How To Write A Book Proposal In 8 Days

An important part of writing a book is creating an effective proposal to send to publishers. The book proposal will determine whether an author is given the authorization, and sometimes advance payment, to write the book. Publishers generally require book proposals for nonfiction books.
Editors like to work with authors during the writing process; therefore, nonfiction books generally do not have to be completed at the time of the proposal. Most publishers require fiction books to be completed at the time of the proposal and will take only query letters for those books.

Instructions
1. Decide what the book will be about--the most important part of a book proposal. Start by brainstorming ideas and writing them on a blank sheet of paper. Ask what topics are interesting or what expertise does the author have.
Once a topic is selected, do quick research online to make sure enough material on the topic is available for a book. If not, go to the book store or library to do more research. Research at this stage does not have to be too in-depth.
Decide what makes this book special and why a publisher would want to publish it.
This process can be completed in less than one day, with plenty of time left to move on to Step 2 the same day.
2. Research publishers. Either go online and check out some publishers or buy a book of publishers. A few reliable publishers books include the "Writer’s Market," Jeff Herman’s "Guide to Book Publishers" and "Editors and Literary Agents." These books cover what topics interest publishers, whether they accept proposals, their contact information and their preference for receiving proposals. Also, do a quick follow-up to the publisher’s website to make sure information in the books is current.
This process can take a little more than one day, but can be started the same day the book's topic is decided.
3. Write a few paragraphs and notes about the book. Include such things as research important to the book, any experience with the subject, books on similar topics or any other information that could help back up the proposal. Keep these notations in a book or file, because they will come in handy when putting the proposal together and when the book is being written.
Take about three days to allow time for more in-depth research on the topic.
4. Put together a proposal. Include the following items in a book proposal: a title page with the book 's name and the author's contact information; a short, one-page description of the book idea that is strong enough to get the publisher to want to see more; and a one-page marketing analysis of the topic, including competitive titles and the audience. Also include a detailed outline and a sample chapter of the book, if completed.
Include a one-page biography about the author. This should cover any writing experience, education or expertise the author may have on the proposed topic.
Also, check each publisher’s proposal guidelines; some have very specific requirements that may differ from others.
This should take two to three days to complete. Take time reviewing and editing all information before submitting it. Remember: this is the first impression a publisher will have of an author.
5. Send the proposal. Submit the proposal according to a publisher's guidelines. If the publisher requires that all proposals be sent by email, do so. Many publishing houses are going green and will either return the unopened manuscript or toss it into the recycling bin without ever looking at it.
This step can be done in less than a day, because all it requires is either emailing the proposal or mailing it at the post office.

Small Business Owner Health Insurance

Small Business Owner Health Insurance is imperative to attract workers and stay competitive in the workforce. Large companies are able to compete and appeal to potential workers due to their ability to offer benefit packages in addition to salary schedules.
Depending on the benefit package, an employee can add thousands of dollars to their total salary. Small Business Owner Health Insurance is difficult to afford for small business owners, however it is vital to employees working for these small businesses.
As a small business owner, you have a dream to be your own boss and design custom web pages for other small businesses. As your business grows from your dining room table to a small leased building, you find yourself needing employees to assist with your ever-growing business.
You research using the Internet what employees are looking for in a job and discover that the number one priority is for Small Business Owner Health Insurance. You consider raising potential salaries of employee’s and not offer an incentive package of health insurance, but realize that you really can’t afford not to offer health insurance.
Small Business Owner Health Insurance is going to be one of the best investments that your burgeoning small business can offer to your employees. You will now be able to compete with other businesses and still offer the close community of a small business. So you go for it and within a week the applications to join your company are almost more than you can handle.

Business Plan Checklist

The primary value of your business plan will be to create a written outline that evaluates all aspects of the economic viability of your business venture. It will be valuable in number of ways. Here are some reasons not to skip this valuable tool and roadmap:

• It will define and focus your objective, using appropriate information and analysis.
• You can use it as a selling tool with lenders, investors, landlords and banks.
• Your business plan can uncover omissions and/or weaknesses in your planning process.
• You can use the plan to solicit opinions and advice.

Here is a checklist to help you get started:

1. Write out your basic business concept.
2. Gather all the data you can on the feasibility and specifics of your business.
3. Focus and refine your concept.
4. Outline the specifics using a "what, where, why, how" approach.
5. Put your plan into a compelling format

Here are suggested topics you can tailor into your plan:

• A Vision Statement: This will be a concise outline of your purpose and goal
• The People: Focus on how your experiences will be applicable. Prepare a resume of yourself and each of your key people.
• Your Business Profile: Describe exactly how you plan to go about your intended business. Stay focused on the specialized market you intend to serve.
• Economic Assessment: Provide an assessment of the competition you can expect in your business.
• Cash Flow Assessment: Include a one-year cash flow projection that will incorporate all your capital requirements.

The My Own Business Online Course and Textbook can provide you with business plan templates that will enable you to create a custom plan for your own specific business as you proceed through the 16 sessions. Each session includes a business plan section that can be downloaded from website and provide you with a single, attractively presented document. Two complete business plan examples are also furnished, one for a product business and one for a service business.

How To Improve My Interpersonal Skills?

Good business communication skills are what often sets apart a rising corporate star from an also-ran. If a person can effectively sell ideas to others, that skill can catapult you to the corner office. But good business communications skills are often learned, not a part of your DNA. Here are some ways to make it to the corporate heights by improving your ability to communicate effectively.

Instructions
1.Find a mentor who exhibits the ability to communicate well at your company, soon after you are hired. Tell him that you want to improve your ability to communicate and that you are impressed by his skills. Ask him to share what he did to hone them. Finally, ask that he keep track of your progress and give you pointers on how you can improve. As you become a "seasoned employee" who is on the rise, volunteer to become a mentor to someone who has just been hired.
2.Improve your ability to listen, and you are halfway to being a good business communicator. You may think that you listen well, but the chances are you are actually figuring out what you should say next. Ask good questions, and then listen well to the answers. You are likely to break through someone's "hidden agenda" and learn what is really important to her. Above all, remember there is often a difference between what someone may say and the opinions she might actually have.
3.Practice your business communications skills as frequently as you can. Start by writing memos and emails. Always write your findings, recommendations and other requirements of your job, even though you normally offer them face-to-face. Curry favor by offering them as an adjunct to your oral presentation. It demonstrates both professionalism and forethought.
4.When you attend a meeting, be sure your presence is felt by the questions or answers you give. If necessary, force yourself to do this until it becomes second nature. When you are asked to present your views to a group, prepare a formalized presentation then practice it beforehand. Increased familiarity will ease presenting to a group.
5.Take communications courses that your company may offer, or request permission to attend sessions by Dale Carnegie Corporation or something similar. Also, learn how to address an audience by becoming a member of Toastmasters International, an organization with chapters across the country.

How To Start A Business Successfully?

1. Identify your target market. Research customers and have an excellent idea of the strength of your target market.
2. Define your product. Find out what the target customer wants in the market. In other words, don't try to sell hats if the market wants shirts.
3. Define your consumer. Are your customers primarily male or female, or does your product attract both? Identify your customers' age, be it infant/toddler, child, adolescent, young adult, middle-aged adult, or older. This is essential to determining the exact requirements for which to accommodate your customers not only in quantitative measures [i.e. meeting the demand by having adequate supply], but also qualitative measures, such as speedy service, or the decorum of your employees, as well as yourself.
4. Set up a plan. Work your market, product, and consumer type into a workable marketing plan. Write a proposal and show it to trusted advisers or consults.
5. Develop a budget. Most small business owners fail to plan for adequate financing for the first two years. Plan for at least 6 months of negative cash flow, as the first year of your business will probably yield negative return.
6. Start small. Too many small business owners try to grow too fast and ultimately crash and burn due of lack of capital or the inability to adequately meet the needs for resources in a timely manner.
7. Have a reliable workforce. Take the time to hire qualified personnel. Avoid hiring candidates that may pose as a liability to your new business.
8. Do not assign yourself a tremendous salary. Reinvest your net income back into your business to help it grow. Reinvestment is the key to success.
9. Hire a good lawyer. This is essential from the start to avoid unnecessary legal battles that could have been avoided with proper legal advice.
10. 1Get a Website. This will be how most customers even local ones will check you out. They will use your website to check your hours, sales, location, prices, menu, history, etc. Unless you really know what you are doing, get a professional to design your website.
11. Network. This means, in a nutshell, get to know more people and tell them about your business. Always keep a supply of Business Cards and Brochures with you about your business. If you don't have any yet, get some designed and printed by a professional. There is a link at the bottom of this article to an online store where you can buy cheap yet professional business cards, brochures and other marketing tools.
12. Volunteer. This may sound crazy as you are busy getting your business off the ground but this really works well to promote new businesses. If you are a photographer, volunteer to take pics for a local non-profit event or company newsletter. If you are a Florist, volunteer to make floral arrangements for a community event. Be sure that you are given printed credit and put some business cards with your donation.
13. Participate in shows and promotional events. It is a good idea to participate in at least 2-3 business shows in a year. Make sure the shows are relevant to the public that you are trying to reach. Don't have a booth at a flower show if you are an esthetician. Be sure to hand out business cards and brochures and even some promotional giveaways such as USB sticks or pens with your logo and contact info on them.
14. Always focus on your customers. Never take your customers for granted or assume that they will always choose you. Always be looking to reward customers for their loyalty and when they refer you to others. If you don't have some sort of a referral or loyalty program consider putting one in place. It doesn't have to be complicated, something like giving them a $10 credit for every new customer (that purchases something) they send your way.
15. Have an exit strategy. As your business grows, plan for the future of your business. Will you sell your company? Will you pass it on to another individual? Will you merge your company with another firm? Many families do not have good managers, but still want control. Proper planning will avoid unhappy endings to a good business.

How To Write The Perfect Book Proposal?

A book proposal is a series of documents that outline your intention to write a particular book to a book publisher. The book proposal is meant to show a book publisher that your book idea is a good one and that you are capable of writing the book that you propose. Book proposals are typically submitted with the intention of writing a non-fiction book, not fiction.

Instructions

1.  Write an introductory letter to your proposal. The letter should be no more than a page in length, but it should summarize your book, describe why this book should be published, include some of your past writing experience and provide reasons why you are the best person to write this particular book. Try to be as concise as possible when writing your letter, but grab the publisher's attention at the beginning of the letter by asking a question that relates to the topic of your book.

2.  Include a resume with your submission that details the work experience you've had that relates to your writing experience and your experience with your book's topic. A publisher wants to know who you are and whether or not you will be able to complete the book you intend. Include anything that might help a publisher build your platform if they decide to publish your book.

3.  Compose a detailed summary of the book and one or two completed chapters. Because you're writing a non-fiction book, you won't need to write the entire book before submission, but you will need to include a sample of your writing so that the publisher knows your style. In addition to a summary of the book as a whole, include the chapter titles and summaries of each chapter so that the publisher understands the trajectory of the book. This summary document will be the longest--and most important--of the three documents you are submitting in your proposal package. Take time composing it and offer it to a colleague or a friend who can give you an honest critique.

How Do You Get Insurance For Your Small Business?

As a responsible small business owner, it's a prudent idea to visit a reputable insurance agent to discuss small business coverage for your company. In many cases, a business entity requires just as much insurance as an individual. You have to cover vehicles, property and people, including customers and employees. Getting insurance for your small business is a straightforward process that you can accomplish in about a day, then get right back to the day-to-day requirements of starting up your company.
Step 1
Visit an insurance agency that specializes in a variety of small business insurance options. See Resources for a listing of small business insurance providers.
Step 2
Set an appointment to speak with a small business insurance consultant at the company of your choice. You can discuss your business needs over the phone or in person. Due to the complex nature of deciding on the right business insurance policy for your company, it's prudent to speak with someone before purchasing a policy.
Step 3
Explain the business activities you plan to engage in regularly and business assets you plan to manage while running your company. For example, if you plan to operate a store, you'll need business property and liability insurance to cover yourself in case of an incident at the location. You'll need commercial vehicle coverage for any cars, trucks or buses you use regularly in the course of business. If you plan to hire employees, you can discuss workers' compensation and medical insurance options with an applicable provider. If you have a business license, the state may require you to secure a particular type of insurance policy to maintain that license.
Step 4
Consider whether you need key person or crisscross insurance. This compensates the business in case one of the key principals (owner or partner) passes on (See References).
Step 5
Explore the terms and coverage levels of your business insurance options with your agent based on your business activities. Ask the agent if you can package the various services into one combined business policy at a more attractive rate. For instance, some agents offer special combined packages for Internet and home-based small businesses, and others may have packages for companies that use a fleet of vehicles regularly.
Step 6
Select a business insurance package that covers all of your concerns. Place your down payment to confirm and secure the business insurance policy. Keep a copy of your coverage paperwork on hand.