The Author’s Book Proposal

By Rick Frishman - May 25 , 2007

Proposals go through many hands. Upon receiving a proposal, editors or their editorial assistants read it. At many publishing houses, all editors read proposals, as do the marketing and sales people. Publishers also read proposals.

If they find that the proposal has merit, they will inform their boss, who will then read and evaluate the proposal. In some firms, assistants write readers’ reports, which are attached to all proposals that they forward to their bosses.

It may take weeks after a proposal is submitted for a writer to receive a response, because editors, like most other publishing employees, are usually swamped with work. Editors have the power to reject submissions upon reading them or to recommend them. Even if they like a proposal, it usually must receive additional approvals.

An editor who believes the firm should publish the proposed book becomes its champion. Some companies require proposals to be initially tested in an idea meeting.

Your goal: Whether you use an agent or submit it yourself, search for an in-house hero . . . a champion for your book! Find someone who believes in it and will push for its purchase by the house. “Books aren’t bought by publishers; they’re bought by editors,” according to New Haven agent Don Gastwirth. So try to find your book’s champion.

Robyn says “Smart writers understand that a proposal must present the meat and potatoes of their book idea. When the proposal process begins, many first-time authors fail to produce proposals that reveal something new, innovative, and fresh. Nonfiction writers must share their revelations, unique premises, breakthroughs, and special understandings to warrant book contracts. The same goes for fiction and children’s book proposals: it’s all about the core idea of the book itself. So, if you’re pitching a mystery novel, let them know about the fabulous surprise ending you’ve got.

“Having read many proposals over the years, I’ve found that many authors fail to develop an approach, a clear sequential program, or creative idea that will separate them from the pack. In a book proposal, the reader must be carefully guided through the book, word by word. The proposal should convince the publisher you’re capable of conducting that journey.

“Editors are sifting through an enormous haystack every day, looking for that one needle. If your proposal doesn’t demonstrate that you have a thorough understanding of a topic that will benefit readers, it won’t capture the publisher’s interest. Your proposal is your calling card for success. Show up with something unique and attention grabbing, and then you, too, can be one of the very fortunate writers who get published.“