Please use this MINI PROPOSAL guide:
Remember your proposal is to be written in third person.
On the first page
Title
Author name
Author contact info
Apx word count
Catagory- Non-fiction, Self Help
The Intention of a Proposal is:
To quickly generate publisher interest in a book idea. A more detailed version of the outline may be required afterward.
Length should total about 3-8 pages- please don't be long winded.
Include the following items-
By Sections that are in bold below:
Synopsis or Concept of Book:
This is a description of your book with the following information.
Author Biography (this must be strong)
Publishers look at your platform. Do you write for anyone, teach classes, do book signings on other books you have published. Also what other titles have already been published and distributed or sold where? This section should answer the question “Why is this book needed?” You should go into some detail about the topic. What is this technology? Who is using it? Who created it and how does it relate to the computing world. This section should be the about one full page.
Marketing (your platform)
The information in this section should contain where and how you would assist a publisher in promoting the book. Do you have plans to hire a publicist? Most publishers today are very limited financially in this area and expect the assistance of the authors participation.
List with numbers of contacts your social media on facebook, Linkedin, twitter, a blog or other online services. Include the live links as well as number of followers.
If you have published articles or done talks, list those.
Do you have a good idea of what it will take on your part for time and effort to promote you and your book?
Comparative Titles
(of field and book’s place within it and competitive titles)
Go to Amazon and find several books that are similar to yours. Make sure you lay it out like this sample below. Only use 3!
Book Title Publisher - Year Published - Author -
one short paragraph on what makes your books similar and one on why your book is different?
If submitting non-fiction/self help include an annotated Table of Contents
Provide a brief table of contents of what is contained in each chapter.
Sales Tags
Most agents or publishers will ask you to provide information about the market for the book.
Something like- Finally a book that makes you think, do, and become!
In the Author Bio include the following:
In a few paragraphs, communicate your previous credits and credentials that are pertinent. Don’t be modest. It’s best if you can convey that you are a source of authority in the subject matter you are writing about. And if you have a personal story that created you learning what you are writing about that I will identify with.
They don't want to know where you grew up or live now.
List of Previously Published book section
Other credentials or credits should be listed in either marketing or author bio sections.
Future Work-
You should have a synopsis of your next book you either will be or are writing. Publishers like to know that they are investing in your future as an author.
When you’re ready with this proposal, send it to me digitally at devra@dancingwordgroup.com
All manuscripts must be submitted on printed pages (first 100 pages only), not bound in any way then mail to me: Please email me first to make sure I am interested before spending time and money.
Dancing Word Group
4 Clark Street
Eureka, CA 95501