For example, the publishing platform reedsy includes detailed explanations of. Sample book proposal from a professional literary agency. Though its written in place of an actual book, it should build a complete argument for the book idea. If its a narrative book like a memoir, it could be a compelling paragraph from your book but only use it once in your proposal. Book proposals are used to sell nonfiction books to publishers. The book proposal is a 1550 or so page manuscript that a writer uses to pitch a nonfiction book to publishers.
Book proposal template nonfiction authors association. Quite likely you reach that publisher via a literary agent, so the first pair of eyes on your work will be those of an agent, but either way, your final target is a publisher. With all of this information, youll likely end up with a book proposal thats dozens of pages long. Your book hook includes three pieces of information. If your work isnt a narrative, then write or include a sample chapter that you. Includes plenty of examples and a book proposal template you can follow. Nonfiction book proposal outline here is a basic template for a book proposal, which many of our clients have used successfully. It is by david sanford, a published author, editor, and literary.
Here is a basic template for a book proposal, which many of our clients have used successfully. 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. How to write a nonfiction book proposal with template. Like a lot of things in the publishing industry, the nonfiction book proposal is. Tucker has sold over 5 million books as a 4x nyt bestselling author and is the cofounder of scribe. Youll also have to include a full sample chapter, which is a topic for another day. Sample proposal overview overview once you have a solid premise and a clearly stated usp, you need to amplify them through the development of a general outline. Dont try to use reason or logic to argue that it would be better a different way.
You can find downloadable book proposal templates online. How to write a book proposal that agents will love jericho writers. Submitting an already written nonfiction book as a proposal is a great way to almost guarantee you will not get a book deal. Ive written and published four works of nonfiction and have been involved as a. Writing a winning nonfiction book proposal 32 figure 3. This may be the most important element of the book proposal, as it will show the potential publisher or financier that your book. Nonfiction book proposal outline ted weinstein literary. I often say, you only need a book proposal if you want to get your book published. Below is a sample of a complete and exhaustive book proposal for a christian nonfiction manuscript. Your pitch offers the publisher the opportunity to acquire a nonfiction book, authored by you. Also note that agents and publishers each have their own submission criteria so the format of your proposal may need to change slightly. How to write a book proposal that agents will love.
A book proposal argues why your book idea is a salable, marketable product. How to finally write your nonfiction book the new york times. Nonfiction book proposals can top out around 5075 pages, not including sample chapters. At this point, you dont need a detailed, chapterbychapter synopsis this will come later.