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

  • Your Year-End Review

    This time of year, things slow down at Club Ed and I have time to reflect on the past year. I always learn a new lesson or two. This year, the lesson was “simplify.” It may not look like it when you see all of the classes available on Club Ed, but we’ve streamlined a…

    Read more…

  • Simplifying Your Editorial Business

    In June, a plugin conflict caused the Club Ed website to crash. This was after a server problem took it offline for a weekend and we had to switch hosts. I thought I was going to lose my mind. Having Club Ed offline not only costs money but greatly inconveniences students. The website developer said,…

    Read more…

  • Doubting Your Work vs Doubting Yourself

    Newer editors often struggle with imposter syndrome, which is the feeling that they’re not really good at their work and pretty soon everyone will see right through them and point their fingers and laugh. I’ve struggled with this (imposter syndrome, not pointing fingers and laughing) off-and-on throughout my career, as do most people who want…

    Read more…

Join the Club!

how to become an editor

New to story editing? Begin at the beginning.

Similar Posts