How to Write a Book Proposal [Paperback]

I must say that How to Write a Book Proposal

by Michael Larsen is so straight forward and clear you can't go wrong.

It took two years to write the book. Then we were told we had to write a "Book Proposal". "A What?" we asked. It took us three months to research, write and rewrite the proposal using Larsen's guidelines as a template of excellence. We used it to sell our non-fiction "how-to" book to the 2nd largest publisher in the world, with no Agent, I might add.

Which means the "book proposal" did it's job and peeked the interest of just one of the many editor's assistants we submitted it to, who in turn offered us a $50,000.oo floor bid. After requesting and reading her/their offer in writing;(great advice from our pro bono attorney) I then called all of the publishers on our list and informed them of this development. They each in turn demanded that their assistants retrieve the book proposal off of their "slush piles" (the purgatory unsolicited/unAgented book proposals must languish) and promised to call me right back as soon as they finished reading our proposal. They all did and a five company bidding war ensued. the Published book went on to hit #1 on the Blackboard bets sellers' list and almost became a movie.

I'd be lying if I touted all credit for the sale to "How to write a Book Proposal". As many novices and authors alike have commented in their reviews - writing takes time, talent and timing. All of which must be presented in a neat little package that editors can digest in a matter of minutes.

The Book Proposal is almost more important than your book, because without it you'll never be published by an established Publisher, with out it, you just can't play the game and win!

How to Write a Book Proposal 4th Edition
By Michael Larsen
Published by F&W Media
ISBN: 9781582977027

Product Description
With more than 100,000 copies sold, How to Write a Book Proposal has been the go-to resource for getting your work published for almost 25 years. This Writer's Digest classic from literary agent Michael Larsen outlines in a clear step-by-step manner how to create an effective nonfiction book proposal. The 4th edition of the book features information about recent changes in the publishing industry, updated trend information, new sample proposals, a completely updated resources section, and a new chapter on online promotion.
Get the attention of agents and editors
How to Write a Book Proposalhas been the go-to resource for getting your work published for over 25 years. With timeless advice and cutting edge updates on a changing industry, this newly revised edition is a must-have for every nonfiction book writer.
From your book's hook, to your outline and sample chapters, to your promotional plan and author bio, veteran literary agent, Michael Larsen shows you step-by-step how to create, polish, and submit a proposal that stands out. Each section offers examples from real life proposals to guide you. In addition to clear instruction and detailed examples you'll find:
* strategies and skills to put together an effective promotion plan, on- and offline.
* comprehensive information on creating a strong author platform--now more vital than ever
* expanded information on online submissions
* four complete sample proposals with notes detailing what works and what doesn't
* a huge resources section with websites and recommended reading
* endless tips and wisdom from Michael Larsen's more than four decades as an agent Build skills, gain confidence, and get your book rolling swiftly down the road to publication. With this guide you'll have everything you need to write a powerful proposal.
About the Author
Michael Larsen co-founded Michael Larsen-Elizabeth Pomada Literary Agents, in 1972. He is a member of AAR. Mike is also the author of How to Get a Literary Agent, and with Jay Conrad Levinson and Rick Frishman, coauthor of Guerrilla Marketing for Writers.

Editorial Review:
This newly revised edition of the Writer's Digest classic is the definitive resource for crafting effective book proposals. Michael Larsen details every step clearly and concisely. Readers will learn how to: * Test market the potential of a book idea and effectively communicate that potential in a proposal * Choose the best editors and publishers for a particular proposal * Create a professional-looking proposal package * Predispose a publisher to make their best offer
Larsen also provides insights into recent changes in the publishing industry, updated trend information, new sample proposals, expanded instructions for creating outlines, plus guidelines for becoming an effective self promoter.
My Review:
[I was sent the 3rd Edition copy; therefore, I am only able to review the 3rd Edition copy.]
How to Write a Book Proposal is a great book that is geared towards authors of non-fiction. I would imagine that much of the advice could be applied to fiction books as well. Larsen does a good job of explaining the process of writing a book proposal for the first time. Not only does Larsen give good information, he goes beyond that! Larsen maintains a positive outlook, and in a relaxed style, explains how to market and promote one's book. He effectively, explains how to "book hook", and how to avoid legal or technical problems. The reader understands how to determine the market, what is involved in promotional work, and how to competitively present the finished product. The reader then is taught what the proposal outline should include, and how to get it to "marketing". In this stage, testing the market, and focusing on terms and conditions is essential. Larsen includes "Hot Tips" on the process, throughout the book. What I find interesting is that it seems like Larsen anticipates our questions, and then answers them effortlessly.
I recommend that any aspiring author should read How to Write a Book Proposal, and even consult the listed online resources. There's a world of information just waiting for the author-to-be.

You can purchase the book here:

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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.