Janet Reid

Non Fiction Proposal Guidelines
Non Fiction Proposal Guidelines

 

Don't send a proposal unless you've sent a query letter first and we've asked to see the proposal. 

 

 

Need

            What is the need for this book?

            What makes it compelling?

            Why will someone buy it?

            Format: several paragraphs defining the need

 

Purpose

            How does your book meet the need?

            Format: several paragraphs indicating a solution

 

New Contribution

            What does your book offer that is NEW to the field?

            Format: several paragraphs pointing out the specific parts of your book that are new or unique.

 

Competition

            What are the five to ten most competitive or similar publications?

             How does your book specifically differ from and go beyond each of them?

 

            Format: list books by Title, Author (Publisher: year). 

               Include a one paragraph abstract about the competition book,

               and one paragraph indicating how your book specifically

               differs or goes beyond it.

 

 

Audiences and Uses:

            Who is the intended audience? Be specific and realistic.

            Format:  paragraph 

            Define as many organized groups, such as professional

            association and their membership numbers as possible.

 

Knowledge Base

            Why are you the best person to write this?

             Attach your vita or other biographical information.

 

Outline

            Attach a chapter-by-chapter outline of the book's planned contents.

            Each chapter should be covered in one paragraph.

 

Manuscript Length and Special Materials:

            How many words do you expect the manuscript to be?

            What special materials (drawings, tables, figures, exhibits, and so on)

            do you anticipate will be included?

 

Timetable

            What is your schedule for completing the manuscript?

 

Sample Chapters:

            Please submit one or two sample chapters with the proposal.

            Indicate if more of the draft manuscript is available, or when it might

            be available.

 

Marketing Support:

          In what ways (speaking, articles, media contacts, etc.) will you as

          author be able to support the publisher's marketing of the book?

          Attach any interviews with you, stories about you, or articles by you

          that have already appeared in local or national media.

 

 

Format

          Number each page consecutively including the sample chapters. 

          Include your name and book title on each page.  Double space. 

          One inch margins.  Print on one side.  Use a standard font such

          as Palatino.  Ragged right margins. 

 

Sending

          Include an SASE for a response.  Include the query letter you received

          back from us, showing our notes.  Include your email, telephone

          and address so we can contact you and keep you informed. 

          Expect us to take 6-8 weeks to consider your work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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