How to Write a Book Proposal

HOW TO WRITE A BOOK PROPOSAL. This short video by John Bond of Riverwinds Consulting details the various parts of a book proposal primarily for a non-fiction book.

JOHN'S NEW BOOK is “You Can Write and Publish a Book, Second Edition”

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Hi there. I am John Bond from Riverwinds Consulting and this is Publishing Defined.

Today I am going to talk about the basics of a book proposal.

A book proposal is a tightly formatted document of 20 to 40 plus pages that is presented to a publisher or agent for them to consider whether to publish the book, or to represent the author.

The proposal summarizes the project and gives the necessary information for them to make an informed decision. Most book proposals follow a relatively rigid format of what to include.

Your proposal has to be persuasive; to make the publisher want to take the risk based on your vision.

The parts of the actual proposal are as follows:

• Title Page: Includes the title of your book, as well as your contact information

• A Proposal Table of Contents: Lists the items in the proposal with their page number.

• Overview: This is your opportunity (perhaps the only one) to sell your project. It includes a concise and enticing description of the book. You will need a hook or some way to instantly grab the reader’s attention. Present your USP or unique selling proposition that tells the reader why your book is perfect for them or what separates it from other books on the same topic. Think about what need is fulfilled by your book.

• About the Author: This gives you the opportunity to say why you are the person to write the book. Extol your background. Talk about your accomplishments. Don’t be shy. Include as much information as necessary to establish you as the expert you are.

• Schedule: Talk about when you can deliver the completed manuscript. Be pessimistic. Under promise and over deliver.

• Resources Needed: May be optional. If you need certain assistance or funding, this allows you the opportunity to make that known. The less you request, the better off you are. However, if you cannot get the book done without these resources, the publisher will need to know this up front.....

[foodnfunengineering]

Thank you for the valuable information

[monicac.]

Thank you, this is so useful as I start to think about a cookbook proposal.

[leeb]

Thank you John! I have a question any way I can get some insight? Is there an email I can reach you at thank you sir!

[StrippingPoetry]

One publishing house is asking for proposal description? Is it same as cover letter?

[QuizmasterLaw]

this looks like NON-FICTION which is what i want why i am here, but you should include that tag line in your title or description since fiction and non fiction book proposals are very different.