A nonfiction book proposal is the key document that allows an agent or publisher to determine the viability of a project. You write nonfiction, and you have either written a book, or you would like to write one. There are several books available on writing book proposals. Youre going to have to essentially sell them your book, sending them a document that contains details about your qualifications, a chapterbychapter outline, and most importantly, how your. Writing a nonfiction book proposal a primer for the firsttime nonfiction book writer by scott mendel updated february 2018 it will probably seem obvious to you that the nonfiction book proposal is a tool your agent will use to sell your work at the best possible terms, and to secure the strongest possible. A book proposal is the primary selling tool for nonfiction unlike fiction, you dont need to have a completed manuscript to contact an agent. Sep 29, 2014 and publishers are looking for more nonfiction authors to write ebook singles, which run anywhere from 20 to 100 pages in length. Add in those samples, and youll have a complete proposal ready to be considered by a literary agent. But sending too much will put you in the ill read this someday, when i have the time pile.
For nonfiction book proposals, two chapters of your book will suffice. Most book agents call this section of a nonfiction book proposal the competition section, but i prefer to call is the competitive advantages section. Writing a winning nonfiction book proposal 32 30 figure 1. At its core, the book proposal is essentially a 20 to 40page outline of the proposed idea, but as explained in books like how to write a book proposal by michael larson, the proposal has to read. Once the book proposal has hopefully passed first muster with andrew lownie, he will ask for a synopsis of each chapter in the book, usually written at about half a page of a4 each, or a page maximum. What is the ideal length for a nonfiction book proposal. Now in its fifth edition, it continues to be the best resource. The new york times recently wrote about the increased interest in military. If you have an idea for a nonfiction book, its better to write a couple of chapters and then pitch a book proposal. Novelists and poets still typically need a full manuscript for publishers to consider, but for nonfiction books its quite the oppositepublishers and agents dont even necessarily want an. Writers and editors agents and book proposals the art.
Dont submit an outline for a book that contains less than 9 chapters. This ones short and tothepoint, and the last time i. I worked on nonfiction books across many different categories, including reference, howto, sports, selfhelp, fine art, crafts, graphic design, and humor. How to write a nonfiction book proposal book brand business. Madeleine morel, literary agent, 2m communications ltd. And publishers are looking for more nonfiction authors to write ebook singles, which run anywhere from 20 to 100 pages in length. The literary agents guide to writing a nonfiction book. A book proposal is essentially a business plan for a book. Have you got a nonfiction book idea and dream of securing a. Unlike fiction, where an author must have a completed manuscript ready before they approach a publisher or agent, a nonfiction author only needs to develop a proposal to submit to publishers andor agents. She is a nonfiction book editor and doctor, proposal consultant, and an author coach and trainer as well as a book and blog coach. This section could be anywhere from three to 20 pages it needs to give a comprehensive, detailed map of what the book will contain. Agents are looking for something more specific when it comes to nonfiction. Instead of writing the entire book, then trying to interest an editor or agent which is how it works with novels, you write the proposal first.
How to write a nonfiction book proposal with template. The good news is often a shorter book proposal is better than a longer one. Many were great, but super lengthy and time consuming to read. A book proposal is a regular part of publishing a nonfiction book for most writers. Your nonfiction proposal should include the following items and should be attached as a single file to an email with submission. The idea for the limitation is to keep what you send under 50 pages of text.
The literary agents guide to writing a nonfiction book proposal will lead you through the steps to constructing a convincing book proposal that will make the best case possible for your project. Elements of a successful nonfiction book proposal dummies. I offer a comprehensive course on book proposals that takes you through the research and writing process in 10 steps agent ted weinstein outlines the necessary parts of a book proposal, and also offers an audio recording of his 90minute workshop on proposals my favorite comprehensive guide on book proposals is how to write a book proposal by. Since his time at trident media group as a literary agent, mark. These are the key components of a nonfiction proposal, including length. The book proposal is a 1550 or so page manuscript that a writer uses to pitch a. Jul 29, 2011 there are several books available on writing book proposals. If youre writing nonfiction, you wont normally write the whole thing first, but will sell the concept from a book proposal, a sales piece for the proposed bookto find out if publishers see a potential market for a book on a particular topic and think you have the chops to pull it off and can also attract a big enough audience for the book. In 10 to 25 pages, you must describe what you have to offer. It is up to the author working with the agent to prove that a sizeable target audience for the book exists, to sharply define this target market, and to evaluate competitive books if any in the marketplace. Your guide to publishing a nonfiction book ny book editors. Most people rush to find an agent, but 9 times out of 10, its a mistake.
The bad news is it may take longer to produce a short proposal thats strong than a long proposal thats weak. How to write a nonfiction book proposal wolf literary. If there is a unique reason for the book to release in a particular month a. In effect, your proposal will simply go through these questions one at a time. Keep it to 4,000 5,500 words maximum, double spaced, 12 point, times new roman. How to write a book proposal that agents will love jericho writers. You are also welcome to listen to free audio recordings of teds book proposal bootcamp and other workshops and media appearances. Definitely finish the book first, then take time to write a book proposal. For fiction, include several chapters in the book proposal, and the entire manuscript in a separate file. If youre writing nonfiction, you wont normally write the whole thing first, but will sell the concept from a book proposal, a sales piece for the proposed book to find out if publishers see a potential market for a book on a particular topic and think you have the chops to pull it off and can also attract a big enough audience for the book.
You should estimate the length of the completed manuscript, either by word count or by the estimated. The anatomy of a compelling book proposal the bindery. Make sure your proposal is as polished as possible by including the following. Thats reason for nonfiction writers to pausebut not for too long. Here is a basic template for a book proposal, which many of our clients have used.
The estimated or actual length of the manuscript and when the writer will deliver it. It may be time to get creative with events collaborate with other authors about. Your nonfiction proposal should include the following items. Ill provide a sample proposal and give you examples of what to do and what not. Common times given are anywhere from six to twelve months from contract, but this can vary greatly.
Nonfiction book proposal literary agents and literary agencies. How to write a nonfiction book proposal writers digest. There are a couple instances of being able to sell a fiction book on proposal. How to write a nonfiction book proposal mary mackey. Writing a nonfiction book proposal by scott mendel. That way, you can see if theres any interest before you churn out 80,000.
Submitting an already written nonfiction book as a proposal is a great way to almost guarantee you will not get a book deal. A marketing plan is a vital element of every nonfiction book proposal. Most nonfiction titles that are published sell based on proposals, and anyone who wants to write nonfiction should know how to structure one. Include the first one or two chapters not the introduction, but sample chapters that offer an accurate sense of the style, substance and structure of the book. They are a test to see who actually takes the time to read the submission guidelines, and whos just.
If you choose to selfpublish, you have a choice to go long or short. How to write a nonfiction book that sells the startup medium. As a hybrid author, she also has published 17 books independently. A description of the shape and format of your proposed book. The literary agents guide to writing a nonfiction book proposal by andy ross. A one page cover letter or query letter is sufficient. While publishing a nonfiction book does take you on a long, arduous, and winding path, the final destination makes it all worthwhile.
This type of book proposal is not required for memoirs, autobiographies, and other storyoriented nonfiction. The author submits their proposal to a publisher, sometimes by way of a literary agent, and the publisher uses the proposal to determine whether they want to publish the proposed book. Book proposals vary in approach, length, and style, but certain key elements must be included for yours to succeed. Why a shorter book proposal is a better book proposal. When youre pitching a nonfiction book to a publisher, just about everything is different. In an email the attached file name should be descriptive author name fiction or nonfiction proposal logline. The disadvantage is that a memoir book proposal may be up to 25 pages in length just to cover the business proposals and market research that youll need to present. The only time to approach agents or editors is when a writer has. That measure generally doesnt include any sample chapters, which can extend the proposal to as long as 50 pages in many cases.
How to write a nonfiction book that sells the startup. But also thanks to the fact that agents are no longer wasting hours every month mailing andor emailing meaningless form rejection letters. A nonfiction book attractive to publishers of bestsellers starts at around 75,000 words. While there is no universal standard for the length of a book or novel synopsis, agents usually favor one to two pages, singlespaced. As agent adriann ratan suggests in her how to write a nonfiction book proposal, the goal is to make buying your book as easy for the publisher as possible. How to write a nonfiction book proposal that will sell your book. Exclude all sorts of irrelevant information your eye color, the number of times you won. This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. It acts as a business case or business plan for your book that persuades a publisher to make an investment. Once the book proposal has hopefully passed first muster with andrew lownie, he will ask for a synopsis of each chapter in the book, usually written at about half a. Include the first one or two chapters not the introduction, but sample.
Writers and editors agents and book proposals the art of. Include two of the chapters you feel best represents your writing style and the content of the book you are writing. Minimum realistic word count of nonfiction book writing. What you do need is a concisely written document that conveys to the agent exactly what your nonfiction book is about, why you are qualified to write it, and who will buy it. How to finally write your nonfiction book the new york times. Book proposal a business plan for your book and how you plan to ensure sales success keys to a great synopsis the steve laube agency july 27, 2016 i posted my ideas on some keys to a great book proposal, a few writers said they were challenged to write a synopsis. While proposal length varies tremendously, most are somewhere around 10 to 25. Writing a nonfiction book proposal by scott mendel updated. Addressed to the appropriate agent with titlegenreword count and appropriate contact information in the letter, this letter should interest us in reading your proposal. A substantial book proposal generally takes a few weeks to flesh out and the majority run 1025 pages in length of the doublespaced text. The truth is the nonfiction book proposal is an entirely different beast. Apr 02, 2012 what is the ideal length for a nonfiction book proposal. How to write a nonfiction book proposal understanding. Overview describe your book in two or three paragraphs 500 wo.
Michael larsens how to write a book proposal has been the respected standard in the field ever since it was first published. How to write a nonfiction book proposal wolf literary services. Not counting your two to three sample chapters, your nonfiction book proposal should be no longer than 1015 pages. The fifth edition of how to write a book proposal sets a new gold standard for aspiring authors. Know your content, know your mainline pitch and some. Hints for a great cover letter the steve laube agency. That reinforces the idea in your mind and in the mind of publishing agents that your book is different and in some ways better than similar titles in your genre.
Nonfiction book proposals can top out around 5075 pages, not including sample chapters. The art of the nonfiction book proposal writers relief, inc. Make sure you have enough material and time to fulfill this obligation before you propose it. The nonfiction book proposal is a combination of a description of the booktobe and a marketing document. Here is a basic template for a book proposal, which many of our clients have used successfully. Sometimes an agent might ask for a chapter outline instead, which is a synopsis. She is the author of how to blog a book, the author training manual, and creative visualization for writers, all published by writers digest books.
Michael larsen cofounded larsenpomada literary agents in san francisco in 1972 with his partner elizabeth pomada. It is by david sanford, a published author, editor, and literary agent for more than 300 books who now serves on the leadership team at corban university. Writing a nonfiction book proposal a primer for the firsttime. Youll also have to include a full sample chapter, which is a topic for another day. Jul 02, 2015 you dont yet need a book to get a job in most cases although yes, its true, assistant professors with books under their belt will have an advantage over new ph. Writing a book is an incredible experience, but as i have said many times it has to be the right book. You can find downloadable book proposal templates online. The art of the nonfiction book proposal writers relief. To learn how to pitch a nonfiction book to an editor, you must include all of the components of a nonfiction book proposal in the package you submit such as an introduction letter, synopsis, marketing information and author biography. Manuscript completion time length of time from contract to due date when will the manuscript be completed.
Members of aar the association of authors representatives, inc. Nonfiction book proposal outline here is a basic template for a book proposal, which many of our clients have used successfully. In an email the attached file name should be descriptive author name fiction or nonfiction proposal logli. Book proposals are used to sell nonfiction books to publishers. While some book proposals are 20 doublespaced pages in length, its not unusual to see book proposals that are three times that length. The next step is to write a winning book proposaldesigned to persuade an agent to ask to see your manuscript and consider representing it to publishers. But, most nonfiction publishers want to be sold the concept, and therefore be able to discuss the direction of the project, before you write the book. I like this one because it contains ten reallife proposals that sold. Sep 10, 2017 for nonfiction book proposals, two chapters of your book will suffice. And if youve already finished your memoir, youre still going to need to write a full proposal to. Dont try to use reason or logic to argue that it would be better a different way.
Nonfiction book proposal outline ted weinstein literary. Within those 1015 pages, you must convince an agent, editor and publishing team that you and your book deserve a place on the shelf based on several key factors. The author, andy ross, is a literary agent who has worked with authors and publishers in creating proposals that have led to book contracts. Pitching your nonfiction book to an editor is the first step to getting published. Use the proposal to sell your book to potential literary agents, editors, and publishers. While there are two routes you can take when publishing your nonfiction book, the focus of this guide will be on traditional publishing, i. Breaking down the nonfiction book proposal the business. Andy warhol, saint apollonia suite 1984 for all of these reasons, quite a mouthful will make a perfect gift for any general interest nonfiction reader. Here are the 8 elements that every nonfiction book proposal needs if you want to get it published. There are several reasons to write a book proposal, and even if you are not looking for an agent and publisher, it still remains a vital document for aspiring authors. Contains the title, author byline, and contact information proposal contents. For example, the publishing platform reedsy includes detailed explanations of. How to write a good nonfiction book proposal for submission.
Literary agent turnaround times the silver lining i believe that literary agent turnaround times have improved over the years, thanks to technology making everything easier and faster. A full length nonfiction book usually contains 9 to 15 chapters of average length. Most nonfiction is sold via a book proposal a structured outline of the book you. May 28, 2017 a book proposal argues why your book idea is a salable, marketable product. You dont yet need a book to get a job in most cases although yes, its true, assistant professors with books under their belt will have an advantage over new ph. Sample book proposal from a professional literary agency. Focus on clarity in your writing and avoid wordiness. To get your nonfiction book published, put together a strong proposal. Complete book proposal outline query letter title page proposal overview i.
1326 1421 1066 248 1048 1076 963 755 1378 579 1025 1279 710 374 20 767 1223 286 252 1491 226 425 1314 914 149 1049 293 11 7 1275 224 947 1181 909 538 707 1240 100 703 344 909 187 1327 1098