Write the Perfect Book Proposal

Want to publish your book?

Learn how--it's easier than you think!

Charismatic authors and literary agents Jeff Herman and Deborah Levine Herman have successfully sold hundreds of titles and learned--through trial and error--how to write a flawless book proposal that publishers can't 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 publishers--and 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 editor's interest, read this book."--Adrienne Hickey Senior Acquisitions Editor, AMACOM Books

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.