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.