Submitting usually begins with a query. The word “query” means “question.” When you query an editor or agent you’re asking the question: “Would you like to look at my proposal and first three chapters?”
Putting together the perfect query letter is critical. It’s the best way to inch the publisher’s door open. Once the editor responds with a “Yes” you will send the full proposal, along with sample chapters. This document will make or break you. Books are sold on proposals, after all. But, again, it all begins with a stellar query letter, so let’s start by looking at that.
NOVEL QUERIES
Your one page single-spaced query letter is the first opportunity the professional will have to view and analyze your writing. Make sure it’s clean—no spelling or grammatical errors, punctuation mistakes, etc. Remember, you’re selling to a consumer, who happens to be an editor. He has a slot to fill. These days, most queries are done by email. If you’re querying a house that takes un-agented submissions, be sure to check the writer’s guide so that you send it to the correct editor. Call him by name. Then, give him the most professional letter possible. Here’s a great layout for your query letter:
Start with a great hook. Think of this like a newspaper headline.
Next, add a single (brief) paragraph that introduces the story. Think of this like your back cover copy blurb. You’re pitching your product to the editor. Mention the book’s theme/setting in this story, if possible.
Next, add a “delivery” paragraph. Let the editor know when the book will be available. Add the book’s length, as well. Also explain why the story will appeal to readers.
Finally, add a concluding paragraph that introduces you, the writer, and explains your motivation for writing the novel. This is also a great place to say something like this: “I met you at such-and-such conference and you invited me to query you,” OR “I’m so excited about your new historical line and feel my book will be a perfect fit,” OR “I was so excited to learn of your new sci-fi line and believe my novel will appeal to your readers.”
Make sure the tone of your query letter matches the tone of your piece. Be true to your voice. You can simultaneously submit your query letter, but you need to indicate that in the subject line. The safest bet, though, is to only submit to one house at a time.
Now let’s move on to book proposals.
Book Proposals/Fiction
Writing a great query letter is one thing. Having an amazing novel proposal to send in once the editor responds to your query letter is something else. Novels are sold on proposals. They can make or break the deal. In some ways, this process is like proposing to your potential bride. How you pop the question makes all the difference.
Why is your proposal so important? It is your one shot to sway the editor to buy your book. In it, you want to clearly represent both you and the piece you’re presenting. You also want to give the publisher a chance to read a carefully thought out synopsis of your story. Your writing should be clean and enticing, for this is often the first place (and sometimes the last place) an editor will have a chance to experience your style and voice. Your words need to shine.
Spend a good deal of time coming up with the very best synopsis of your story as possible. Then fully develop your proposal, making it as enticing and appealing as
possible. Take the time to research the publishing house you’re targeting, making sure the word count of your book meets their guidelines. Also, check the writer’s market guide to make sure you’re submitting a genre this publishing house accepts.
TIPS:
Know your audience. If the book is written primarily for women, state this in the proposal.
Research other books on the market to see what’s already out there. Be ready to list other/similar books in your market analysis, if necessary
Be ready to talk about your speaking platform and/or willingness to help market the book when it releases. (I can’t stress how important this is.)
Make a list of all of the writing organizations and/or critique groups you belong to. The editor wants to see that you’re active in the writing community. If you haven’t done so already, join The Writer’s View, the Author’s Guild, RWA (Romance Writers of America), American Crime Writers, American Christian Fiction Writers (www.acfw.com) or American Christian Writers. It’s likely you’ll find a local writing group you can add to the list, as well. In other words. . .get out there. Meet people in the industry!
Have the best possible sample chapters (usually the first three) ready to submit along with the proposal.
Of course, you must be sure to follow the specific guidelines of the house you’re targeting, as different publishers have different formatting requests.
Together we’re going to look at the process of putting together an eye-catching proposal, sure to wow any editor or agent. Let’s start with the cover page.
YOUR TITLE HERE
A Proposal
By
YOUR NAME
For EDITOR’S NAME
YOUR ADDRESS YOUR CITY, STATE YOUR PHONE YOUR EMAIL YOUR WEBSITE/BLOG
Now let’s move on to the second page of the proposal, just past the cover page.
Title: List the title of your novel here.
Author: Your name, as you want it to appear on the book’s cover, if sold.
Genre/Type: List the genre here. Be specific. If it’s adult fiction, say so. If it’s a contemporary romance, cozy mystery, a historical or a Sci-Fi, let the editor know.
Series Possibilities: If you see this book as the first of a series, lay out a brief plan of action for the subsequent books here.
Tagline: One sentence that describes the story in a nutshell. Make sure it’s a great hook.
Promo Blurb: This is what’s commonly called your “Elevator Pitch.” Imagine you’ve got two minutes in an elevator with an editor or agent. What could you say in two minutes to sway him? Write this out in one brief paragraph.
Back Cover Copy: This can be a bit longer than your promo blurb. Write out what you envision the back cover to read.
Audience: Who will read this book? Adults? Men? Women? Young people? Singles? Be sure to state your audience clearly.
Cast of Characters: List your POV characters and integral supporting cast members here. If any of your characters would be a good marketing hook (for example, if you mention a famous historical figure in the book, let the editor know here).
Marketing Strategy: This section used to be limited to non-fiction books, but 21st century fiction houses are now very interested in seeing the author’s plan to market the book. In this space, you must present your book as a thing of great value to the reader. Why would the reader want to buy your book instead of other/similar books?
Comparative Analysis: List one or two other popular books currently on the market that are similar to yours. Put a note to the editor: “Readers who enjoyed such-and- such book will enjoy mine, as well.” Then go on to list what makes your book different from the one you listed.
Length of Manuscript: Give the book’s word count here. If you haven’t completed the book yet and aren’t quite sure, give an educated guess, using the word “approximately.”
Delivery of Manuscript: Is your book complete? If so, let the editor know. If not, let him/her know your anticipated date of completion.
Organizations and Affiliations: If you’re a member of any professional writing organizations, list them here. These might include: writing groups, critique groups, national writing organizations, etc.
Credits: List your publishing credits here. This would include magazine articles, short stories, published novels, etc.
Completed Works: List any books or articles you have completed but not sold. If one of these works is under consideration at a publisher, mention it.
Sales Numbers: The sales numbers on your previous books, if applicable.
About the Author: If you have a one-sheet, (author bio and photo with credits/affiliations) put it here. Your contact information should be on this page. Also list your website and/or blog.
Synopsis: Put your three—five page synopsis here. Be thorough, giving the editor a strong glimpse into lives and motivations of the primary character(s).
Chapter-by-Chapter Synopsis: Not every house requires this, but if your book is already written, you might consider adding a chapter-by-chapter synopsis so that the editor has a clearer picture of the story’s plot.
We’re coming to the end of our book proposal teaching. Remember, your ultimate goal is to make a lasting – and positive – first impression. With that in mind, why not spend the next few days putting together a wowzer query letter and the best possible proposal. If you’re hoping to sell that novel you’ve slaved over, this will be the best investment of your time that you could possibly make.
Thanks for spending this time looking at query and proposal formats, writers. Now,
go forth and propose!
