Before You Write A Book Proposal, Part 7: Action Steps

By Rick Frishman - Sep 28 , 2007

If you’ve been following the first six parts of our seven part series on book proposals, you’re now ready for the action steps before you make contact with agents and publishers.

Before starting your book proposal, make sure that you have a strong book concept, an interesting approach and a catchy title. Clearly identify your market, your niche, and understand what your proposal is intended to achieve. Make sure that your book is of the best quality: that it is interesting, well written, and filled with information that will really help readers.

Action Steps

1. Be honest. Does the world need another book on your topic? Check bookstores and get in the know about what books exist. If you think that your book is better and brighter, then perhaps it’s meant to be.

2. Don’t let anyone talk you out of your dream. If you believe in your idea and it does not exist, then don’t postpone success. Many agents have turned down ideas and said, “It’s just a magazine article,” but those ideas sold.

3. Search online. Search everywhere. Talk to bookstore owners; see what’s out there. Study your competition. Learn what other authors have done. Were their books successful?

4. Research your book’s title. You might be surprised to find that your title already exists. Was it on your topic? The same title could be used for a book for kids and one about pets. Don’t rule out a great title, but make sure that your book won’t be confused with or be considered derivative to another book unless that’s your intent.

5. Create an outline. Outline your book and see if you are still glued to the project after you set up what your chapters are about, etc. Sometimes people discover they really don’t have a great deal to say, whereas others find the proof in the outline.

6. Write a Dear Reader letter. Try this assignment: write a letter to your reader and state what you plan to deliver in your book. It’s a promise to the reader. You’ll know after writing this letter and sharing it with others if there’s a burning passion in you to write this book. Then, keep your promise!

In summary:

Learn about agents, who serve as the gatekeepers for publishing houses. Start by networking with friends, family, business contacts, teachers, other writers, and personnel at bookstores and libraries. Look for their names in books you like and admire. Carefully research agents and publishing houses in guidebooks and on their Web sites. Find out how they want to be contacted and what they want you to submit. Then start to think like a published author.