If you want your nonfiction book to be traditionally published, you need a rock-star book proposal.
Your book proposal needs to convince a publisher to invest in your book and to pay you an advance to write it. It may also persuade an agent to take you on. It’s a business plan for your book.
A rock-star book proposal paints a vivid picture of:
Who your target audience is
How you will reach them
Why the world needs this book now
Why you are the best person to write it
How your book differs from existing books on the same subject
How you will help market the book
You get one shot to make your case to a publisher or agent. Your book proposal needs to be the best possible pitch to land a publishing deal.
With my 30+ years of marketing, writing, and research experience, I can help you develop a compelling proposal to attract publishers and agents through my two services:
For authors who will seek a publisher but do not have a book proposal yet…
If you have an idea for a book and are ready to tackle the proposal, I can guide you through the process. When done, you’ll have confidence that your proposal puts the strongest case forward for your pitch.
Proposal development involves high level and granular looks at the book you plan to write. Together we’ll:
Clarify your reasons for writing the book and what you hope to gain
Look at your publishing options and chart a first-choice path
Envision and flesh out your book
Understand your book’s market place and audience
Craft your book’s hook, compelling overview, and chapter summaries
Develop a book marketing plan that reaches your target readers but doesn’t turn your stomach
Draw up agent and publisher lists
Draft sample query letters
Our work together will span seven-to-nine 45-minute calls (Zoom or phone) to get your proposal pitch-ready. You’ll have between-session assignments. You’ll have email and phone access to me while we work together for quick questions that arise between meetings.
The time it will take to develop your proposal depends on the cadence of our meetings. Weekly calls would complete the process in 2-3 months; biweekly, 3-5 months.
Book proposal development cost: Starting at $2,850 for coaching through the writing of your proposal.
Adjacent services like developmental editing of sample chapters, support during the querying process, and coaching through the selection of agents and/or publishers incur an additional cost.
The next step is to request a free 30-minute chat. We’ll discuss your book idea, where you are in the process, what your goals are for your book.
If we discover we are a good fit to work together, I’ll send you a contract. Once you sign it and I receive your first half payment, we can craft a schedule that works for you and start.
“Evelyn became my writing coach and mentor…Evelyn helped re-frame my view of my work. I was not ‘just writing a book’ I was on a journey as a first-time author to introduce ideas I hoped would transform modern business. I am so grateful Evelyn facilitated this perspective shift. I highly recommend Evelyn and her magic hat of expert skills!”
— Chaela Volpe
Author of Brain-Fueled Workplace
Happy Clients
“Evelyn met me where I was and led me to a practical way of reimagining my initial FF manuscript. We’ve covered an extreme amount of helpful ground in the relatively short time we’ve connected. I am looking forward to sharing the road ahead.”
— Bill Mecaughey
Manuscript-in-progress
Happy Clients
— Mark Schaefer
Best-selling author of KNOWN and Marketing Rebellion
Get your book proposal assessed
For authors who have a book proposal but have not yet landed a publisher or agent…
Maybe you’ve written your book proposal and want to know if it’s good enough to pitch? Or you’ve taken it as far as you can and want to know how to bolster the case for your book?
I can assess your proposal, let you know where it is strong and what you need to strengthen to make the most compelling case for your book. I will ensure you have all the requisite book proposal sections – the industry has specific expectations for book proposal contents, sequence, and format. And that you have insights to enable each section to support your book with gusto.
With this package, I will provide you with:
One 30-minute consultation (Zoom or phone) to discuss your goals for your book and publishing path
One thorough review of your proposal, returned to you with detailed comments within 5 business days
One 45-minute follow-up call to discuss my feedback, answer your questions, and identify next steps
One editorial letter detailing my assessment, feedback, and recommendations for revision within 3 business days of our follow-up call
Two weeks of email access to me for questions that arise post follow-up call
Get your book proposal assessed cost: $895
This package does not include developmental editing of your chapter outline or sample chapters. Those incur additional cost, depending on their length.
You can purchase additional assessments or feedback calls on your proposal if you’d like me to review the changes you’ve made. Cost: $250 each.
The next step is for you to contact me and request a free 30-minute chat or let me know you are ready for an assessment.
