by Cherrilynn Bisbano @BisbanoWrites
Happy New Year. Did you resolve to start a manuscript or finish the book you’ve been working on? This is your year! You can do it!
Whether you decide to traditionally publish, or self publish, you need a book proposal. One of the most important parts of the proposal is the three chapters.
Agents and publishers desire your best three chapters when writing a non-fiction book. The entire manuscript does not need to be written.
Fiction books require a completed book upon submission of a proposal. They want the first three chapters.
Here are a few tips for your three chapters.
- Hire a professional editor. You want your submission to shine.
- Always follow the submission guidelines.
- If guidelines do not give a specific format, use 1” Margins with Times New Roman 12 font.
- If the proposal is not ready, don’t send it.
The proposal is the resume for you and your book. It’s the foot in the door toward publication. Take time to present a professional proposal. If we can help in any way, let us know.
On a more personal note, I want to encourage you to persevere through the new year. I don’t make resolutions. I know myself too well. I’ve started the year fast and furious with great intentions to achieve my goals and by Valentine’s Day I was tired and weary. Often I gave up. God has shown me to set goals and plan and he will guide me.
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” (Pro. 16:9 NIV)
Like you, I have many obligations. My plan is to make a list of everything I need to accomplish in a week and schedule a day and time for each. I will include exercise, writing, reading, meals, breaks, cleaning, education, coaching calls, family time, and time for fun. Once my basic calendar is set I’ll take each topic and create a specific list and prioritize. A plan equals peace.
I expect my schedule to get interrupted. I won’t freak, well initially I might. I will turn to God who knows all and ask him for the strength, wisdom, time, and peace to complete the tasks he called me to finish. He promises to help.
King David proclaimed to his son Solomon to acknowledge God and make a plan when building the Temple, King David also said, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the LORD is finished correctly.” (1 Chronicles 28:20 NLT)
We serve the same God. He promises to help us finish the assignment he gave us, in his timing.
Will you join me and start the New Year seeking God’s will for your writing. Let’s schedule our time and leave the results in God’s hands.
How will you persevere through the new year? Join the conversation.
Don’t Miss the Rest of the Series on Book Proposal Basics:
Part 1: Title Page, Table of Contents, and Sell Sheet
Part 3: Chapter Outline or Book Synopsis
Cherrilynn Bisbano is the founder of The Write Proposal book proposal services.
As managing editor of Almost an Author, she helped the website earn the #6 spot on the Top 100 best writing websites for 2018 by The Write Life and Top 101 Websites for writers with Writers Digest.
Cherrilynn is a speaker with Women Speakers. Her topics include leadership, book proposals, and the Bible. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. You can find her published in Southern Writers, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Christian Voice, Refresh and other online magazines. Cherrilynn is a contributor to Selah-nominated Breaking the Chains, Heart Reno, and Chicken Soup for the Soul-Miracles books.
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