How to Write a Book Proposal Larsen
In a sentence
A veteran literary agent reveals the step-by-step process for crafting a compelling nonfiction book proposal that will excite editors, secure a publishing contract, and launch a successful author career.
In an increasingly competitive publishing landscape, a great idea is not enough. "How to Write a Book Proposal" is the definitive insider's guide for nonfiction writers who want to turn their concepts into published books. Written by seasoned literary agent Michael Larsen, this book demystifies the entire process, providing a comprehensive, step-by-step blueprint for creating an irresistible proposal. Readers will learn how to craft a powerful hook, choose a winning title, analyze markets and competition, and prove their book is a necessary addition to the shelf. Crucially, the book emphasizes the modern publisher's demand for authors who can sell, offering detailed strategies for building a robust author platform and creating a promotion plan that guarantees commitment. Packed with real-world examples from successful proposals, this guide equips authors to think like entrepreneurs—or "authorpreneurs"—and present themselves and their ideas in a way that convinces publishers to invest.
The model
This model outlines the key components of a nonfiction book proposal and the author-driven factors that influence a publisher's perception of a project's viability, ultimately leading to the acquisition of a publishing contract and the book's commercial success.
Proposal Qualitydesign lever
The overall professionalism, clarity, completeness, and persuasive power of the proposal document, including its structure, formatting, and adherence to industry conventions.
Book Concept Salabilitydesign lever
The commercial potential, timeliness, and uniqueness of the book's core idea, as communicated through a compelling title, subtitle, and selling handle that clearly articulates its value to a specific audience.
Author Platformdesign lever
The author's existing and ongoing visibility, credibility, and reach with the book's target audience, demonstrated through speaking engagements, media appearances, online presence (blog, social media), and prior publications.
Promotion Plan Commitmentdesign lever
The author's detailed, credible, and specific plan to actively market the book before, during, and after its launch, demonstrating a commitment to partnering with the publisher in the book's success.
Author Writing Abilitydesign lever
The demonstrated quality of the author's prose as presented in the sample chapter, including clarity, voice, style, organization, and the ability to engage and hold the reader's interest.
Market and Competition Analysisdesign lever
The thoroughness of the author's research into the book's target markets and its strategic positioning relative to competing and complementary titles, demonstrating an understanding of the publishing landscape.
Perceived Commercial Viabilitypsychological state
The publisher's subjective assessment of the book's potential to be profitable, based on the combined strength of the book concept, market size, author platform, and promotion plan.
Publisher Confidence in Authorpsychological state
The publisher's belief in the author's professionalism and capability to deliver a high-quality manuscript on time and to effectively partner in promoting the book.
Publishing Contract Acquisitionoutcome metric
The successful outcome of securing a signed agreement with a publisher for the publication of the author's book.
Advance Sizeoutcome metric
The amount of the financial advance against future royalties offered by the publisher to the author upon signing a contract.
Book Sales Successoutcome metric
The commercial performance of the published book, measured by the number of copies sold, revenue generated, and its potential to appear on bestseller lists.
How they connect
- proposal quality → influences publisher confidence in author
- book concept salability → influences perceived commercial viability
- author platform → influences perceived commercial viability
- author platform → influences publisher confidence in author
- promotion plan commitment → influences perceived commercial viability
- author writing ability → influences publisher confidence in author
- market and competition analysis → influences perceived commercial viability
- perceived commercial viability → predicts publishing contract acquisition
- publisher confidence in author → predicts publishing contract acquisition
- perceived commercial viability → predicts advance size
- publisher confidence in author → influences advance size
- publishing contract acquisition → influences book sales success
- promotion plan commitment → influences book sales success
The story
The reader An aspiring or established nonfiction author with a book idea they are passionate about. They want to get their book traditionally published, earn an advance, and build a successful writing career.
External problem
The author needs to create a professional book proposal that can break through the noise and convince a publisher to offer a contract, but they don't know the specific structure and components that editors require.
Internal problem
They feel overwhelmed, uncertain, and intimidated by the opaque publishing industry, fearing that their great idea will be rejected or go unnoticed.
Philosophical problem
It's just plain wrong that valuable book ideas that could help people or change the world fail to get published simply because the author doesn't know the insider rules for crafting a winning proposal.
The plan
- Structure your proposal into its three essential parts: Overview, Outline, and Sample Chapter.
- Craft an irresistible Overview that hooks the editor and details the book's markets, your author platform, and your promotion plan.
- Develop a comprehensive chapter-by-chapter Outline and write a polished Sample Chapter to prove you can deliver on the book's promise.
- Use the proposal to secure an agent or submit it directly to publishers to get the best possible deal for your book.
Success
- The author writes a proposal that lands them an agent and a publishing deal with a significant advance.
- Their book is published successfully, reaching its intended audience and establishing their authority in their field.
- The author builds a thriving career as a respected 'authorpreneur,' with a growing community of fans and opportunities for future books, speaking, and other ventures.
At stake
- The author's proposal is repeatedly rejected, and their book idea never gets published.
- They remain a frustrated, aspiring author, unable to share their valuable message with the world.
- They waste time and effort on proposals that don't meet industry standards, leading to disillusionment with their writing career.
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