A powerful proposal is a very important part of the book publishing process. Before sending a proposal to an agent or a publisher, prepare a query letter to get their approval for your proposal.

Elements that you must include in your proposal:

 

1. A covering letter (one page)

This should be a brief introduction to who you are, why you are writing, what your book is about, how many chapters and pages are there, how is the book segregated, etc.

 

2. Overview of the book (two to four pages)

Here you can elaborate a bit about your inspiration for the book, how is this book different, special points of the book, the logic that your book follows, who is the audience for this book, and so on.

 

3. Table of contents (as required)

List down all the major topics that you have covered in the book in logical sequence and add a short outline on the areas you have covered under each main topic/chapter.

 

4. Sample chapters (20 to 50 pages)

Send a few chapters as samples to give the publisher an idea of your style of writing. These chapters don’t have to be the first and the second one. You can pick any two important chapters at random and send them.

 

5. Your profile (two to four pages)

Send your CV or a detailed introduction. Write about your qualifications and background to prove that you are among the best people who should write on this topic. If you have published before, give that information also.

 

6. Competition (two to four pages)

Write about the books that are similar to the one that you are writing and mention how yours is different from all of them.

 

7. Market (two page)

Give a brief description of the typical target market profile that you have in mind for your book.

Remember the more compelling your proposal is, the more chances of your book getting selected for publishing, so prepare your proposal with complete dedication and get it reviewed by experts before sending.