Elements+of+a+Book+Proposal

Book proposal formats can vary, depending on the publisher and the kind of book. We don't plan or sell novels, academic texts, creative-nonfiction, self-help in the same ways. However, you can start from this basic template to help you think through and plan your final book project. Of course, in this case I am encouraging you to use a commerical POD service that will allow you to "self-publish" so we don't actually have to convince a publisher to accept it. But if we are to produce something that will look, smell, and taste like a real book -- there's value in playing this game.

I. Proposal

 * 1) Title and Basic Sales Point: (two sentences).
 * 2) Synopsis/ Description: describe the scope, purpose, and significance or value in 1-2 paragraph. Be positive but not bombastic; be specific about the overall aims of the book.
 * 3) Outline or TOC: what will be included; list titles and authors if it is a collection; describe each chapter or section in a sentence or two.
 * 4) Authors' background (when applicable).
 * 5) Sample chapter(s): no more than two. If you are writing an introduction or preface, this would be useful to include. Make the selection "representative" not atypical.
 * 6) Materials/Apparatuses: length, plans for illustrations, index, glossary, etc.
 * 7) Market / Audience: What is the intended reader for this book? Does it appeal to more than one group? How do the style and the content fit a need? What "category" does this book belong in? For example, if it is an educational text, what age student in what kinds of courses would be likely to read it?
 * 8) Competition: Describe other projects that are comparable. Discuss differences and similarities, explaining what makes your project distinctive or of competitive value. Several specific titles should be mentioned.

[Note that a formal book proposal to a major publisher might have additional, specific requirements--especially around marketing, promotion, and audience. We'll minimize that for our learning purpose. ]

II. Publishing Plan

 * 1) Where will you get the material
 * 2) What is your timeline (and workflow) for acquisition, editing, layout, submission, proofreading, and production?
 * 3) What service will you use? And what are the "constraints" in terms of format, cost, or time you need to be aware of?
 * 4) Does your service allow for some degree of actual marketing and sales (i.e. listing on Amazon)?