Building a Book Proposal

Putting the pieces of a new book together can be both thrilling and quite daunting. Authors can feel a lot of pressure to produce and prove to publishers and readers that their new project will be fresh, dynamic, and marketable. But there are tools authors can create and use to make a thorough case for themselves. A book proposal is one document that can assist in providing clear selling points and serve as a personal guide when developing and pitching a new project.

A book proposal is a robust and enticing summary of your story or idea with details on why a publisher or editor should acquire or work with you on a project. It’s commonly used for pitching nonfiction books directly to publishers, but it can also vary in format and prove very useful for works of fiction and self-publishing.

Book Proposal vs. Query Letter

Another document that’s very useful for pitching a new book is a query letter, which can sometimes be confused with a book proposal. In traditional publishing, query letters are usually used for finished works of fiction and they’re sent to literary agents. A query letter serves to build interest and excitement for a new book in the hopes that an agent will request to read the full manuscript, then agree to represent an author, and pitch their book to larger publishers. But in some cases, a book proposal is enough to pitch directly to smaller publishers and editors for both fiction and nonfiction projects. When working with a literary agent, they may also request putting a proposal together to help provide editors with a more robust overview of a book. Normally, when a proposal is submitted to a publisher, an in-house acquisitions editor will review it and if interested, they’ll send it up the chain to their manager or share with the wider team for approval to acquire the book. In these instances, a proposal can be a great tool to also help editors pitch a project to internal sales and marketing teams.

For authors who decide to self-publish, the proposal can be shared with a freelance book editor, who help to improve the overall structure and content of a book as an in-house editor would. In this case, the proposal has a relatively similar purpose: sharing the project in an organized and accessible package to find the right editorial match. And, of course, every freelancer has a different process. So, while there’s no guarantee an editor will specifically request a proposal, it will remain a useful aid for an author to have on hand as a guide and outline for their project.

Elements of a Book Proposal

So, what exactly should be in a book proposal? To set up a new project for success, it’s imperative to include the following:

Book Description: A detailed overview or “hook” that describes the project. Think of it as an elevator pitch that includes the summary and basic, but compelling information such as, unique aspects of the book, how it stands out in the genre, its significance for the target audience, why this subject matter is important, dominant themes, and any inspiration. The point is to give the editor enough of an idea of the project and all that it offers.  

Author Bio: A short description about yourself that includes your background, accomplishments (writing or otherwise), any previous works, and why you’re the best person to write this story.

Reading Sample: Fifty pages or the first two chapters (based on personal preference) for novels and the full manuscript for children’s books.

When submitting a proposal to a publisher, it’s recommended to include a few more sections:

• Title Page: State the full name of the book along with your name.

• Chapter Outline: Provide a quick overview of each chapter’s title and what they will cover.

• Target Audience: A more in-depth look at the main audience the book is for and why you believe they’ll buy it.

• Marketing Plan: Detail actionable steps for marketing the book, whether through industry connections, literary events, a personal website, newsletter, social media or other means. If you have platform(s) where you’re able to reach your target audience, a publisher needs to know that as well.

• Comparable Titles: A handful of titles (usually 5-10) that cover similar subject matter to your book. This section serves to describe why your new book will also attract the same target audience of these titles, while detailing what sets it apart and how the uniqueness your book will fill a gap in the current book market.

Above all, it’s important to conduct thorough research to ensure a project fits the list, genre, and style of a publisher or freelance editor. Any proposal sent should also follow submission guidelines and format requirements provided.

Creating a book proposal can be one of the first steps an author can take to have a central and thorough overview of their new project. Whether it’s heading to a publisher or for personal organization, it’s recommended to have one on hand to maintain a clear focus of what you hope to achieve with your new book.

And for more information on book editing, check out or Editorial Guidebook by Marrissa Lawson.