YOUR BOOK PROPOSAL
Prepare a professional book proposal to send to literary agents and publishers.
This package includes:
8-step GUIDE
Editorial feedback on submissions
60 minute coaching calls
email support (M - F)
* Note: This service is only open to those who have completed my previous program, Your Story Spine.
Have you been trying to write your book proposal?
Have you found the process difficult, dispiriting or confusing?
Do you feel you don't really know what you're doing... at the very moment it matters most, because the future of your book hangs in the balance?
A book proposal can be difficult to put together if you don't understand how the industry works, or what exactly is being sought. This is a sales document rather than a creative exercise, and it takes a different kind of writing mindset.
If you're struggling with your proposal - or even the idea of one - this program will keep you on track. You will prepare every section necessary for a polished and professional book proposal that you feel proud to pitch, with guidance at every step along the way.
Why you need a book proposal:
You will need a proposal if you want to take your book through a traditional publishing route. It's a necessary part of non-fiction publishing. Generally, you aren't required to have written the whole manuscript before pitching to publishers or agents: you prepare an in-depth proposal instead.
Why? A proposal is faster to read than a full manuscript, and agents or publishers often want to help shape a book before it's fully written.
A book proposal, then, is the 50-80+ page package of information you send to a literary agent or publisher, that outlines the vision for your book, makes an argument for why it should exist, and outlines how it might take effect - much like a business plan.
If you receive a positive response to your initial query letter, the quality of your proposal will then determine whether your non-fiction book is signed up.
If your proposal fails to meet industry requirements, it will be quickly discarded.
Your proposal must follow a set of industry standards:
You must demonstrate that you are professional enough in your attitude to do the legwork required to write a good proposal, and that you're capable of delivering a high-quality manuscript, via sample chapters.
In some ways the proposal can be harder to write than the book itself. It's a big undertaking. It's rigorous and challenging.
The proposal shows that you're knowledgeable about your topic, by providing the whole shape of the book, your plan for its execution, and its place in the world.
It does not make vague promises. It's not a sketch. You need to be able to summarise your book in a way that's beautifully written and convincing, with a detailed summary of each chapter and a polished sample of the writing style and quality.
Furthermore, you have to deeply understand - and demonstrate - what you're putting into the marketplace. That is, the cultural context you're speaking to. Why your viewpoint matters. How your book differs from those already on the shelves, especially if well-known authors are writing on the same subject. How you will put energy into the marketing of your project.
By communicating your book's value in the proposal, you will instill faith in agents and publishers that they should invest time and resources into it. Publishing is, after all, a business, and any financial risk needs to be mitigated.
Your proposal might end up getting more attention from an agent or publisher than your finished manuscript does - it's that important!
Although proposal requirements vary between different agents and publishers...
There are fundamental pieces that are universally sought.
This program ensures that you put all the relevant parts in place. You're then beautifully prepared for any agent or publisher scenario that follows.
How this program will guide you:
Writing a proposal is intensive, but...
It's informative and illuminating, and having one-to-one support tailored to your needs will pull you through the sections that are difficult to do.
Momentum and enthusiasm are hard to keep up on your own, particularly if you get stuck.
Many writers falter when the idea for a book comes face to face with the realities of the marketplace. Did you know that 97% of people who start writing a book don't finish...?
The industry requirements can feel depressingly corporate, harsh, 'salesy' or marketing oriented at the expense of quality. You might feel you're being asked to compromise your voice or intellectual/artistic integrity.
These feelings can be alleviated if you learn to see this process as simply another way to impart the information that is most important to you. Re-framing these doubts and fears can be of enormous benefit: this edge is far easier to walk with a guide alongside you.
Imagine the collective impact, if writers with an important, even life-saving or world-changing message go into collapse when they face the realities of the industry, and fail to complete their mission.
This is a thought that keeps me awake at night. In this scenario, how will we ever shift the dominant narrative...?
Proposal sections we'll work on together:
By the end of the program:
This program does not promise:
How this program works: the logistics
Your schedule:
When you sign up, we'll schedule your submission deadlines and 60-minute coaching calls. If you want to schedule your work around your menstrual cycle, we can do that.
Payment is on a monthly basis (with 2 payment options), so that you advance at the pace that works best for you. If you are well prepared, it's possible to do this in as little as 2 months, but that would be intensive, immersive and highly ambitious. 5-6 months is more realistic but depends on your availability and how fast you work.
Your submissions:
Your time between calls is devoted to working on your proposal-in-progress.
At each submission deadline, you'll send your working document to me and I'll return it with editorial feedback, using Microsoft Word. (I provide my feedback using 'track changes'. You must have a working knowledge of this.)
I'll also offer email support between calls (Mon-Fri), to guide you with any issues that arise along the way. However, if your questions are substantial, we will wait until our next call to address them.
Your coaching calls:
We'll discuss your progress and my feedback notes on each call, addressing any questions you may have, brainstorming where needed, and planning your next steps.
Payment is on monthly basis
This way, you can complete your proposal at the pace that's best for you. This is in-depth work that can take time.
OPTION A
Fast & focused
$
549 USD /mo
OPTION B
Slow & steady
$
349 USD /mo
Payment is via Stripe (a secure system that accepts major credit cards), once we agree to work together.
Would you like to apply?
If yes, I'm delighted. The button below will take you through to a contact form.
I'll respond to your enquiry right away (or at most within 1-2 business days).
FAQ
*The list below provides basic information only. I will provide you with a detailed 'terms of agreement' sheet if we enter into a conversation about working together.
For edits and written feedback, we'll use Microsoft Word's 'track changes' function, so it's important you are familiar with this.
For coaching calls, we will use Zoom or equivalent (video or audio according to your preference. Note: Audio can facilitate a deeper listening process without distraction.)
Yes. When we agree to work together, I will provide you with my terms of service and a book coaching agreement, so that you can review these and ask any further questions before signing.
I'll also provide an invoice for your tax records.
All communication and materials are treated as confidential, unless your permission to share with others is explicitly granted. This is stated in my terms of service.
My services are non-refundable, because book coaching involves deep commitment from both sides. I plan my schedule around our deadlines in advance, turning away new clients accordingly.
If you aren't sure whether this is the right step for you to take - financially or otherwise - I request that you spend some time reading this website, and particularly this page.
Once you are more familiar with me and my approach, it should become clear whether or not you wish to make the investment. You can always discontinue after our minimum monthly commitment is over.
It's also really important that you're sure you have time to give generously to our work together.
You must re-schedule your call at least 24 hours in advance, unless a true emergency comes up. I will be holding this time-slot for you and am counting on your reliability and commitment. Late cancellations won't be rescheduled or refunded.
If I need to cancel our call with less than 24 hours notice, I will notify you as soon as possible, and will add an extra 30 mins onto our rescheduled call at no charge.
