How to Write a Great Non-fiction Book Proposal

You were passionate enough about your subject to write about it. Now it’s time to use that passion to sell it to a literary agent. Knowing the secrets of how to write a great non-fiction book proposal is half the battle.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Unlike a work of fiction, a non-fiction book does not to be completed before selling it to a literary agent. You just need to know how to sell the idea to them. The first page of your book proposal is the sell. You must convince the agent that you have a fabulous idea and that you’ve done your research and know your subject matter. These are the three goals of page one.

2. Page two is your resume but not in the traditional sense. It’s another sell on you as a person. It is a less formal statement that addresses your unique qualifications for this project. Anything that is relevant to your subject matter goes here. For example, if it’s a book on cooking, talk about your job as a chef. Tell the reader about the awards you won for your food presentations. Talk about your knowledge of the type of cooking the book is about.

3. Next, tell the agent or publisher why people will read this book. Is there a particular trend towards your subject matter? Also, talk about who you believe your reading audience will be. Is it geared for teens, computer techies, parents? Compare your book to others that are similar and explain how yours differs. No one wants to take on a book that’s been done before so find the unique angle.

4. Offer a table of contents in your book proposal. It’s OK if you haven’t written past the second chapter, but have it planned out on paper and give each chapter a title and one-sentence description.

5. Give a more in-depth chapter-by-chapter summary. Here is where you actually give a theme and a slightly longer description of each chapter.

6. Create a marketing page. Today’s authors are expected to help in the marketing of their books, so here is where you let the agent or publisher know some of your ideas. Some suggestions include having your own website, attending writer’s conferences or trade shows and mentioning any influential people who could help you market or endorse your book.

7. If you actually have written a chapter or two, include it in your book proposal. You don't need to include any more than that.