Nonfiction book proposals can top out around 5075 pages, not including sample chapters. How to write a nonfiction book proposal wolf literary services. Nonfiction book proposal outline here is a basic template for a book proposal, which many of our clients have used successfully. So you want to write a nonfiction book but you dont know where to start. Writing a non fiction book proposal a primer for the firsttime nonfiction book writer by scott mendel updated february 2018 it will probably seem obvious to you that the nonfiction book proposal is a tool your agent will use to sell your work at the best possible terms, and to secure the strongest possible. How to write a good nonfiction book proposal for submission. Have you tips, techniques or other advice on how to craft a nonfiction book proposal for submission. Writing a nonfiction book proposal by scott mendel. Whether you plan on selfpublishing or working with an agent, this book will help you get organized and create a business plan for your book. For full and real sample proposals, we recommend checking out.
Book proposal template nonfiction authors association. A one page cover letter or query letter is sufficient. This is one of the main differences between the fiction and the nonfiction book proposal. A variety of factors need to line up for a writer to get a yes from agents, acquisition editors, and publishing hou. There are a couple instances of being able to sell a fiction book on proposal. If publishing a memoir is your goal, its a good idea to write a proposal to sell your work. You might find it helpful to think of your query letter as an executive summary of your fiction book proposal.
Speakup15 3 sample cover page a proposal title subtitle author contact information. To get your nonfiction book published, put together a strong proposal. The bukowski agency nonfiction proposal guidelines. That was a twobook deal, admittedly, so you can divide the numbers by two to get a per book amount. Below are 3 examples from real proposals to real agents. It includes information on the content, the author, the market, and the salability of the project. Apr 02, 2012 what is the ideal length for a nonfiction book proposal. In the process of writing my own nonfiction book proposal earlier this year thanks to my year of amazing pledge, i searched everywhere i could for tips and advice on how to write a nonfiction book proposal.
And that, fellow scribes, is the overview and introduction sections of my christian nonfiction book proposal. Nonfiction book proposal guide creative media agency. Include 35 fullywritten and polished sample chapters from the forthcoming manuscript. The book proposal is a 1550 or so page manuscript that a writer uses to pitch a nonfiction book to publishers. Its a business plan youll need if you want to convince publishing professionals your book will sell and you can help it do so. I like this one because it contains ten reallife proposals that sold. A template for a nonfiction book proposal by miryam ehrlich williamson distributed at the panel queries. How to write a book proposal that agents will love jericho writers. A book proposal is a document most commonly associated with pitching a nonfiction book. How to finally write your nonfiction book the new york times.
Youll also have to include a full sample chapter, which is a topic for another day. Instead of using lowerlevel traditional book reports where the students simply input story maps, these book reports can be used with any reading program such as ar or scholastic reader and incorporate common core standards l. How to write a nonfiction book proposal wolf literary. Andy warhol, saint apollonia suite 1984 for all of these reasons, quite a mouthful will make a perfect gift for any general interest non fiction reader. Free printable book report templates nonfiction book.
The truth is that getting a literary agent and signing a book contract doesnt usually happen that fast. Overview describe your book in two or three paragraphs 500 words or less. Nonfiction book proposal guide creative media agency, inc. I also had a onepage overview which included other similar books already in the marketplace and how mine was different. I found this advice once offered by former writers digest publisher jane friedman who rejected and approved proposals over. However, if you want it to emerge unscathed from the slush pile, your proposal must be clear, thoroughly. Writing a nonfiction book proposal by scott mendel updated. Addressed to the appropriate agent with titlegenreword count and appropriate contact information in the letter, this letter should interest us in reading your proposal. While fiction writers are often required by publishers to submit a synopsis of their manuscripts, many nonfiction writers often dont think about writing synopses for their books. But it does mean that every single page and line and word in that proposal functions as a writing sample. You can find downloadable book proposal templates online. Add in those samples, and youll have a complete proposal ready to be considered by a literary agent. However, for writers of nonfiction books the information on what to include and when to submit it.
Nonfiction book proposal guide ask yourself these questions and as you write your answers, your proposal will develop before your eyes. This month we have expert advice from lorraine mace on how to pitch the perfect non fiction proposal, ten top tips looks at some of the more common english errors, successes will leave you feeling ready to tackle anything and useful websites has an extra. Non fiction book proposal if you are writing a non fiction book agents and publishers need to see a proposal including author background, how the book fits the market, and a sample chapter. How to write a nonfiction book outline that is not the boring basic outline that both plotters and pantsers despise. How to write a nonfiction book proposal writers digest. Submitting a nonfiction proposal expert writing advice. When nonfiction authors ask me, how can i write a book proposal or do i need a proposal if i write a howto book. How does it differ from a standard magazine article query. The literary agents guide to writing a nonfiction book proposal by andy ross. As suggested in the video, if you are planning on sending a proposal through to a publisher, be sure to check their speci. Your nonfiction proposal should include the following items. Because its more difficult to sell fiction than nonfiction, you significantly increase your chances of landing a publishing contract for a novel if you submit your manuscript with a book proposal. Learn how to plan your nonfiction book proposal, with tips for writing it out, in this free video guide for firsttime authors.
And, its not just a strong book proposal that increases your chances of getting a publishing contract and a literary agent. This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. Your nonfiction proposal should include the following items and should be attached as a single file to an email with submission. So you want to write a non fiction book but you dont know where to start. A template for a nonfiction book proposal writers unite. Text feature book report text features, book report.
This plan helps you put together the perfect pitch for a nonfiction book. Writing a winning nonfiction book proposal 32 30 from my experience, a great book proposal needs to include five distinct elements see fig. How to write a nonfiction book proposal with examples. This is one of the main differences between the fiction and the non fiction book proposal. How to write a nonfiction book synopsis pen and the pad. What is the accepted way of preparing and submitting a proposal for a nonfiction picture book, say for the middle grade market. This ones short and tothepoint, and the last time i. Your nonfiction book proposal convinces agents and publishers that your idea is marketable and that you will make a good business partner for your book.
For a nonfiction book, create a list of chapters, where you give each chapter a catchy title possibly also a subtitle and the page on which the sample chapter can be found later in your proposal. Ive written and published four works of nonfiction and have been involved as a. Memoirs can cover most any subject of human interest. How to write a nonfiction book proposal nathan bransford.
It is by david sanford, a published author, editor, and literary agent for more than 300 books who now serves on the leadership team at corban university. Amazing nonfiction and fiction book report templates for upper grade. Jul 29, 2011 there are several books available on writing book proposals. The most important aspect of the submission of a nonfiction book to publishers is the book proposal. Instead of writing the entire book, then trying to interest an editor or agent which is how it works with novels, you write the proposal first. Not counting your two to three sample chapters, your nonfiction book proposal should be no longer than 1015 pages. In this webinar, bestselling ghostwriter barry fox focuses on a few key elements of an effective nonfiction book proposal that will grab an agent or publisher by the scruff of the neck. Soon, ill post and link to the book proposals other sections. This is different than fiction, which is less reliant on author platform. Speakup15 6 unique positioning among competition in the marketplace what other novels are written to this audience, and how does this book compare. The nonfiction book proposal demystified by nina amir fuse.
Use the proposal to sell your book to potential literary agents, editors, and publishers. Fiction book proposal for literary agents literary agencies. Who is the target audience and what makes your book unique and worthwhile for them. Unlike fiction, where an author must have a completed manuscript ready before they approach a publisher or agent, a nonfiction author only needs to develop a proposal to submit to publishers andor agents. A nonfiction book proposal is the key document that allows an agent or publisher to determine the viability of a project. In an email the attached file name should be descriptive author name fiction or nonfiction proposal logline. Writing a winning non fiction book proposal 32 30 from my experience, a great book proposal needs to include five distinct elements see fig. The full proposals or nearly so can be seen by following the links. Writing a nonfiction book proposal a primer for the firsttime nonfiction book writer by scott mendel updated february 2018 it will probably seem obvious to you that the nonfiction book proposal is a tool your agent will use to sell your work at the best possible terms, and to secure the strongest possible. Aug 11, 2017 in this webinar, bestselling ghostwriter barry fox focuses on a few key elements of an effective non fiction book proposal that will grab an agent or publisher by the scruff of the neck. The information in this ebook can also be used as a template for a fiction proposal, since today more and more fiction publishers require proposals quite similar to nonfiction proposals, or as a simple business plan for making a selfpublished book a success. In an email the attached file name should be descriptive author name fiction or nonfiction proposal logli. If you have the time and want more detailed guidelines, get one of the many excellent books on writing proposals from the writers shelf at your library or local bookstore. A fiction book proposal is really just a longer version of a literary agent query letter.
Make sure your proposal is as polished as possible by including the following. The purpose of either is to elicit a request for your proposal. When it comes to fiction, few agents or editors expect or require book proposals, but its an incredibly useful tool. The truth is, a synopsis for a nonfiction book is as important as one for fiction. Contains the title, author byline, and contact information proposal contents. A nonfiction book proposal is necessary for most nonfiction authors hoping to be represented by a literary agency andor get a deal with a publishing house. I also sold a book off the back of a nonfiction book proposal that had multiple publishers bidding for the rights, and ended up being sold to harpercollins for. Sample nonfiction book proposal structure below are the main parts of the average book proposal. Thats the basic skeleton, though each writer can and should give it their own flavour.
A memoir is a personal story that provides a snapshot of a particular time and place in your life. Here is a basic template for a book proposal, which many of our clients have used successfully. Submitting an already written nonfiction book as a proposal is a great way to almost guarantee you will not get a book deal. This is especially important if you seek a wide, national audience and are hoping for a slot on the bestseller list. Mar 19, 2014 have you tips, techniques or other advice on how to craft a nonfiction book proposal for submission. The appropriate length for a nonfiction query is somewhere between 1 and 1. My book, book title will be a genre work which will center around the topic of book topic. The most important aspect of the submission of a non fiction book to publishers is the book proposal. Also note that agents and publishers each have their own submission criteria so the format of your proposal may need to change slightly. Includes plenty of examples and a book proposal template you can follow. If you can send the book proposal along with the query, you should. A book proposal argues why your book idea is a salable, marketable product. Like all other nonfiction, narrative and memoir nonfiction are pretty much sold on proposal.
And the publisher will want to know how well positioned you are to do it. Aug 15, 2018 so this book proposal template is meant to give you a birdeyes view of the process. Nonfiction book proposal literary agents and literary agencies. There are several books available on writing book proposals. This article walks authors through what a book proposal is, the purpose they serve and how to structure them. Sample nonfiction book proposal template rebecca campbell. Give a fairly brief summary of your book here, using a few paragraphs. Nonfiction book proposals in the digital age to sell an agent or publisher on your nonfiction idea, its more important than ever to show where your book will fit inand what will make it stand outboth in print and online. Elements of a successful nonfiction book proposal dummies. You may also want to organize your book further into sections or parts.
Sample book proposal from a professional literary agency. Many were great, but super lengthy and time consuming to read. Nonfiction scrivener templates are often a lot simpler than their fiction counterparts. Nonfiction book proposal outline ted weinstein literary. It acts as a business case or business plan for your book that persuades a publisher to make an investment. To aid us in our presentation of your book project, we ask authors to prepare a carefully detailed and compelling proposal regardless of whether you have a completed manuscript. Book proposals are used to sell nonfiction books to publishers.
Thats right, you do not necessarily need to have the entire book written before you sell it. How to write a nonfiction book proposal with template. Ive seen many authors confuse the two and create extra work for. Hi shamrock838, when i submitted the proposal for my middle grade nonfic cryptic canada, i sent a cover letter explaining the focusslant of my book, the projected word count and my writing credentials. We hear so much about what to include and how to submit novels to agents and publishers, that its almost a case of information overload. This is due to the fact that while a fiction project may require a complex story structure, with the word count carefully distributed among a three act structure for maximum impact, a nonfiction project almost always consists of a series of chapters, without.
Since we recently discussed the role of a synopsis in a fiction proposal i thought it important that we address what the nonfiction author needs to provide. Have you got a nonfiction book idea and dream of securing a milliondollar deal all before writing the book itself. Jan 05, 2016 the appropriate length for a nonfiction query is somewhere between 1 and 1. Include any subhead or taglines that your books title may contain.
Nonfiction book proposal if you are writing a nonfiction book agents and publishers need to see a proposal including author background, how the book fits the market, and a sample chapter. Nonfiction book proposal what is it and how do you write one. Nina amirs nonfiction book proposal demystified is an excellent overview and introduction for anyone looking at writing a nonfiction book. Jun 04, 2018 since we recently discussed the role of a synopsis in a fiction proposal i thought it important that we address what the non fiction author needs to provide. Describe at least three preferably five or six other novels in the marketplace that are similar in nature or seek to reach the same general reader. In the nonfiction world, publishers will ask an author to submit this vital document and not the entire book. Writing a fiction book proposal can be tricky, because not all literary agencies and publishers.
Students will find facts, opinions, express their own opinion, main idea and supporting details, authors purpose. Nonfiction book chapter outlines a way with words writing. This plan helps you put together the perfect pitch for a non fiction book. Nonfiction graphic organizer for any article or nonfiction passagethis graphic organizer will help your students to think critically about any nonfiction article or passage youve read. Jul 15, 2014 like all other nonfiction, narrative and memoir nonfiction are pretty much sold on proposal. The nonfiction book proposal demystified by nina amir. Christian jennings is the author of five nonfiction books and is currently at work on a book about the last year of wwii in northern italy entitled if i live to see the dawn at war on the gothic line 1944. First is a work of historical fiction, which kristin nelson nelson literary has posted.
Within those 1015 pages, you must convince an agent, editor and publishing team that you and your book deserve a place on the shelf based on several key factors. May 28, 2017 a book proposal argues why your book idea is a salable, marketable product. In such cases, the query really ends up being a cover letter and doesnt have to be labored over that much. Writing the killer nonfiction query, writeangles 20, nov 19, 2005, mt holyoke college. May 17, 2012 book proposal a business plan for your book and how you plan to ensure sales success keys to a great synopsis the steve laube agency july 27, 2016 i posted my ideas on some keys to a great book proposal, a few writers said they were challenged to write a synopsis. Dont try to use reason or logic to argue that it would be better a different way. By jane friedman if you wrote a nonfiction book 20 years ago, your greatest competition. What is the ideal length for a nonfiction book proposal. You are also welcome to listen to free audio recordings of teds book proposal bootcamp and other workshops and media appearances.