At some point in your writing journey, no doubt you’ve thought about submitting your manuscript to an agent or publisher. Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, you’ll want to present your project in a way that will effectively convey the purpose or plot as well as showcase your amazing writing talent.
Even if you’re on the self-publishing track, there may come a time when you want to pitch your manuscript or book idea with the hope of landing a traditional publishing contract.
And you’ve probably heard that agents and publishers will want a book proposal.
But does every book require a proposal? If so, what’s included?
If you write nonfiction, you’re expected to provide a book proposal, and there are specific elements agents and publishers want to see.
If you write fiction, you may be surprised to learn that a fiction proposal might be your ticket around the gatekeepers.
I put together a brief but targeted book proposal for my fantasy series and landed a three-book deal with a publisher—without the acquiring editor ever reading a single manuscript.
While that’s highly unusual, it speaks to the persuasion a great book proposal can wield. Continue Reading…
