Q: What is a book proposal and why do I need one?

A: Think of your proposal as a two-minute pitch that you give to an editor while standing in his or her office. You have to introduce your idea and explain why it’s different, new and fresh, the benefits to the reader and why people will want to buy it. This is where you put your “spin” or your “hook” on your book idea. Think like a marketing person. You’ve got to dazzle. The point is to get an agent/editor excited about your book idea. Your book proposal explains your vision for your book—that it will be in three parts, twelve chapters, illustrations…It tells the editor what other books are out there on your subject but why yours is different. Many people are confused that the book proposal is somehow the book itself. It's not. A proposal is an introduction to your book. Later on, what you write in your proposal may end up in the book's introduction or first chapter, but that's later. 



Q: But don’t I have to write the book first?

A: No. Not for non-fiction books. (Fiction and memoirs are a different story—you usually do have to write the whole thing for fiction and a significant portion of a memoir to sell them). For non-fiction, it’s better not to write the whole book. You certainly can begin your manuscript but the reality is that it’s really hard to write a book in your spare time when you have no incentive other than your own desire to do it. In other words, a contract will keep you on track. Plus, you’ll get an advance--usually from $2,500 - $15,000--to help you take time off from work or hire a babysitter. Editors also have their own ideas about what should go in the book. They will often buy a book but steer you in different directions. So, you may end up doing a lot of rewriting.



Q: How long should my book proposal be?

A: Though this is not written in stone, a book proposal should be between 8-15 pages (not counting your sample chapters). A lot of bad book proposals are really long and really boring.  Once you get an agent, they may tell you, "I want to see longer chapter outlines." So, you'll make them longer. Another agent may say, "Your chapter outlines are too long.  Cut them back."  You'll adjust your proposal accordingly.



Q: How many sample chapters should I write?

A: This depends. An agent may want to see one or two. If a publisher becomes interested they may want to see three chapters before committing. I would write one chapter to go with my proposal. If it’s a cookbook, you may need a sampling of recipes from different sections. If your book is heavily illustrated or a photo-essay book, you will have to produce at least three illustrations/photos, maybe more. Editors usually want to see chapter from deep within the book, like chapter 7 or 8. This is because they want to see if you have sufficient grasp of the material and complete enough vision of the book to write an advanced chapter.  You can do chapter 1 but then also plan on showing a later chapter as a sample as well.



Q: What’s the secret to getting an agent?

A: Write a really terrific book proposal. I’m not kidding. When I teach my class on this subject this is always the first thing people want to know: How do I get an agent? I tell them the truth—write a really awesome book proposal—but no one wants to hear this. Trust me, a great proposal will get you an agent. Editors and agents are up to their knees in bad book proposals. It might take some time, lots of trips to the post office and of course, personal contacts help, but the bottom line is if you have a good idea and if it’s well executed, exciting and fresh, you’ll eventually get an agent. I also advise people not to think about the getting an agent part until your book proposal is finished and a thing of beauty. Once you’re ready there are lots of books out there that list agents and tell you what kind of books they work with. Just go on Amazon and plug in “Literary Agents.” Your local library might have a copy of the Literary Marketplace (LMP). This is like the yellow pages of the book industry. It lists agents and editors. You can also access it online at www.literarymarketplace.com.



Q: Do I really need an agent?

A: Yes, I think so. Many people will say you can approach publishers on your own, and you certainly can, but if you get one interested, I would get an agent. (And if you have an editor interested it’s pretty easy to get an agent.) An agent will negotiate for you (which is the hard part!) and hold you hand through the process. Publishers are in the business to make money and the bottom line is they will try to get you as cheaply as possible. Also, if you sell a book, there will be so many unknowns—who gets serial rights? What about electronic rights? Why is the contract taking so long? What do I do if a blow a deadline?—you really should have someone who can tell you what to expect. Agents usually get 15% of your whole deal. So, if you get a $10,000 advance she or he will get $1,500 of that and then 15% of any future royalties for the life of the book. Legitimate agents will not ask you for any up front money. They may ask you to sign a contract but you shouldn’t give them any money! All of their money comes out of your royalties.



Q: What if I’m not a professional writer?

A: You don’t have to be a professional write to write a book, you just have to have a true passion and enthusiasm for your idea/subject area. It’s your expertise and your attitude that sells. Of course, you do need good writing skills but if you sell your book you’ll be working with an editor. You don’t need to know every rule of grammar; you just need a good overall grasp of it. Editors are editors for a reason. They will guide and help you. I’ve seen people become better writers, sometimes a lot better, with practice. (Writing is like any other skill.) In the case of a memoir or the story of your grandmother’s life, the pressure to be a talented writer is higher. That’s because you’re telling a story rather than guiding people through the 8 Steps to Achieve Financial Independence. You still don’t have to be a professional writer but you need to unquestionably be a very good writer. You may want to consider getting professional help, at least at first, for writing your proposal and sample chapter. You can look in Poets & Writers Magazine or on their website for names of editors and writers. You may also look in Writer’s Digest Magazine as well. Some charge by the page and others charge by the hour. Consider joining a writer’s workshop and start practicing.


I work with some very talented writers.  They need help too.  Writing a book proposal is not just about great writing, it's about marketing and selling too.  Many people need a little help with that. 


Q: How hard is it to get a book published?

A: Well, it’s fairly hard, that’s why every person you know doesn’t have a book published. On the other hand, a lot of people just like you have books published. If they can do it, why can’t you? It’s like anything worthwhile—it may take time, effort, commitment and risk, but that’s why it’s worthwhile. You need to believe in yourself and your idea. You need to be able to hear, “No,” a lot and not let it get you down.   But your book proposal needs to be fantastic.  Frankly, many of the proposals I see are okay to fair.  Again, it's that marketing emphasis that's often missing.