Ive received a few emails lately from people who are writing nonfiction books and wondering what on earth to do with them once theyre finished. Overview describe your book in two or three paragraphs 500 wo. Youre going to have to essentially sell them your book, sending them a document that contains details about your qualifications, a chapterbychapter outline, and most importantly, how your book is going to be marketable, and ultimately, profitable. How to write a book proposal and what exactly it needs to include are two of the questions i am asked most frequently as a.
There are several books available on writing book proposals. By developing a full proposal, youll gain a clear and compelling view of what has a good chance of sellingan important step whether you want to find an agent, pitch a publisher, or selfpublish. I could read about something for a week and not figure it out. The process of writing proposals helps you refine the underlying concepts of your books. Here is a basic template for a book proposal, which many of our clients have used successfully. It includes information on the content, the author, the market, and the salability of the project.
Dont try to use reason or logic to argue that it would be better a different way. If you have the time and want more detailed guidelines, get one of the many excellent books on writing proposals from the writers shelf at your library or local bookstore. Nonfiction book proposal guide ask yourself these questions and as you write your answers, your proposal will develop before your eyes. Give a fairly brief summary of your book here, using a few paragraphs. Most proposals run thirtyfive to fifty doublespaced pages. That, after all, is what the book proposal is supposed to do. Have you tips, techniques or other advice on how to craft a nonfiction book proposal for submission. The literary agents guide to writing a nonfiction book proposal by andy ross. To write a book proposal, provide an overview that describes the books themes, content, and organization. Include any subhead or taglines that your books title may contain. If you plan to write the book first, and figure out the proposal later, reconsider your process. First is a work of historical fiction, which kristin nelson nelson literary has posted. Nonfiction book proposal outline here is a basic template for a book proposal, which many of our clients have used successfully.
Ideas for books are as varied as the books themselves. In addition to your core target audience, who might be the next most interested targets. A fiction proposal is sometimes required by book agents and publishers, but not always. My book, book title will be a genre work which will center around the topic of book topic. Michael larsen cofounded larsenpomada literary agents in san francisco in 1972 with his partner elizabeth pomada. Consequently, most want to give the author as much input as early in the writing process as possible. The fact is that agentsand publishersreturn most manuscripts to the author without ever having read them. Your fiction proposal should include the following items and should be attached as a single file to an email with submission. Have your book proposal written for you, but you can write the sample chapters and possibly chapter outlines.
A one page cover letter or query letter is sufficient. While individual agents or publishers might have their own specific requirements, 99. It can look like a book cover, or just contain the books title, your name and contact information. Remember that your proposal should reflect your personality, beliefs, values, and ideas even when its nonfiction. With fiction, however, the synopsis is your sell so paying most attention to this will get your book sold.
The fifth edition of how to write a book proposal sets a new gold standard for aspiring authors. Nina amirs nonfiction book proposal demystified is an excellent overview and introduction for anyone looking at writing a nonfiction book. Youll find that most other publishing professionals feel this way, too. How to write a book proposal that sells fast company. Everything my agent wanted to see in my proposal was there because of elizabeths book. Unlike fiction, where an author must have a completed manuscript ready before they approach a publisher or agent, a nonfiction author only needs to develop a proposal to submit to publishers andor agents. If a word doesnt help answer one of those questions, delete it. However, youre much more likely to get a literary agency or publisher interested in you and your novel if you create one. Nonfiction book proposals in the digital age to sell an agent or publisher on your nonfiction idea, its more important.
Literary agent sarah such looks at the crucial factors needed in a successful book proposal 5 minutes to read. A book proposal argues why your book idea is a salable, marketable product. Your christian book may require a long or short introduction, depending on the content. The proposal is what you send an agent or a publisher to give them an overview of your book, a taste of your writing style and, hopefully, the impetus to get in touch to see more. This ones short and tothepoint, and the last time i.
Now, whether youre writing a novel, a picture book, young adult fiction, or any kind of nonfiction, plan on sending in a proposal either before or in conjunction with your manuscript. Writing the killer nonfiction query, writeangles 20, nov 19, 2005, mt holyoke college printer friendly pdf version cover page a nice optional extra. When it comes to fiction, few agents or editors expect or require book proposals, but its an incredibly useful tool. It helps you create a book that will sell more copies. I knew you were the most beautiful girl in that cafeteria, and i still think that today. Guidelines for your nonfiction proposal hartline literary. Speakup15 4 what is the cantputitdown aspect of the story. The core of the publishing process is the book proposal. For information on writing a fiction proposal, click on fiction proposal. Guidelines for your fiction proposal hartline literary. How to write a good nonfiction book proposal for submission 17 mar 2014 christian jennings, who is currently writing a book about the last year of wwii in northern italy, entitled if i live to see the dawn at war on the gothic line 194445.
It helps you turn an initial idea, into something that has the best chance of appealing to book buyers. Whether you plan on selfpublishing or working with an agent, this book will help you get organized and create a business plan for your book. Christian jennings is the author of five nonfiction books and is currently at work on a book about the last year of wwii in northern italy entitled if i live to see the dawn at war on the gothic line 1944. In case some of you might be that way, too, here is a handful of examples of things that have to do with the publishing industry. Write the book proposal with guidance, feedback and editing by lisa. Your nonfiction proposal should include the following items and should be attached as a single file to an email with submission. Writing a nonfiction book proposal by scott mendel. Speakup15 5 secondary audiences who, in addition to the target audience, might read or purchase this book. Every fiction book proposal must include a synopsis. Readers always buy and read books because of some felt need, but in the case of fiction.
The truth is the nonfiction book proposal is an entirely different beast. Agents simply do not have the time or staff to wade through the enormous number of manuscripts they receive from hopeful authors. A book proposal, at its most basic level, is a sales document. You need a book proposal if you are hoping to sell a nonfiction book to a book publisher. It is by david sanford, a published author, editor, and literary agent for more than 300 books who now serves on the leadership team at corban university. The special features of my book warranted a longer introduction to my proposal. Nonfiction book proposal guide creative media agency, inc. A book proposal is a document most commonly associated with pitching a nonfiction book. How to write a winning book proposal publishing talk. Neither of these proposals include author credentials, as these were submitted separately in both cases. One of my alltime favorites, this one isnt really a proposal but it certainly is the beginning of the union of two souls that belong to each other and could only be united by leaving behind the fetters of the world which kept them away. A book proposal gives those involved in the process that opportunity. With nonfiction, the most important aspect is the chapter summary and your marketing proposal.
List your last name and the title of your book, such as cotner writing and selling an irresistible book proposal, on the upper left corner of each page. What is the unique plot hook that will compel readers to keep turning pages. How to write a nonfiction book proposal mary mackey. Start by creating a table of contents, a formal outline, and a brief description of specific chapters. Members of aar the association of authors representatives, inc. Nonfiction editors require a full proposal, which means you will have to submit detailed chapter descriptions, explain how your book will fit into the market, and establish your expertise. This is the letter youd use, with the synopsis for. While proposal length varies tremendously, most are somewhere around 10 to 25 pages doublespaced, not including sample chapters. Madeleine morel, literary agent, 2m communications ltd. If you see writing proposals as too bothersome to do, you are really shortchanging yourself. Below are 3 examples from real proposals to real agents. Fiction editors focus on plot, writing, and mass market appeal, which means they will want to see sample chapters and a synopsis.
Writing an irresistible book proposal by michael larsen the golden rule of writing a book proposal is that every word in your proposal should answer one of two questions. Instead of writing the entire book, then trying to interest an editor or agent which is how it works with novels, you write the proposal first. I like this one because it contains ten reallife proposals that sold. If properly developed and researched, a proposal can take weeks or longer to write. Now in its fifth edition, it continues to be the best resource. It acts as a business case or business plan for your book that persuades a publisher to make an investment. Sample book proposal from a professional literary agency. Those two to three singlespaced pages of agony will never be seen by anyone else but editors and agents, so why. Writing a winning nonfiction book proposal 32 30 surprised. Ill address that in a future viral loop chronicle is to craft a nonfiction book proposalthe more detailed the better. It is the vehicle by which aspiring nonfiction authors and their agents sell their book ideas to editors. Fiction book proposal for literary agents literary agencies. And i believe that what youre about to read is the fastest, easiest way to get the best possible editor, publisher, and deal for your book. A nonfiction book proposal is the key document that allows an agent or publisher to determine the viability of a project.
A template for a nonfiction book proposal writers unite. How to write a good nonfiction book proposal for submission. If you can follow these tips and make sure you dont skip any submission guidelines, then youll be taking the first steps on your journey toward becoming a published author. The type of manuscript youve written will be one of the major differences. The full proposals or nearly so can be seen by following the links. These standards have been hallowed by time and consecrated by tradition. Submitting an already written non fiction book as a proposal is a great way to almost guarantee you will not get a book deal.
In both cases, be sure to have a professional query letter to head your book proposal. Nonfiction book proposal outline ted weinstein literary. A book proposal is created by a person who loves to read books, composing books, do research proposals or engaged into business of selling books. Sample book proposals if a literary agent responds to your query letter, heshe will want a nonfiction book proposal. Nonfiction book proposals anybody can write gave me the structure i needed to produce a coherent, organized proposal.
You are also welcome to listen to free audio recordings of teds book proposal bootcamp and other workshops and media appearances. Writing a fiction proposal will also help you get clearer about the uniqueness and value of your book. Knowing how to write a fiction book proposal is less about business and marketing and more about following instructions. The best nonfiction manuscripts come out of this process. With the success of the hunger games and its forthcoming film, readers are looking for more books with serious and fantastical subject matters. Everyone who teaches on the book proposal says you need one. Write the majority of the book proposal, but have lisa write challenging parts of it, such as the marketing plan or the competitive analysis. How to write a nonfiction book proposal that will sell your book. Unlike query letters, actual copies of book proposals are difficult to find. How to write a nonfiction book proposal with template. Query letters can take different forms but will all contain basic elements. Michael larsens how to write a book proposal has been the respected standard in the field ever since it was first published.