As a literary agent at Trident Media Group, numerous non-fiction e book concepts fall on my desk.
So many individuals assume they carry a e book inside them, however it takes greater than braveness to see a e book via to publication.
The distinctive factor about non-fiction books is that they are often bought to e book publishers on a suggestion foundation. That is as a result of it is idea-driven, in contrast to fiction, which must be bought on a completely written and polished manuscript.
How do I write a e book proposal for nonfiction?
Need to write your personal non-fiction e book proposal? Use these pointers as a template, with every part on a separate web page or pages.
This is what it is best to embrace when writing a e book proposal.
1. Entrance web page
That is simple sufficient. Add the title and/or subtitle (separated by a colon or on a brand new line) and “A suggestion by” adopted by your identify.
2. Content material
Like a e book’s desk of contents (TOC) that lists the chapters, a nonfiction proposal can have a TOC web page that lists every part and web page variety of the proposal.
Take a look at virtually any desk of contents in a e book to get an thought of what that web page will appear like.
3. Recommended Title(s).
Barely totally different from the title web page part of the e book suggestion, different titles and subtitles could be urged right here in an inventory format.
4. Creator(s)
The identify of the creator(s) of the e book proposal is listed right here. Titles and suffixes could be excluded.
5. Description in a single sentence
In a one-sentence slogan/hook, seize what the e book is about as a complete.
This may be strenuous train for writers who’re pure storytellers, however it’s good to be taught to speak succinctly about your e book.
6. Classes
Classes and subcategories that the e book will fall into are listed right here.
For instance: motivational self-help, private transformation/development, philosophy, constructive psychology, and so on. You could find a extra in-depth information on key phrases and classes, or purchase a device like Writer Rocket.
7. Quotations
This can be a part for inspirational or framing quotes that you’d see on the opening pages of a e book.
In a enterprise e book, an creator would possibly need to quote Warren Buffett, or in a know-how e book, Steve Jobs. Even a poem or a brief passage from a e book could possibly be there.
It’s superb to restrict this part to a couple quotations.
8. Viewers
In a paragraph or two, add the viewers(s) for the e book.
Proof of the sturdy need of the viewers and present developments associated to the subject is also listed right here.
9. Function and Want
On a a lot deeper level, this part tells us why we as readers have to learn this e book, and why now? The reader merely has an issue or a craving, and this e book fulfills that want with its goal.
It is okay to take a web page or so to clarify.
10. Distinctive angles
Clarify how the e book will discover its place in a busy market of comparable books. A number of the takeaways that may solely be skilled from this e book must be shared right here, maybe in bulleted kind.
11. Reader Advantages
What does the reader achieve by studying this e book? This part solutions that query with an a variety of benefits for the reader.
Will the reader really feel pleasure? Will they really feel a part of one thing greater? Inform us alongside a brief listing right here on this part.
12. Potential Endorsers
This part is devoted to notable individuals who may need one thing to supply Kudos/blobs upfront for the upcoming e book.
They may even be respectable individuals who could be keen to put in writing an introduction or ahead the e book. Not simply names must be listed right here, however titles and why they’re vital notes.
13. Overview of the e book construction
Listing the format, phrase rely, if any (ideally throughout the regular or affordable vary), variety of pages, and the deadline by which a completed manuscript could possibly be submitted to the writer (if you happen to get a contract).
Are you able to guess what you are doing right here? Write one thing about your self!
It may be so simple as a paragraph or a number of pages. Related writing expertise, testimonials, awards/awards, earlier publications, enjoyable details, hyperlinks to creator pages and social media pages (and social media follower rely if spectacular), enjoyable private details, and make contact with data could be listed right here.
For nonfiction, it is not sufficient to have a good suggestion to put in writing about. The creator should be an authority on the topic. In different phrases, Creator platform is vital. (This differs from fiction, which is much less depending on the creator platform.)
15. Gross sales historical past of earlier books
For authors with beforehand printed books, it is a listing of titles together with the writer identify and publication date.
Beneath that must be the entire gross sales of the e book from publication to this point.
If a e book from this listing has been translated into different languages, had a movie/tv adaptation, or has been made into an audio e book, which will even be talked about right here.
16. Chapter outlines
Present a sparse define that breaks every chapter by identify and quantity right into a one or two sentence description, adopted by bulleted chapter contents and/or a really temporary description.
17. Bonus Content material
Do you’ve got concepts for enjoyable bonuses like actions or interactive/on-line content material associated to the e book? Add them right here.
18. Marketing Plan
The sky is the restrict!
Share what you and/or the writer may do as advertising and marketing and publicity behind publishing the e book. For an entire e book advertising and marketing plan, see this text.
19. Instance Chapter
Embody 3-5 absolutely written and polished pattern chapters from the forthcoming manuscript.
How lengthy ought to the e book proposal be?
With all this data, you may seemingly find yourself with a e book proposal that is dozens of pages lengthy.
Recommended non-fiction books could be round 50-75 pages, not together with pattern chapters. Add these samples, and you’ve got an entire proposal prepared for a literary agent to overview!
Want a information on easy methods to write a e book proposal?
This course on e book options by Chad Allen is one we suggest authors take. We’ve got discovered it extraordinarily useful.
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