The Book Proposal

by Bridget Geegan Blanton

As an unagented writer, keep in mind three key points: submit the book proposal to the correct editor, be persistent and realize that rejection is part of the process. Invest in a '2006 Writer's Market'. Spend time reading the specifications associated with each publishing house that you deem to be a good 'fit' with your novel. Each publisher will list the type of unsolicited manuscripts they will accept. A specific editor is listed to whom you can send the book proposal. The proposal consists of a cover letter, a sample chapter, a summary, a table of contents and an author bio. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want a response.

Format your cover letter like a standard business letter. The initial sentences must grab the editor's attention. Consider opening your letter with a poignant scene from your book. Set the scene. Name the character. Describe the conflict. Revise the paragraph until it shows the strength of your writing. Introduce the concept of your novel. Essentially, distill the essence of your novel down to a few sentences. Avoid gimmicks. Use your writing skills to sell your book and yourself as an author. Editors read countless cover letters, make your letter stand out. Mention which genre of fiction your novel has been written in, be it mystery, romance or science fiction. If the manuscript is finished, provide an approximate word count. Specify the target audience of your novel and tell the editor why you're qualified to write it. View a sample cover letter following this article. Most important, be brief and to the point.

The page count required for the book summary will be cited by the publishing house. Like the sample chapter, a summary is always double-spaced and can range from 2 - 10 pages. Once again, use this opportunity to showcase your strength as a writer. In addition, you will be asked to provide a table of contents. This is a tool to display the structure and organization of your novel. Finally, furnish a brief bio that includes an author photo. Cite the city of your birth, where you reside, your education, experience and qualifications and a couple of interesting personal notes. Create one with desk-top publishing or have a print shop create it. As mentioned, rejection is part of the publishing process. All published writers have a rejection 'war story' or two. Focus your energy instead on submitting a polished, professional book proposal that stands out in the pile on the editor's desk.

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Sample Cover Letter

(Your) Name

(Your) Address

(Your) Phone

(Your) E-mail

Publishing House

Dept.

Address

Dear (specific editor),

It is 1884. Kate O'Reilly stares resolutely into the wind on deck of the Golden Vanity, as the shoreline of her beloved Ireland disappears behind a veil of mist. Even now, she resists the possibility that happiness could be found in America. It is her father's dream, not her own. The story of Kate's personal journey begins amidst the mystical beauty of the Irish coastline. She learns early that love and laughter help to ease a soul's burden in life. Kate O'Reilly, just 17, has the pedigree of an Irish peasant and the confidence of a Celtic Warrior Queen. Out of a sense of duty, Kate follows her parents to America and leaves behind a dream for her own future in Ireland, the country she loves. At the end of the ocean voyage Kate is beset by tragedy. (the following 3 sentences have been omitted from this sample as a service to folks who have not yet read 'Whispers on the Wind'.) In the days that follow, she is initiated into adulthood through a baptism of heartache and adversity. Accompany Kate from the rugged, Irish shoreline, through Chicago and on to the verdant mountain valley of Santa Ynez, California where she finds happiness and meaning for her life.

My title for this work is 'Whispers on the Wind'. The finished manuscript is approximately 105,000 words in length. This novel is intended for the historical fiction market. Through my own test-marketing I have found cross-over market success with positive results from readers both male and female, ages 14 - 72. One of the recurring comments from my test group of readers was an inquiry into a possible sequel. I am presently working on the sequel and have plans to continue the story through several more generations of Kate's family.

As a great-granddaughter of Irish immigrants who settled in Chicago, I have the background needed to write this story. Furthermore, I am a long-time student of history and possess the qualifications necessary to achieve a thorough and accurate research of both Ireland and America during the 1880's. I have read several historical fiction novels and understand how essential it is to create strong, believable characters with a page-turning plot in a historically genuine setting. I have written for several publications both hard copy and on-line. I am self-employed as a freelance writer and translator and interact daily with language usage and analysis.

I hope the concept behind my finished novel will interest you so that I may send you a full proposal.

Sincerely,

(Author's name)

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