Write the Perfect Book Proposal : 10 Proposals That Sold and Why

by Herman, Jeff; Herman, Deborah Levine

• ISBN13: 9780471353126
• ISBN10: 0471353124
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-05-23
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

Want to publish your book?Learn how-it's easier than you think!Charismatic authors and literary agents Jeff Herman and Deborah Levine Herman have successfully sold hundreds of titles and learned-through trial and error-how to write a flawless book proposal that publishers can't resist. Now you can benefit from their hard work and publishing savvy. In this new edition, they offer guidance and advice that will inspire, educate, and, most importantly, give you the necessary edge to get your book published. They explain:? How to shape your idea and create a title? Ways to get to know the market and competition? Tips on writing an effective outline, query letter, and sample chapter? The art and science of fiction and nonfiction book proposals? How ten actual proposals (included here) were successfully sold to publishers-and why"A submission from Jeff Herman always gets moved to the top . . . his new book will show you how to move to the top."-Frederic W. Hills Vice President, Simon & Schuster"This book will take writers to the highest level of proposal writing and success."-Roger Cooper Quality Paperback Book Club"If you want your proposal to ignite a busy editor's interest, read this book."-Adrienne Hickey Senior Acquisitions Editor, AMACOM Books

Author Biography

JEFF HERMAN is president of his own very successful literary agency and has been profiled in Success, Entrepreneur, and Publishers Weekly. His Web site is www.jeffherman.com.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Second Edition	vii
Acknowledgments	ix
Introduction	1	(6)
Section One All Aspects of the Proposal-And Some Advice Thrown In
The Concept: Shaping Your Idea	7	(4)
The Title: Creating an Image	11	(4)
The Overview: Writing Power Paragraphs	15	(3)
The Markets Section: Who Will Buy Your Book?	18	(3)
The Competition Section: What Else Is Out There?	21	(4)
The Promotion Section: What Can You Do to Help Your Book Sell?	25	(3)
The Author Background Section: Presenting Yourself in Your Best Light	28	(2)
The Outline: Getting It Organized and Making It Persuade	30	(3)
The Sample Chapter: Proving You Can Do the Job	33	(2)
What About Fiction? The Art and Science of Selling Fiction	35	(3)
Writing Memoir and Narrative Nonfiction	38	(4)
Query Letters, Submissions, and Sage Advice	42	(153)
Section Two 10 Proposals That Sold---And Why
10 Habits of Naturally Slim People . . . And How to Make Them Part of Your Life	57	(14)
Jill H. Podjasek
Jennifer Carney
How to Get Clients: An Easy and Practical Program to Build Your Business	71	(13)
Jeff Slutsky
Marc Slutsky
Black Roots: A Beginner's Guide to Tracing the Family Tree	84	(13)
Tony Burroughts
How Saturn Reinvented the Customer Loyalty Wheel: ``No Hassle'' Steps ANY Business Can Use!	97	(18)
Vicki lenz
The Creativity Toolbox	115	(18)
Jordan E. Ayan
In the Beginning...	133	(11)
A Keepsake Record of Before-Birth Memories Written and Illustrated
``Julie Karen''
Julie K. Andres
Trust Your Guts! Develop Your Business Intuition and Win-Consistently	144	(16)
Richard M. Contino
Workstyles to Fit Your Lifestyle: The Hands-on Guide to Temporary Employment	160	(10)
John Fanning
Rosemary Maniscalco
Heart and Soul: A Psychological and Spiritual Guide to Preventing and Healing Heart Disease	170	(9)
Bruno Cortis
Taxes Made Easy for Home-Based Businesses: The Complete Plain Language Tax Guide for Home-Based Entrepreneurs and Home-Office Workers and	179	(16)
Gary W. Carter
Book Proposal Terms	195	(3)
Suggested Reading	198	(5)
Web Sites	203