How to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal
For nonfiction authors pursuing traditional publication, they will need to know how to write a nonfiction book proposal.
Basics of How to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal
This is like a business plan for a nonfiction book. It “sells” an agent or acquisitions editor on the book and convinces them to invest in it. It also helps the author create a roadmap for what they will do as they write and promote the book. For self-publishing authors, writing a book proposal first will help them figure out what they need to do to stand out from the crowd.
Elements of a Book Proposal
Essentially, a book proposal contains these sections:
Overview
A narrative section that describes the book and how it will be written, with details such as length, illustrations, and special features.
About the Author
A full description of who the author is and why they’re the right person to write this book.
Marketing/Promotion
A section that defines the proposed book’s audience and outlines the author’s plans for promoting the book, including special marketing hooks/ideas. This should contain action items that the author plans to do (promote the book on their blog, keynote at relevant events) and suggestions for publicity that a publisher wouldn’t automatically know about.
Competition
A comparison section that describe how the book is similar to – and different from – other books that have already been published. If there has never been a book like this one, that’s a very bad sign. This section should include titles that are fairly recent and have sold well.
Chapter Outline
A description of each chapter of the book, usually a couple of paragraphs per chapter. Bullet points help get material across quickly.
Sample Chapter(s)
One or two full chapters showcasing the author’s writing and the subject of the proposed book.
Presenting Your Book Proposal
Some agents and acquisitions editors may want to see a slightly different presentation, which the author can easily accomplish by varying the final format according to specific needs, which can usually be found on their websites.
The author needs to remember that the proposal will be seen by agents and editors who have hundreds of other query letters, manuscripts, and book proposals piled in their email inboxes. They often have assistants screen the pile first. The goal should be to hook them – overworked agents and editors and underpaid assistants – with a well-polished, well-thought out proposal.
Tips for Editors & Writers
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Setting problems: lack of concrete locations
Writers often use setting like a painted backdrop to their stories, rather than as an integral element of their storytelling. As developmental editors, we can help them make the setting come to life. If we think of Wuthering Heights, we think of the Yorkshire moors. When we think of Moby Dick, it’s a whaler on
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How Setting Can Reflect Character
Authors have a tendency to prefer focusing on character and/or plot at the expense of setting/world-building. (The exception is some SFF writers, who focus on setting and forget about plot and character.) So as editors we will often call that out and say something like, “Add a little description here. Otherwise it’s like Miles and
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How to Identify Developmental Problems
Noticing a developmental problem (the pacing is slow, the character is inconsistently portrayed) is only the first step in the editing process. The next step is to explain why it’s a problem for this manuscript. This second step is one that most editors skip at first (and many editors skip forever) but it’s crucial for
