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
Acknowledgments
Foreword
Preface to the New Edition
A Note to My Readers
Chapter One: Book Proposals: What Are They? Why Use Them?
Chapter Two: Evaluating and Refining Your Ideas: Preparing to Write Your Book