Rating: 
Summary: Awesome Resource for Serious Writers Seeking Publication
Review: Follow the suggestions in this book to a tee, leave no stone un-flipped, and it will result in an excellent proposal. Not only that, but you will start to see your nonfiction book project that were mere ideas in your mind develop into a plan of action and infinite possibilities. Mega-literary agent, Denise Stinson, suggested that I purchase this book and use it in creating my book proposal. By the time, I finished the studying the book (making notes along the way), I could actually visualize my book with it's contents, promotion, even to the point where I imagined holding the finished book complete with book cover with raised print in my hand. As it turned out, my book proposal sold to a major publishing house and is now, I SAY A PRAYER FOR ME: One Woman's Life of Faith and Triumph, co-published by Walk Worthy Press and Warner Books. I suggest Mr. Larsen's book to anyone who asks me, "Where do I start?" Emphatically #1 "Writers write" and #2, "You must purchase the book, HOW TO WRITE A BOOK PROPOSAL by Michael Larsen. Note to Michael Larsen, "You da man! Thanks for writing such an important and timeless book."
Rating:
Summary: Awesome Resource for Serious Writers Seeking Publication
Review: Follow the suggestions in this book to a tee, leave no stone un-flipped, and it will result in an excellent proposal. Not only that, but you will start to see your nonfiction book project that were mere ideas in your mind develop into a plan of action and infinite possibilities. Mega-literary agent, Denise Stinson, suggested that I purchase this book and use it in creating my book proposal. By the time, I finished the studying the book (making notes along the way), I could actually visualize my book with it's contents, promotion, even to the point where I imagined holding the finished book complete with book cover with raised print in my hand. As it turned out, my book proposal sold to a major publishing house and is now, I SAY A PRAYER FOR ME: One Woman's Life of Faith and Triumph, co-published by Walk Worthy Press and Warner Books. I suggest Mr. Larsen's book to anyone who asks me, "Where do I start?" Emphatically #1 "Writers write" and #2, "You must purchase the book, HOW TO WRITE A BOOK PROPOSAL by Michael Larsen. Note to Michael Larsen, "You da man! Thanks for writing such an important and timeless book."
Rating:
Summary: It really does work
Review: I am a nonfiction writer, and I've had three books published so far. I used this book to write my very first proposal, and I sold that book. I used it to write my second proposal, and I sold that book, too. I've recommended it to so many other writers that I thought I would finally write a review. When I knew absolutely nothing about the publishing world, when I didn't know how to start a proposal or what to expect from the publishing industry, this book made me feel as though I had a personal friend walking me through the process. This is a tough but wonderful business, and I feel privileged to be able to write full time. I don't think I would be doing this today if I didn't start with this book. My advice for anyone who wants to write is to work diligently, read constantly, and write the best proposal you can. A potentially fabulous book won't ever sell if the proposal is less than spectacular. Read this book, and every other book on proposal writing, then get to work. Best of luck!
Rating:
Summary: The 3rd Edition Is a Great Resource for Non-Fiction Authors!
Review: I have been working on the proposal for my latest non-fiction book for some time. Even though I have sold three previous business books without an agent, I feel like the topic of this book requires a top agent if the book is to sell to one of the leading New York publishers and receive the attention it requires from them. I reread my old stand-bys among books that have helped me in the past to write successful book proposals. I realized that those books are more aimed at the average non-fiction book rather than one that has the potential for a wide audience.
On my fourth trip to find a book to help me with this proposal, I found the 3rd edition of How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen. That was a momentous day for me as a writer! This book made it clear how to make the case for a major publisher to take on a non-fiction book and give that book full support. In addition, the book assumes that the reader is capable of producing such a proposal and book. What a breath of fresh air that was! I found myself both informed and motivated to create a wonderful proposal.
In the process, I learned some excellent tips for writing query letters to agents, preparing mini-proposals and packaging the final proposal. Although I am experienced in this area, I found Mr. Larsen's many detailed descriptions and examples of what is needed to be very helpful and stimulating.
I also recommend that you visit Mr. Larsen's Web site for his literary agency where he provides excellent information for how to work with him as an agent.
Even if you think you have a book with limited commercial potential, you would do well to read and apply this book. You may be able to switch your focus to create a book with much more potential as a result.
Good luck with your next proposal!
Rating:
Summary: Call the Cops--this book is a STEAL!
Review: I originally bought this book on advice from the author himself, after a disastrously unorganized phone pitch in February 1997. Every time I have opened and used it, I have written a proposal that sold. I sold my first non-fiction book yesterday, and, yes, I used How to Write a Book Proposal to guide me in putting it together. Although it focuses on non-fiction, everything in it is equally useful for proposals of fiction and graphic novels. My first graphic novel sale was a direct result of reading How To Write a Book Proposal, and following the directions and advice therin. For the busy writer (and we're ALL busy), never fear: this book is a fast, and, believe it or not, exciting read. The steps to assembling a proposal are clear, there's plenty of "Hot Tips" in the chapters, and examples of actual propsals. It's not a book you'll read once, either: I refer to it each time I write a proposal, long or short. I recommend this book when I teach, review portfolios, at speaking engagements. After the simple act of putting in the work of writing, this is the single best investment any writer could make in their career.
Rating:
Summary: An indispensible guide for writers of nonfiction
Review: I used Mr. Larsen's excellent guide to put together the first book proposal I ever wrote. Not only did it sell, but I had the additional satisfaction of receiving many compliments from publishing professionals on the proposal itself. I give Mr. Larsen's book the credit for telling me how to write the most effective proposal I possibly could. My advice is to read the entire book before starting your proposal, and to reread various sections carefully as you work on the corresponding parts of your proposal. I did a good bit of underlining and tabbing in my copy. Pay attention both to Mr. Larsen's larger ideas (e.g., know exactly what publishers are looking for and play to that audience) and to all the technical details (e.g., format the proposal exactly as instructed, submit the appropriate number of outline pages per chapter, and make sure the entire proposal reflects your professionalism). Aspire to the level of the sample proposals in the book, but don't let their high-powered character discourage you. Where your background or marketing potential are less than ideal, compensate with other strengths or become creative in bolstering what you have (for example, could you bring in a well-known "co-author," or come up with a clever new marketing approach?). Make sure your book idea has broad enough appeal for the type of publisher you have in mind, and make sure it's got enough substance to fill a book. Mr. Larsen's book gives you all the information you'll need to write an effective proposal. I followed its advice religiously, and it was well worth the effort.
Rating:
Summary: Finding the Cheese at the End of the Maze
Review: New non-fiction authors have no idea what's involved in putting together a solid book proposal that agents can take to editors. Wander the hundreds of agent and literary sites, and one book comes up over and over again, Michael Larsen's. It's essential. A proposal is sometimes harder than writing the book itself, but Larsen takes you through the process step-by-step, explaining why each section is critical and how to do it right.
I spent three months putting together a proposal for a non-fiction book. While I was finally convinced that the subject matter for the book wasn't going to sell, many agents commented on the excellent proposal and suggested I find another topic and get back in touch with them. That would not have happened without Larsen.
One warning: It's primarily for non-fiction, but check out Larsen's website for a very simple process for submitting fiction. (http://www.larsen-pomada.com/) The rub: You have to have finished the book. With non-fiction, an agent can sell your proposal before you've written a word.
Rating:
Summary: A practical, step-by-step, 280-page "how to" guide
Review: Now in its third edition, How To Write A Book Proposal by Michael Larsen is a practical, step-by-step, 280-page "how to" guide to creating a successful book proposal. Ranging from test-marketing the potential of a book idea; to choosing the best agents and editors; to creating a professional quality proposal package; to negotiating the best possible offer from publishers, and so much more, How To Write A Book Proposal is a superbly organized, highly accessible, "must-read" reference for aspiring writers and authors seeking to become financially successful professionals.
Rating:
Summary: A practical, step-by-step, 280-page "how to" guide
Review: Now in its third edition, How To Write A Book Proposal by Michael Larsen is a practical, step-by-step, 280-page "how to" guide to creating a successful book proposal. Ranging from test-marketing the potential of a book idea; to choosing the best agents and editors; to creating a professional quality proposal package; to negotiating the best possible offer from publishers, and so much more, How To Write A Book Proposal is a superbly organized, highly accessible, "must-read" reference for aspiring writers and authors seeking to become financially successful professionals.
Rating:
Summary: This is the authority on book proposals
Review: There is no better reference for putting together book proposals than this one, which is put together by a successful agent. If you can't write a successful proposal after reading this book, then you're just not going to be able to do it.
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