Write Your Nonfiction Book Proposal
Posted on 25 November 2009 by Karen Risch
Shameless Plug Alert: What follows is self-promotion, though we’re thinking that’s fine, because this stuff doesn’t cost you a thing, and it gives you step-by-step help with writing your proposal or writing plan.
- Watch this 4-minute overview of the way most books get published: Karen describes the process of landing an agent and getting a book deal.
- Then sign up for our 30-day mini-course that breaks down all the components of a nonfiction book proposal, asking you a question a day to help you flesh out your book concept and marketing plan.
- And be sure to “fan” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to stay on top of the latest industry news.
Free is fun. Free is good.
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2 responses to Write Your Nonfiction Book Proposal
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Hello, I just discovered your blog and I think it is very interesting and helpful. I have had two nonfiction books published (neither sold particularly well), but this was before the days before agents and editors became obsessed with “platform.”
I do have an author platform on the local level (I live in a city that is a major media market) but I am not nationally known. Is this a drawback, and if so, what can I do about it?
Hi there! No, I don’t think it’s a drawback. Agents and publishers look at a lot more than “just” your platform (even though people make a lot of noise about platform these days). What they want is the WHOLE package: great content, savvy author, strong platform, solid marketing strategy, big audience, evidence that other books like yours have done well. If you’re weak in one area, that just means you need to beef up somewhere else.
Your local platform is a great start. Especially if the way you’ve built it is replicable on a national level. One way to broaden your exposure is exactly what you see here: by writing a blog and participating in social media. Even though these aren’t silver bullets, and publishers don’t always give numbers of Facebook fans, blog readers, or Twitter followers a ton of credence, these activities do extend your reach, demonstrate a commitment to utilizing newer technology to stay in touch with your audience, and provide you with a way to keep your finger on the pulse of your target market.
Think of your current platform as a springboard, a ticket into the world of your potential readers. With a local platform, you have got your foot in the door. Stepping up your exposure gets you right up to the hors d’oeuvres table at the party.
Good luck to you!