7 questions I ask when reading book proposals

How do I decide whether to go forward with or reject your proposal?

I've written a lot about how to write a good book proposal including this mini-series but if you're wondering how I decide whether your book is worth discussing more or not, then I have 5 things I look at in book proposals:

1. Is it a subject we publish? I get so many unsolicited proposals that are for subjects not in my remit: fiction, children's books, education, politics, IT, etc. It's worth spending time trying to find the right editorial contact if possible.
2. Is it clear what it is? You'd be surprised how many book proposals fail to get to the point and I end up scanning through trying to understand what the book is. Sometimes less is more so focusing on what the book blurb would be might help you distil what you're saying.
3. Is it suitable for my list? We're looking for practical content on business, finance and personal development topics. If your approach isn't practical enough and isn't capable of being so, then it's not one for Pearson.
4. What kind of author are you? We're looking for proactive authors with good networks who are capable of marketing and promoting the book alongside our efforts. If you're not interested in this or don't have this kind of profile, then it's not a good match for Pearson.
5. Is it different enough from our other books? There are a few new business, finance and personal development topics but a lot of the content is the same perennial topics (leadership, communication, productivity, etc.). It's the approach or angle that makes it feel fresh and means we can publish another leadership book but be clear on why it's different from the many others already on the list. Again, I'm surprised at how many potential authors don't look at what we've previously published.
6. What's it like inside? I don't like books without any visuals as I think they are a good way of expressing ideas and they're good for the 'flick test' when readers are browsing, but I also don't like books with complex design requirements. Colour can be expensive and a lot of the time authors want it but do not need it. Or if it contains a lot of third-party material that could be complex or expensive to clear.
7. Would I be happy to take this to the editorial board? Lastly, this is usually a good test if I can't decide on something. Could I confidently take this to the board? If I don't, or I can envisage potential concerns, then it's a no.

I hope this is useful but it's good to remember that Pearson is very specific about the type of book it publishes so just because it's not for us, doesn't mean it's not a good book.

The Pearson Business Book Club

The Pearson Business Book Club?is open to all who would like to learn more about our business books or a particular topic, and the webinars are free to attend. You can also view the on-demand videos of previous sessions on the Book Club website.

October's Business Book of the Month?is Going Digital by Lyndsey Jones and Balvinder Singh Powar . The webinar is on What works, and what doesn't, in business transformation projects. To attend the webinar on Thursday 26 October 2023, at 2 pm?(UK time), please register at https://pearson.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8D-ZQsCjTYyJnM4S_aDp8A#/registration.

Going Digital is a practical and revealing guide for anyone dealing with transformation, whatever their business or sector. Understand how to deliver digital change at the coalface, alongside the relevant management theory. Organised thematically and covering AI, diversity, crises, and other topics, each chapter covers the story arc of what businesses have done to address disruption. You will also learn what worked (and what didn’t) from case studies including companies such as the FT, Renault, Nissan, CNN, UBS and others.

"Here is the essential guide to how managers should adapt their businesses to the digital revolution. Written by a journalist who was the driving force behind the shift from print to digital in the Financial Times newsroom, the book offers many examples of how to change mindsets and work practices - and keep employees on board." Lionel Barber, Editor of the Financial Times 2005-2020

Lyndsey Jones is a publishing consultant, strategic advisor and coach working with media companies across Africa and Europe on the digital transformation of their newsrooms, from operations to content strategy. She is also a keynote speaker, guest lecturer and business mentor.

Balvinder Singh Powar is Professor and Business Mentor at IE Business School and an experienced trainer, giving sessions on Leadership, Change Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship globally.

Just Published / Noteworthy books

How to Get a Job You Love by John Lees

Are you stuck in a job you hate? Are you unsure about what you really want to do?

How to Get a Job You Love is your all-in-one career change programme from the UK’s best-known career coach. Taking you from being stuck to job bliss, you’ll be able to work out what it is you want to do, get the confidence to explore, and make your job hunt or career change happen.

• Understand the psychological factors that get in the way of change, including self-talk and insider syndrome.
• Learn from other people's stories and the author’s knowledge of how job markets and external recruiters operate.
• A practical toolkit with exercises, reflection questions, tips, and access to a free online career diagnostic tool.

John Lees is one of the UK’s most prominent career transition coaches, and is regularly in the media as a career thought leader. He has published 15 books on careers and work. His books have been translated into Arabic, Georgian, Polish, Japanese and Spanish. John Lees Associates helps career changers across the UK, and John is a regular conference keynote speaker and has run career workshops in Australia, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Mauritius, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and several parts of the USA.

"Incredibly practical guidance and tips from John Lees. While grounded in today's market context, the advice is timeless." Peter Yarrow FLPI , Global Head of Learning Aberdeen

What am I reading?

I've just started How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi as part of my commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Already some great wisdom - it is not enough to say you're not racist, you need to be antiracist to make change happen.

Finally

Do you have any ideas or suggestions for future newsletters? Did I strike a chord with anything in this newsletter? Is there a business book you've enjoyed recently that you'd recommend? Add a comment or email me at [email protected].