Synopses & Reviews
Got a great idea for a nonfiction book but youre not sure how to sell it? Well heres an opportunity to learn how from two of the hottest young literary agents in America
Publishing wunderkind Jeff Herman started his million-dollar literary agency when he was just 26 years old. Deborah Adams is one of the most sought after "proposal doctors" in the business. Now theyve teamed up to offer aspiring as well as established writers the ultimate guide to writing book proposals that sell. But theyre not asking you to take their word for itthey let you see for yourself what really works and what doesnt. They take you step-by-step through 10 proposals that actually sold to major American publishers. And along the way, they explain:
- How to position your book so it stands out from the competition
- What editors are looking for
- How to write an effective sample chapter, author biography, and cover and query letters
- How fiction differs from nonfictionwith a chapter on how to sell your fiction
- And much more
"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 Publisher, Berkley Publishing "If you want your proposal to ignite a busy editors interest, read this book." Adrienne Hickey Senior Acquisitions Editor, Amacom Books "Herman and Adams show you how to objection-proof your proposal
Belongs on the shelf of every author whose rejection slips outnumber paychecks." Rick Horgan Executive Editor, Harper Collins
Synopsis
Want to publish your book?
Learn howits easier than you think!
Charismatic authors and literary agents Jeff Herman and Deborah Levine Herman have successfully sold hundreds of titles and learnedthrough trial and errorhow to write a flawless book proposal that publishers cant 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 publishersand 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 editors interest, read this book."Adrienne Hickey Senior Acquisitions Editor, AMACOM Books
About the Author
JEFF HERMAN is President of his own very successful literary agency and has been profiled in Success, Entrepreneur, and Publishers Weekly. His other book for writers is The Insiders Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents. DEBORAH M. ADAMS is an attorney, a literary agent, and a proficient "proposal doctor."
Table of Contents
'Preface to the Second Edition.
Acknowledgments.
Introduction.
ALL ASPECTS OF THE PROPOSAL--AND SOME ADVICE THROWN IN.
The Concept: Shaping Your Idea.
The Title: Creating an Image.
The Overview: Writing Power Paragraphs.
The Markets Section: Who Will Buy Your Book?
The Competition Section: What else Is Out There?
The Promotion Section: What Can You Do to Help Your Book Sell?
The Author Background Section: Presenting Yourself in Your Best Light.
The Outline: Getting It Organized and Making It Persuade.
The Sample Chapter: Proving You Can Do the Job.
What About Fiction?: The Art and Science of Selling Fiction.
Writing Memoir and Narrative Nonfiction.
Query Letter, Submissions, and Sage Advice.
10 PROPOSALS THAT SOLD--AND WHY.
Proposal 1. 10 Habits of Naturally Slim People...And How to Make Them Part of Your Life.
Proposal 2. How to Get Clients: An Easy and Practical Program to Build Your Business.
Proposal 3. Black Roots: A Beginner\'s Guide to Tracing the Family Tree.
Proposal 4. How Saturn Reinvented the Customer Loyalty Wheel: \"No Hassle\" Steps ANY Business Can Use!
Proposal 5. The Creativity Toolbox.
Proposal 6. In the Beginning ... A Keepsake Record of Before-Birth Memories Written and Illustrated by \"Julie Karen\".
Proposal 7. Trust Your Guts! Develop Your Business Intuition and Win--Consistently.
Proposal 8. Workstyles to Fit Your Lifestyle: The Hands-on Guide to Temporary Employment.
Proposal 9. Heart and Soul: A Psychological and Spiritual Guide to Preventing and Healing Heart Disease.
Proposal 10. Taxes Made Easy for Home-Based Businesses: The Complete Plain Language Tax Guide for Home-Based Entrepreneurs and Home-Office Workers.
Book Proposal Terms.
Suggested Reading.
Web Sites.'