on to another project. Mark your calendar for two months later. If you haven’t heard form the agent or editor by that time send a polite note asking if they received your proposal. If they are not interested then try another publisher. Just because one agent is not interested doesn’t mean your idea isn’t good. After all, Harry Potter was rejected eight times before J.K. Rowling got an acceptance.
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