How To Write Reports And Proposals

How to Write a Book Proposal

Now that you’ve written a great manuscript, a fine synopsis and captivating query letter, it’s time to flesh out the rest of your idea and focus on the book proposal.  The book proposal is directly tied in with marketing.  Don’t believe the old myth that suggests that book publishers do all the marketing for you.  They certainly pay for the marketing expenses, but a great deal of the marketing ideas must come from you. 

The more time you spend on a book proposal, the more work and depth you put into it, the better.  Some of the most important elements in the book proposal include: platform (a following of readers), authority (credentials to write the book), good timing and market explanation.  Be sure to have a proper grasp of the English language and a strong voice that carries through the proposal. 

A book proposal usually consists of: a cover letter, which is a briefer version of the query letter, reminding the reader what the proposal is for; a table of contents organizes the material and helps to keep the reader’s attention; a synopsis and one or two sample chapters.  Besides these basics, the modern day proposal must also have relevant information pertaining to marketing.

Your biography should really be a part of the overall marketing plan.  Include a profile detailing your educational achievements.  Provide background clips, which may include reviews of your other work as well as any news or magazine articles reporting on your work.  Reviews and articles should be from prominent publications, the likes of which can be easily recognized.  Lastly, be sure and include a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope if you want your material to be returned. 

Now there is no absolute outline for how to construct a book proposal.  It will vary from author to author.  However, the mission of the proposal will remain the same: to sell the business angle of the book.  Do not think of your editor (or agent if you’re submitting through an agency first) as an expert—as an authority that will instantly pick up on your marketing ideas.  You have to explain it thoroughly and put everything in its proper context.  The job of the editor in this case is primarily to ask negative questions that undermine the proposal, such as: how will this author’s project be different from all the other submissions?  Why will this appeal to a large audience?  Is the author prepared to take on this project?  Finally, what qualifies the author to write this material? 

Remember that if the editor likes the idea it will be his or her obligation to present it to the company.  You must explain the plan so thoroughly, that the editor can fall back on your words and use your strategies when speaking in these types of meetings.  The more information you give, the more confidence the company will have in your idea.  Bear in mind that many writers overdo the research end of it—and it works.  They analyze their competition and write a report on why they believe their book can sell.  Leave nothing out of your business proposal and educate your professional audience on why it’s destined to sell!

About the Author

Curtis Foster provides self publishing and writing tips on LovelyPublishing.com.

Writing a Formal Business Proposal : Formal Business Proposal Title Page


how to write reports and proposals
how to write reports and proposals
how to write reports and proposals