Steps to Write a Book Proposal [+ Free Book Proposal Template]

Writing a book proposal is one of the most important steps for you to publish your work through traditional means. The proposal is a pitch, not just for the book idea but also for the author. 

A strong, well-crafted proposal highlights a book’s potential, your credibility, and your understanding of the publishing market. In this guide, we’ll explore all aspects of crafting a winning book proposal, the different types of book proposals, tips and strategies to impress literary houses as well as a book proposal template. 

What is a Book Proposal?

A book proposal is more than a summary of your manuscript. It is a business plan to persuade publishers to spend their time and money on your book. Over the years, as publishing has become more competitive, it is important that your proposal not only showcases your book’s content but also proves its marketability.  

Publishers look for a strong concept, a clear understanding of the market, and a convincing argument for why your book should be on the market. A good book proposal should answer the following questions:

• What is the book about?
• Who is the target audience?
• Why is the author uniquely qualified to write this book?
• Will the book sell?

How to Write a Book Proposal

Writing a book proposal can seem daunting, but it’s an important step in turning your book idea into a reality. Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.

Step 1: Write an Engaging Overview

This opening section is where publishers get to know about your book. Here’s how to grab their attention while presenting the core idea of your book. 

• Start with a Hook. Craft an opening that captivates the reader. Use a provocative question, a surprising statistic, or an anecdote to pull the reader in. Give them a good sense of what they can expect from your novel. 
• Explain the Unique Selling Points (USP). What makes your book stand out? Why is it relevant now? This is where you showcase the gap it fills in the market.
• Conclude with a Broader Vision. Highlight the book’s potential impact. Will it inspire change, educate, or entertain? End this section with a clear, bold statement.

This 1-3 page long section provides an executive summary of your book. Think of it as the book’s elevator pitch. It needs to showcase its strengths and why it will resonate with readers. 

Step 2: Showcase Your Credentials in the Author’s Bio

What makes you qualified to write this book (in your desired genre)? Your author bio should convince publishers that you are the right person for the job. Here’s how: 

• Highlight your expertise. Share relevant academic and professional experience. For example, Bill Bryson’s travel background made him a perfect guide for his novel, A Walk in the Woods.
• Add personal touches. This section is not just about your professional achievements, but also your personal connection with the subject matter. 
• Other Important Details. Your author’s bio should not be the same as other bios you may be using, like your LinkedIn, for example. Feel free to include any relevant awards or recognition, previous publications, author platforms, media appearances, and your social media presence.

Although only 100 – 250 words in length, an author’s bio is a great opportunity to market yourself to agents. 

Step 3: Develop a Chapter-by-Chapter Outline or Table of Contents

The chapter outline or table of contents is where you provide a roadmap for your book’s content. Here are a few tips on how to structure this section:

• Summarize Each Chapter. Write a 1-2 paragraph summary of what each chapter will cover, highlighting key ideas or narratives.
• Showcase variety. Ensure that the chapters feel cohesive yet varied. The outline should demonstrate the book’s ability to keep the reader interested.
• Reflect tone and voice. Your chapter summaries should give a sense of the book’s style, whether it’s academic, conversational, or narrative.
• Incorporate settings, characters, and themes. This is important for fiction and narrative nonfiction, in particular. Include brief descriptions of central characters, recurring themes and key settings to give a deeper sense of the story’s world. 

Some authors opt for a table of contents instead of a chapter outline when writing the latter feels redundant. Regardless of which approach you take, the key is to show how your concept evolves from beginning to end. 

Step 4: Create Your Title Page

The title page is the first thing literary agents will see, so it’s important to make a good impression.  

Keep it Simple. Place the title of your book at the top in a clear, bold font. Below the title, include your name, contact information, and date. You can also include the book’s genre and other important details, like the publisher’s information.

This page sets the tone for the rest of your proposal, so it must be polished and easy to read. 

Step 5: Provide Sample Chapters

In contrast to the previous section where you describe your chapters, in this section, you’ll give the agent material from your book. Great sample chapters should strengthen the other parts of your proposal. Here’s what you can do:

• Choose your strongest chapters.  It is common to include 1 -3 chapters in the same format that you will one day sell to your readers. While many people include the first few, select the chapters that best introduce your book and set the tone.
• Refine Your Writing. These chapters should be polished and error-free. Consider hiring a professional editor to ensure they are publication-ready.

Sample chapters allow agents to evaluate your writing style and content quality. They act as proof of concept–showcasing your ability to deliver on the promises outlined in your proposal. 

Step 6: Identify Your Target Audience and Market

Publishers need assurance that your book has a clear and eager audience. Here are some key points to consider:

• Be Specific. Who will buy this book? Provide demographics–like age, profession, or lifestyle–and psychographics like interests, goals, and challenges. Avoid casting too wide a net as not every book can appeal to everyone. For example, a teen is unlikely to have the same reading interest as a time-strapped business executive.
• Analyze Market Trends. Show how your book fits into or capitalizes on emerging trends. Include data or examples like one of the reasons why Atomic Habits thrived was because of growing interest in productivity and self-improvement.
• Compare Your Book to Similar Titles. Reference comparable books to showcase your understanding of the market. Select 3-6 titles to evaluate and talk about how your book contrasts each. Highlight how your book challenges, enhances, or updates its ideas. Be respectful when talking about the books’ limitations. This shows where it fits into the market while offering something distinct. 

A well-defined audience and thorough market analysis reassure publishers that your book is relevant and uniquely valuable. 

Step 7: Create a Marketing and Promotion Plan

Authors are expected to take an active role in promoting their books. As such, creating a marketing and promotion plan is a crucial part of your book proposal. Instead of sharing what you hope to do, focus on what you can do. Here’s how:

1. Leverage different platforms. Detail how you will use your existing audience to promote the book. Include specifics about your social media presence, email list, or other outreach methods. According to agent Anna Sproul Latimer, “Don’t think a book is going to give you a platform. You’re going to have to bring your platform to a book.”
2. Highlight promotional opportunities. Mention potential speaking engagements, partnerships, or media appearances that could help boost the book’s visibility.
3. Suggest creative marketing ideas. Propose unique ways to reach your audience, such as hosting webinars, creating an online course, or collaborating with influencers.

Instead of saying things like, “I plan to contact different bloggers for potential guest opportunities,” say “I’ve been a guest contributor at A, B, and C where my posts reach (number) people in my target audience.”

This section demonstrates your understanding of marketing and your willingness to contribute to the book’s success. Although not always required in a book proposal, some publishers want to see how invested you are in marketing your book.

Step 8: Include Additional Details

Finally, include essential information and supplementary materials to round out your book proposal. Here are some additional things you can include: 

1. Book specifications. State the expected word count and timeline for completion.
2. Appendices. Add any supporting materials that are relevant, such as visuals, tables, or additional research.
3. Call to Action: Conclude your proposal with a short statement inviting the literary agent or publisher to take the next steps. 

Fiction vs. Nonfiction Book Proposals

When pitching a book, the proposal’s emphasis shifts depending on the genre. A key difference between nonfiction and fiction book proposals is that a nonfiction proposal focuses on the overview, outline, and author’s expertise on the subject. A fiction book proposal, on the other hand, focuses on the narrative arc and its characters. 

Here’s a quick comparison:

In addition, (and often seen as an advantage), you do not need to have a completed draft of your manuscript before sending it out when it comes to a nonfiction book proposal. 

Common Mistakes When Writing a Book Proposal

When crafting a book proposal, it’s essential to avoid mistakes that can weaken your pitch. Here is a list of pitfalls and how to avoid them:

Lack of Focus in the Overview or Chapter Outline

A clear, concise, and compelling overview is essential to capture the attention of publishers. A vague or poorly structured overview can cause agents to lose interest in your proposal. In a similar manner, your chapter outline should present a logical flow that shows how the story builds.

Overestimating the Market or Downplaying Competition

When writing your proposal , it is important to avoid exaggerated claims about the size of your audience. Publishers value realistic, well-researched market analysis that demonstrates an understanding of the book’s niche. 

In addition, acknowledging similar books in the market shows you are informed. Avoid comparing your book to high-profile bestsellers as it may turn off publishers. Explain how your book stands out and how it offers a unique perspective. 

Submitting Unedited Writing

Your proposal is a sample of your work and errors or inconsistencies can leave a negative impression on publishers. To make the best possible impact, take the time to refine every section of your proposal. Seeking feedback from trusted peers or hiring a professional editor can help ensure your writing is polished. 

Advice for Crafting a Winning Proposal

While the structural elements of a book proposal are straightforward, the execution requires nuance. Your proposal must strike a balance between being professional and passionate. Publishers want to see your enthusiasm for the book but also need to trust your ability to deliver on its promises. Avoid hyperbole or exaggerated claims—let the strength of your idea and writing speak for itself.

Tailoring your proposal to your intended audience is another critical aspect. Research the agents or publishers you’re submitting to and adjust your proposal accordingly. Some may prioritize market analysis, while others might be more interested in your personal connection to the material. Always follow submission guidelines carefully to avoid being dismissed for a technicality.

Final Checklist

Before submitting your proposal, go through this section to ensure it is polished and complete:

Complete Key Sections

• Overview
• Author’s bio
• Chapter-by-chapter outline or table of contents
• Title Page
• Sample chapters
• Target audience and market analysis
• Additional details (book specifications, appendices, call to action)

Proofread and Edit

• Clarity and coherence
• Grammatical errors
• Logical flow
• Peer review and/or professional editor

Prepare a Submission Package

• Tailor the cover letter to the publisher
• Follow submission guidelines 

Final Refinement

• Final look-through
• Double check formatting

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about book proposals:

What is the format for a book proposal?

A book proposal is formatted into different sections. It includes a title page, an overview, target audience analysis, a chapter outline, an author biography, competitive market analysis and a few sample chapters. 

How long does a book proposal need to be?

The average length of a book proposal is between 15 and 30 pages and that depends on the complexity of the book and publisher’s requirements. It should be long enough to convey the key aspects of a book proposal. 

What are the 3 C’s of proposal writing?

The 3 C’s are:

• Compliance – follows specific requirements and formatting.
• Compellingness – presents a persuasive argument that demonstrates your capabilities and value proposition.
• Completeness – covers all necessary aspects of the project and provides sufficient details. 

What is the best font for a book proposal?

Use a standard font like Times New Roman, Arial, Courier, Helvetica, etc. These fonts are used at a 12pt size, double space and no species between paragraphs. 

Josh Fechter

Josh is the founder and CEO of Squibler. He's authored several best-selling books and created one of the largest communities of writers online.