by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

A book proposal is an attention-grabbing cover letter, a dynamic marketing plan, a synopsis of a well-crafted book, and the first three chapters presented to an agent or editor who has indicated interest in a writer’s manuscript.

When an acquisition editor desires to purchase a book project, the proposal is presented to a pub-board meeting. There, the editors and marketing staff involved in a potential purchase decide if the book is worthy of publication. A copy of the proposal is given to every person present at the meeting.

The proposal has three parts:

• A cover letter
• A marketing plan
• A synopsis and the first three chapters of the book

Editors and Publishers do have a common format. They want a readable font, preferably Times New Roman or New Courier at 12 pitches per inch and double-spaced. Fancy fonts simply reveal the writer hasn’t done his/her homework. Use one inch paragraph indentions and a header that begins on the second page of the manuscript.

Formatting and Title Page

Before the cover letter is written, a title page is necessary to introduce the reader to the proposal’s contents.

In the top left-hand corner, type the title of the manuscript, the writer’s name, address, phone number, email address and website. In the lower left hand corner, type the copyright symbol, the word “copyright” and the writer’s name. Do a page break.

Type the header by referring to your computer’s instructions. Begin on the left hand side. Make sure the font is the same as the font in the manuscript. Use 10 pitches per inch. Type the name of the manuscript. Space over to the right side: type the writer’s last name. Use the tool bar to make sure automatic numbering happens on every page, and the numbering begins on page 2 of the proposal.

The Cover Letter

A cover letter entices the agent or editor to read your proposal. It’s brevity and conciseness is essential to the looks of your proposal. This is a one page letter. The first sentence hook is designed to entice the reader to desperately want this manuscript. Here are a few important items to remember about forming a cover letter.

• If the cover letter is going directly to an editor, conduct a thorough research on what the publishing house is publishing. This means studying the market, reading the publications, and adhering to their guidelines.
• Study the guidelines. Phone the publishing house to ensure the correct name, title, and spelling of the editor’s name.
• Make the hook short and sweet. Throw out the line and reel them in.
• In two or three sentences, write what the book is about.
• If a writer doesn’t have publishing credentials, be creative. Play up what you know.
• Close with, “I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.”

Marketing Plan

This section contains those items that sell your ability to promote your nonfiction book. The following are items to incorporate into your proposal. However, you can be creative. The key words are clarity and professionalism.

• Date of Proposal
• Title of manuscript, your name and contact information
• Author
• Hook
• Brief description
• Passion for project/reason or goal why the book was written
• Audience
• Length of manuscript
• Inclusions
• Author bio – one page
• Author bio – short
• Author bio – one sentence
• Photo of writer
• What are your sales and media angles – talking points, why people will want to buy your book, etc.
• Published titles that are similar to yours. How is your book different? (Look on Amazon for about 4 titles)
• A list of those who have indicated a willingness to read your book for possible endorsement.
• Any previous experience in media work.
• All social media platforms: online addresses and followers
• Website
• Blog and online address and followers
• List of professional memberships
• Speaking topics, including those that would coincide with your book
• Make certain to list all of the ways you intend to promote your book.

The Synopsis

• Nonfiction: This is a chapter-by-chapter accounting of your book. Use two to three sentences to explain the content of each chapter.
• Fiction: Write what the story is about, naming point of view
  • characters, plot, genre, and setting.
  • Show the editor you know how to carry a theme all the way through the book project, building on each chapter.
  • Give the word length of the book.
  • The synopsis should be a max of 3 pages and double-spaced. Occasionally specific publishers permit single spacing the synopsis. If no guidelines are given, double-space.
  • Do not include statements that leave the editor hanging. They have to know the contents and how you plan to build on each chapter’s points.
• Wait three months and send a brief email inquiry. Wait until the fourth month and call.
• Remember to always backup your work

Three Chapters

The agent or editor will want to read the first three chapters of your book project. The quality of writing will determine whether the reader will want to pursue the remaining chapters.

4 Reasons why a manuscript is rejected

• Editor not interested in your theme or subject matter
• Writer did not do a market research on what is currently being published by the publishing house
• Manuscript is poorly written
• The publishing house is planning a title similar to your proposal

Remember a rejection is of your material, and not a poor reflection upon you. Rejection letters are redirection letters and certainly nothing to be ashamed of. If you are lucky, an editor will take the time to explain why your manuscript did not fit their publishing needs. Most of the time, a writer receives a computer-generated letter. Writing is not for the weak-hearted. Writers have to be strong and persevere. Some writers decorate their offices with rejection letter or file them away. Me, I read through to find out why the manuscript was rejected and then toss them.

A word about excuses. Sometimes it’s hard to get started. Oh, we want to write, but frankly we’re a bit afraid of the hard work, so we keep thinking about it – but never get it done. Here are a few excuses for not writing.

• Time
• Organization
• Tools
• Fear

A writer’s proposal is an opportunity to sell a book idea to an agent or editor. A proposal is your calling card, and professionalism is the key.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, the Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, YouTube, LinkedIn. or her website: diannmills.com