Most beginning writers submit a complete manuscript to a publisher and cross their fingers while waiting for the publisher to read it. Well, here’s a news flash: publishers don’t like reading manuscripts. Publishers receive tons of manuscripts from aspiring writers and all that hard work usually ends up in the trash or the slush pile.

Publishers are sellers. They are only interested in books they can sell. Writing a great book proposal is your best chance at convincing agents and publishers that your book will sell better than most.

A book proposal should contain the description of your book and its selling points. Write a good proposal that says your book is a must-have and a must-read, and leave no doubt in the mind of your prospective publisher that your book is a seller. For non-fiction you can submit proposals before you’ve even completed your manuscript. This could save you time if the publisher likes your book idea but has some revisions in mind. Publishers and editors like to be involved in the writing process; after all, they have experience and know what sells and what doesn’t. So, as an author who wants to make it big, you should interact creatively with your publisher and/or editor for a better work collaboration.

So, what does a good book proposal look like? There is really no standard format of a book proposal. The same as having different writing styles, there can also be different proposal styles of different authors for different publishers. You must take note that for anything to sell, it has to be custom-made for the intended client. So, you also have to know your prospective publisher’s personality and style. But for the basic requirements, a good book proposal should contain at least the main ingredients:

1. The title and a summary that gives the premise of the book

2. The distinctive selling points of your book

3. Name at least three similar books that are already published and give a detailed explanation of what makes yours different, better and unique

4.The manuscript layout or plan

5. The target market or audience with explanation and descriptions. Provide any statistical or survey information to demonstrate the marketability of your book to your target audience.

6. The author’s background and writing experience. Describe how you as the author will sell books. Are you a speaker? Do you have a website or blog? Do you have a list of people who have previously purchased products or services from you? Do you have a marketing background? In other words, describe what makes you marketable as an author.

7. Synopsis of every chapter of the book

8. One or two sample chapters of the book

You can rearrange these factors in any sequence you think appropriate, as long as it convinces your publisher to print your book. Don’t skip any of these steps, though. Publishers are looking for writers who are willing to do their homework and are ready and able to sell books.

Good luck and happy writing!

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