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. How to write a successful nonfiction book proposal jeanne. A memoir is a personal story that provides a snapshot of a particular time and place in your life. That reinforces the idea in your mind and in the mind of publishing agents that your book is different and in some ways better than similar titles in your genre. 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. 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. Many writers, and aspiring writers, dont realize the opportunities that exist in the nonfiction book market. Its this time that allows those of us who have achieved a level of success in our chosen field of practice to accelerate our success on. Most book agents call this section of a nonfiction book proposal the competition section, but i prefer to call is the competitive advantages section. 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. 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. I also had a onepage overview which included other similar books already in the marketplace and how mine was different.
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. Jan 05, 2016 the appropriate length for a nonfiction query is somewhere between 1 and 1. In such cases, the query really ends up being a cover letter and doesnt have to be labored over that much. Thats top secret information until the book actually gets. Nonfiction book proposals in the digital age writers digest. Here is a basic template for a book proposal, which many of our clients have used successfully. Your nonfiction proposal should include the following items and should be attached as a single file to an email with submission. 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. Have you tips, techniques or other advice on how to craft a nonfiction book proposal for submission. How to write a memoir book proposal memoirs are just getting more and more popular in what i call this age of the business celebrity. The literary agents guide to writing a nonfiction book proposal by andy ross. A nonfiction book proposal is the key document that allows an agent or publisher to determine the viability of a project. The sample chapter ought to be the crown jewel of the nonfiction book proposal. A medical history textbook was proposed by robin anderson to prenticehall in january 2003. Dont try to use reason or logic to argue that it would be better a different way. Platform is a crucial part of nonfiction book proposals.
Five basics of nonfiction book proposals fresh ink book. In just a page or two, you will discover all the information necessary to research and compose the material for each of the 12 primary sections in a nonfiction book proposal. This ones short and tothepoint, and the last time i. At its root, this is the purpose of each section in a book proposal, so be clear and persuasive. What is the accepted way of preparing and submitting a proposal for a nonfiction picture book, say for the middle grade market. This is pretty much the authoritative book on writing a book proposal. Nonfiction book proposals can top out around 5075 pages, not including sample chapters.
A marketing plan is a vital element of every nonfiction book proposal. To get your nonfiction book published, put together a strong proposal. Book proposal a business plan for your book and how you plan to ensure sales success keys to a great synopsis the steve laube agency july 27, 2016 i posted my ideas on some keys to a great book proposal, a few writers said they were challenged to write a synopsis. That was a two book deal, admittedly, so you can divide the numbers by two to get a per book amount. Give a fairly brief summary of your book here, using a few paragraphs. Example of nonfiction book proposal keeping up with the jackdaws.
The following is an excerpt from write a book without lifting a finger by mahesh grossman, available at. A short list of books that helped me write my proposal. This is intended for the readers to understand the essence of what they are reading. Add in those samples, and youll have a complete proposal ready to be considered by a literary agent. 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. 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. Here is an overview of what i expect and hope to find in a nonfiction book proposal. Many, if not most nonfiction books are sold to publishers as book proposals. How to write a nonfiction book proposal with template. In todays writing tip sharlene martin and anthony flacco, authors of publish your nonfiction book, discuss one of the nine essential elements to a book. 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. This book introduces the feathered residents of a suburban garden in the north east of england. There are several books available on writing book proposals.
Learn about choosing a topic based on current trends and competing titles. In this blog post, youll find a description of the overview and introduction sections of my christian nonfiction book proposal, for blossom. The good news is that almost every nonfiction book published is sold by a proposal. Logic doesnt matter when talking about how people actually do thingsthough, in this case. Contains the title, author byline, and contact information proposal contents.
The appropriate length for a nonfiction query is somewhere between 1 and 1. The truth is the nonfiction book proposal is an entirely different beast. Overview, endorsements, length and delivery date, competing and complementary books, target audience, about. Writing a nonfiction book proposal by scott mendel. A book proposal argues why your book idea is a salable, marketable product. Nonfiction book proposal outline ted weinstein literary.
How to write a nonfiction book proposal wolf literary. Maybe youve heard that a book proposal is the most professional way to present your nonfiction book idea. I like this one because it contains ten reallife proposals that sold. Nonfiction book proposal outline here is a basic template for a book proposal, which many of our clients have used successfully. Mar 19, 2014 have you tips, techniques or other advice on how to craft a nonfiction book proposal for submission.
Jul 15, 2014 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. Hi shamrock838, when i submitted the proposal for my middle grade nonfic cryptic canada, i sent a cover letter explaining the focusslant of my book, the projected word count and my writing credentials. Each section of a nonfiction book proposal is briefly described so you understand what content to include and how to write it effectively. Five basics of nonfiction book proposals fresh ink book editing. 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. He even clearly tells the reader how to avoid the slush pile. Youre coming into the home stretch of writing a book proposal. In an email the attached file name should be descriptive author name fiction or nonfiction proposal logline. Advice that i find myself giving out again and again as an agent is guidance on how to write a nonfiction book proposal. In my opinion, this is the most important part of a book proposal. 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. 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.
Think carefully about whether your proposed book is truly needed by a large enough audience. The truth is, a synopsis for a nonfiction book is as important as one for fiction. How to write a nonfiction book synopsis pen and the pad. Thus far the outcome of this proposal was a contract for a second book. I offer a selfstudy course on nonfiction book proposals. A book proposal should include each of the following sections, in this order. 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. Michael clearly and concisely states what creates a nonfiction book proposal that will get noticed by agents. Sample book proposal from a professional literary agency.
Dear pamela, memoir advice about your book proposal. Nonfiction book proposal guide creative media agency. How to write a nonfiction book proposal nathan bransford. 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. How to write a good nonfiction book proposal for submission.
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. Instead of writing the entire book, then trying to interest an editor or agent which. Most nonfiction is sold via a book proposal a structured outline of the book you intend to write. Sample new book proposal below is a sample of a complete and exhaustive book proposal for a christian nonfiction manuscript.
May 28, 2017 a book proposal argues why your book idea is a salable, marketable product. The type of manuscript youve written will be one of the major differences reflected in how you present your proposal. Book proposals are used to sell nonfiction books to publishers. Nonfiction book proposal guide creative media agency, inc. An easyschmeasy guide to writing a business plan for your book. Sample nonfiction book proposal structure below are the main parts of the average book proposal. My book, book title will be a genre work which will center around the topic of book topic. 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. 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. Addressed to the appropriate agent with titlegenreword count and appropriate contact information in the letter, this letter should interest us in reading your proposal. We tell you exactly what agents want and how to deliver it.
Sometimes it is harder to capture that arc in a proposal than in a whole book. Speakup15 5 secondary audiences who, in addition to the target audience, might read or purchase this book. Sure, some parts of psychology and economics and other fields are not bookbased, but basically, the law of the land is. Agents are looking for something more specific when it comes to nonfiction. Ive seen many authors confuse the two and create extra work for themselves. The art of writing the nonfiction book proposal, explained in detail. Finding hope and healing for your heart after loss. Writing quality counts in nonfiction book proposals. Aug 23, 2016 when i was struggling with my own memoir proposal which seemed harder than writing the darn book, eric maisel, author of the art of the book proposal, suggested i write a mini proposal. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure theyre useful for our readers. 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.
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. When i was struggling with my own memoir proposal which seemed harder than writing the darn book, eric maisel, author of the art of the book proposal, suggested i write a miniproposal. Writing a nonfiction book proposal by scott mendel updated. May 17, 2012 book proposal a business plan for your book and how you plan to ensure sales success keys to a great synopsis the steve laube agency july 27, 2016 i posted my ideas on some keys to a great book proposal, a few writers said they were challenged to write a synopsis.
This is one of the main differences between the fiction and the nonfiction book proposal. Learn which chapters to include in your book proposal. If publishing a memoir is your goal, its a good idea to write a proposal to sell your work. Dear pamela, memoir advice about your book proposal memoir.
I also sold a book off the back of a nonfiction book proposal that had multiple publishers bidding for the rights, and ended up being sold to harpercollins for. Include any subhead or taglines that your books title may contain. Nonfiction book proposal literary agents and literary agencies. A book proposal samples will explain the purposes and objectives for creating a book. Nina amirs nonfiction book proposal demystified is an excellent overview and introduction for anyone looking at writing a nonfiction book. Nonfiction book proposals in the digital age to sell an agent or publisher on your nonfiction idea, its more important. I found the book incredibly helpful and followed it closely.
Writing a winning nonfiction book proposal 32 30 from my experience, a great book proposal needs to include five distinct elements see fig. Many aspiring nonfiction writers begin by writing an entire. You are also welcome to listen to free audio recordings of teds book proposal bootcamp and other workshops and media appearances. 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. By jane friedman if you wrote a nonfiction book 20 years ago, your greatest competition. A one page cover letter or query letter is sufficient. 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. The letter you send to an agent to get him to request your book proposal is a query letter. Nonfiction writers have the added challenge of presenting historical context, source material, and research methods to help publishers gauge the value of their manuscripts. Use the proposal to sell your book to potential literary agents, editors, and publishers. Elements of a successful nonfiction book proposal dummies.
Your nonfiction proposal should include the following items. 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. How to write a book proposal that agents will love jericho writers. Sample chapters need to grab the readers imagination. In it we will meet the blackbirds, the grey tits and the robins who share the. Make sure your proposal is as polished as possible by including the following. Its this time that allows those of us who have achieved a level of success in our chosen field of practice to accelerate our success on an ongoing basis through the creation of a book. Submitting an already written nonfiction book as a proposal is a great way to almost guarantee you will not get a book deal. How to write a nonfiction book proposal wolf literary services. Memoirs can cover most any subject of human interest.
As suggested in the video, if you are planning on sending a proposal through to a publisher, be sure to check their speci. This page will direct you to some examples of book proposal sections so that you can put together a winning book proposal. This book by michael hyatt is exactly what the title says it is. How to write a nonfiction book proposal with examples.
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. How i wrote a book proposal and found a literary agent. If you can send the book proposal along with the query, you should. Prescriptive nonfiction is usually sold on proposal. Nonfiction book proposals bookends literary agency. It is up to the author working with the agent to prove that a sizeable target audience for the book exists, to sharply define this target market, and to evaluate competitive books if any in the marketplace. In addition to your core target audience, who might be the next most interested targets. How does it differ from a standard magazine article query.