“Smart writers understand that a proposal must present the meat and potatoes of their book idea. When the proposal process begins, many first-time authors fail to produce proposals that reveal something new, innovative, and fresh. Nonfiction writers must share their revelations, unique premiseS breakthroughs, and special understandings to warrant book contracts. The same goes for fiction and children’s book proposals: It’s all about the core idea of the book itself. So, if you’re pitching a mystery novel, let them know about the fabulous surprise ending you’ve got.
“Having written many proposals over the years, I’ve found that many authors fail to develop an approach, a clear sequential program, or creative idea that will separate them from the pack. In a book proposal, the reader must be carefully guided through the book, word by word.The proposal should convince the publisher you’re capable of conducting that journey.
“Editors are sifting through an enormous haystack every day, looking for that one needle. If your proposal doesn’t demonstrate that you have a thorough understanding of a topic that will benefit readers, it won’t capture the publisher’s interest. Your proposal is your calling card for success. Show up with something unique and attention grabbing, and then you, too, can be one of the vey fortunate writers who get publlshed’