WRITE A BOOK PROPOSAL WITH OUR CO-FOUNDER OLIVIA
Last week we shared some styling tips from our co-founder Karina, so it’s only fair that our other co-founder, Olivia, has to share some learnings too, here goes!
HOW TO WRITE A BOOK PROPOSAL
Before opening THE KO I worked for a book publishing company known for their high-quality non-fiction titles across food, wine, lifestyle and biography. Karina and I actually first bonded over our mutual love of cookbooks 📚❤️.
One of the most painful/hilarious things about working in publishing is that anyone who discovers what you do for work will inevitably have a great book idea that is absolutely destined be the next bestseller (once they get around to writing it, that is). The reality is that writing a book is really hard! Anyone can have a great idea but it takes a lot of time and effort to turn it into a manuscript.
So, today I’m sharing some of my tips for any of you budding authors out there looking to further consolidate your idea and perhaps even pitch it out to a publisher. All the information outlined below is specific to non-fiction and is by no means the only way to construct a proposal. Consider this article a starting point towards ensuring that your idea is solid and well-thought-out. Once complete, a proposal can also be a super handy resource to return to when you’re feeling stuck or off-track.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO WRITE A BOOK?
Sorry to burst any bubbles right off the bat, but I’d suggest that money doesn’t sit high on your list. There are literally millions of books published each year and only a fraction of those are profitable for any author. But don’t despair, writing a book can be beneficial in so many other ways and there are a plethora of reasons you may feel compelled: passion, curiosity, for research or content marketing, to solidify your personal or brand credibility, or even just for fun. I think the most important thing to consider is that your idea has a strong point of difference. You need to ensure that what you are saying is different to what is already out there. How is your idea unique?
Also, a few quick notes on presentation before we go any further. A book proposal can be as simple as a Word document or PowerPoint presentation but ensure that it’s clear, simple and to the point. Also make sure that you’ve had somebody (consider using a qualified editor for this) give it a proofread for comprehension, spelling and grammar. Nobody wants to wade through a messy and overly meandering document filled with errors.
SYNOPSIS
You need to be able to pitch your book idea succinctly (100-200 words) including an explanation of what it is, why it’s important, and a broad description of what it will cover. Think of this as your elevator pitch. Do some research and read the blurbs of some similar books or have a look at how books are described online – this is what you should be aiming for.
CHAPTER BREAKDOWN
Including a breakdown of the entire book shows that you have actually considered what you are going to fill your book with – it’s more than just a basic idea! This could be something as simple as:
Title: A Cookbook About Apples
Introduction
Contents
Chapter One: Breakfast
Recipes included: list all recipes
Chapter Two: Lunch
Recipes included: list all recipes
Chapter Three: Dinner
Recipes included: list all recipes
Chapter Four: Dessert
Recipes included: list all recipes
Basic recipes / notes
Index
The more specific you are, the better. What exactly will be included in each chapter? What lessons or learnings are you imparting? Does your book take readers on a journey, or tell a story? Is there something unusual about the format? Some of my favourite books are structured in surprising and delightful ways (read: unique).
Have a look through books that you love and see how they are structured – how many recipes, or chapters or lessons do they include? Is each chapter a particular length, or are there things that make the book particularly engaging? Tone of voice, photography etc. etc.?
It is also important to consider the format of each chapter so there is some consistency. Will each one have an introduction, quote, particular images or instructional sections? More on this in the next point.
SAMPLES!
Writing a book takes time, discipline, patience and persistence. If you’re not going to be submitting an entire manuscript then a publisher wants at least a decent taste of what you’re planning to create.
This can be in the form of sample writing or sample chapters, if you’re thinking of writing a cookbook then include some actual recipes. You need to consider that readers could be approaching your book with little or no experience at all about what you are talking about – don’t assume that they know.
If you’re writing a cookbook then practice cooking something and writing as you go along to get the hang of creating recipes with every single step included, you might be surprised at how difficult it is. Ensure that anything you write is well researched and actually correct (not just found via quick google search!).
If you do use different sources then ensure you note them down to be included as references at the end of the book. If you are going to include interviews then ensure you do a few of these and include them.
If you are planning to include images or photography in your book then ensure to source inspiration or create some test shots to convey your intentions. Mood boards can also assist in illustrating your ideas. If you are planning on using images or text from other people then you will need to get their permission, and you may need to pay a fee for this - something to keep in mind as costs for permissions can add up!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR (YOU)
Publishers are going to want to know about you and why you are qualified to deliver a book based around a particular topic that you’re purporting to be an expert in. Provide a succinct biography including your qualifications, career history, any previous work you’ve published in print or online, or anywhere you or your business has been featured in the media.
Publishers are also going to be a lot more enticed if they hear that you have a large existing audience that you’re already speaking to – this could be people visiting your website, social media channels or reading your regular newsletters. If you don’t have any of these yet, hop to it! These are the people who are going to buy and champion your book when the time comes.
Use your particular writing style to tell an interesting or engaging story about yourself.
MARKETING, PUBLICITY AND SALES
Getting the book written and published is half the battle and once it’s finally out in the world, the real work starts! A publisher will only be able to work with you for a couple of months in the lead up to, and after the release of a book. The most successful authors keep pushing their books long after they first hit the shelves. Consider how you could do this yourself and include this in your plan.
Do you have your own PR staff or agency who can help you? Do you regularly speak at events where you could also sell your book? Do you write for a media outlet where you can also get exposure for your book? Do you have an online store where you could also sell copies of your book? Include all of these suggestions in your proposal.
COMPARATIVE TITLES
Have a look around for titles that are similar to what you’re trying to create. It also helps if those titles sold particularly well. Including similar titles shows that you’ve considered your idea and can illustrate that there is an existing demand for it, make sure you have some sort of point of difference though.
CONTACT DETAILS
Goes without saying! Name, email and phone number so someone can get in touch with you.
So, there you go! Good luck and happy writing. If you are putting a proposal together or you’d like some more tips or publishing advice then feel free to get in touch with me anytime, I’d be happy to chat.
