MINI PROPOSAL
Remember a proposal is written in third person.
Intention: To quickly generate publisher interest in a book idea. A more detailed version of the outline may be required afterward.
Length will total about 3-8 pages- don't be long winded.
Include the following items-
Sections:
Summary of Concept of Book: Why would anyone by this book? What's it about? What is your promise? The promise is what they will get from reading your book.
Author Biography (this must be strong) Publishers look at your platform. Do you write for anyone, teach classes, do book signings on other books you have published. Also what other titles have already been published and distributed or sold where? This section should answer the question “Why is this book needed?†You should go into some detail about the topic. What is this technology? Who is using it? Who created it and how does it relate to the computing world. This section should be the about one full page.
Marketing information section should contain where and how you would assist a publisher in promoting the book. Do you have plans for Public Relations people, most publishers are very limited financially in this area today and expect the assistance of the authors participation. List with numbers of contacts your social media on facebook, myspace, twitter, a blog or other online services.
Do you have a good idea of what it will take on your part for time and effort to promote you and your book?
Comparative Titles (of field and book’s place within it and competitive titles) Go to Amazon and find several books that are similar to yours. Make sure you lay it out like this sample below. Only use 3.
Book Title Publisher - Year Published -
Author -
one paragraph on what makes your books similar? Why your book is different?
If submitting non-fiction/self help please include an annotated Table of Contents
It consists of a summary of the author, the book and the topic. Then it provides a brief outline or table of contents to communicate your methods and ideas for putting the book together. Most likely, your agent or a publisher will ask you to add to this initial proposal by expanding the outline and/or by providing more information about the market for the book. At that point, your mini-proposal becomes more like the full proposal.
In the Author Bio include the following:
In a few paragraphs, communicate your previous credits and credentials that are pertinent. Don’t be modest. Just tell me about yourself. It’s best if you can convey that you are a source of authority in the subject matter you are writing about. And if you have a personal story that created you learning what you are writing about that I will identify with.
Plus, you should include -
A list of previously published books
A list of your most current periodical work (magazines, newspapers, etc.)
Other credentials or credits
Future Work-
You should have a synopsis of your next book you either will be or are writing. Publishers like to know that they are investing in your future as an author.
All manuscripts must be submitted in hard copy, not bound in anyway.
