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What is a book proposal?
A book proposal is a document that an author or the author’s
literary agent uses to try to sell a book to a publisher.
It is also a useful tool in helping an author to interest an
agent in representing the book.
Each proposal is
different because each book is different. But proposals include many
of the same kinds of information, such as an overview of the book’s
content, a description of the intended audience, and an annotated
chapter list. In order for a book to be published, it’s essential that
the proposal say the right things and say them well.
Do you prepare proposals for both fiction and for nonfiction?
Yes. Proposals for novels differ in some respects from proposals for
nonfiction books, but we are experienced in writing both kinds.
Do I have to write my whole book before getting a proposal?
Usually some sample
material goes along with the proposal to an acquiring editor. In the
case of novels, many authors send the entire manuscript. In
the case of nonfiction books, two or three chapters are
usually enough. And so, if you’re writing a nonfiction book,
you can have a book proposal written and get started shopping it
before you complete the project.
Will
you write or edit the sample chapters that I want to send
along with my proposal?
We would be happy to. Such services, however, are not included in
the fee for preparing the book proposal. Since every editing and
ghostwriting project is different, we negotiate each one separately.
For more about these services, please see our
Edit Resource and
Inspirational Ghostwriting websites.
Will you prepare a proposal for a book on any subject?
For the most part. However, we prefer to prepare proposals for books
that are positive, educational, or faith strengthening. We
respectfully pass on any project that we
believe might turn out to be dishonest, destructive, immoral, or
illegal.
Will you work with my literary agent?
Sure. In fact, agents frequently ask us to help out their clients.
They know that we can provide them with a
professional book proposal they will feel confident in shopping
to publishers. If your agent has any particular requests about how
he or she wants the proposal set up, we will work to make sure the
proposal meets those goals.
Will you give a guarantee that the book will sell?
The sale of your book depends on many factors, including the inherent market
potential of the project, trends within the book publishing
industry, and the way you or your agent go about shopping the
project. These factors are out of our control. And so
while we promise to make your book project sound as appealing as we
can, we can’t guarantee that it will sell.
How long will preparing the book proposal take?
We can usually complete a proposal within three to six weeks of
receiving an author’s response to our questionnaire. If there are
delays in getting your responses to our questions, it may take
longer.
If you’re in a
hurry, we can prepare a proposal in less than three weeks. But in
that case we will charge an extra 25 percent “rush” fee.
Will you edit my book after it is
contracted with a publisher?
We often continue to work with an author to edit a book after
developing the proposal. Usually, though, that decision is up to
the publisher. |
