What not to do When Writing a Book Proposal

I am pleased to repost this great article from my friend Deb Herman!

Deb is an experienced writer and literary agent who is practrical and smart when it comes to giving advice!  Enjoy!

 

 

By Deborah Herman

Literary Agent and co-founder of the new social network for Writers: Writer Entrepreneur  www.theWEnet.ning.com

 

The nonfiction book proposal is the tool of the trade for traditional publishing. It is even now used for fiction submissions although with different elements. If you want to find an agent and/or publisher for your non-fiction book you need to learn how to do this even though you may put it on the level of visiting the dentist. No offense meant for dentists, but if the character in “Little Shop of Horrors,” is any indication, dentists own a place among some of our communal worst nightmares. Writers have a similar perspective toward book proposals. Book proposals seem to be a necessary evil more evil than necessary.

If you understand the purpose and attributes of a book proposal you can make writing them almost as much fun as writing your book. They create a blueprint and can be used even if you decide to self-publish to keep you on task. You can write a book proposal without needing a completed manuscript. This is an amazing benefit for you as a writer. You can plan your book, write good sample material and if you are able to find an agent or publisher can spend your time writing the book knowing that it will reach an audience and that you will be paid. This is much better then all the speculative writing we must do in building our careers. Your book proposal is like a personal interview with the person who can choose your project and change your life. A well written book proposal can move you up the ladder toward the smaller percentage of people who land a book deal.

We use a specific format in our book proposals that we have clearly outlined in our book: “Write the Perfect Book Proposal.”  This makes the process so much less daunting. No matter what resource you use, and there are many great ones, the gist of the proposal is the same. You want to explain clearly what the book is about, why it should exist and why you are the one to be writing it.

The sections of a book proposal are as follows:

1.Title Page

2.Overview

3. About the Author

4. Market- who will buy the book

5. Promotions- author marketing plan

6. social media 

7. competition

8. Table of Contents

9. Chapter by Chapter outline

10. Sample Chapter(s)

Without going into complete detail of how to write a book proposal, which we will do in a future blog, there are things you should not do when writing one. 

 

1. Do not forget the purpose of a book proposal. This is not a mini manuscript. It is a sales document more akin to a business plan where you are able to introduce your project to the appropriate agent or editor. 

2. Do not think that you will put all your energy into the manuscript and whip out the proposal just because you have to. In many cases your book proposal needs to be better than your book. This is what will get you in the door. 

3. When writing your book proposal do not pontificate. Your overview should only be 250-500 words. You are enticing the agent or editor to read more. You do not want to waste this space with fluff about how it will be a bestseller and will change the world. 

4. Do not weigh any section of the proposal as more important than the others. Every section is there for a reason. You are anticipating questions the agent or editor will have about the potential of your book and answering them in ways geared to support you. 

5. Do not write a disorganized table of contents with fancy chapter titles. It is better to have clear and explanatory titles that allow a reader to completely visualize the book than for someone to think you are clever but unfocused. 

6. Do not forget to do your market research. Know who your audience is. Saying that every woman in the world needs to read the book is not valid even if it is true. 

7. Do not forget to thoroughly research your competition. You may not find all the books that are in the works at a publishing house, but you should be familiar with books already in the marketplace. 

8. Do not write a chapter by chapter outline that is non-persuasive. In other words use good writing skill to show that the book will be a good read. 

9. Do not forget to describe what you bring to the table. If you have a reach to your audience include it in your proposal so the agent or editor can be sure that your book is a good risk. 

10. Do not get lazy when it comes to including sample chapters. You may not need to write the entire manuscript but the agent or editor will want to know that you can write. You do not need to be the best writer but your sample chapters will show follow through. 

Enjoy the process and show that you are passionate about your book. Try to be patient with this part of the journey. It will pay off in the end.