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Proposal Guidelines

The Proposal is meant to provide a clear picture of a project idea, what it will take to complete it and an examination of its market potential, including the author’s credentials. The Proposal is significantly more extensive than a Query but it is not expected to be the complete book. The Proposal is meant to contain the well-developed set of materials or items listed below. The Proposal will be further developed to submit to publishers if the author and agency agree to work together.

1. PROPOSED TITLE AND SUBTITLE

2. CONTACT INFORMATION

a. Author name(s)

b. Address

c. Phone number

d. Email address

3. SPECIFICATIONS

a. Estimated length (# of words and pages)

b. Illustrations or photograph details (number, color or B&W, drawings)

c. Proposed format (e.g. hardcover or paperback, gift size vs. coffee table book)

d. Estimated delivery date of final manuscript and other content.

4. OVERVIEW: One to three pages presenting concise description of the book, its key features and its market. You should describe your book, what makes it different from others on the market, why people will buy the book, and what will give this book credibility. The opening paragraph of the Overview should be a concise marketing pitch for the book that can be expressed in 10-15 seconds. (Some people call this the “elevator speech” because it is how you would describe the work if on a short elevator ride with a potential publisher.)

5. AUTHOR BACKGROUND: Summary of experience that gives the author and project credibility.

6. MARKET. Who will buy the book? Be specific. It is often helpful to cite other books with proven success that has a similar audience.

7. COMPETITION AND COMPARATIVE TITLES. Include a list of works that may be similar to your idea along with the titles, author, price, publisher, publication year and any other information you think is relevant. Even if you may think there is not competition for your idea, it is very important that you review titles that may be considered similar and then point out what sets your idea apart. Ideally, you will have done this prior to writing your outline or chapters as it is an important way of becoming familiar with your subject area so you can develop your title to be unique.

8. MARKETING/PROMOTION SUPPORT or PLATFORM. Present how you can assist in the marketing of the book. Include media experience or contacts and relevant information about factors that will increase the project’s visibility in the marketplace. Describe any ideas and efforts you will contribute to the marketing of the book.

9. OUTLINE AND TABLE OF CONTENTS. This is one the most important elements of the Proposal. This will illustrate the completeness and organization of the book. This, along with your Sample Chapter(s), will essentially be your “proof of concept” for all the other information presented in the Proposal. Present an overview and the chapters and sub chapters in the order you think they should be published and include a short description or summary of the contents of each.

10. CHAPTER SAMPLES. The number of written Chapters or material depends on both the type and length of the book you are proposing. If your topic warrants short, concise chapters then submit at least four to six. If the chapters are longer, more narrative pieces then two or three may suffice. The object here is to demonstrate your writing ability, the level and tone of the book and the essence of the material you wish to cover. If you have more material that has not been included in this submission, mention this somewhere in the Proposal.

Please allow approximately 30-90 days for a response. If you would like your proposal returned to you, please include self-addressed, stamped shipping materials. Otherwise, we will recycle the materials.