How to Write a Book Proposal in 5 Key Steps

Writing good book proposals is key to selling your idea for a book. Most agents and publishers have a particular proposal format that they want to see, but all of these formats contain the same essential elements. If you can make a strong case in these five areas, you'll increase your chances of getting a book deal.

1. Actively sell your book idea. You'll be writing a segment in your book proposal describing the idea behind your book. This is the place to actively sell your concept. Show that your book has useful information or entertainment value. Write this segment of the proposal like a hard-sell marketing piece. It's not the place to be modest. It's the place to show your book will sell and will be valued by readers.
2. Make sure your outline is detailed. You'll also be writing a table of contents and detailed outline. Here you need to use specific, appealing chapter titles and then support these titles with details that show you really know what you are talking about. Make sure your chapter descriptions involve facts, figures, citations of studies, quotes from experts and practical applications, all written as concisely as possible and divided into a readable outline.
3. Highlight your platform. Your level of visibility in the community and your celebrity status are more valuable than you may know. Non-fiction sells because the author is either an expert or a celebrity. You'll want to work on building a formidable platform, or public persona proving your level of expertise, before you even consider approaching publishers or agents with a book proposal. If you are a medical doctor, get some studies or an article published proving your expertise is respected. If you are a scientist, submit articles or studies to scientific journals. Approach local news channels and papers for chances to speak or write about your area of expertise. See if you can't make the news somehow. Volunteer to teach classes at colleges or in community venues. Find ways to document the fact that you are indeed respected in your field of knowledge.
4. Include sample chapters. Write three sample chapters to showcase your expertise, your writing talent and your ability to drill down on topics to make them practical or entertaining for readers. Think of those chapters as your sample book. Make them shine.
5. Describe your marketing plan. You need to show that you understand who your audience is, who the competition is and that you possess a reasonable understanding of the marketing efforts needed to promote a book. If you don't know these things, you will need to do the necessary research to figure this out. Write a brief segment of your book proposal detailing your understanding of these concepts and your plan of attack. Be assertive and positive as you describe your plan of action.