How to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal [In 8 Steps]

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of writing a nonfiction book proposal? You’re not alone. Many writers find it challenging, mainly because it’s different from writing an entire book.

Unlike fiction, where the completed manuscript speaks for itself, nonfiction requires a detailed proposal to persuade publishers that your idea is worth investing in. 

The proposal isn’t just a formality, it’s your opportunity to prove your book’s value. 

Whether you’re writing a memoir, self-help book, or a narrative nonfiction, this article will help you build a compelling case for your nonfiction book. 

What is a Nonfiction Book Proposal?

Think of a book proposal as a business plan. It is more than just a summary of your book—it’s a carefully crafted document outlining your book’s core concept and intended target audience. It also explains why you’re the perfect person to write it. 

Just like a business plan, a book proposal must demonstrate marketability. Traditional publishers are investing in your book, so they need to see its commercial potential—who will buy it, why it will sell, and how it stands out in the marketplace. 

A good proposal highlights your expertise and vision. It reassures publishers that your book has a built-in audience and a strong chance of success. 

In essence, your proposal isn’t just selling an idea; it’s proving that your book is a viable product with a clear demand.

The Steps to Writing a Nonfiction Book Proposal

Here are the key components of a successful proposal:

Step 1: Write an Overview (The Elevator Pitch)

The overview is the most critical part of your proposal. It is a single-page summary designed to hook the agent from the very start. It’s your opportunity to get your foot in the door.

It answers the following questions. 

What the Book Is About?

Begin with a gripping description of your book’s central idea. This should be concise yet powerful enough to grab attention immediately. Focus on the big idea driving your book and present it in a way that’s clear and easy to understand. Take a look at the overview of the book proposal below.

Avoid vague descriptions and get straight to the point. For example, instead of saying, “This is a book about productivity,” try, “This science-backed approach to time management helps you achieve more by doing less.”

Why Is It Relevant?

Explain why your book is timely and important. Are you addressing a growing trend, solving a pressing problem, or offering a new perspective? 

Show why your book matters by tying it to real-world trends or data. Publishers want to see that your topic is not only relevant but also backed by evidence that proves its significance. 

For example, if you’re writing about burnout, mention rising workplace stress and studies proving it’s a growing crisis. Cite statistics that show how burnout rates have surged in the past decade or reference reports from organizations like the World Health Organization, which has classified burnout as an occupational phenomenon.

Then, make that data tangible by connecting it to everyday life. Discuss how increased workplace stress leads to declining productivity, higher turnover rates, and even long-term health issues like anxiety and heart disease. 

Show how this issue affects employees, businesses, and the economy as a whole. By illustrating the broader impact of your topic, you make a case for why your book is timely and necessary.

Why You’re the Best Person to Write It?

 Highlight what makes you qualified to write this book. 

This section highlights the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience that make you the right person to write this book. If you’re an expert, showcase your credentials and relevant experience. If your connection to the topic is personal, share how it shapes your perspective and strengthens your authority.

For instance, if you’re writing a memoir about overcoming adversity, explain how your book offers insight, hope, or inspiration that no one else can provide. This is your chance to show publishers that your perspective is worth telling.

Here are some genre-specific tips:

Memoir

• Start with a powerful hook that encapsulates the emotional core of your novel.
• Emphasize the universal themes—resilience, identity, love, loss—that will resonate with readers.
• Highlight why your journey is unique yet relatable to an audience.

Business & Leadership

• Showcase a bold, fresh perspective on a common industry challenge.
• Incorporate relevant data, trends, or case studies to demonstrate market demand.
• Establish your authority and experience in the field early on.

Health & Wellness

• Highlight your professional background, certifications, or hands-on experience in the field.
• Reference studies, clinical work, or personal research that support your insights.
• Emphasize how your book provides practical, actionable advice that people can trust.

Your overview is like a movie trailer. Keep it concise and memorable. Ideally, it should leave readers eager to find out more. 

Step 2: Create Your Author Bio and Describe Your Platform

Publishers don’t just invest in books—they invest in authors. Your author bio offers a brief summary of your background and writing experience, emphasizing relevant achievements and expertise. No more than 250 words long, the bio is another area where you can describe what makes you qualified to write the book, but in more detail. 

Start by outlining your professional background, academic credentials, and relevant accomplishments that lend authority to your book. For example, if you’re writing a business book, mention your years of experience in leadership roles, awards, or recognition in your field. 

Your platform is all about how you connect with your audience. It’s the reach you have with potential readers. Detail your existing audience and the ways you currently engage with them. This can include blog readership, newsletter subscribers, podcast listeners, social media followers, or past attendance numbers for workshops or speaking engagements. 

If you have notable media appearances, partnerships, or relationships with influencers, include them. Even if your platform isn’t huge, demonstrate how you’re actively growing it. 

Here are some genre-specific tips:

Self-Help

• Highlight your proven track record in solving the problem your book addresses. This could include coaching programs, successful clients, or workshops.
• Highlight any media appearances, podcast interviews, or guest articles that showcase your expertise.
• Mention your online presence, like a blog, YouTube channel, or social media following, that engages with your target audience.

Narrative Nonfiction

• Showcase your investigative skills, research abilities, and access to unique resources or interviews.
• Mention exclusive access to key sources, firsthand accounts, or archives that add depth to your book.
• Showcase previous publications, articles, or essays in reputable outlets to establish credibility.

Business & Leadership

• Highlight your leadership experience, industry achievements, and any recognition in your field.
• Detail your professional network, affiliations, or collaborations that add credibility and potential reach.
• Mention keynote speeches, corporate training sessions, or media features that demonstrate your influence.

This section should convince agents that you’re not only qualified to write the book but also capable of promoting it. 

Step 3: Include Chapter Summaries

Your chapter summary is where you bring your book’s structure to life. Instead of just listing chapters, as seen in a chapter outline, this is your chance to show people how your book unfolds in a compelling and engaging way. Think of it as a guided tour, giving them a feel for the journey your audience will take.

For each, write 1-2 paragraphs that capture the main themes, key points, and takeaways. Don’t just state what’s in the chapter—bring it to life with vivid language. If you include personal stories, research, or case studies, mention them briefly to show the depth and variety of your content.

Make sure each one flows naturally into the next, building a strong, cohesive narrative or argument. A literary agent wants to see that your book isn’t just a collection of ideas but a well-structured, engaging read.

Be sure to include the following elements:

• Title – The working title can evolve, so don’t worry if it changes later.
• Topic – In just a few words, define what the chapter is about.
• Main argument – Clearly state the chapter’s argument or main purpose to show why it matters.
• Sources – Identify the sources, texts, data, or observations used to support your analysis.
• Connection to the book’s purpose – Explain how this chapter contributes to the book’s overall argument or purpose.
• Placement in the book – Briefly describe how this chapter connects to the previous and following chapters.

The worst chapter summaries are those that simply say, “In this chapter readers will…” The best summaries do more than outline content—they immerses the reader in the author’s voice and tone. They use strong, active sentences to create a vivid preview of what each section delivers. A well-crafted chapter summary should not only inform but also engage.

Step 4: Develop Your Title Page

While it might seem like a minor detail, the title page of your proposal serves as the formal introduction to your book. It sets the tone for the rest of the submission. 

This single page is your first opportunity to make an impression, so craft and present each element in a thoughtful yet professional way.  Make it clean and visually appealing. Use a clean, simple layout with an easy-to-read font. 

Things to consider:

• Think about your book’s title and subtitle. Writing a book title is difficult. The title needs to pique the publisher’s interest while conveying the essence of your book. If present, the subtitle should expand on the title’s meaning and further clarify the book’s focus. 
• Include your name and contact information. The title page should also include your full name as the author, along with your phone number, email address, and preferred method of contact. 
• Add the date of submission. This signals that your proposal is current. It is especially important if your book addresses current issues or trends.
• Don’t forget additional details. Consider including the book’s genre, target publisher, or even the intended word count. These small details help publishers understand where your book fits in their catalog and how long it will take you to finish the book.

Step 5: Provide Sample Chapters

If the overview is the trailer, then the sample chapters are the sneak peek. They allow publishers to experience your writing firsthand. It allows them to assess whether your style, tone, and content align with the book’s premise and target audience.
Review the entire document before submitting it. Publishers expect polished work free from grammatical errors, typos, or inconsistencies. Consider hiring a professional editor for additional assistance. 

Here are some genre-specific tips:

Memoir

• Choose chapters that showcase your ability to tell a good story and evoke emotional resonance.
• Include vivid scenes, relatable struggles, or moments of triumph that draw people in.

Self-Help

• Opt for chapters that provide actionable value to readers, such as step-by-step advice, tools, or exercises. 
• If your book includes personal anecdotes, pick a chapter that blends storytelling with practical takeaways.

Narrative Nonfiction

• Pick a chapter that shows off your investigative skills and ability to craft a compelling, fact-driven narrative.
• Choose sections that feature strong character development, engaging dialogue, or a surprising revelation.

Your sample chapters need to deliver on the promise made at the beginning of your proposal, so choose them carefully.

Step 6: Identify Your Target Audience

Publishers don’t like guesswork–they need to know exactly who will read your book. This is why defining your audience is important. A broad audience description—like claiming your book is “for everyone”—won’t convince publishers of its viability.

Here’s how to define your audience.

Be as specific as possible. For example, instead of saying “This book is for parents,” identify the subgroup: “This book is for first-time parents aged 25-40 who are navigating the challenges of raising children in this digital age.”

Support your claims with data. Use demographic statistics, market trends, or surveys to illustrate the demand for your book. For instance, if your book targets millennials, you might reference data showing that this age group spends more time and money on self-help books than other demographics.

Here are some genre-specific tips:

History

• Determine if your audience includes academic historians, casual history buffs, or people interested in a specific era, culture, or event.
• If your book focuses on hidden or overlooked historical figures, consider how it might appeal to readers interested in untold stories and diverse perspectives.

Personal Finance

• Identify if your book is for young professionals, retirees, entrepreneurs, or families looking for budgeting strategies.
• If you’re addressing a specific financial challenge—like paying off student loans or investing in real estate—make it clear who will benefit most.

Cookbooks

• Select a chapter that showcases your unique approach to food, whether it’s technique, cultural significance, or a fresh take on classic recipes.
• Include a well-organized section with clear, easy-to-follow instructions, demonstrating your ability to guide home cooks successfully.

Being specific about your audience shows publishers that you’ve thought deeply about your book’s potential market. It also helps them envision how they’ll position and promote it. 

Step 7: Research the Competition

Knowing your competition shows publishers you’ve done your homework. It shows that you understand the landscape of similar books and where yours belongs. 

A detailed competitive analysis highlights the unique elements of your book while demonstrating how it stands apart from similar titles. Here’s how to break it down effectively:

How is my book similar?

Identify books similar to yours in subject matter, tone, or audience. Consider how these books explore comparable themes or deliver similar information. What do they do well, and what aspects of their approach resonate with readers?

How is my book different?

Analyze the key distinctions that set your book apart. Does it offer a new perspective, unique approach, or previously untold stories? Highlight these differences to show that your book brings something new to the table.

What promise does the author make to their audience?

Look at what promises or expectations the competing author sets for their readers. Do they promise to inspire, educate, or entertain? How do they establish trust and authority in their writing? 

What promise does my book make that is different/similar from the other book?

Now, reflect on the promise your own book makes. How does it align or differ from the competing titles? Does your book deliver a more personal perspective, or does it tackle a more specific aspect of the subject? 

How are my credentials similar/different from the other author?

Finally, compare your credentials with those of the authors you’re analyzing. Do you have a similar level of expertise, background, or personal connection to the subject? If you have unique qualifications—such as professional experience, research, or personal stories—make sure to emphasize that.

Here are some genre-specific tips for creating comp titles:

True Crime

• Highlight what sets your case apart—does it involve newly uncovered evidence, an overlooked suspect, or a fresh legal perspective?
• If competing books focus on famous, well-documented crimes, but yours explores a mystery or a lesser-known case, emphasize that distinction.

Pop Science

• Highlight how your book breaks down complex scientific concepts in a way that is engaging and easy to understand.  
• If existing books focus on technical explanations, and yours uses storytelling or real-world applications, highlight that as your competitive edge.

Autobiography

• Identify other autobiographies with a similar theme, or public figures in similar industries, and explain why they’ve reached readers.
• If your autobiography includes significant personal revelations or a previously untold perspective, emphasize how that gives your book a unique edge over similar titles.

Publishers want to know that your book has a unique selling point. A strong competitive analysis signifies that you’re aware of the market and that your book offers something fresh and valuable.

Step 8: Marketing and Promotion Plan

Publishing a book is only half the journey—making sure it reaches the right audience is just as important. Publishers expect authors to take an active role in promotion, and a strong marketing strategy indicates your commitment to the book’s success. 

Whether you secure a traditional book deal or choose to self-publish, having a strong marketing plan is essential to ensure your book reaches the right audience.

Here are some strategies to implement.

• Detail your media outreach. Show how you plan to secure guest blogs, podcast interviews, or op-eds.
• Highlight your social media campaigns. Spotlight your social media presence, including the platforms where you’re most active and your follower counts.
• Point out your different events. If you have experience leading workshops or speaking at events, outline how you would use that opportunity to promote your book. 
• List collaborations and partnerships. Discuss potential partnerships with organizations, influencers, or professional groups. 
• Tailor the plan to your audience. Each promotional strategy should align with your book’s target audience. Explain how these efforts will reach people in a meaningful way.

Here are some genre-specific tips:

Science & Technology

• Engage with STEM communities, universities, and science influencers for potential collaborations and book discussions.
• Secure speaking engagements at tech conferences, science festivals, or industry events to showcase your expertise.

Parenting & Relationships

• Partner with parenting blogs, online forums, or family-focused media outlets to reach your target audience.
• Offer expert-led discussions or Q&A sessions through webinars, Facebook Live, or Instagram Stories.

Narrative Nonfiction

• Reach out to journalists, bloggers, and podcasters for features and reviews.
• Offer talks at book clubs, literary festivals, or community events to share personal anecdotes and insights from your book.

A detailed, actionable marketing plan shows you’re not only writing your book, but you’re also committing to making it a success. 

Tips on Writing a Nonfiction Book Proposal

Draft each section individually. Start with the section you feel most confident about, whether it’s the chapter summary or the comparative analysis. Once you’ve gained momentum, work on the other sections.

Get feedback from different authorities. Share your draft with critique groups, writing coaches, or trusted peers to get fresh perspectives. They can help you identify gaps, refine your messaging, and ensure the proposal resonates with its intended audience.

Polish, polish, polish. Edit every section carefully. A polished proposal reflects your professionalism. This can make all the difference in catching a publisher’s attention.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in Non-Fiction Proposals

Having an unclear book concept. One major mistake authors make is presenting an idea that’s too vague. A strong proposal clearly defines what the book is about and why people will care. 

A lack of market research. Some authors assume their idea is completely original without researching what’s already out there. Publishers want to see that you understand the market and can position your book accordingly. 

Neglecting reader engagement. Great content alone will not sell a book. Publishers want to see that you can actively connect with readers. If you don’t have an online presence or engagement strategy, it may raise red flags. 

Consider adding an executive summary. This can make your proposal more engaging and concise.

Writing a nonfiction book proposal may seem challenging, but with a clear structure and thoughtful approach, you can showcase your book’s potential to prospective publishers. For a more comprehensive guide, check out our article on book proposal writing with a free template. For help writing your book, Squibler AI’s story generator can help you get started. 

FAQs

Here are answers to your queries on book proposals:

How long should a nonfiction book proposal be?

The length of a book proposal ranges from 10 to 25 pages, though this can vary depending on factors such as the book’s topic, the length of sample chapters, and specific submission guidelines from literary agents or publishers. In some cases, especially for complex or research-heavy books, proposals can exceed 50 pages. 

How do you pitch a nonfiction book idea?

Pitching a nonfiction book idea requires crafting a persuasive and well-organized proposal. A strong proposal includes an overview, author’s bio, market analysis, sample chapters, and a comprehensive marketing plan.

Can anyone write a nonfiction book?

Yes, anyone can write one! While formal education can be helpful, passion, expertise, and a unique perspective are often more important than academic credentials. Many successful nonfiction authors come from diverse backgrounds and have gained knowledge through personal experience, research, or professional work. 

How long does it take to write a nonfiction book proposal?

The time it takes to write a nonfiction book proposal varies. It depends on several factors including the complexity of the book, the amount of research required, and your writing experience. On average, it takes one to three months to create a strong, polished proposal, but it can take upwards of nine months for some writers.

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.