Description

$90 (Members: $81) | How to write and edit nonfiction book proposals | 4 lessons | Self-paced | Intermediate

Nonfiction books are sold to traditional book publishers through book proposals. A book proposal is a special document that covers everything from who the author is and what the book is about to what the author intends to do to promote it. Except in the case of memoir and some other narrative nonfiction, nonfiction book manuscripts are rarely completed before a publishing deal is struck.

Helping authors write their book proposals and/or editing their book proposals can be a lucrative niche for nonfiction editors. But a book proposal isn’t just a description of a proposed book; it’s a sales tool that requires a clear understanding of what literary agents and publishers are looking for.

Book proposals are also an important tool for self-publishing authors, as they not only guide the writing process but show the author how to make their book different and unique in a highly competitive field.

In this class, we’ll cover everything from how to write the About the Author section in a compelling way to how to research competing titles to ensure the author’s work stands out.

By the time you finish the course, you’ll be able to confidently work with nonfiction authors who are interested in finding traditional publishers as well as those who want to get their self-publishing efforts off on the right foot.

Each week includes an assignment for you to do and an answer key to help you evaluate your work.

Intermediate classes are intended for those with some developmental editing experience or who have taken the Basics of Developmental Editing for Nonfiction and Principles of Developmental Editing for Nonfiction classes.

The class is entirely online and asynchronous (you don’t have to be in any particular place at any particular time to participate). Complete it entirely on your schedule.