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How To Write A NonFiction Book Proposal

The past few weeks have been intense in helping some of my clients finalize their book proposals, and providing some book publishing advice.

I’m also planning my next book and getting a new certification, so I’m super excited about it.

Helping moms create a business and life they love that allows them to spend meaningful time with their kids means that I get to plan lots of books because publishing a book is a great way to position yourself as an authority in your field; after all, the book writing process helps you become it!

How to write a nonfiction book proposal and what to include in it!

If you’ve been thinking about sharing your life story and expertise by writing your own non-fiction book, you may be wondering if you need a book proposal or not. 

Whether you decide to self-publish, go with a traditional publisher, or partner with a hybrid publisher, I recommend working on your book proposal. Your book proposal journey starts as soon as you start writing your non-fiction book, or even better yet: before you sit down to write.

Based on my experience publishing my own books, coaching authors, and discussions with literary agents, editors, and publishers, I decided to share how to write a nonfiction book proposal. So keep reading, so you can get started without having to do crazy research or waste your time.

What is a Book Proposal and Who Needs One?

A book proposal is like a business plan for your book, with the objective to present your book as a compelling, marketable non-fiction idea.

You’ll create a book proposal to impress an agent or publisher and land a publishing deal. Yes, most traditional publishing houses require a book proposal in their submission guidelines.

If you’re planning to self-publish, the book proposal will give you the knowledge, clarity, and focus you need to write a winning book. I highly recommend it!

There is really no right way to write a book proposal:

it can be simple or complex,

short or long,

and vary in approach and presentation style…

However, all proposals require research and thoughtful development.

the 10 essential elements of a nonfiction book proposal

The 10 Essential Elements Of A Non-fiction Book Proposal

Let’s take a deeper look at a book proposal and what elements you need in it to get the book deal:

1. Cover letter ~

Your book proposal cover letter is a brief, friendly query letter that has the purpose to get the agent or editor’s attention. Including a query letter increases the odds of the publisher or agent actually reading the book proposal. It will include a short hook for the book: one or two sentences that sum up the book’s contents and a compelling pitch telling them why they should acquire it.

2. Title page ~

This section lists the author’s name and contact information (such as e-mail and mailing addresses, URLs, and phone numbers). You want to include the book specs:

  • your working title and subtitle,
  • the approximate word count,
  • the estimated completion date,
  • cover size,
  • and interior format: will you include illustrations, charts, or graphs? Color or black and white?

3. Book Overview ~

Your book synopsis is like an executive summary, and it is best when written last. The description must be enticing, creative, and compelling, just like the back cover copy. Answer these questions:

  • What is your book about?
  • Why are you so passionate about it?
  • Why would people buy it, read it, and recommend it to their friends?

4. Author Information ~

Include your legal name, a recent professional headshot, and your relevant bio written in the third person.

Make sure you provide information that makes clear why you are qualified to write this book and how you already reach the audience for which you are writing it.

5. Market Overview ~

Please don’t ever tell a publisher your book “will help everyone!

You want to describe in this section who your intended readers are (including both demographics and psychographics).

Who will buy this book?

Why will it sell?

Do you have any special bonds with this market?

The answers to these questions will establish the audience’s need for your book, why they need it now (current trends, timely nature), and why they need you to write it for them.

6. Competitive Analysis ~

List at least three recent successful books that are similar to yours – title, author, publication year, and publishing house.

Publishers dismiss proposals that claim “there’s no other book like this,” because if there isn’t, a need for the book may not exist.

By showcasing how your book is different and better – in a positive manner – the publisher will know you’ve done your homework and understand the market.

Don’t limit your research to just titles in print, but also online communities, viral articles, and videos that fill a similar need with digital content.

Your job is to demonstrate how a print book is viable and how you bring a new take to an already commercially successful idea.

7. Marketing Plan ~

Your promotion plan must be concrete, measurable, bold, confident, and extremely specific.

Publishers want to know the solid reach you have right now, without their help, and how you plan to grow that reach to market your book, rather than ideas of what you “would” do or are “willing” to do should your book be published.

As they say, people like to jump on a moving train, so decide: what are the action steps I can start taking to make my book a success?

8. Table Of Contents ~

The first thing I do before writing a book is make up my table of contents, listing each chapter’s title, and then I write a short argument for each chapter.

You want to add your most polished version of this outline to your proposal, because it serves as a book-at-a-glance, revealing just how strongly thought-out your book theme is.

9. Sample Chapter ~

Many agents and publishers will request several chapters or even the final edited manuscript. However, most literary agents and publishing houses will ask for just one sample chapter, to see a glimpse of your narrative skills, and a sense of your writing style and tone.

You don’t need to necessarily send the first chapter, but do send the most compelling, surprising, and strongest content. Think of a movie trailer – leave them wanting more!

10. Accompanying materials ~

You may add a few “exhibits” that may be relevant, such as manuscript reviews, supporting documentation, copies of photos or illustrations you would like to include in the book, etc. Start brainstorming what those could be.

Start with your Book Proposal

If you are considering writing a nonfiction book, start with your book proposal (although they work for fiction books, too!).

A book proposal is not only it is a great marketing tool to secure a contract with potential agents and publishing companies, but it is also a blueprint that allows you to clarify your core message, and organize your ideas. This process is paramount if you want to make an impact with your book.

They say everyone has at least one book in them. What book would you write? Let us know below! And when you write your proposal, if you need it reviewed, let’s talk!

Elayna is a homeschool educator, single mom of 4, founder of the Positive MOM Community, award-winning Storyteller, Story Strategist, and Student of Pain. She’s a bestselling author, internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, and 3x TEDx speaker. To receive a gift from Elayna, click HERE.

Be Positive and You Will Be Powerful ~ Elayna FernandBe Positive and You Will Be Powerful ~ Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive MOMez ~ The Positive MOM
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Stephanie Shaffer

Saturday 30th of December 2023

WOW!!! I need to print this out and hang it in my office when I'm ready to propose my book! Thank you so much!!!

Beth

Saturday 19th of August 2023

Thank you for the wonderful ideas! I’ve been wanting to write a non-fiction book about the heart wrenching, yet fulfilling journey through the adoption of my own biological grandchildren. I thought the time to write it would be after I completed adoption and the heart wrenching, arduous journey beginning with finding them to get them to safety while my own elderly mother enabled them to stay hidden with my adult daughter, who still to this day, struggles with addiction.

As that wondrous time evolved however, a plethora of systemic and societal issues have slowed and at times, prevented my adopted grands from healing for which I continue to this day to fight against. That doesn’t speak to the most difficult job in the universe. Becoming a parent to your own grandchildren and going it alone without anyone who truly “gets it”. If it weren’t for Christ who held my hand every step of the way, this faith filled trek would never have come to fruition!

Your outline of how to write an overall book proposal will help me to not only frame the book but also figure out how to write a transformational story from start to…..present. As it appears the story hasn’t ended yet! Thank you!

Regina

Saturday 4th of July 2020

Great information, thanks. I know I could write, yeah, because love story telling. What do you think is keeping me from doing it? Am I a stereotype? I just can't get my mind onto it. Instead I read a lot and there is always something, what am I waiting for? Does that make sense? Anyone else feel like me? Other people tell me I am strong but I don't feel strong in the areas I ought to. Being strong is not enough. It's the courage to start that demonstrates strong, right? Like focusing on my own interests rather than being someone's support. Looks like I am getting into my story, ahead of myself. I do need the book proposal. What do you say, positivemum?

Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive MOM

Saturday 4th of July 2020

Many people feel like you, Regina. In fact, almost every one of my book coaching clients have felt exactly this way. I would love to chat with you. Would you like to connect?

How To Make Your Book A Bestseller And Become A Bestselling Author

Wednesday 24th of June 2020

[…] a hybrid or traditional book publisher or self-publishing your book, you’ve got to have a book proposal or business plan that sells your […]

T.M. Brown

Wednesday 19th of December 2018

Thank you so much for the outline! I love how you broke that down. Keeping this as a reference as I begin to contemplate adding "author" as a title in 2019.