I have been recommending "How to Write a Book Proposal" by Michael Larsen to my clients for over a decade. The book has done well by us all, resulting in many a 5- and 6-figure book deal. So, it was with great excitement that I opened up the box that harbored the new 5th edition by my colleagues Jody Rein and Michael Larsen.
What new gems would the 5th edition offer seasoned and aspiring authors alike? What fresh advice for navigating the shifting landscape of book publishing?
The 5th edition did not disappoint.
* The opening section on Basics provide motivation, a greater understanding of how a proposal is used by industry professionals, a big picture overview of what you'll find in a proposal and how to look at the whole project from a publisher's perspective. In short, it's the perfect start and also reflects the current publishing environment.
* Part II on Organizing will save much time by helping you set up a system from the get-go.
* Part III provides readers the nuts and bolts of what goes in each section of a book proposal, along with excellent examples that provide both clarity and inspiration.
* Part IV has all new material on writing specialized proposals--for cookbooks, memoirs, series, graphic novels--you name it. I wish I'd had this information early on in my career!
* Part V helps you perfect everything from the title to voice and includes crucial advice I have not heard elsewhere--such as making sure your proposal format reads properly on multiple devices. Yikes! The things we writers need to keep track of and test nowadays!
* In Part VI you'll find timely advice on finding agents, identifying the best fit for publishing houses and models and even sound advice on self-publishing.
One thing I noticed is that some absolute no-no's of yesteryear are now not only acceptable: it's cool to break the old rules. Call yourself by your first name and not "the author" or "Ms. so and so." Compare your book to books more than a decade old (IF you have good reason to). It's all good--as long as it works! [That's where beta readers and editors come in!]
The one danger with this book is reading the sample proposals. If you're like me, you'll get so caught up in the compelling case made for each book, you'll order all the sample books immediately. I am not kidding. I had no idea that I was desperate to read a memoir about working with Mother Teresa! Still, I highly suggest using the sample proposals as a model for your proposal and an easy jumping off point.
The 5th Edition has been in my possession just four hours and twenty minutes and I have already recommended it to a client writing a book proposal. If you buy just one book as your go-to resource for writing a nonfiction book proposal, this is the one to get. I will continue to suggest it to any aspiring authors who asks for my advice!
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About the author
The only book you need for writing a book proposal!
Amazing book! This is a comprehensive book on all the steps one should take in writing a book proposal to agents and publishers. There is so much usable information packed in this book - including checklists and additional resources. I highly recommend this book. Please mark if you find my review helpful. Thank you so much!
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Top reviews from other countries
- BeccaReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 16, 2022
Fantastic book, helped me get an agent (and eventually a book deal!)
