How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen

Description: This lot consists of a soft back edition of - How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen, AAR Written by a literary agent who has successfully placed writers' manuscripts with more than 100 publishers, this newly revised book takes you through every step of writing a nonfiction book proposal: test your idea's market potential and effectively relate that idea in your proposal, prepare an introduction that conveys your book's purpose and audience, as it compels the editor to read on, pick the best editors and publishers to pitch your proposal to, create a professional-looking proposal package, and predispose publishers to make you their best offer. You'll also find three complete sample proposals to use as guides, complete self-promotion strategies and a wealth of insider tips that will put your proposal ahead of the competition. Customer Reviews You know that you are reading a good book when you are laughing out loud as you read it and you can't put it down. You know that the book is truly good when you find yourself planning your activities around reading it and sneaking in pages when you are supposed to be working. And finally, you know you have found a true gem when, after finishing the book, you smile knowingly to yourself, full of ideas, and say to yourself, 'I can do this'. One would never think that non-fiction could have that effect. Michael Larsen's How to Write a Book Proposal is that kind of book. Mr. Larsen goes beyond mere information to give the aspiring new writer inspiration. Beginners and seasoned professionals will find very useful material in the book. Written in an active, easy-going, can-do style, Larsen's positive outlook and infinite love of the book really comes through. The reader will learn in quick, readily understandable succession, what goes into a book proposal, how to capture and sustain an agent's and editor's interest interest from the first word, and how to market and promote one's book for maximum profit. Useful advice on book proposal writing (advice that works) is presented throughout the book, as well as samples of various book proposals to show you exactly how to write the book proposal that sells.This is, without a doubt, a must-have reference for any writer. Part One Selling the Sizzle: The IntroductionLarsen explains how to get paid to write your book; how to devise the most effect "subject hook" and "book hook"; how to avoid technical and legal problems; which back matter to consider for inclusion; how to determine a book's markets; which subsidiary rights and spin-offs to consider; what a promotion plan involves; how to select and present competitive and complementary books; which resources may be needed; and how to formulate an author's biography Part Two Baring the Bones and Sampling the SteakLarsen explains what the the proposal outline should include; explains why verbs and structure are the two "keys" to the proposal outline; offers "quick fixes for six kinds of books"; and includes sample chapters, followed by a Q&A section on what to submit Part Three: Getting Your Proposal to MarketHe explains how to assemble the proposal components; how to make the proposal stand out; identifies three ways to test-market the idea for the book; and explains how to sell the proposal fast and do so with the best terms and conditionsLarsen then provides two appendices: one explains how to research competitive books; the other provides three sample proposals. Throughout his narrative, he includes a number of "Hot Tips" which deserve special attention. In fact, all of the advice which he offers should be carefully considered. Wisely, Larsen assumes that his reader knows little (if anything) about the process by which to prepare a book proposal. He patiently and thoroughly guides the reader through that process. Perhaps others will have the same reaction I did when reading Larsen's book as well as the Hermans' book: That it was written expressly for me, that Larsen had anticipated all of the questions I needed answered (and then carefully answered them for me), and that -- meanwhile -- he was disabusing me of whatever misconceptions I may have had about the process by which to obtain the services of a literary agent and/or secure a publishing contract. Both books cover much of the same ground and do so with meticulous care. However, there are differences (albeit mostly subtle) in how Larsen and the Hermans present their ideas. As already indicated, I had no problem with duplications because, first, they reassured me that the advice is sound, and second, repetition increases the impact of what they agree are key points. For me, some of Larsen's most valuable advice to aspiring authors is provided in Chapter Eleven, "Getting the Words Write: A Style Guide for Your Proposal." (The same advice will be of great value to others who also need to write more effectively.) For example: "Avoid weak verbs. Use can for could; will for would, might, or should; is for seems to be. Readers want to be informed by an authority, so write like one! The more forceful your statement the better, particularly in the overview, when you're trying to sell your idea and yourself to an editor. Don't pussyfoot around. Be accurate, but be bold." Larsen's own crisp and lucid writing is the most convincing evidence of how sound his "Style Guide" is.

Price: 5.99 USD

Location: Acworth, Georgia

End Time: 2025-01-23T14:48:28.000Z

Shipping Cost: 3.5 USD