You Have Questions...

 

Hi, everyone. Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been answering a few questions from aspiring authors that I have received over the past month about the writing process and writing business. One of the most frequently asked questions is how to approach a publisher, or an agent for that matter, with a new book idea.

Every publisher and every agent is different and each has their own set of guidelines, usually in the form of a query letter to introduce your manuscript or a full blown proposal. The two most important rules to follow, in my opinion, are to follow the guidelines to a “T” and let your excitement and knowledge of the subject shine through.

First of all, the difference between a query and proposal is night and day. A query is simply a single page letter introducing you manuscript idea, a little about yourself, and that’s it. The query, to me, is the most challenging: summarizing the feel and flow of your entire book idea in one concise page of three or four paragraphs.

The proposal, on the other hand, is a full-blown plan for your proposed book. The proposal requirements for each publisher may or may not include: full synopsis of the manuscript, who you envision the readers to be, why your manuscript will be a success, list any similar books that may be competition for your title, a marketing plan for getting the word out about the book once it’s published, an author biography, annotated table of contents (basically every chapter laid out with a brief description of each), and at least two sample chapters or in the case of a fictional piece, they may ask for the entire completed manuscript.

As you see, writing a proposal is detailed work, a topic for another time. The bottom line is, give the publisher or agent exactly what they ask for. It shows you are professional and willing to go the extra mile to make you manuscript a success.

As for putting your best foot forward, whether it is through a query or proposal, the number one thing to remember is to make your excitement for the project shine through. Show them you want to write not just any book but this book and have it published because you have the most brilliant idea and you are excited to share it with the world. Also, show them your knowledge of the subject and what makes you the right candidate to write the story. Even fiction writers have some background that lends credence to whatever you are writing.

So, that’s my two cents on the subject. I hope that gives you a little perspective and answers the question. And my fellow authors, as always, feel free to chime in and add to the conversation.

 Until next time…