Nonfiction Proposal Hurdle: Part 2 February 27, 2008
What makes a great nonfiction proposal? Well, let’s begin with what a proposal is. A nonfiction proposal is a short compiled document that let’s agents (and by extension Editors) know that you are ready to roll on writing book X. This is what Agents use to approach houses and get deals on behalf of the author. Part synopsis and part pitch, a good proposal should have the following elements; a description of the book, chapter outline, bios on all authors (read : qualifications) , a few pages on competition in the market with brief statements on how you are different,or what they lack; and sample chapters.That is the rough list..now let’s break it down.
1. Description of the book
-Why does this matter? Why does this matter right now? (that’s the mantra of the publicity department, you know… the people who will be grilling your future editor on the reasons she/he wants to buy it..or talking her/him out of buying it)
-Who is the market? Not just ages , but types of people.
-Do you have all the neccessary clearances to complete it (Photo and copyright issues resolved or connections to get it done?)This is the most crucial part if you are proposing something that it will be neccessary to get someone’s permission for. You might get a rejection if you’re not prepared.
2.Chapter Outline
Include what you will be exploring within them
3. Bios
- Author names and qualifications (Please read my post Nonfiction Proposal Hurdles : Part 1 to find out what these are)
-Press clippings are good too
4. Competition
-Is your subject new to the market?
-Does it need updating?
Be honest about what the competition does well and what you can add to the market.
5. Sample Chapters
The Intro and first chapter are fine. They give the reader a sense of your style and how you are going to attack your subject. In tell-alls, they should give the reader a sense of how far you are going to go *wink*
Also, if you have a website or any info available on the web, now is the time to make them shine. People are going to be looking you up!
So that’s it! Please tell me if there is anything i haven’t addressed here, or anything you need clarified. Bye lambs!
Elizabeth,
Don’t know if you will remember me–Teri Hall–we spoke about a book a couple of months ago, which was a pleasure. I wanted to let you know I posted a link to your blog over at the Blue Boards–Verla Kay’s Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Chat Board–under the Market/Agent News section. I thought people should know about your blog–great job on being informative and fun!
Teri,
Ahh ,yes… the one that got away! how could I forget.Thanks for the link and your wonderful compliment. I’m glad you found me! It’s always great to know that your not just talking to yourself out here.
P.S.
I look forward to seeing that wonderful manuscript of yours bound and on a shelf as soon as humanly possible!
It’s coming!–2009 in theory. Thank you for the compliment.