How to write a successful nonfiction book proposal jeanne. Putting together the proposal, from cover page to sample chaptersplus ancillary or special materials you may want to include. When writing a self help or howto book, it should be written in a positive tone. The author, andy ross, is a literary agent who has worked with authors and publishers in creating proposals that have led to book contracts. The book department at united agents has been one of londons leading literary. The jeff herman agency po box 1522 stockbridge, ma 01262. They are mostly nonfiction and are quite diverse as you can see from our submission guidelines. He has made nearly onethousand book deals, including many bestsellers. Sometimes it is harder to capture that arc in a proposal than in a whole book. If the book you are submitting is nonfiction, please include. Your fiction proposal should include the following items and should be attached as a single file to an email with submission. A nonfiction book proposal is the key document that allows an agent or publisher to determine the viability of a project. Unlike with fiction submissions where we need a book to be finished before we submit it to publishers, nonfiction is almost always submitted with a proposal and a sample of the writing, so this is what we. The literary agents guide to writing a nonfiction book proposal will lead you through the steps to constructing a convincing book proposal that will make the best case possible for your project.
The literary agent s guide to writing a nonfiction book proposal will lead you through the steps to constructing a convincing book proposal that will make the best case possible for your project. The most important aspect of the submission of a nonfiction book to publishers is the book proposal. Ted weinstein literary management is a fullservice literary agency whose clients include a wide range of journalists, academics, and other innovative, expert authors of nonfiction for adults. Get an agent interested before you write the proposal october 7, 2017 by lynette padwa lots of firsttime nonfiction authors are thrilled to learn they dont have to write an entire manuscript to acquire an agent and hopefully a publisher they just have to write a book proposal. It is up to the author working with the agent to prove that a sizeable target audience for the book exists, to sharply define this target market, and to evaluate competitive books if any in the marketplace. The andrew lownie literary agency ltd, founded in 1988, is one of the uks leading boutique literary agencies with some two hundred nonfiction authors. Guidelines for your fiction proposal hartline literary. Heres how to find nonfiction literary agents, what kinds of nonfiction theyre looking for, and how to give them what they want.
If your books purpose is to impart useful information or to benefit readers lives, then youre selling it based on the marketability of your expertise, your platform, and your concept. You need to make sure you find an agent who actually specializes in nonfiction. Pexels h ere are three agents actively seeking clients. If sending something to the steve laube agency, simply address the appropriate agent. In some respects, the road to publishing nonfiction books is easier to travel than fiction. Fiction book proposal what is it and how do you write one. My book is nonfiction, and ive taken the traditional publishing route, with little, brown publishing it in. With nonfiction, you can often get away with offering agents a book proposal that is, an outline version of the book you intend to write. Whilst specialist or academic nonfiction isnt on the cards youll need a book proposal to pitch to publishers, in this instance, nonfiction literary agents. Nonfiction book proposal outline here is a basic template for a book proposal, which many of our clients have used successfully. Its important for the reader to feel inspired as they read. It includes information on the content, the author, the market, and the salability of the project.
The literary agent s guide to writing a nonfiction book proposal kindle edition by ross, andy. How to write a good nonfiction book proposal for submission, articles, andrew lownie literary agency. Writing a nonfiction book proposal a primer for the firsttime nonfiction book writer by scott mendel updated february 2018 it will probably seem obvious to you that the nonfiction book proposal is a tool your agent will use to sell your work at the best possible terms, and to secure the strongest possible. To aid us in our presentation of your book project, we ask authors to prepare a carefully detailed and compelling proposal. May 28, 2017 new writers might find it easier to simply write the book first, then prepare a proposalwhich isnt a bad idea in the case of narrative nonfiction, since many editors and agents want assurance that an unknown writer has sufficient writing chops to pull off their project. How to write a book proposal that agents will love.
What is a book proposal for nonfiction writers welcome back everyone and happy new year. K and abroad to which you have contributed, and any past books you have written. Writing an irresistible book proposal by michael larsen. Most nonfiction books sell on the basis of a proposal not finished work. Heres what you should include when you write a book proposal. Ideas for books are as varied as the books themselves. Nonfiction literary agents now accepting submissions. How to write a nonfiction book proposal wolf literary services. Nonfiction proposal guidelines a proposal is a type of business plan thats attempting to sell a well developed concept. However, youll also want to ensure your manuscript is well written and polished before submitting it to a literary agent, if you plan on getting help in getting a publishing contract. It is by david sanford, a published author, editor, and literary agent for more than 300 books. Submissions, literary agency uk, london literary agency, best literary agency, top literary agency, literary agency accepting submissions. If they like what they see in the book proposal, then theyll ask you to send sample chapters or the complete manuscript. If your book is strongly storyled true of most memoir, for example, youd be advised to write the whole thing before seeking agents.
Jan 10, 2014 what uk nonfiction editors want 2014 10 jan 2014 in the agencys annual feature, fortythree editors outline the sort of books they are hoping to commission this year. Mark now helps authors of all genres fiction, nonfiction, and childrens books get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company literary agent undercover and the bestselling author. If you are unsure which agent to submit to, please send your submission to the adult submissions. How to find a literary agent for nonfiction jericho writers. If a word doesnt help answer one of those questions, delete it. If the book is not written in a positive or motivating tone, you run the risk of turning away readers. How to write a successful nonfiction book proposal the importance of the book proposal.
A fiction proposal is sometimes required by book agents and publishers, but not always. In the event we reject your submission, we might not respond if no sase is provided for that purpose. Jul 29, 2011 there are several books available on writing book proposals. Now you need a fabulous query letter to grab an agent or a publisher so they ask you to send your proposal. Jeff herman opened his literary agency in the mid1980s while in his mid20s.
We will consider proposals for books dealing with the big hitting nonfiction subjects like history, science, economics and politics as well as more popular subjects like selfhelp, lifestyle, pop culture. I can tell by my inbox that many of you have made a new years resolution to get your book out on submission. Writing a nonfiction book proposal by scott mendel updated. Erica verrillo has published five books, four with major publishers and one on her own.
Your book proposal will allow you to pitch the story to agents and publishers alike. The literary agents guide to writing a nonfiction book proposal kindle edition by ross, andy. If you prepare a salable proposal, you can get paid to write your book. Submission guidelines madeleine milburn literary agency. Often, publishers buy nonfiction on the basis of a good book proposal and may even pay an advance to the writer to write the book based on the proposal. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading the literary agents guide to writing a nonfiction book proposal.
Mar 17, 2014 how to write a good nonfiction book proposal for submission 17 mar 2014 christian jennings, who is currently writing a book about the last year of wwii in northern italy, entitled if i live to see the dawn at war on the gothic line 194445. Nonfiction book proposal literary agents and literary agencies. Here are some suggestions for finding a literary agent. An american book, written by an american literary agent for the american market means that its very thorough, and possibly goes a little more deeply than our uk markets require. Writing an irresistible book proposal by michael larsen the golden rule of writing a book proposal is that every word in your proposal should answer one of two questions. Why should a publisher invest in your book, and why are you the person to write it. Jul 01, 2016 the literary agents guide to writing a nonfiction book proposal by andy ross does exactly what it says on the cover. They arise in all sorts of different situations, but generally a book concept is written down into a proposal form. Nonfiction books jane friedman for years, ive offered a lengthy guide on how to write a query letter for a novel. Guidelines for your nonfiction proposal hartline literary. The literary agent s guide to writing a nonfiction book proposal by andy ross does exactly what it says on the cover. Busy agents just dont have time to read that many book manuscripts. Once the book proposal has hopefully passed first muster with andrew lownie, he will ask for a synopsis of each chapter in the book, usually written at about half a page of a4 each, or a page maximum.
A wellwritten fiction book proposal helps agents and publishers understand why youre qualified to write your book, through your biography section. Christina clifford union literary is looking for literary fiction. Its extremely rare to sell a novel for publication unless it has first been written. Even more so than practical nonfiction, your narrative or memoir proposal needs to serve as a microcosm for your book as a whole, so the proposal has to be a tight and exciting read, and capture the arc of the book. However, youre much more likely to get a literary agency or publisher interested in you and your novel if you create one. In no case, had i written more than about 10,000 words of text prior to the sales process. It prides itself on its personal attention to its clients and specialises both. Advice that i find myself giving out again and again as an agent is guidance on how to write a nonfiction book proposal. A sound bite statement is the essence of your novel or nonfiction book. Nonfiction book proposal outline ted weinstein literary. Nonfiction proposal guidelines we work very hard with our clients to help them create their proposals and because we think this part of the publishing process is so very important, we wanted to share our basic formula for putting together a nonfiction proposal. How to write a good nonfiction book proposal for submission 17 mar 2014 christian jennings, who is currently writing a book about the last year of wwii in northern italy, entitled if i live to see the dawn at war on the gothic line 194445. Nonfiction book proposal literary agents and literary. Nonfiction literary agents now accepting submissions tck.
Fiction book proposal for literary agents literary agencies. Gill mclay bath literary agency, uk is interested in childrens books. Jeff herman agency literary agent specializing in non. The core of the publishing process is the book proposal. Graham maw christie, london, uk, was established in 2005. Agents are looking for something more specific when it comes to nonfiction. How to write a good nonfiction book proposal for submission. And if you are on the look out for an agent to represent you, continue reading to learn about 19 top nonfiction literary agents. Sep 17, 2019 how to write a book proposal for nonfiction. Book dedications sometimes mention literary agents. The bukowski agency nonfiction proposal guidelines.
Writers and editors agents and book proposals the art of. For a proposal for a novel, this is the most important part of the proposal by far. I like this one because it contains ten reallife proposals that sold. Submissions we currently accepting new clients by personal referral only, but here are some resources you might find helpful when you query other agencies. The truth is the nonfiction book proposal is an entirely different beast. A nonfiction book proposal is necessary for most nonfiction authors hoping to be represented by a literary agency andor get a deal with a publishing house. Every proposal will cross the desk of the designated agent eventually. We provide no guarantees about when we will respond.
Its a perk of nonfiction that you can sell a book on proposal before sitting down to the write the whole shebang, and often receiving an advance will help fund research. The keys to a great book proposal the steve laube agency. Osprey is a uk publisher specializing in military history. The jeff herman agency has sold over 1,000 titles but we have lost count. Hints for a great cover letter the steve laube agency.
Literary agent federica leonardis offers essential guidance to authors working towards submitting a work of nonfiction. The author, andy ross, is a literary agent who has worked with authors and publishers in creating proposals that have led to book. Our approach is collaborative, creative and marketdriven. Jun 22, 2017 remember or reread the last section above, a fiction book proposal does more than just explain what your novel is about. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Andrew lownie literary agency how to write a good non. It is not unusual for an editor to skim the first part of a book proposal and decide on that basis alone whether to reject the proposed book or read further. When it comes to fiction, few agents or editors expect or require book proposals, but its an incredibly useful tool. We believe a successful book starts with a brilliant proposal and that authors need someone in their corner. A ukbased literary agency representing internationally published authors of fiction commercial and literary, nonfiction, and childrens books. If youve written a nonfiction book or book proposal and youre looking for a major book deal, youre going to need a great literary agent.
What uk nonfiction editors want 2014, articles, andrew lownie literary agency. This ones short and tothepoint, and the last time i. Some agents dont require a book proposal for memoir, while others want only the book proposal and the first few chapters. If the publisher likes what they read in your book proposal. She is looking for excellent short fiction, unconventional literary novels, and narrative nonfiction. It is up to the author working with the agent to prove that a sizeable target audience for the book exists, to sharply define this target market, and to evaluate competitive books. Unlike fiction, where an author must have a completed manuscript ready before they approach a publisher or agent, a nonfiction author only needs to develop a proposal to submit to publishers andor agents. Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. View the agencys books that are on offer to publishers in the uk and the us.
On the nonfiction side, she is interested in memoir and narrative nonfiction, books on psychology, human behavior, illness and medicine, and political nonfiction that looks at gender, sexuality or race. Oneworld publications was founded in 1986 by husband and wife team juliet mabey and novin doostdar as an independent publishing house focusing on stimulating nonfiction. Your guide to publishing a nonfiction book ny book editors. The proposal needs to show where your book identifies a problem, makes a promise, offers hope, and is informative. Nonfiction book proposal what is it and how do you write one. If interested, lkla will request a full nonfiction proposal along with one or two sample chapters. They have to be very selective about manuscripts they read, and thats why they want you to send them a book proposal before you send the manuscript.
Your book should be filling a need that has otherwise been ignored or not expanded upon. Use these guidelines as your template, with each section on their own pages. Every single one of those books sold off the back off a simple book proposal. May 17, 2012 book proposal a business plan for your book and how you plan to ensure sales success keys to a great synopsis the steve laube agency july 27, 2016 i posted my ideas on some keys to a great book proposal, a few writers said they were challenged to write a synopsis. They arise in all sorts of different situations, but generally a book concept is written down into a proposal.
Theres no need for you to write an entire manuscript. Youre going to have to essentially sell them your book. Andrew lownie literary agency what uk nonfiction editors. Nonfiction titles are often sold on proposal, so your book does not need to be. Since they receive dozens of submissions per week, editors and agents need to be highly selective. Learn the most appropriate target for your proposal and how to use the best and most effective sources for identifying agents and publishers. For all submission queries, please see the submission guidelines page. Remember youre trying to sell a book, so its all in the writing.
For more articles on the writing process and how to submit to literary agents, visit uk. With nonfiction, you can often get away with offering agents a book proposal. The literary agents guide to writing a nonfiction book proposal by andy ross. Although every successful proposal is unique, here is a nonfiction book proposal template that many of our clients have used successfully. A perfect union of contrary things backbeat books by maynard james keenan and sarah jensen this book is for not only followers of keenan s bands tool, a perfect circle, puscifer but also fans of the 1990s music scene, lollapalooza, artistic endeavors of all kinds, and those wanting to follow one s own path in life. Sample book proposal from a professional literary agency. What follows is a list of the bare minimum i expect to see in a proposal for a nonfiction book. The literary agents guide to writing a nonfiction book. You are also welcome to listen to free audio recordings of teds book proposal bootcamp and other workshops and media appearances. If you are an expert in a field or have sufficient experience in an area which can be anything from stamp collecting to raising chickens, many publishers will be willing to take on your book without requiring an agent. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading the literary agent s guide to writing a nonfiction book proposal.
Ive written and published four works of nonfiction and have been involved as a ghost or behindthescenes editor on a couple of other things too. A marketing plan is a vital element of every nonfiction book proposal. Maybe yours is next over the next few pages we have listed our most recent. Submission guidelines vary tremendously when it comes to pitching memoir. Marks authors have gotten sixfigure book deals, been on the. Please send this as a single document, taken from the beginning of the book. Oct 25, 2016 a book proposal is a document most commonly associated with pitching a nonfiction book.