Aug 23, 2016 the miniproposal, minus the sample chapter, was about seven pages approximately 1,500 words. Contains the title, author byline, and contact information proposal contents. Book proposal template nonfiction authors association. Nonfiction book proposal outline here is a basic template for a book proposal, which many of our clients have used successfully. Also note that agents and publishers each have their own submission criteria so the format of your proposal may need to change slightly. Andy warhol, saint apollonia suite 1984 for all of these reasons, quite a mouthful will make a perfect gift for any general interest nonfiction reader. I am thrilled to help new authors navigate this daunting path and i would love to work with you yes, you. Nonfiction book proposals in the digital age to sell an agent or publisher on your nonfiction idea, its more important than ever to show where your book will fit inand what will make it stand outboth in print and online.
Often when im considering signing a new nonfiction client, i read the overview then scroll right down to the sample chapter to see if the author can actually write. Many, if not most nonfiction books are sold to publishers as book proposals. Sample chapters 3 double spaced include three sample chapters that o cast the vision and scope of this book o demonstrate the authors best craft and skill for a proposal for a novel, this is the most important part of the proposal by far. You can find downloadable book proposal templates online. Thus far the outcome of this proposal was a contract for a second book. Use the proposal to sell your book to potential literary agents, editors, and publishers. A standard proposal includes a title page, overview, description of the audience for the book, an analysis of competitive titles, a plan for how the author will promote the book, an author bio, the table of contents for the book, short summaries of each chapter, and three sample chapters. A one page cover letter or query letter is sufficient. Thats top secret information until the book actually gets. Nonfiction book proposal guide creative media agency, inc. Here is a basic template for a book proposal, which many of our clients have used successfully.
As mentioned in my discussion on how to get published, if youre interested in writing a book length work of nonfiction, you dont need to write the entire manuscript before you make the sale. My book, book title will be a genre work which will center around the topic of book topic. Keep it to 4,0005,500 words maximum, double spaced, 12 point, times new roman. Nonfiction book proposal outline ted weinstein literary. 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. Have you got a nonfiction book idea and dream of securing a milliondollar deal all before writing the book itself. Once the book proposal has hopefully passed first muster with andrew lownie, he will ask for a synopsis of each chapter in the book, usually written at about half a page of a4 each, or a page maximum. But it does mean that every single page and line and word in that proposal functions as a writing sample. Make sure your proposal is as polished as possible by including the following. Oct 29, 20 sample chapters need to grab the readers imagination. Though its written in place of an actual book, it should build a complete argument for the book idea. Sample book proposal from a professional literary agency. This book shows them how to take advantage, with topics including subject matter research, creating marketing plans, and writing a strong about the author section. Include any subhead or taglines that your books title may contain.
You are also welcome to listen to free audio recordings of teds book proposal bootcamp and other workshops and media appearances. However, if you want it to emerge unscathed from the slush pile, your proposal must be clear, thoroughly. The book proposal is a 1550 or so page manuscript that a writer uses to pitch a nonfiction book to publishers. How to write a nonfiction book proposal with examples. Writing a nonfiction book proposal a primer for the firsttime nonfiction book writer by scott mendel updated february 2018 it will probably seem obvious to you that the nonfiction book proposal is a tool your agent will use to sell your work at the best possible terms, and to secure the strongest possible.
What is the accepted way of preparing and submitting a proposal for a nonfiction picture book, say for the middle grade market. Most authors dont realize this, but youll need to write a nonfiction book proposal even if your book is already complete. As suggested in the video, if you are planning on sending a proposal through to a publisher, be sure to check their speci. By jane friedman if you wrote a nonfiction book 20 years ago, your greatest competition. Ive written and published four works of nonfiction and have been involved as a. Below is a sample of a complete and exhaustive book proposal for a christian nonfiction manuscript. If youve been following this series, youve already learned about writing your author bio, the information that should go into your chapter summaries, how to handle competitive titles, identifying your target audience and how youll market to them, and how to make. It acts as a business case or business plan for your book that persuades a publisher to make an investment. How to write a nonfiction book synopsis pen and the pad. Michael hyatt former ceo for thomas nelson publishers, has added updated information reflecting evolving changes in the publishing industry. Although youre writing a synopsis for nonfiction, write as if youre telling a story. How to write a good nonfiction book proposal for submission. For instance, with nonfiction, you can get by with an outline and three sample chapters of your manuscript. Aug 15, 2018 the book proposal is a 1550 or so page manuscript that a writer uses to pitch a nonfiction book to publishers.
Writing a winning nonfiction book proposal 32 30 from my experience, a great book proposal needs to include five distinct elements see fig. Book proposals are used to sell nonfiction books to publishers. How to write a book proposal posted on july 2, 2015 by karen kelsky you all know that the book proposal is the cornerstone to a successful tenure track career in most areas of the humanities and social sciences. Advice that i find myself giving out again and again as an agent is guidance on how to write a nonfiction book proposal. Ive seen many authors confuse the two and create extra work for themselves. Its a perk of nonfiction that you can sell a book on proposal before sitting down to the write the whole shebang, and often receiving an advance will. Remember, a nonfiction book proposal does much more than simply explain what your book is about. Nonfiction book proposals in the digital age writers digest. Nonfiction book proposal guide ask yourself these questions and as you write your answers, your proposal will develop before your eyes.
This book introduces the feathered residents of a suburban garden in the north east of england. 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. There are several books available on writing book proposals. Plenty of writers also pitch memoirs with only a proposal and sample chapters. How to write a book proposal that agents will love jericho writers. This ones short and tothepoint, and the last time i. Youre coming into the home stretch of writing a book proposal. In this comprehensive yet accessible guide, you will learn exactly what a proposal is, what it must contain, and how to pull yours together into an informative, persuasive selling package. Learn about choosing a topic based on current trends and competing titles. A good place to find a downloadable nonfiction and fiction book proposal template is. Although you should include at least two sample chapters in your nonfiction. Dear pamela, memoir advice about your book proposal memoir. I like this one because it contains ten reallife proposals that sold. It also subtly says im on twitter, which shows im building platform.
Proposal cover letter addressed to the appropriate agent with titlegenreword count and appropriate contact information in the letter, this letter should interest us in reading your proposal. Sample chapters need to grab the readers imagination. Nonfiction book proposals can top out around 5075 pages, not including sample chapters. How to finally write your nonfiction book the new york times. Andrew lownie literary agency how to write a good non. To get your nonfiction book published, put together a strong proposal. Jul 15, 2014 but it does mean that every single page and line and word in that proposal functions as a writing sample. What ive got ready, a completed manuscript with word count and a proposal. Jun 04, 2018 since we recently discussed the role of a synopsis in a fiction proposal i thought it important that we address what the nonfiction author needs to provide. Nina amirs nonfiction book proposal demystified is an excellent overview and introduction for anyone looking at writing a nonfiction book.
I chose to read this book because i am interestedin space. Youll also have to include a full sample chapter, which is a topic for another day. How to write a nonfiction book proposal with template. Tucker has sold over 5 million books as a 4x nyt bestselling author and.
Avoid dry writing and simply rattling off a string of facts. 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. Query letters can take different forms but will all contain basic elements. Five basics of nonfiction book proposals fresh ink book. Your nonfiction proposal should include the following items. The following is an excerpt from write a book without lifting a finger by mahesh grossman, available at.
Example of nonfiction book proposal keeping up with the jackdaws. Jun 09, 2010 what ive got ready, a completed manuscript with word count and a proposal. Mar 17, 2014 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. For novels and picture books and sometimes childrens nonfiction, you will be required to submit your completed manuscript along with your proposal. The sample chapter ought to be the crown jewel of the nonfiction book proposal. Nonfiction book report example linkedin slideshare. This is one of the main differences between the fiction and the nonfiction book proposal. Nonfiction book proposal outline for sounds true i. It is by david sanford, a published author, editor, and literary. The purpose of the synopsis is to sell your manuscript. How to write a book proposal includes plenty of examples and a book proposal template you can follow. Dear pamela, memoir advice about your book proposal. A book proposal argues why your book idea is a salable, marketable product.
This page will direct you to some examples of book proposal sections so that you can put together a winning book proposal. Nonfiction book proposal literary agents and literary agencies. Writing a nonfiction book proposal by scott mendel. In an email the attached file name should be descriptive author name fiction or nonfiction proposal logline. Ive seen many authors confuse the two and create extra work for. For example, the publishing platform reedsy includes detailed explanations of. A nonfiction book proposal is the key document that allows an agent or publisher to determine the viability of a project. The miniproposal, minus the sample chapter, was about seven pages approximately 1,500 words. Judy nayercall number a powerpoint presentation by ms. Platform is a crucial part of nonfiction book proposals. Ultimately, i did write and sell my memoir on a longer proposal, but the miniproposal was a good start, and its possible an agent or editor will accept a shorter proposal than the one outlined above. Elements of a successful nonfiction book proposal dummies. Overview describe your book in two or three paragraphs 500 words or less.
Although this is an academic textbook, the proposal demonstrates the basic requirements of a successful pitch for any nonfiction book, including an excellent chapterbychapter summary. Sample nonfiction book proposal structure below are the main parts of the average book proposal. The literary agents guide to writing a nonfiction book proposal by andy ross. In an email the attached file name should be descriptive author name fiction or nonfiction proposal slugline. Everything my agent wanted to see in my proposal was there because of elizabeths book.
Jul 02, 2015 how to write a book proposal posted on july 2, 2015 by karen kelsky you all know that the book proposal is the cornerstone to a successful tenure track career in most areas of the humanities and social sciences. In this blog post, youll find a description of the overview and introduction sections of my christian nonfiction book proposal, for blossom. How to write a nonfiction book proposal nathan bransford. Jan 22, 2019 sample book proposals if a literary agent responds to your query letter, heshe will want a nonfiction book proposal. How to write a nonfiction book proposal wolf literary.
Many writers, and aspiring writers, dont realize the opportunities that exist in the nonfiction book market. Include the first, middle and end chapters these sample chapters should offer an accurate sense of the style, substance and structure of the work, as well as be able to indicate any. Nonfiction manuscripts must demonstrate the same solid writing that good fiction manuscripts contain. How i wrote a book proposal and found a literary agent. In the nonfiction world, publishers will ask an author to submit this vital document and not the entire book. How to write a nonfiction book proposal wolf literary services. Jul 29, 2011 there are several books available on writing book proposals. 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. 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. Writing quality counts in nonfiction book proposals. The good news is that almost every nonfiction book published is sold by a proposal. 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. A book proposal samples will explain the purposes and objectives for creating a book. I work oneonone with nonfiction writers, helping them with the process of writing a book proposal and finding an agent.
May 28, 2017 a book proposal argues why your book idea is a salable, marketable product. My contact information makes it easy to get in touch with me and check me out online. Includes plenty of examples and a book proposal template you can follow. Even more so than practical nonfiction, your narrative or memoir proposal needs to serve as a microcosm for your book as a whole, so the proposal has to be a tight and exciting read, and capture the arc of the book. Writing a nonfiction book proposal by scott mendel updated. Your nonfiction proposal should include the following items and should be attached as a single file to an email with submission. Nonfiction book proposals anybody can write gave me the structure i needed to produce a coherent, organized proposal. Since we recently discussed the role of a synopsis in a fiction proposal i thought it important that we address what the nonfiction author needs to provide. Finding hope and healing for your heart after loss.
This will be a showcase of your writing, so be sure this sample chapter is well edited and interesting. As mentioned in my discussion on how to get published, if youre interested in writing a booklength work of nonfiction, you dont need to write the entire manuscript before you make the sale. How does it differ from a standard magazine article query. I was able to send my proposal within a week, and three months later, my agent was responding to bids from four large publishing houses. In it we will meet the blackbirds, the grey tits and the robins who share the.