Scary stuff!

You have to jump through many hoops in order to get a book published. Although book sales are high, they are not high enough to keep publishers from being extremely selective when it comes to taking on new authors. Unless you happen to be a celebrity, the odds are stacked against you. You may think that self-publishing a book first could get a publisher's attention. But if you've never published a book before, it's almost a lost cause.

Depressing thought, isn't it? But this is the central message of literary agent and author Michael Larson's How to Write a Book Proposal, 3rd Edition; (Writer's Digest Books; 2003.) Despite the title, this book is not really for the unpublished writer. It is aimed primarily at already published authors, as well as celebrities and individuals who are considered standouts in their fields.

Get Self-Published … Or Else

Throughout the book, Larson gives numerous examples of clients who were able to submit their already self-published books to traditional "we'll-pay-you" publishers. For first-time writers, getting self-published is seen as critical. However, you still can't just write that book proposal right away. You have to wait at least a year to see how it sells. Then, and only then, can you maybe perhaps think about writing the very first draft of your book proposal.

Ouch. This is definitely not the message that an unpublished writer wants to hear. Oddly enough, these same people probably make up the main core of buyers for "How to Write a Book Proposal." Perhaps the title was accurate during the book's first edition, but it's completely misleading now. A better title would be, "Getting Your Manuscript Accepted: Don't Even Think About It!"

Prepare to Lose Lots of Money

Although this edition came out in 2003, the state of traditional publishing has only gotten worse. Traditional publishers will no longer bother sending authors out on book tours, creating print ads, or doing any of the usual promotional activities that they used to. Publishing houses now expect all authors, whether unpublished or not, to do their own promotion. According to Larson, the most important part of a book proposal is a plan of how you are going to promote it.

Let's back up to getting a manuscript self-published. Even by using print on demand (POD) services instead of a one-time fixed number run, the first-time author can still expect to shell out at least $10,000. This not only includes the cost of the self-publishing service but also your efforts to promote the book.

In Conclusion

Ultimately, How to Write a Book Proposal will likely make an unpublished author feel extremely discouraged. But if you already have a book published or are a celebrity or have some sort of connection to a celebrity, then this book may offer some limited help.

A very thorough look at how to write a book proposal is presented here.

Firstly, I truly love the "hot tips" that are scattered throughout the book. These tips offer numerous excellent hints for the book proposal process.

Secondly, it's not just about the proposal itself. It also addresses various aspects of the business of publishing, such as what is involved in promoting your book and whether you should obtain an agent.

However, it should be noted that this is a fairly long book, and I had the impression that it could have been better organized. I read this one right after Jeff Herman's "Write the Perfect Book Proposal", and I felt that the latter addressed each element of the proposal in a more structured manner.

On a positive note, the writing style is nice, with bits of humor interspersed. It is also inspirational. By the time I finished reading, I was eager to commence working on my own proposal.

I read this book with a specific book proposal in mind, so I took notes from the book on one page and noted down how it applied to my own idea on another. I felt that reading it sparked sufficient ideas for promotion and other aspects, such that it would probably be worthwhile to reread it if I were to write another proposal. I definitely intend to keep this book within easy reach as a reference while I am working on my current proposal.

Writing a book proposal for the first time can be an extremely overwhelming experience that might even make a writer's head feel like it's about to explode. It's truly that serious. However, Larsen does an excellent job of demystifying the entire process.

Despite the fact that the book has a significant number of pages, it is actually a quick and engaging read. Writers can utilize this book to craft an irresistible proposal. Larsen reveals how to use models to ensure the success of your book and assists you in setting both literary and financial goals. He also shows you how to build a platform, among many other things.

Larsen points out crucial aspects such as how to hook a reader, how to conduct market research and analyze your competition, how to develop a platform and promotional plan, and how to outline your book. Each chapter is brimming with valuable Hot Tips and quotes from professional writers, so readers won't feel isolated during this process. Larsen covers everything from what to avoid to information relevant to writing any type of book. You can learn how to outline a memoir, a children's book, a murder mystery, or anything else your heart desires.

Every chapter of the book offers step-by-step explanations along with practical examples. Readers will discover how to present their ideas effectively. Larsen helps the writer within you ask the right questions about your book, how you envision the flow of information in the chapters, and how to maintain the fluidity of the content as you write.

Readers will also learn how to interact with agents and what to look for in a contract. Larsen has left no aspect untouched when it comes to dealing with the media and self-marketing your book. There are sections in this book that explore the topic of whether a writer should self-publish or not. This is a highly debated topic among writers, and these sections provide answers to questions that you might not have considered as an author.

The back of the book features a comprehensive Resource Directory that provides readers with a list of agents, marketing sites, podcast directories, media lists, and much more. All of the links included here are invaluable resources that can guide a writer on the path to publication. Other resources cover areas such as working with a publicist and partnering your book. Additionally, readers will find sample proposals to ensure that they are on the right track.

Larsen has an impressive background, having worked for Bantam and founded Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents in San Francisco in 1972 with his wife. He has also written other notable books such as How to Get a Literary Agent, Guerrilla Marketing for Writers: 100 No-Cost, Low-Cost Weapons for Selling Your Work, and How to Write With a Collaborator.

Larsen also established Larsen Literary Consulting specifically for nonfiction writers. He offers consultations to writers regarding their books, proposals, and careers. Overall, Larsen has done an outstanding job of providing writers with the essential help they need on their long journey to publication. You can contact him at www.larsenpomada.com.

This is an extremely useful book.

I initially borrowed it from the library, but after reading it, I was so impressed that I ended up buying a copy for myself.

I know for sure that I will keep coming back to this gem again and again.

The content within its pages is not only informative but also presented in a way that is easy to understand and apply.

It covers a wide range of topics that are relevant to various aspects of life.

Whether you are looking for practical advice, inspiration, or simply a good read, this book has something to offer.

I highly recommend it to anyone who is in search of a valuable and engaging book.

It truly is a must-have addition to any bookshelf.

3.5 stars

This product or service does exactly what it claims to do on the label or description. It lives up to its promised features and functions, which is a definite plus.

However, it may not be perfect. There could be some areas where it falls slightly short or could be improved upon. Maybe the user interface could be more intuitive, or the performance could be enhanced in certain situations.

Overall, though, it is a reliable option that gets the job done. It provides good value for money and is suitable for those who are looking for a basic solution that works as advertised.

While it may not be the most outstanding or innovative offering in the market, it does what it says on the tin, and that's often all that matters.

Lots of Examples and Good Advice from Experts

In various fields, there are numerous examples and valuable advice from experts that can significantly benefit us.

For instance, in the business world, experts often share their experiences of successful startups. They might talk about the importance of having a clear vision, a dedicated team, and a unique value proposition. By studying these examples, aspiring entrepreneurs can avoid common pitfalls and increase their chances of success.

In the field of health and fitness, experts provide advice on proper nutrition, exercise routines, and stress management. They might recommend eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as engaging in regular physical activity. By following this advice, individuals can improve their overall health and well-being.

Similarly, in the field of education, experts offer insights into effective teaching methods and learning strategies. They might suggest using hands-on activities, group work, and multimedia resources to enhance student engagement and understanding. By implementing these ideas, educators can create a more dynamic and effective learning environment.

In conclusion, the examples and advice from experts can serve as a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their skills, knowledge, or performance in a particular area. By learning from the experiences and wisdom of others, we can avoid making the same mistakes and achieve greater success.

Best for non-fiction writers, but I found it extremely helpful.

This statement holds true for a variety of reasons. Non-fiction writing requires a certain set of skills and techniques to effectively convey information and engage the reader. For example, it demands clear organization, accurate research, and the ability to present complex ideas in a simple and understandable way.

I, too, have benefited greatly from the tools and strategies that are typically associated with non-fiction writing. Whether it's learning how to structure an argument, conduct in-depth interviews, or use data to support my claims, these skills have enhanced the quality of my work.

Additionally, the focus on authenticity and credibility in non-fiction writing has taught me the importance of fact-checking and sourcing my information. This attention to detail has not only made my writing more reliable but has also given me the confidence to share my ideas with a wider audience.

In conclusion, while non-fiction writing may seem challenging at times, the rewards are well worth the effort. By continuously honing my skills and learning from the experiences of others, I have been able to produce work that is both informative and engaging.

Note to self: this book is at the library. It's important to remember this as it holds valuable information that I might need for my research or simply for pleasure reading. The library is a wonderful place filled with countless books, each waiting to be discovered. Whenever I have the time, I should make a trip there to pick up this particular book. Maybe I'll spend some quiet hours in the library, immersed in its pages, learning new things and expanding my knowledge. It's a great way to relax and unwind while also feeding my curiosity. I must not forget about this book sitting at the library, patiently waiting for me to come and claim it.

How to Write a Book Proposal, 4th edition (2011) by Michael Larsen is a comprehensive guide that spans 316 pages.

The book is divided into several parts. Part I focuses on helping novice writers understand which book to write and gain motivation, but it has little to do with proposal writing.

Part II provides a brief overview of what goes into a nonfiction book proposal, including the hook, foreword, markets, mission statement, author's platform, promotional plan, competing and complementary books, and about the author. Larsen includes quotes from writers and editors to offer insights into crafting a professional proposal.

Part III delves into the book's markets and competition, with "Hot Tips" that offer valuable advice. However, some of this advice may not be practical for the majority of writers.

Part IV emphasizes the importance of building an author's platform and promotion plan, with a helpful chapter on using the web as a synergy machine. Larsen also provides tips on what to avoid when writing an author's bio.

Part V offers advice on optional parts of the proposal overview, while Part VI focuses on writing the outline and sample chapter.

Part VII emphasizes the importance of professionalism in proposal writing, and Part VIII provides guidance on finding a publisher.

Part IX concludes the book with some encouraging words and a reminder that writers can achieve success if they are willing to put in the effort.

The appendices include a resource directory, information on hiring a publicist, marketing with other people's money, and four sample proposals. The success of these sample proposals lies more in the authors' platforms than in the structure and design of the proposals themselves.

Overall, while this book may not be the best choice for those seeking to learn how to write a nonfiction book proposal, it is a valuable resource for fiction and nonfiction writers looking to build, develop, and expand their platforms in order to land a book deal.

Please visit my websites at: www.cgfewston.com, www.cgfewston.me, www.cgfewston.net.

Larsen's Blog: https://sfwriters.org/blog/.

How to Write a Book Proposal is an extremely useful guide for the aspiring book writer.

Michael Larsen takes the time to patiently explain in detail what elements should be included in a book proposal and the reasons behind including them.

However, it should be noted that this guide is nearly 20 years old. In today's digital age, which is dominated by platforms like Amazon and Twitter, and a postal service that has been deliberately gutted, the lack of discussion on the current online paradigm is a significant limiting factor.

Readers who are living in a world shaped by these modern technologies may find that the guide does not fully address their needs and concerns when it comes to writing a book proposal in the current context.

Despite this drawback, the guide still contains valuable information and insights that can be beneficial to aspiring book writers, especially those who are new to the process.

It provides a solid foundation and framework for understanding the key components of a book proposal and how to present them effectively.

Nevertheless, it is essential for readers to supplement the information in this guide with up-to-date knowledge and strategies that are relevant to the current online landscape.

This is a truly solid how-to book. It precisely does what it claims on the cover.

It essentially guides you through the process of planning your book as well. I recall feeling extremely enthusiastic... right up until the reality of the new publishing paradigm struck me.

I now firmly believe that the majority of writers would be better off constructing a platform and self-publishing their work. To be quite honest, most publishers would also benefit, considering that 90% of books result in losses! What many writers overlook is that they are attempting to convince a publishing house to invest in a project that will either lead to financial losses or require a significant amount of time to recoup the investment.

Nevertheless, this book will still assist you with fundamental aspects such as target readerships and so on.

Warning - in my humble opinion, it is really only useful for non-fiction.

*Apologies for this expression.

Excellent, excellent!

I wrote my book proposal following this to the letter. It was a meticulous process, ensuring that every detail was in accordance with the given guidelines.

I carefully crafted each section, presenting my ideas clearly and coherently.

The result was a comprehensive and well-structured proposal that I am confident will catch the attention of potential publishers.

Following these instructions precisely has given me the confidence to believe that my book has the potential to be a great success.

I look forward to seeing how it is received and the opportunities that may come my way as a result.

Overall, I am extremely satisfied with the outcome and grateful for the excellent guidance provided.