Writing a Nonfiction Book Proposal
September 13-14, 2022
8 to 10 p.m. Eastern (5 to 7 p.m. Pacific)
In the publishing world of nonfiction, getting a book deal depends not on your manuscript, but on a proposal.
This lengthy document—usually between 30 and 50 pages—is a sales pitch, designed to present you and your book in the best light. Agents and editors will either greenlight your book or toss it in the reject pile based on the proposal alone, so it has to capture their attention and cut through the backlog of proposals from other authors.
In the end, it has to make them say yes to this question: Are you and your book a good investment?
Writing the proposal is a rigorous process, with a prescribed format and components. That's why we've asked Andy Ross, author of The Literary Agent's Guide to Writing a Non-Fiction Book Proposal, to walk you through the process step by step.
The first night of this two-night class is all about breaking down the essential components. The second night will help you craft those components into a proposal that sells.
Here’s how the program will unfold.
On the first evening, Andy will walk through the standard components of a book proposal and show examples of what works and what doesn't. On the second night, he'll help you write those components, and he'll offer feedback to make them polished and professional.
Along the way, he'll answer questions about the entire process, including...
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Do you have to wait until your book is done before you write your proposal?
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What are the elements of a book proposal?
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What kinds of information do you include in each section?
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How is writing a proposal different from writing a book?
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How do you format your proposal?
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How long should it be?
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What mistakes do authors make in writing proposals?
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Will your agent help you with your proposal?
Faculty
Registration fee: $99 for four hours of instruction
EVENING CLASS
September 13-14, 2022
8 to 10 p.m. Eastern (5 to 7 p.m. Pacific)
Please note: Our classes are designed specifically for live participation, so your attendance is important. If you need to miss a class for any reason, you’ll receive a passcode-protected link to watch the recordings after the course is over.
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