How to Write a Book Proposal (How to Write a Book Proposal)

Rating:
Summary: The Best $11 I Ever Spent
Review: This book is straight to the point and gives great insight into the process of writing a book proposal. Advise for first-time authors is planted throughout to help you make your proposal, and your idea, stand out.

I used this book and successfully landed a publishing deal within weeks. However, I had a manuscript half-way done and I used the proposal as a means to gauge interest before investing too much time for nothing. I would suggest the same, if not a full manuscript, since many publishers want a good sample of the work you intend to submit.

Rating:
Summary: Sadly disapointing
Review: WARNING: This book will talk you out of submitting your book to an agent or a publisher. Read it for yourself and find out how true the statement of Ms. Pomada is: "Read and toss! Read and toss!"

I read this book cover to cover hoping to find the correct methods of writing a proposal that would stimulate editors to take notice of a book.

What I found was a list of reasons that authors should not bother submitting books unless they either are celebrities or well established speaking professionals, with track records of successful book sales for at least 3 years (keep your receipts!) The essence of this book is that if you have achieved a level of celebrity where you really do not need an agent or publisher to sell millions of copies, then an agent or publisher is for you. The rest of you are just wasting their time.

The writing style is authoratarian and tired. It is not a very fun book to read, and the constant references to how successful you need to be in advance of findding an agent or publisher quite litterally screams out "Don't waste our time!"

I can highly recommend Jump Start Your Book Sales by Marilyn & Tom Ross instead. Save yourself the punishment. Or, read this book and lose any interest in dealing with agents and publishers.