How to Write a Book Proposal

by Michael Larsen

Overview

The Source for Book Proposals Success!

How to Write a Book Proposal is THE resource for getting your work published. This newly revised edition of the Writer's Digest Books classic outlines how to create an effective, nonfiction book proposal in a clear, step-by-step manner. You'll learn the keys to a successful book proposal and how to:

• Test-market the potential of a book idea and effectively communicate that potential in a proposal
• Choose the best agents and editors for a particular proposal
• Create a professional-looking proposal package
• Predispose publishers to make their best offer

Notes agent and author Michael Larsen also provides insider insights into the publishing industry as well as a plethora of newly updated information including:

• Recent changes in the publishing industry
• Updated trend information
• New sample proposals
• Expanded instructions for creating outlines

You'll also find complete guidelines to becoming an effective self-promoter. How to Write a Book Proposal is a must-have for every writer!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781582977027
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	04/18/2011
Series:	How to Write a Book Proposal
Edition description:	Fourth Edition
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Michael Larsen co-founded Michael Larsen-Elizabeth Pomada Literary Agents, in 1972. He is a member of AAR. Mike is also the author of How to Get a Literary Agent, and with Jay Conrad Levinson and Rick Frishman, coauthor of Guerrilla Marketing for Writers.

Table of Contents

Part I Why The Book? Why You?

Chapter 1 Why Now Is the Best Time Ever to Write Books: Twenty Reasons for You to Be a Writer 2

Chapter 2 McBook: The Fastest, Easiest Way to Use This Book 6

Chapter 3 What's in It for You? Reasons to Use This Book 8

Chapter 4 Pushing Your Hot Buttons: Choosing the Right Book for You to Write 10

Chapter 5 Getting Off the Pin: The First Three Steps to Take With Your Idea 13

Part II Starting Off Right: Hooks, Benefits, and Titles

Chapter 6 Getting Paid to Write Your Book: The Parts of an Irresistible Proposal 16

Chapter 7 Selling the Sizzle: Your Opening and Hook 20

Chapter 8 Naming Rites: Finding the Answers You Need to Choose Your Title 28

Chapter 9 Your Selling Handle and the Models for Your Book 41

Chapter 10 Bennies for Readers, Royalties for You: Listing Your Book's Benefits 45

Chapter 11 Adding Value to Your Book: Special Features 47

Part III Following the Money: Your Book's Markets and Competition

Chapter 12 Following the Money: Four Kinds of Markets for Your Book 55

Chapter 13 Sizing Up the Comps: Competing and Complementary Books 66

Part IV Reaching Readers: Your Platform and Promotion Plan

Chapter 14 The Base of Your Golden Triangle: Creating the Communities You Need 74

Chapter 15 Eyes Are the Prize: Building the Platform Your Book Needs 79

Chapter 16 The Web as Synergy Machine: Building Your Online Platform 85

Chapter 17 Laying Your Life on the Lines: Your Bio 97

Chapter 18 Ushering Your Baby Into the World: Putting Your Promotion Plan on Paper 100

Chapter 19 Making Your Desk Promotion Central: Your Online Campaign 114

Chapter 20 Throwing Something in the Pot: Your Promotion Budget (Optional) 122

Chapter 21 Taking the Guesswork Out of Publishing: Fourteen Ways to Test-Market Your Book to Guarantee Its Success 126

Part V Adding Ammunition: Optional Parts of Your Overview

Chapter 22 Using Niche Craft to Create a Career Out of Your Idea: Spin-Offs 136

Chapter 23 Star Power: Your Foreword and Cover Quotes 139

Chapter 24 Your Call to Arms: A Mission Statement 144

Part VI Putting Meat on the Bones: Your Outline and Sample Chapter

Chapter 25 Chapter Choices: Finding the Best Way to Write Your Outline 148

Chapter 26 Giving Your Outlines Structure and Heft 162

Chapter 27 No Time for Sophomores: Strategies for Outlining Six Kinds of Books 165

Chapter 28 A Taste of the Feast: A Q$A Session About Your Sample Chapter 176

Part VII Ensuring Your Proposal Is Ready to Submit

Chapter 29 Making Your Proposal More Salable: The Benefits of Writing Your Manuscript First 184

Chapter 30 Making Your Work Look as Good as It Reads: Formatting Your Proposal 186

Chapter 31 The Breakfast of Champions: Getting Feedback on Your Proposal 190

Part VIII Finding a Happy Home for Your Book

Chapter 32 Publishing on the Vertical Slope of Technology: Seeking the Right Publisher for You and Your Book 197

Chapter 33 Get Published or Self-Publish: Do You Need a Publisher? 204

Chapter 34 The Hook, the Book, and the Cook: Write and Send Your (E-)Query Letter 206

Chapter 35 The First Impression: Making Your Proposal Look Like It's Worth What You Want for It 211

Chapter 36 DIY: The Joys of Self-Publishing 215

Chapter 37 Pushing the Envelope: How to Sell Your Book Yourself 218

Chapter 38 Meet the Matchmaker: How an Agent Can Help You 221

Chapter 39 Recipes for a Successful Book and the Best Publishing Experience 228

Part IX Plotting Your Future

Chapter 40 Starting With the End in Mind: Setting Your Personal and Professional Goals 231

Chapter 41 From Author to Authorpreneur: The Building Blocks for Growing From Small to Big 234

Chapter 42 Spring Is Coming: The Prologue 240

Appendices

Appendix A Resource Directory 242

Appendix B Bringing in a Media Whiz: Why Hire a Publicist? 257

Appendix C Marketing Your Book With Other People's Money: The Quest for Partners to Help You Promote Your Book 259

Appendix D Four Sample Proposals 264

Index 318