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Queries and Proposals Nonfiction
A nonfiction query is a compelling letter and accompanying proposal sent to agents/editors to sell a non-fiction book idea, focusing heavily on the author’s authority, the book’s unique premise (the “why it matters”), its specific target market, and a detailed book proposal outlining the concept, structure, and marketing, rather than just a plot summary like fiction. It establishes the author’s expertise and the market need, acting as a pitch for the concept and proposal, not a finished manuscript (except for memoirs).
Key Components
- Personalization: Address a specific agent/editor and tailor the pitch to their interests.
- Title/Stats: Include the book’s title, genre, and estimated word count.
- The Hook (Thesis/Premise): Clearly state the central argument or unique angle, explaining why this book is important and timely.
- Author Platform/Bio: Crucial for nonfiction; highlight relevant expertise, experience, and platform (audience/reach) that proves you’re the right person to write it.
- Target Audience: Define who will buy the book and why.
- Comparables: List similar successful books to show market viability.
- Book Proposal: A comprehensive document (15-50 pages) containing an overview, market analysis, chapter outline, and sample chapters, usually submitted after the query gets a positive response.
How it Differs from Fiction Queries
- Authority is Key: Your expertise matters as much as the writing.
- Proposal Needed: A full proposal is usually required, unlike fiction, which often sells on a finished manuscript.
- Focus on “Why”: Emphasizes the book’s relevance and market need over just plot.
Submission Tracking
Linda S. Dupie
Recently a writer asked me how I keep track of my submissions, this is something I hadn’t thought about often, but something I do day after day. There are as many ways to track your submissions, as there are writers, for simplicity we’ll look at three of the most common systems I have found while talking to writers. Some writers use their computers, others use index cards, notebooks, and some write the information on the files they keep for each project. Others use all of the above.
Write the Perfect Book Proposal
10 That Sold and Why, 2nd Edition
Want to publish your book? 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:
What Are Your Chances of Getting Published?
Laura Backes
Most beginning children’s writers are curious about their chances of ever seeing their work in print. Editors have told me that a mid- to large-sized publishing house gets upwards of 5000 unsolicited submissions a year. About 95% are rejected right off the bat (most get form letters, a few promising authors get personalized notes stating why the manuscript was rejected). Of the 5% left, some are queries for which the editors request entire manuscripts. Others are manuscripts submitted in their entirety, and these go on to the next stage of the acquisitions process.
Writing a Synopsis & Query Letter
by Charlotte Dillon
I think this is probably one of my most popular pages. It doesn’t matter if you are submitting to an agent, a big New York publishing house, or a small press, you have to have a synopsis and a query letter to go with that manuscript. In fact, many of the big houses, and even some agents, will only accept a query and or a synopsis. Chapters can only be sent later if they ask to see them. Hopefully, the information you’ll find listed here will have you writing both like an old pro.
How to Write a Novel Synopsis
It’s probably the single most despised document you might be asked to prepare: the synopsis. The synopsis is sometimes required because an agent or publisher wants to see, from beginning to end, what happens in your story. Thus, the synopsis must convey a book’s entire narrative arc. It shows what happens and who changes, and it has to reveal the ending.
Surviving a Book Proposal
by Teri Brown
When the editor of EI asked me to write an article on book proposals, I thought, “Why me?” Just because I wrote a book proposal and actually sold a book with it doesn’t make me an expert. Experienced, maybe. But not an expert. So now you’re wondering why you should bother to read an article on book proposals by someone who isn’t an expert. I’ll tell you why…. because I survived it and I can tell you how you can too.
Landing An Agent Elements Of A Winning Query
Tips and Updates From Writer’s Digest
Every writer knows a strong query letter is essential for getting an agent. But what goes into a winning query and how does one go about finding representation? “Guide to Literary Agents” asked five recently published authors just that, and they all responded in detail. Here are a few of their pointers on the do’s and don’ts of querying.
Publisher’s Websites
This list will continue to grow as we receive your links. As with Editors and Agents links, always Google the agency and see if there are any bad reviews or warnings against the publishing house.
Path to Self-Publishing Success
Bob Baker
When the subject of e-publishing and self-publishing on the Internet comes up, the conversation usually turns to talk of .pdf and .exe files, not to mention the pros and cons of various personal ebook readers. What you don’t hear much about is the workhorse of Internet communication: basic e-mail.
Agents: Knowing When To Hold One and When To Fold
Shirley Kawa-Jump
Agents can be a wonderful thing, IF they are working for you and with you. I have negotiated deals with agents, without agents, and have fired agents who didn’t seem to be on the same page as I was. Overall, I believe having an agent makes things happen faster, but they are certainly no guarantee for success.
Getting Offers from Multiple Literary Agents
Mary Kole
Every writer dreams of getting offers from multiple literary agents, right? Maybe. A reader asked about what a writer should do if they happen to get offers of representation from multiple agents. First of all, congratulations are in order. An offer of representation is professional validation to a writer who has, most likely, not really gotten such praise and confidence from an expert source.
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