Preparing a Winning Book Proposal- writedeal.com

Jul 18th 09 Posted by Julie Clark Robinson in Writing

Preparing a Winning Book Proposal

by Julie Clark Robinson

If you’ve got a book idea rattling around in your head, it will likely stay there unless you understand how to put together a compelling proposal to convince publishers to bring it to market. Here are the basic elements of a solid book proposal:

1. The ‘overview’ or need for your particular book on the crowded retail (or online) bookshelf. Why would readers reach for it versus other books on the same topic? Why is this book concept timely and relevant to today’s reader? Why are you the author to write it as opposed to others? What makes you the expert on the subject or why would readers relate to your particular point-of-view?

2. The Table of Contents and Chapter Outline. This is probably the section that you’ll struggle with the most, but once it’s complete the book will practically write itself. You’ll need at least ten chapters to be considered ‘meaty’ enough for publication. Once you decide on the message of each chapter, write an engaging title for each. Then, craft a lead paragraph to demonstrate your unique ‘voice’ to your writing.

3. The Introduction. Start by studying Introductions of other non-fiction books to get a solid understanding of the purpose of this section. In short, it sets up the entire book for your readers. This is where you qualify what you are about to do within the chapters and explain yourself and your intent. For example, “I’m not a doctor, but what I’m about to share with you are ways that I’ve learned to”

4. Target Markets. This is where the preliminary work on the book itself is done and where you prove to publishers that you understand your intended audience. Convince publishers that there are 2.5 million dog owners in the United States and that most of them wish that their pets behaved better. Tell them that pet owners spend about $1000 a year on caring for their pets and that 2% of them are avid readers. Dig around to build a case for the publication of your book!

5. Competitive Titles. There are probably several books on the shelves right now that cover your material. Let publishers know that you are fully aware of that by offering two or three of the titles and then contrasting your message with theirs. Of course, prove that your book’s message is far superior from what already exists!

6. Author Background. Once the publisher is convinced that your book is marketable, you need to prove that you have what it takes to write it. What is your background with regards to the title and your work ethic in general? Granted, you may never have published a book before, but you’ve worked in business for twenty years, meet deadlines and exceed expectations on a daily basis. You also should know that a publisher seeks to sell at least 10,000 books in order to consider a book from a first-time author a success. How will you as an author support this number? Do you teach dog obedience every Saturday? Have you written a related column in your local newspaper? In short, if you can prove that you have a built-in audience; this is where you do it.

7. Promotions. If you think that you’ll be sent on a glorious book tour and do nothing but smile and sign copies, think again. Such royal treatment is reserved for best sellers these days. You’ll need to think outside of the box and help your publisher spread the word about your book. This is where you brainstorm and share your ideas. Is there a National “Tough Love Your Dog” day that you could attach your services to somehow? Would you print a “How To” summary on postcards and send them to vets to put on display in their waiting room? Brainstorm some ways to support book sales to the masses and your publisher will know that they have a partner in you.

About the Author:

Julie Clark Robinson is a staff writer for the American Educational Guidance Center, publishers of college search, online college, school search, scholarship, online degree, and athletic scholarship websites.