What to include in a book proposal for an agent or publishing house submission

By Marcus Coates, @homeinriyadh, 21st January 2021

Blog number 12

Wix: 'ready to get published.'

This week's blog is specifically aimed at new writers preparing their work for submission to an agent or publishing house.

Currently, I'm writing my first novel (Turning Corners) and figuring out as I go along what I'll need to eventually do or prepare to gain interest in my work from an agent or publishing house. As many new writers are taking the same journey as me, I thought it would be good to share my findings and process as I go along that road. For me, a journey shared is better than a solitary one.

I compiled this submission guideline based on various podcasts I recently listened to where writers talk about their writing process and how they first got published. I couldn't find any submission guideline listed in the podcast show notes, so I thought it handy to prepare one. If you have any further suggestions, please help me out by adding to the blog's comments section. Thanks!

For a handy, downloadable version of the information outlined below, you can visit my website's business page (www.mc-mindful-content.com) and save the word document to your computer or print a copy. Better still, why not subscribe to the site and get the latest recipes, blogs and templates straight to your inbox?

And to be clear, the information below is not meant as a definitive list of what to include in a submission - as each agent or publishing house may have a different and particular requirement as to what they would like to see submitted - this is meant as a broad guideline only.

Submission Guidelines

The cover page should have:

• Title of the book

• Subtitle (if any)

• Author name

• Contact information –

  • email

  • telephone number

  • website

  • mailing address

• Include alternative titles and subtitles to show that you are flexible and willing to aim for different markets and genres if required to do so (remember, it’s a business).

• Link the book to other work you have or ideas to show you are not a one-hit-wonder.

Section 2 - Brief Description of Your Writing Journey

• Aim for 3 – 5 paragraphs describing your writing intentions and where you see the book positioned in the market and your follow on work strategy.

Book Hook / The logline (one sentence)

• A one-sentence attention grabber to create curiosity in the book.

The premise (2 -3 sentences)

• What’s the concept or thesis of the book? Usually, this identifies the need and the solution.

Section 3 - Biographical Information (250 words)

• Past achievements?

• Networks – are you active on social media (followers, likes, instant marketing opportunities)?

• Credibility – why should an agent/publisher invest in you?

• Do you have testimonials or links to achievements?

• What does your CV or credentials or writing qualifications look like?

Section 4 - The Core of the Book

• Table of contents – list the chapters.

• Chapter by chapter synopsis 3 – 5 sentences per chapter describing the beginning to end of each chapter.

Section 5 - Marketing

Stage 1

Existing marketing opportunities

• What do you have in place to help promote and sell the book?

• What followers, connections, website, networks, and publicity avenues do you have in place?

Stage 2

What is your marketing strategy?

• Prelaunch? Build interest through your social network platforms, spread the word, find competitions and generate interest. Send out email and media campaigns.

• During launch? Podcasts, ramp up social media presence, make yourself available for readings and book signings.

• Post-launch? Keep up the social media presence, link to other books, past and present.

Stage 3

Competitive analysis

• Where do you want to position your book?

• Do you see any other potential markets to enter?

Section 6 - Writing Sample

The writing sample is the core, the reason for an agent or publisher to take you on. Make them fall in love with your work.

• Include the introduction and first two chapters.

Section 7 – Work in Progress

Emphasize that you have other work in progress (WIP) – an agent wants to see that you are not just a one-book wonder.

• Make a list of WIP with titles, book-hooks and premises outlined.

• Emphasize that you can send on any work of interest to the agent/publisher.

Section 8 - Final Words

• Emphasize your marketability and treat the book and yourself as a business and personal brand with growth potential. An agent or publishing house is looking to build a long-term relationship with an author.

Final words:

I hope 2021 is a productive year for us all: happy researching, writing, editing, and pursuing the dream of getting your work published!

Unsplash: Amador Loureiro

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