Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a book proposal?
A book proposal is a business and marketing plan for your book, showcasing:
- What your book is
- What makes it unique
- Why you need to write it
- Why people will read it
It is divided into three sections: Concept (Overview, What’s in the Book, Book Specs), Context (Author Bio, Platform, Marketing, Audience, Comp Titles), and Content (TOC, Detailed Outline, Sample Chapters).
No matter how you choose to publish, a proposal also gives you clarity and focus, while keeping you organized, throughout the development and process of writing your book.
Do I need a completed manuscript before writing a proposal?
Usually, no. Unless it’s memoir, you do not need to write the entire book. Most nonfiction books are sold based on a proposal, which includes a detailed outline and sample chapters.
Who do you work with?
I work with experts, entrepreneurs, speakers, coaches, consultants, executives, and aspiring authors who have an experience, methodology, or knowledge they want to share in a book.
Most clients come to me with a fully developed concept. Others have different ideas and need direction in identifying what is most saleable.
What is your specialty?
I help entrepreneurs, executives, speakers, consultants, coaches, and other thought leaders turn their ideas into compelling book proposals that get attention from agents and publishers … without the stress.
Whether you’re starting with a rough concept, several competing ideas, or a partially completed proposal, I help you clarify your message, identify your audience, strengthen your platform, and position your book for success. Agents and publishers want books they can sell – it’s our job to give them one, where they can say “yes.”
Most of my clients are balancing businesses, careers, clients, families, and countless other commitments. My role is to simplify the process, provide structure and accountability, and help them make steady progress, while managing everything else in their already busy lives.
What kinds of books do your clients write?
They span across all areas of nonfiction. I have worked on business, leadership, personal and professional development, self-help, and how-to books, as well as memoir, memoir plus, and cookbooks.
I have several book ideas. How do I know which one to write?
This is one of the most common questions. The answer: they one that is the most saleable, which is something we can figure out together.
Can you tell me if my book idea is any good?
Absolutely. One of the benefits of working with me is getting honest feedback. There is an art and craft to creating a compelling book proposal. Sometimes, your idea is good as is; in other cases, you just need a slight shift in focus to land in that sweet spot: what hole does your book proposal fill in the marketplace.
Do I need a large platform to get a traditional publishing deal?
Not necessarily.
While the largest publishers often look for authors with broad reach, there are many midsize, niche, and independent publishers seeking subject-matter experts with loyal, engaged audiences.
You author platform is not just website clicks and newsletter subscribers. It’s everywhere you show up on and offline. This includes virtual and in-person speaking, media, networking, community involvement, content creation, professional visibility, and more.
The key isn’t having millions of followers. It’s demonstrating your expertise, your ability to connect with your audience, and your commitment to helping your book reach the right readers.
I already started my proposal. Can you help?
Of course. Many clients come to me with drafts, outlines, or partially completed proposals. I even do proposal reviews and makeovers.
Can you help me find an agent or publisher?
My agent gets first dibs on most of my clients, and he has signed nearly a dozen of them in the last year. He knows anything he gets from my clients is going to be submission-ready. In the event it is not a fit for my agent, I can help you identify other potential opportunities and may be able to offer other introductions.
While no one can guarantee representation or publication, a strong proposal gives you a much better chance of opening doors.
What if I already wrote the book?
You likely still need a proposal. Even with a completed manuscript, you still need a book proposal to submit your nonfiction book.
What’s the difference between a book coach and a book proposal expert?
A book coach typically focuses on helping you write your manuscript.
As The Book Proposal Expert, I help you determine what book to write, why it matters, who it’s for, and how to position it for publishing success. The proposal process creates the strategic foundation that guides everything else.
How long does it take to create a proposal?
Timing depends on the author and the project.
Most of my clients are balancing businesses, careers, family responsibilities, and other commitments, while working on their books. As a result, timelines vary based on both the scope of the project – including author-platform development – and the time available to devote to it.
On average, the process can take anywhere from two to six months or longer.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to finish a proposal. It’s to create the right proposal – one that clearly communicates the value of your book, your expertise, why you’re the right person to write it, and why people will read it.
How do I get started?
If you’re still figuring out your book idea, deciding which book to write, or learning about the traditional publishing process, my Strategic Starting Point Workshop is often the best first step.
If you’re ready to develop a proposal, we’ll start with a one-hour Kitchen Sink Meeting. This gives us an opportunity to discuss your book concept, context, and content, and identify what needs to be developed in each area of your proposal. Based on that conversation, we can decide which one-on-one support option best fits your needs, whether that’s guided, done-with-you, or done-for-you services.
Every author and every book is different, which is why I offer multiple ways to help you move your project forward.
Schedule a Chat with Deb or email Deb@TheBookProposalExpert.com.