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. In this blog post, youll find a description of the overview and introduction sections of my christian nonfiction book proposal, for blossom. Different rules apply to writing a book proposal for fiction books, so make sure to do more research if youre writing a book proposal for a fiction book. The real secret to securing a book contract is knowing how to write a powerful, compelling book proposal that leaves agents begging to represent youand publishers eager to sign you. Thats a logical approach, but major publishers dont usually want to see an entire nonfiction book. Here is a basic template for a book proposal, which many of our clients have used successfully. During that call, well discuss your proposal and overall book concept. While fiction writers are often required by publishers to submit a synopsis of their manuscripts, many nonfiction writers often dont think about writing synopses for their books. Agents are looking for something more specific when it comes to nonfiction. Fiction editors focus on plot, writing, and mass market appeal, which means they will want to see sample chapters and a synopsis. This begins with a brief dramatic anecdote which is meant to get the reader, in this case the editor at the publishing company, interested in the material. The book proposal is a 1550 or so page manuscript that a writer uses to pitch a nonfiction book to publishers. Nonfiction writers have the added challenge of presenting historical context.
Jan 17, 2011 a sound bite statement is the essence of your novel or nonfiction book idea in 40 words or less. Aug 11, 2017 for nonfiction books, you usually dont begin by writing the book. Nonfiction book proposals can top out around 5075 pages, not including sample chapters. The nonfiction authors association is excited to bring you a live online course with literary agent jennifer chen tran. The literary agents guide to writing a non fiction book proposal will lead you through the steps to constructing a convincing book proposal that will make the best case possible for your project.
The truth is the nonfiction book proposal is an entirely different beast. Take your time creating your promotion and when possible, ask others for feedbackespecially fellow authors who have been through this process before. Within your book proposal, dedicate one page to a thirdperson bio that introduces you and why youre suited to write this nonfiction book. A book proposal is a document most commonly associated with pitching a nonfiction book. It also provides exercises to get you clear on your brand, your voice, your book content and helps you whittle down exactly who is in your almighty target market.
This class covers all aspects of creating a book proposal, providing a format to help you showcase your writing and expertise. Most nonfiction is sold via a book proposal a structured outline of the book you intend to write. So youve got a brilliant idea for a nonfiction book. Instead of writing the entire book, then trying to. While an agent will likely want to see the completed manuscript of a novel, a nonfiction book typically requires a proposal, which is a detailed outline of what your book is and why it matters. I like this one because it contains ten reallife proposals that sold. To aid us in our presentation of your book project, we ask authors to prepare a carefully detailed and compelling proposal regardless of whether you have a completed manuscript. A nonfiction book proposal is necessary for most nonfiction authors hoping to be represented by a literary agency andor get a deal with a publishing house. 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. 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.
They contain everything a prospective publisher needs to know about a book, including its contents, target market, how it will be promoted, and commercial potential. Nonfiction book proposal literary agents and literary agencies. Make sure your proposal is as polished as possible by including the following. 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. The nonfiction book proposal that won me a publishing. Book proposals are information packs used by authors to pitch their nonfiction books to publishers and agents. Most concepts needs refinement or the proposal needs further development. Learn how to write a stellar nonfiction book proposal from scratch with jennifer chen tran.
Writing a winning non fiction book proposal 32 30 from my experience, a great book proposal needs to include five distinct elements see fig. When it comes to fiction, few agents or editors expect or require book proposals, but its an incredibly useful tool. Nonfiction book proposal template this template is designed to cover up all the significant elements that are needed when it comes to making a nonfictional book proposal. Using my book proposal in a week system, my clients have finished their book proposals at lightning speed 7 days yall. The art of writing the nonfiction book proposal, explained in detail. Lets dig into what should be in a proposal for a nonfiction book. In a fiction proposal, the author would include a synopsis here instead.
How to write a book proposal that agents will love jericho writers. I found this advice once offered by former writer s digest publisher jane friedman who rejected and approved proposals over. The literary agents guide to writing a nonfiction book proposal will lead you through the steps to constructing a convincing book proposal that will make the best case possible for your project. How to write a nonfiction book proposal with template.
Get an agent interested before you write the proposal october 7, 2017 by lynette padwa lots of firsttime nonfiction. How to finally write your nonfiction book the new york times. What is the ideal length for a nonfiction book proposal. Elements of a successful nonfiction book proposal dummies. The literary agents guide to writing a nonfiction book proposal will lead you through the steps to constructing a convincing book proposal that will make the best case. A nonfiction book proposal is the key document that allows an agent or publisher to determine the viability of a project. Its especially important if you dont have an agent, as many small and medium publishers accept unsolicited proposals. Andy ross, literary agent this quick and easy guide is a musthave for every author. Jun 28, 2012 in the process of writing my own nonfiction book proposal earlier this year thanks to my year of amazing pledge, i searched everywhere i could for tips and advice on how to write a nonfiction book proposal. To get your nonfiction book published, put together a strong proposal. A marketing plan is a vital element of every nonfiction book proposal. Sample book proposal from a professional literary agency.
A book proposal is essentially a business plan for your book. Sample new book proposal below is a sample of a complete and exhaustive book proposal for a christian nonfiction manuscript. 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. A marketing plan is a vital element of every non fiction book proposal. 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. Jul 29, 2011 there are several books available on writing book proposals.
Here are the 8 elements that every nonfiction book proposal needs if you want to get it published. This packet gives you a birds eye view of a nonfiction book proposal, breaking down the work youre about to do so you can map it out easily in your head before you start. How to write a nonfiction book proposal nathan bransford. If you have an idea for a creative nonfiction book and want to find a publisher, this class if designed for you. The promotion plan is most important, followed by the overview and about the author sections.
Use the proposal to sell your book to potential literary agents, editors, and publishers. Nina amirs thenon fiction book proposal demystified does just that. Within those 1015 pages, you must convince an agent, editor and publishing team that you and your book deserve a place on the shelf based on several key factors. You are also welcome to listen to free audio recordings of teds book proposal bootcamp and other workshops and media appearances. Your book proposal deserves your focused time and attention. Such templates also contain key stuff that acquires the immediate attention of the viewers as to. Andy warhol, saint apollonia suite 1984 for all of these reasons, quite a mouthful will make a perfect gift for any general interest non fiction reader. Not counting your two to three sample chapters, your nonfiction book proposal should be no longer than 1015 pages. Immediately after this anecdote, you should describe in two or three sentencesno morewhat the book will be about. In addition to proving your credibility, you should also show the publisher that youre able to bring the money. Here is the process i follow with all nonfiction book proposal clients. It includes information on the content, the author, the market, and the salability of the project. The literary agents guide to writing a nonfiction book proposal by andy ross. How to write a nonfiction book proposal become a writer today.
How to write a book proposal that agents will love jericho. The bukowski agency nonfiction proposal guidelines. Nonfiction book proposal outline here is a basic template for a book proposal, which many of our clients have used successfully. If you want to traditionally publish a nonfiction book, a completed manuscript usually isnt enough to land you a book deal. Contains the title, author byline, and contact information proposal contents. The truth is, a synopsis for a nonfiction book is as important as one for fiction. How to write a nonfiction book proposal writers digest. Using the form below, youll submit your proposal draft and book a onehour call. Hints for a great cover letter the steve laube agency. If youve written a nonfiction book or if you have a dynamite idea that you are uniquely qualified to write you might want to consider pitching it to a traditional publisher. Book proposals are information packs used by authors to pitch their non fiction books to publishers and agents.
Your guide to publishing a nonfiction book ny book editors. I found this advice once offered by former writer s digest. How to write a nonfiction book synopsis pen and the pad. If youve written a nonfiction book or if you have a dynamite idea that you are uniquely qualified to write you might want to consider pitching it to. Writing a winning nonfiction book proposal 32 30 from my experience, a great book proposal needs to include five distinct elements see fig. It acts as a business case or business plan for your book that persuades a publisher to make an investment. The most important aspect of the submission of a non fiction book to publishers is the book proposal.
Tucker has sold over 5 million books as a 4x nyt bestselling author and. If you have an idea for a nonfiction book, its better to write a couple of chapters and then pitch a book proposal. Nonfiction book proposal outline ted weinstein literary. The most important aspect of the submission of a nonfiction book to publishers is the book proposal. And the process of writing a good book proposal is a great exercise, because you become focused on what you want to write. A book proposal argues why your book idea is a salable, marketable product. This is one of the main differences between the fiction and the nonfiction book proposal. Your book idea is fantastic, and its time to prove that to the people who can actually publish it. Many were great, but super lengthy and time consuming to read. Youve taken the time to evaluate it and think your book could potentially take the world by. The literary agents guide to writing a nonfiction book. The author, andy ross, is a literary agent who has worked with authors and publishers in creating proposals that have led to book contracts. This ones short and tothepoint, and the last time i. Andy ross, literary agent this quick and easy guide is a musthave for.
We tell you exactly what agents want and how to deliver it. The good news is that almost every nonfiction book published is sold by a proposal. In the process of writing my own nonfiction book proposal earlier this year thanks to my year of amazing pledge, i searched everywhere i could for tips and advice on how to write a nonfiction book proposal. Drawing on michael hyatts years of experience, these ebooks show you what it takes to write a powerful, compelling book proposal that leaves agents begging to represent youand publishers eager to sign youwhether you are writing a nonfiction book or a novel. A synopsis is a summary of what happens throughout the book. Oct 25, 2016 a book proposal is a document most commonly associated with pitching a nonfiction book. 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.
Book proposal template nonfiction authors association. How to write a book proposal for fiction writing tips oasis. When it comes to fiction, few agents or editors expect or require. However note that fiction proposals should only be submitted when requested. 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. How to write a nonfiction book proposal understanding the. Write your nonfiction book proposal webinar creative. Like a lot of things in the publishing industry, the nonfiction book proposal is a mysterious beast. How to write a nonfiction book proposal understanding. Submitting a nonfiction book proposal free course reedsy. Finding hope and healing for your heart after loss. The literary agents guide to writing a nonfiction book proposal. Writing a great book proposal is the beginning of the publishing process and the only way to get a publisher to look at your material. She is a nonfiction book editor and doctor, proposal consultant, and an author coach and trainer as well as a book and blog coach.
Book proposals are used to sell nonfiction books to publishers. 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. These are often used for subsequent books or deals when the agent or editor already knows the author. There are several books available on writing book proposals. Whether you write fiction or non fiction it helps you figure out what really matters in making your book the best it can be. Instead, you write the proposal that describes what the book is about, why its interesting, and why it has an audience. Thats top secret information until the book actually gets. Nonfiction book proposal what is it and how do you write one. May 28, 2017 a book proposal argues why your book idea is a salable, marketable product. Many aspiring nonfiction writers begin by writing an entire book. That was a twobook deal, admittedly, so you can divide the numbers by two to get a per book amount. Sample new book proposal below is a sample of a complete and exhaustive book proposal for a christian non fiction manuscript.