How to Write a Book Proposal [Paperback]

Michael Larsen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 18, 2011 | ISBN-10: 158297702X | ISBN-13: 978-1582977027 | Edition: 4

The Source for Book Proposals Success!

How to Write a Book Proposal is THE resource for getting your work published. This newly revised edition of the Writer's Digest Books classic outlines how to create an effective, nonfiction book proposal in a clear, step-by-step manner. You'll learn the keys to a successful book proposal and how to:

• Test-market the potential of a book idea and effectively communicate that potential in a proposal
• Choose the best agents and editors for a particular proposal
• Create a professional-looking proposal package
• Predispose publishers to make their best offer

Notes agent and author Michael Larsen also provides insider insights into the publishing industry as well as a plethora of newly updated information including:

• Recent changes in the publishing industry
• Updated trend information
• New sample proposals
• Expanded instructions for creating outlines

You'll also find complete guidelines to becoming an effective self-promoter. How to Write a Book Proposal is a must-have for every writer!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Michael Larsen co-founded Michael Larsen-Elizabeth Pomada Literary Agents, in 1972. He is a member of AAR. Mike is also the author of How to Get a Literary Agent, and with Jay Conrad Levinson and Rick Frishman, coauthor of Guerrilla Marketing for Writers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Writer's Digest Books; 4 edition (April 18, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158297702X
• ISBN-13: 978-1582977027
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.9 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,933 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #30 in Books > Education & Reference > Writing, Research & Publishing Guides > Publishing & Books > Authorship
  • #95 in Books > Education & Reference > Writing, Research & Publishing Guides > Writing > Writing Skills

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Helpful! October 11, 2011

By M. Brinson

Format:Paperback

Being an unpublished writer, I was looking forward to reviewing the 4th edition of How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen. This book is easy to read, filled with relevant examples. This Writer's Digest classic outlines in a clear step-by-step manner how to create an effective nonfiction book proposal. This edition of the book features information about recent changes in the publishing industry, updated trend information, new sample proposals, a completely updated resources section, and a new chapter on online promotion. This book is a comprehensive how-to guide filled with lists, bullet points, dos and don'ts, hot tips, and sample proposals that will help writers create a winning proposal. The information in this book is well organized and presented in a way that the layperson can easily understand and apply. Larsen covers subjects such as Your Subject Hook, Your Title, Your Promotion Plan, Your Bio, and Your Competition. He also provides tips on marketing and research, as well as sample proposals and information on what editors and agents want. If you're a writer looking to get published and perhaps gain some insight into the publishing industry, this is well worth the read.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review program for bloggers. I was not asked to write a positive review, but simply, an honest one.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have book for writing book proposals January 17, 2013

By Petula Renee Wright

Format:Kindle Edition

I've read my share of book proposals and books about writing book proposals. A good number of them are intimidating, difficult to understand and cause a new and unpublished author of nonfiction to rethink their approach to this "book thing." That isn't the case with the 4th edition of How to Write a Book Proposal by literary agent Michael Larsen.

Larsen's book is definitely the one you'll want to add to your personal library and refer back to when you're writing a book proposal. The 100,000 copies sold and its 25 years in print is probably a hint to its popularity and success, and it doesn't hurt that it's written as a precise and clear step-by-step roadmap to the ideal book proposal.

The book highlights information about changes in the publishing industry and includes updated trends, sample proposals and resources as well as a new chapter on online promotion. That's just like a Writer's Digest classic to make sure its new edition stays on top of what's current.

Not only is this book informative, but it's also interesting. It definitely challenged me to pay attention to the vast amount of details that are necessary to complete a successful proposal. If you're serious about seeing your nonfiction book bought by a reputable publisher then you should get serious about your book proposal. How to Write a Book Proposal is the book for you.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars THE END. Now what? August 19, 2012

By Ramboette

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you're like me you love to write. But when it comes to writing something to promote me, I'm stuck. I've written resumes, biographies and the like for other people and they are amazed at themselves after I get done describing them and their talents, but "tooting my own horn" is very difficult for me. This book showed me how to tell the world that I can write and my writing is worth reading. I couldn't have wiggled my way through this part of the process without this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, highly practical February 8, 2012

By Heidi B. Parales

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I find Larsen's book eminently practical. I am using his suggestions as a model for creating my nonfiction proposal. Lots of great advice.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Michael, thank you for your wisdom!! May 12, 2012

By Pam Bond

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am writing my first book proposal. I could not have asked for a better guide. Michael's directions are clear and specific; easy to read and follow. "Hats off to you!!, Michael". You have turned a formidable task into a pleasant, engaging experience for me. You have my sincere gratitude.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Read this and Write right April 29, 2012

By Kiki

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen is fun to read. Most How-To books bog me down with details laden upon details. Mr. Larsen gives you all you need to know to start confidently looking for a publisher.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Third edition is excellent; fourth edition felt a bit hyper and choppy May 2, 2013

By Mark Twain

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Having read the third edition hardcopy from my library and then having gone through the Kindle (4th) edition, I have to say that there are many things I preferred about the 3rd edition. Certainly if you have access to only the 3rd edition, you should not feel disadvantaged.
In particular, the table of contents in the 3rd edition provides an excellent, simple checklist for writing a book proposal.
Overall, the writing style is engaging and Larsen argues his points well. I was convinced again and again to take his advice.
I DEFINITELY recommend this book to anyone yearning to get published as an author.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensble for Your First Book Proposal September 9, 2012

By Elaine Campbell VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am in the process of writing a first proposal for my new book about adopting senior strays. Without this extremely thorough, detailed and clearly written book I would be totally lost and making every mistake in the book (no pun intended), thereby presenting myself as a total and ill-informed amateur and giving the wrong impression of my lovely work.

I cannot believe there is another book in existence that is better than this one in explaining specifically what needs to be done and how to do it, with examples galore like signposts along the way to assist the writer in achieving the goal of creating a bona fide and interesting book proposal that will be appreciated and noticed by agents and/or publishing firms.

If you are a toned-down writer/person and don't feel comfortable with all the brouhaha attached to self-promotion, the go-getter's ploys and even tricks to grab attention, don't sacrifice your nature in order to obey every suggestion contained in this fine book. Just use what suits you best (and you will find aid in plenty) and stick to your own guns with suggestions that you don't feel right in following. That's what I have done as I am not a former cheerleader or a rah-rah type of person. The true test is in the merit of the book.

I want to thank the author, Michael Larsen, himself an agent and author, for writing this book that gives me every stepping stone I need.