The Book Proposal
The proposal represents you and your book in miniature.
Your goal: to leave the reader with an urgent desire to read the book and convince them that you are the perfect person to write it.
Summary
One-paragraph summary of the book’s main “hook.” What question are you answering, what problem are you solving, and why is it important?
Description
No more than around 2,000 words; make sure the first paragraph is punchy and clearly draws the reader in
Annotated table of contents
An annotated list of chapters, each chapter title followed by a short (1-3 sentence) description
Competing books
Not a review of the literature, but 4-5 recent books that are on similar topics or that take a similar approach or have a similar readership—or that you are positioning yourself against. Make sure you give a sense of why you have chosen those competing books and describe how your book is different.
Readership
Who will read this book? Who must read this book? Who are you speaking to, as an author? If you think the book will be assigned in courses, which courses, at which level? Which book(s) would it replace as a course reading?
About the author
A short bio, of the sort that you would circulate when giving a talk. Include academic appointments, major awards, and previous books.
In addition, list your media experience. Have you written for non-specialist audiences? Appeared on radio or TV? Are you especially active on social media? Do you regularly give public talks?
Length & images
Projected word length of the entire ms, including footnotes. Number of images, number of tables, number of maps. Any other special elements or considerations (must have color printing, legal read, interview releases, etc.)?
Schedule for completion
Date you anticipate finishing the book
Manuscript sample or manuscript
One or several chapters, either finished or in solid drafts; or the entire manuscript if it is finished or in a full draft.