Nonfiction Book Proposals Anybody Can Write - by Elizabeth Lyon (Paperback)

About the Book

Many writers, and aspiring writers, don't realize the opportunities that exist in the nonfiction book market. This book shows them how to take advantage, with topics including subject matter research, creating marketing plans, and writing a strong "About the Author" section. Also features two dozen actual proposals.

Book Synopsis

Sign the contract...then write the book. The good news is that almost every nonfiction book published is sold by a proposal. In this comprehensive yet accessible guide, you will learn exactly what a proposal is, what it must contain, and how to pull yours together into an informative, persuasive selling package. Already a favorite for thousands of aspiring writers, this book has been revised and updated by Elizabeth Lyon to feature nearly two dozen actual proposals, plus:

- Choosing a topic based on current trends and competing titles

- Drafting the perfect concept statement--daring agents and editors to reject you

- Defining and targeting your readership--then connecting with them

- Preparing a table of contents and chapter summaries

- Submitting exciting and well-written sample chapters

- Writing query letters

- Devising a marketing plan that will excite agents and publishers

Review Quotes

"The perfect tool with which to create a successful book proposal."--Mary Alice Kier and Anna Cottle, Cine/Lit Representation, Literary Agency and Media Consultants

"Elizabeth Lyon knows book proposals the way a surgeon knows anatomy."--Gary Provost, author of 22 books including 100 Ways to Improve Your Writing

"This book is pure gold! I received an offer from a large publisher who stated that my proposal was professional and well-written; even my agent said it would be the standard in the industry. I owe a debt of gratitude to Ms. Lyon." --Mary Jeanne Menna, author of Mom to New Mom: Practical Tips and Advice for the New Mom

"Don't try to sell your next nonfiction book without consulting it." --Gerald Gross, author of Editors on Editing: What Writers Need to Know About What Editors Do

"Nonfiction Book Proposals Anybody Can Write gave me the structure I needed to produce a coherent, organized proposal. Everything my agent wanted to see in my proposal was there because of Elizabeth's book. I was able to send my proposal within a week, and three months later, my agent was responding to bids from four large publishing houses. One of them paid me an unusually high advance for a first-time author. I will always be grateful to Elizabeth." --Sallirae Henderson, M.Div., author of A Life Complete: Emotional and Spiritual Growth for Midlife and Beyond

About the Author

Elizabeth Lyon, a regular speaker at writing conferences and retreats nationwide, has been a contributor to Writer's Digest and is a mentor, editor, and teacher for many writers. The author of Nonfiction Book Proposals Anybody Can Write and The Sell Your Novel Toolkit, she lives in Eugene, Oregon.