Elements of your non-fiction book proposal:
- Title page - begin about 1/3 of the way down the page. No fancy fonts.
- Synopsis - describe your book in two to three paragraphs, but giving enough detail for a reader to get the full flavor of your project. If your non- fiction book includes a story element, provide the ending.
- Table of Contents - include the T.O.C. along with a detailed chapter-by-chapter summary. If more info about your book's organization is needed, include it here.
- Manuscript Details - length of manuscript and estimated completion date. Will it include any pictures or graphs? Are they in color or black and white? What are the sources for the pictures, who owns the licensing for the images and how much might reprint permissions cost?
- Marketing - describe the competition. How does your book differ from the competition? How is it unique? Does it fill a gap in the market? Knowing the competition is the writer's responsibility - make sure you're thorough in your research. This is the place to provide any statistics. (For example, a book about Persian cats needs to answer the following questions: How many cat lovers are out there, how many are interested in this species, are there other people who might buy the book? Why?) Also, how do you (the writer) intend to market the book? Give as much detailed information as possible. Will you write articles and for what magazines? Has any magazine accepted your proposal to write an article? What other methods will you employ in your marketing strategy? Be creative - the more, the better - but be realistic! If your goals are not 100% attainable, do not list them.
- Author Bio - this is not the time to be modest; list your accomplishments. What makes you an authority on your subject? Have you had any media exposure on your subject? Include any clips you may have, print and video (or provide a link). Are you a member of any clubs or organizations? Don't forget any relevant work or life experience. Also include your educational background.
- Writing Samples - include the first three chapters of your book. Do not include other chapters you think will be appealing or a chapter from the middle of your book. The first three chapters only.
View out Pet Peeves page for no-no's.
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Additional Info
You may consider the following information to be superfluous. But if every writer submitted work according to their own specifications it would be too chaotic from a publishing standpoint. We provide this additional info solely for establishing consistency and ease.
- Do not forget to include a detailed cover letter. Give a brief overview along with your qualifications. Again, be brief. Include a copy of the Query Letter you already submitted. It should come after the Cover Letter. Then include the above elements in the order given.
- Contact info: your name, address, phone and email must all be listed in the bottom right corner of each page (including the Title Page). This does not apply to the Cover and Query Letters as your contact info should be at the top of each letter.
- Each page must be numbered on the bottom of the page, in the middle. Do not number the Cover Letter, Query Letter and Title Page.
- Remember to keep a copy of your book proposal for your own records. Do not submit your only copy of the writing samples or clips! They will not be returned.
Mail the entire package to: New Pathways Press
Book Proposal
55 Mary Jones Rd.
Newton, N.J. 07860
Book proposals are only accepted via invitation and by snail mail only.
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