What’s the Most Important Part of the Book Proposal?
Concentrate on the Overview, Audience, and Book Comps First
Although every element of your book proposal is essential, there are three sections that will help you hone in on your book concept and positioning. The Overview, Audience, and Book Comps.
In the Overview, you express what the book is, what makes it unique, and what you are the best and only person who can write it. The Audience section is research-based. It’s where you share information about your demographics - individuals and groups - along with stats that prove there’s a large enough audience interest in your book. Your Book Comps - five traditionally published titles with high rankings and good reviews - is more proof of concept. These books sold, and yours is similar but different, so it will too.
Before you get too deep into the weeds of your book proposal, make sure you have a solid foundation (the overview), audience data, and a compelling case for the salebility of your book (comps).
More on the Overview in episode 4. More on audience and comps in future episodes.
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I am a goal strategist, book proposal specialist, and author of Your Goal Guide and 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting.
Have a question about book proposals, email Deb@TheDEBMethod.com. Connect with me on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips.
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For more on advice and inspiration for writing a winning book proposal, listen to my previous episodes, read my articles on WritersDigest.com, and check out TheBookProposalExpert.com.
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Have a question about book proposals? Submit it here.