How To Write A Book Proposal

For non-fiction writers, it is essential to submit a book proposal in order to find a literary agent or publisher. A book proposal is a “business plan” in which we are outlining what your book is about and why it will be a profitable investment for your prospective literary agent and publisher. Think of it as a sales tool to help you get a contract.

Each section of your book proposal should make the case as to why a literary agent or publisher should invest in your book and why you're qualified to write it. Generally, book proposals include an overview and proposed specifications, endorsements, author bio, description of your market, description of competitive titles, the book's table of contents, and sample chapters. By the end of your book proposal, you want to leave the literary agent feeling confident that your book is a “must have!”

Ready to create the draft for your book proposal? Here is a more in-depth look at what to include below.

1. Cover Page

A basic proposal’s cover page includes the book's title, author's name, and contact information.

2. Overview

Summarize your book's theme in four double-spaced pages. Include bullet points as to what readers will learn. Write your entire proposal in the third person – no references to “I, me, my, you, we, us, our.” Use: “the author, your last name, readers, the reader, people, etc.”

3. Target Audience

Identify the exact reader who will buy your book. Divide this section into primary, secondary, and tertiary markets. Describe each marketing segment by incorporating statistics. 

4. Your Background

In this section, include any relevant credentials, experience, previous work, and media coverage you have received. If you have any affiliations, be sure to state those as well. 

5. Competition

List competing titles and discuss why your book will be able to stand out amongst them. If your book has a unique angle, point it out in this section. Even if there are books similar to yours out there, show why yours is unique and differentiated from what is already published.

6. Previous Sales History

If you have gotten books published before, list those titles. Include the publisher name, publication name, and number of sales. You can also mention if your previous books have been adapted into films, TV shows, and/or audiobooks. This is an appropriate section to mention if your previous books have been translated into other languages.  

7. Promotions 

Lay out a plan as to how you will promote your book. Publishers love numbers, so add links to, and numbers for, all of your social media activities in this section. Include media outlets that may be interested in providing editorial coverage or appearances related to your book. Mention speaking engagements, organizations, your mailing list, and previous workshops, and add your numbers of attendees and the size of your list for each of these as well. 

8. Potential Endorsers

Who do you know who might endorse your book? It is common for authors to write the endorsements themselves and send them to potential endorsers asking them to sign off on an endorsement. Ask in person if possible. 

9. Approximate Specifications

If your manuscript is not complete, include the approximate word count, date of completion, and number of chapters you're planning for your book. Indicate if your book will have any illustrations, photos, graphs, charts, and/or any other visual aid.

9. The Book's Table of Contents

List your book's Table of Contents 

10. Chapter Summaries

Provide summaries for each chapter. Include as much detail as possible to help the reader understand the book's main theme and overall direction. These descriptions should add to the overall meaning of the manuscript. Make sure the chapter titles are comprehensive and engaging. 

10. Sample Chapters

Provide the first few chapters of your book to show your book's style, structure, and main point. Include a chapter from further in the book. Publishers want to see that your writing is consistent.

Conclusion

It is crucial that you nail the writing in your proposal because your book proposal is the key to getting an agent or a publisher to offer you a contract. We sell a sample book proposal that you can use as a guide. This is a real book proposal that we polished. An agent offered a contract in 1 day and sold the book to a publisher in 6 days. 

This sample book proposal includes special sections beyond what a basic proposal offers. This 50-page Sample Book Proposal covers what literary agents and publishers really want to see. If you need further assistance with your book proposal, please contact us and we will be happy to help you.