Four Must-Do Steps to Polish Your Book Proposal

Like the turkey, after countless hours of stuffing and basting, your book proposal is almost done. You have written a compelling outline, two sample chapters, a bio that made you look like the literary chosen one and a marketing plan that will move books out the door at record speed. Now it is time to clean it up.

I know, you are probably sick of looking at this book within a book, but a final polish could be the thing that makes or breaks the deal. Following are four must-do steps to finalize your ticket to published author status.

1. Proofread Every Word. This is essential. One major typo in the opening could send all your hard work to the slush pile. The agent and/or editor needs to feel comfortable that you can deliver a clean, error-free book. Grammatical lapses in the introduction will not induce confidence. This is where your MasterMind Writer friends can help. You have seen every word so often that you probably don't see the individual letters anymore. Divide it up among the members of your group or share it with your trusted writing companion. They will catch things you might have missed reading it 10 times.

2. Formatting. You don't have to learn InDesign or turn your proposal into a coffee table book, but make sure the font type and size is legible, the margins are consistent, the proposal flows well. Make it as easy as possible for your agent/editor to read it and say yes.

3. Attachments. You have a succinct summary that will quickly convince the gatekeeper that you are worthy. Now attach any corroborating evidence in case he or she would like to know more. Do you have newspaper or magazine articles you have written on the topic? How about endorsements for your previous works? Attach them. Most importantly, don't say you will attach something and then forget to add the file or include it in the envelope. Never make your editor search for something that just isn't there.

4. Send it. I know, this sounds obvious, but editors won't buy your book project if they can't read the proposal. Once you have finished it, send it. Stop fussing. Send it out into the world (Look for more next week on how to target the right agent). 

What are your book proposal rituals, success/horror stories? Share them with the Group.

Yours in Writing, 

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long