How do you write a proposal for a book?

Answer 1

I suggest that you acquire "Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript" by Cynthia Laufenberg.

This book is an excellent model to follow in manuscript formatting, constructing query letters, and the right way to create a proposal.

A fully thought-out book proposal should include the following:

Cover letter
Cover page
Overview
Marketing information or business case
Competitive analysis
Author information
Chapter outline
Sample chapter(s)
Attachments that support your case

Answer 2

Absolute hard and fast rule 1 - get a copy of the writer's guidelines from the publishers with whom you hope to submit and follow that guideline like glue. While you can do a "generic" proposal construct once you've established a relationship with one or more publishing houses, at the outset they want to see how seriously you take this whole process -- i.e. do you respect what they request?

BTW it will be unlikely that you'll work on SPEC (i.e. get a contract based on your proposal only) the first time out. Over time you'll earn a publisher's trust, and begin to see that kind of response.

Good luck in your efforts!

Answer 3

Be persuasive in your request, have 3 steadfast reasons why they should back your idea and be confident. Be full of knowledge on the topic and speak or write your proposal very clear make sure it is sound, no holes also be able to answer all questions that might be asked.