Do you have an example of a book proposal?

Answer 1

OK, let's say that you are preparing a book proposal for an Agent, or for a publisher. FIRST, ask that agent how big that proposal should be. Ask if they wish to see the first chapter. Do they want samples or an outline. (Publisher's won't even look at your proposal. They will accept it THROUGH an agent).

When you write the book proposal, keep this in mind. You better have perfect grammar and spelling. Go over it a few times. It might even be a good idea to hire an editor to assist you in writing your first book proposals. Build a winning team, and make it look great.

Good luck

Answer 2

In general a book proposal is like applying for art school. The publisher asks for specific information and your manuscript in a certain form.

Of course, you write your book in some rough form and then find out what publishers want since they will ask for manuscripts in different forms.

I sent a book of poems, and they had no trouble with the manuscript. They even got it approved by someone in New York, but then nothing more happened.

The problem is not the proposal but the fact that publishers are looking for certain types of material and often can't even figure out what they want until they see it. Or they may leave a manuscript sitting a long time until they realize that they should publish it.

Answer 3

I send them out all the time. Here's a guide I wrote to producing a proposal. Please note that "Abe" is not a real person.

A Proposal is a selling document designed to “sell” the idea of a book to a publisher. The content of the document is not fixed, but may consist of any or all of the following.

1. A covering letter, introducing the book’s character(s), plot, theme and word count. In this case, Abe should address it to Henry Rigswell and briefly remind him of their meeting. He should also state whether the book is completed, and, if not, its e.t.a.

2. A more detailed document, placing the novel in its social and economic context. This might include any niche groups who would be good target markets, and any perceived gaps in the market. Abe might mention that his novel would appeal to readers of ------ (insert the names of two or three writers in the same genres), and also that the audiophile market would be interested.

3. An author profile, giving brief biographical details and history of any previous writing/publishing experience. Abe’s connection with the Audiophile Club would be relevant here, since the novel uses specialised knowledge and information.

4. A synopsis, detailing plot, theme and character arc(s).

5. One to three sample chapters. These should always be the first chapter plus, if desired, the second and third. Abe might feel uneasy about sending the first three chapters, protesting that the “good stuff” happens later in the novel. If this is so, he needs to rewrite the first three chapters. Modern readers (and modern editors) won’t wait three chapters for the “good stuff”.

6. A brief character study of the protagonist and any other major characters.

Once Abe has put together his proposal, he should send it to the editor and wait.

Answer 4

Your best bet is to buy "Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript" by Cynthia Laufenberg.

Besides instruction in constructing a query letter and exact format to follow in manuscript forms, the manual explains how best to prepare a book proposal.