How to Write a Book Proposal a Master Guide (with Template)

How to Write a Book Proposal a Master Guide (with Template) The Complete Guide to Writing a Book Proposal Last updated: 08/15/2018Have you got a nonfiction book idea and dream of securing a million-dollar deal - all before writing the book itself?Well, we’ve got two words for that: book proposal. In the nonfiction world, publishers will ask an author to submit this vital document (and not the entire book). However, if you want it to emerge unscathed from the slush pile, your proposal must be clear, thoroughly researched, and ironclad.To sculpt your proposal into its best self, we've recruited the aid of the top developmental editors on our marketplace -    and provided a book proposal template for you.Now, this guide and the book proposal template complement one another, so you’ve got two ways to go about this. If you’d like to refer back to the template as you read this guide, you can go ahead and download it in the Book Proposal Template section.Or, if you've already written your proposal and want to know how to submit it, check out this three-step guide.And, be fore you get too far, it's also worth knowing that writing a book proposal is not the same as a query letter - which is what you would write to attract a literary agent's attention.What is a book proposal?The book proposal is a 15-50 (or so) page manuscript that a writer uses to pitch a nonfiction book to publishers. Though it’s written in place of an actual book, it should build a complete argument for the book idea. Chiefly, a good proposal will cover:what the book is about,why you're the perfect person to write this book,who will buy the book, andhow you are going to convey the message.If you successfully execute this, the sum of the proposal’s parts will convince a publisher to invest in you and your goal: a published book.Here’s another way to think about it. You’re convinced that your book idea is a diamond in the rough, right? Well, you’ve first got to refine it to the point that its cut catches the eye of even the most cynical publisher. N ow, the book proposal is going to be the dais on which you display your diamond so that it glows. Everything you wanted to know (but never asked) about book proposals #PubTips What must a book proposal show a publisher?Publishers read thousands of proposals a week. (We say this without exaggeration.) They’re forgoing tea parties to read your proposal. That means that they want to see the potential in your book - and that they will be wondering one thing more than anything else. Can this book make us money? Already written a book proposal that you now want to perfect? Consider working with a professional developmental editor to make every component of your book proposal airtight and cogent. They charge between $500 and $2,000.Not started writing your book proposal yet? Consider taking on an experienced ghostwriter to write the whole proposal for you. They charge between $2,000 and $20,000."Proposals can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars up to $20,000. It all depends on the amount of idea developing and writing that's needed." - Stacy Ennis, GhostwriterPublishing professionals possess decades of experience reading, editing, and re-tuning book proposals. There’s no real replacement for their insight and training. It’s a worthwhile investment, especially for anyone who wants to hear those magic words, â€Å"Let’s get you on a book deal.†What's your experience writing proposals been like? Do you have any additional questions about the book proposal temp late? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!Huge thanks to editors  Jeff Shreve, Geoffrey Stone, Patrick Price, Jennifer Barclay, Fran Lebowitz, Elizabeth Evans, Laura Yorke, Katharine Sands, and Jaimee Garbacik as well as  ghostwriters Andrew Crofts  and Stacy Ennis for their input and suggestions!