Writing A Non-fiction Book Proposal

I started a non-fiction book last summer that I pulled out today to start the rewrite. I’ve been to all the publisher’s websites and found they don’t take unsolicited material. They say you need an agent to present your work. I was wondering if you had any ideas about how to proceed.  – Susan

Before you start rewriting your whole book, write a book proposal and find publishers and agents to send it to.  It’s true that big publishers in New York don’t usually look at unsolicited material, but there are lots of smaller publishers who do.  And also agents.  Look them up on the internet or in The Writers Market. Go to the library and browse through all the books that cover your subject.  See  who has published them, and check out the author’s acknowledgement page – they usually thank their agents.

As for writing your book proposal, this might be as hard to write and take as much time as finishing the book  –  but worth it. First of all you need a one page letter that gives a potential editor an overview of your book.  It needs to be written in tight, specific language that reflects the passion your have for your subject and why the editor should also be passionate about it. I can’t tell you how hard it is to write this one page letter. I’ve spent weeks, months on them. I know that in the middle of writing the letter I always start thinking of taking up a new career, wondering why I ever wanted to write the damn book in the first place. If you’re in a writing class or in a writers’ group test your letter out on them. (I always let my students make this into a course assignment if they’re working on a non-fiction book.). 

For the book proposal you’ll also need:

An analysis of the competition: what books are similar to yours and how does yours differ? (Again, go to the library and also check out Amazon.)

A marketing plan: how do you intend to help market this book?  About 99 percent of all published books are on their own – no book tours, no advertising.  The author contacts bookstores and organizations to do readings and book signings.

A short resume: who you are, and what qualifications you have for writing this book.

A complete outline of the book: This isn’t engraved in stone, you can always change it later, but be as specific as possible.

Two sample chapters: polished and as perfect as you can make them. 

You can also find Author Guidelines on the websites of small publishers.

Good luck with your project.