How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen, AAR
Published by Writer's Digest Books
Reviewed by Leigh Kimmel
Michael Larsen, a member of the Association of Authors' Representatives (the professional organization for agents), has written a number of books on the profession of writing, as well as several books on Victorian houses. He now approaches the problem of how to present a proposal for a book to a publisher.
This book is primarily directed at proposals for non-fiction works, although some of the information on the basics of style and dealing with editors would be applicable to selling fiction as well. He begins with the basics of how a book proposal works, particularly the necessity of capturing the editor's interest quickly with a catchy hook in the query letter.
From there, Larsen moves into more complex issues, such as spin-offs and subsidiary rights, permissions and other difficulties. That done, he moves into the nuts and bolts of constructing the outline, including language that will capture the editor's attention and keep her reading. Larsen also explains why sample chapters are essential and how to construct them.
Larsen completes his book with several chapters on how to market a proposal. These include advice on making one's proposal stand out among the hundreds that come in, test marketing the idea and finding agents and publishers. Finally he includes an appendix with several book proposals as examples to follow.
Review posted November 3, 2010.
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