Book Proposals

Book proposals come together much more easily when the author has confidence and clarity on their target audience.

Writing a nonfiction book proposal—a good one—requires not only sharp clarity about your idea, but also how that idea, in book form, is relevant and unique in today’s market. You’ll have a much easier time writing your proposal if you take time to conduct market research beforehand.

Everything you need to know to start writing a book proposal for your nonfiction book.

A proposal is often necessary to present your nonfiction idea to agents and publishers, but the process offers important side benefits as well.

Asking yourself these questions can reveal whether your big idea is well suited to be a book—vs. a podcast, newsletter, or something else.

An amateur historian finds that her passion has led to enough expertise and authority for her book proposal to be taken seriously.

A successful nonfiction book proposal addresses market demand and cements the writer’s authority throughout the entire document.

If you want to land a traditional publishing deal, then market conditions—and your position in that market—will affect your chances.

Unless you’re a celebrity, your expertise in a field may not be enough to interest publishers. A partner can increase your book’s credibility and reach.

If you’re pitching a nonfiction book, at some point, an editor or agent will expect you to describe the readership that your book is intended for.

If you're pitching your book to agents or editors, the perfect title for your book will define your subject and grab their positive attention. It should be a label they can confidently share with colleagues in editorial board meetings and use to convince the powers-that-be to release money to acquire your book.

Steven de Polo / Flickr The following post has been excerpted and adapted from The Author Training Manual by Nina