What came first? The chicken or the egg?
So many military spouses have reached out and shared their amazing ideas for books with me. They have told me about everything from health and wellness to comic or cook books. No matter the concept or focus, a book proposal is the first step to bringing a book to life.
What is a book proposal?
A book proposal is a prepared document that casts the vision of your book. It clarifies:
- who you are as an author
- who your reader is
- why your reader needs your book
- how you, as the author, are going to meet the need the reader is feeling.
In addition, the proposal outlines the concept of your book, along with all of the important details a publisher (or you, if you are self-publishing) will need. Some of the details include the estimated date of manuscript completion, approximate word count, and type of book (Bible study, workbook, etc.). Other specifications introduce your author platform (we’ll talk about this in a sec), your bio, and your unique qualifications or certifications.
Lastly, a book proposal comprises your total outline of the book, including a Table of Contents, individual chapter summary, and sample chapters. It also contains a list of comparable titles- books that are similar in nature to yours.
I never begin writing a book before completing the process of concept development and writing a full book proposal. If you wanted to build a new home, you wouldn’t start without a blueprint.
This tool will also be the means with which you attempt to attract a publisher.
What is a publishing house looking for in a proposal? Well, they want to see your platform, your purpose, and perfect writing.
Platform. Your platform is the reach that you have and the number of readers you already serve. Are you blogging? If so, how many subscribers do you have? Do you share most of your writing on social media? How many followers do you have? These numbers represent your platform and are a determining factor as publishers consider new authors.
Purpose. Why do you write and who are you writing for? For example, I am a Bible teacher and a military missionary. My area of expertise is in Biblical exposition, teaching, and preaching. I write books and Bible studies for women who are looking to learn more about God and how He meets us in the everyday mess. What is your passion? Friendship? Community? Career? The proposal is where you share your passion and purpose with the publisher.
Perfect Writing. The sample chapters that you include in your proposal indicate your skill as a writer. Publishers are looking for your ability to communicate to your reader with well-written and captivating content. They are searching for professional composition and comprehensive crafting.
When I turned in my first proposal, I was so nervous and green that I misspelled my first name. The cover letter read “A Proposal: by Megegran Brown.” Needless to say, I was not offered a contract. Your proposal must be well prepared, precise, and perfected. My advice is to have a capable friend or professional editor review your work. Make sure to go through it with a fine-tooth comb, removing any errors and making it as clear as possible.
The book proposal sets you, the author, up for successful writing. It is the map you will follow as you journey through writing your book the guide that will light the way during your scheduled writing time. Honestly, writing the proposal is my favorite part. It is composing the music that I hope to “sing” to those who would listen.
Megan B. Brown is a seasoned military spouse and military missionary. She is the Military Liaison for the Speak Up Conference Global Missions Military Scholarship and the 2019-Armed Forces Insurance Robins AFB Military Spouse of the Year. She is passionate about military mission work and teaching and preaching about Jesus in and out of the local church. Her Bible study, “Summoned: Answering a Call to the Impossible,” published by Moody Publishers in Chicago, will release in April 2021. She lives in south Mississippi with her husband, Keith, and their energetic kiddos. She is a Bible teacher, speaker, and freelance writer. To learn more or connect with Megan, visit www.meganbbrown.com.