Five Secrets of Winning Book Proposals

Working in the publishing industry comes with a high expectation, especially from complete strangers. After the causal 'hello' progresses to 'what do you do,' and my answer is 'I am a publisher,' the words, like fairy dust, work magic; and in the eyes of my conversation partner, I'm transformed into a glamorous Advice Goddess-would I mind reading this stranger's book proposal?

Cornered in frozen foods at the grocery, black-tie events or at the bus stop, I've been 'pitched' as we say in the business, with such book proposals as: A Cat's Tale of Christmas; Old Testament Aphrodisiacs; Break Out (after being committed to a mental institution by jealous relatives, the story of one man's quest for revenge); and Suck it and See: A Guide to Tropical Fruits.

Admittedly, I chose to share with you the more colorful examples. My point being that the purpose of a proposal pitch is not to motivate the publisher to love the idea as much as you do. That's the misconception. The publisher is listening for signals that you understand the process of transforming a book concept into a business plan. It's not just about your passion for the topic: it's how well you filter your passion through the publisher's prism of marketing and distribution. That's the difference between a contract and a polite rejection letter.

Let's take a look at five typical questions that an agent or a publisher will ask in their submission guidelines.

Question #1: Please provide the title that best captures and conveys the essence of your book and briefly explain why you chose it.

What the publisher is really thinking:

Will the book buyer for Barnes & Noble recognize the section to shelve the book by its title alone?

Is the title's message succinct and snappy so the publisher's sales representative will remember it easily?

How does the rest of proposal support what the title says?

Question #2: Briefly describe the primary audience for your book and how they will benefit from reading it.

What the publisher is really thinking:

The book cannot be all things to all people. Do you demonstrate focus?

Are you confident about who the customer is and the primary (most appropriate) category where the book should be placed in the bookstore?

Do you provide three distinct benefits that relate to the book's core premise?

Question #3: List competing books that you are aware of on this topic and explain how your book differs.

What the publisher is really thinking:

How do you demonstrate that your premise is solid in relation to existing books?

Will the publisher's sales representatives understand where your book fits among five other books in the same category?

Do you contradict what the book is or is not elsewhere in the proposal?

Question #4: What are your expectations for the project?

What the publisher is really thinking:

Do you sound like you expect to make a million dollars and plan to retire on your royalty earnings?

Is your goal to raise the level of topic discussion and to advance your profile as a thought leader?

How realistic are you about the work involved to write the book from start to finish?

Question #5: Describe your qualifications for writing this book and include your latest curriculum vitae or other relevant factors.

What the publisher is really thinking:

Several proposals are discussed during a publisher's editorial board meeting. Why say 'yes' to yours?

What is your media platform? How are you going to be an asset in marketing and promoting the book?

What's your track record?

If you are now thinking about you book concept as a business plan, bravo! This is the foundation for a solid beginning; and, I encourage you to continue forward. High-quality books written by people who are committed to excellence (in any sphere of living) are in short supply. Adopt the publisher's perspective-how will it sell and to whom-and you will not only become a published author. You will make a difference in the world.

Melissa Rosati is a co-active coach, whose clients are writers, authors and creative artists. Prior to her coaching career, she was the Director, Editorial & Production for McGraw-Hill International (UK). She now resides in New York City. Her forthcoming book, The Essential Publisher's Handbook shows readers how to publish profitably. Register for a complimentary subscription to her newsletter, The Essential Publisher at http://www.melissarosati.com

© 2005 Melissa A. Rosati. All rights reserved.

---

Interview with Book and Marketing Coach-Judy Cullins - Part 1

To know what to do at the right time in... Read More

Book Events - Make Yours Successful

A book event (a book signing) is a popular way... Read More

Is There a Book Hiding Inside You?

Have you always wanted to write?Are there ideas churning in... Read More

Top 10 Ways to Know your Book Concept will Sell--Before you Invest Time and Money

Make your book stand out from the crowd! Test your... Read More

How to Sell Your E-book - (or other information product) - Through Quickie Seminars

I've been selling my own self-published information products (mainly e-books)... Read More

Top Ten Ways to Promote Your Books Through Flyers

A flyer is an excellent, inexpensive way to promote your... Read More

Why Testimonials are Number One in Selling your Book or Service

Even if your book or service is excellent, they won't... Read More

The Perfect Book and Where to Find It!

If I was asked to describe the perfect book, one... Read More

Dont Clone your Book or Business Marketing

Remember that the miracle of cloning sheep has its drawbacks.... Read More

Promotion - Credibility Extras

For many of us, marketing our titles is one of... Read More

Colour and Book Covers - What You Should Know if Youre Self-Publishing

Color is tricky at the best of times. If you... Read More

Discover 3 Easy Ways to Promote Your Articles

Are you using these methods to promote your articles?If not,... Read More

Top 5 Book Selling Tips

TIP # 1Online reviews are paramount in importance when it... Read More

Do You Long To See Your Books Published And Selling From The Major Chains?

To have your work accepted for hard copy publication is... Read More

Top Ten Ways of Why and How to Write your Books Sales Letter - Part 2

Authors/publishers are great at getting their books written. But after... Read More

Make your Book Stand Out From the Crowd: Know your Audience

Most authors say, "Everyone will want my book, and when... Read More

How Many Ways Can You License Your Tips Booklet?

You've been thinking about writing a tips booklet. After all,... Read More

How a Book is Born: One Authors Story

Not all books come out whole, all at once. In... Read More

Interview with Book and Marketing Coach-Judy Cullins - Part 2

To know what to do at the right time in... Read More

Online Book Promotion Beats Traditional Seven to One - Part 1

While traditional marketing can work for the book author or... Read More

How to Make Money With Your Short Stories, Poems, Essays, and Novels

Recently, someone rated my "Online Book Marketing" article a 2... Read More

How to Get Your Book Reviewed

Imagine your book at the top of the Best Sellers... Read More

Titles (and Subtitles) Sell Books!

Does a title really sell a book? The short answer... Read More

Your Book Marketing Plan - Winning Strategies and Tips

Many authors hit a roadblock when it comes to putting... Read More

Sell More Books on Amazon.com

Why Should Your Book Be on Amazon.com? Credibility. If your... Read More

Publicity for Buzz Marketing for Authors

Congratulations, you've written a book and even gotten it published!... Read More

Plays Well With Others to Become an Instant Author

You wrote a tips booklet. Maybe more than one. Oh... Read More

How to Get More Readers For Your Book

Marketing your own book can seem like a scary task.... Read More

Online Book Promotion Beats Traditional Seven to One - Part 2

Think of Your Promotion Time and BudgetMost one or two-book... Read More

8 Ways to Find Good Reviewers for Your New Book

Review Your Reviewer: You will be sorry if you do... Read More

Ten Ways to Make Your Book Outsell Another

Wouldn't you rather write a book that sells well than... Read More

Design Each Part of your Book to Sell More Copies

Whether you are an ebook author/publisher or a print book... Read More

Successful Book Marketing The Natural Way - Part 1

Is your mind muddy on book marketing? Do you wake... Read More