The Perfect Book Proposal: Part 1

I am asked to review at least four book proposals every week. Usually as a favour, often with an e-mail or note attached saying something like “I know you are busy but could you just take a quick look at this and let me know what you think”.

The one thing I find, above all else, is just how unshakeable the potential author’s belief is in his or her book idea, and yet rarely does their proposal support this belief. You might have the most compelling idea for a bestselling title, but if your proposal is sketchy, or if it doesn’t make interesting reading, it is very unlikely that a publisher will take it on.

So where should a potential author begin with their proposal? In this first of a series of short articles about putting together a winning proposal, I want to talk about the ‘elevator pitch’. You may have heard people talking about an ‘elevator pitch’ with reference to their business. The idea is that if you were to share a lift with an influential backer for a minute or so, and they asked you what your business was, you should be able to give them an accurate and compelling summary in less than thirty seconds.

The same is true for your book. A winning book proposal begins with a snappy sentence that summarises exactly and succinctly what your book is about. You should give a potential publisher an idea of what your book is before they even read the first page of your proposal.

With many of the proposals I am sent, I have to wade through a long, detailed plot summary or synopsis before I get a feel for what the book is about. The synopsis is important, for sure, but it should come after a simple, short sentence that places your book in context.  Some examples:

• essential and authoritative guide to help you survive the first year of parenthood
• explains how to achieve the indefinable charisma that enables one to gain the attention of listeners and inspire them to action.
• 92 little tricks for big success in relationships

You may not find this easy to do, but it is important. You tend to get just a single opportunity with a publisher, so it is worth spending time on this to give yourself the best possible chance.

So …. Just what is your book about? Get a pen and paper out and get working on your elevator pitch now!

Until next time!