8. How do I put together a good proposal?
Be clear, articulate, and to the point. You would be surprised how poorly presented, and poorly written, many proposals are. The same rules apply as with anything else in life: this is your sales presentation. Go all out to capture the buyer's interest as quickly as possible, and hold it for as long as you can. How your proposal looks, and how professionally it is presented, is critical to shaping the attitude with which your proposal will be viewed. As a general rule, you should include the followin g:
A one-page cover letter
An introduction that sells your idea in two pages or less. Pretend that you are writing the publisher's catalog copy for them; tell them what the book is about, what makes it unique, what the market it is for your book, and how it will be reached. T he more concrete you are, the more convincing you will be.
A table of contents, annotated if necessary, to give an overall picture of your book.
Sample material, enough to convince, and enough to give a sense of what they are buying.
Information about the author--what makes you the right person to do this book.
Marketing information and plans. How can you help sell this book, what special places and ways can it be sold, and what special ways can it be promoted.
9. OK, now I know what I should do. Is there anything I shouldn't do?
Three self-explanatory things to never say in a non-fiction book proposal:
1. "Who knows, it could be the next pet rock."
2. "All my friends think this is a great idea."
3. "I know we can make a million dollars with this one."