In June, the Florida Writers Association hosted their first “mini” conference devoted to nonfiction and I was thrilled to have been invited to give a two part workshop on “How to Write a Winning Book Proposal.”
It has long been the case that nonfiction writers, instead of penning a complete manuscript, could sell their ideas based solely on well-developed book proposals. An extended marketing pitch, the book proposal is a unique document that any writer of nonfiction must master.
This talk taught attendees what goes into a contract-winning book proposal, where to find important information, and how to evaluate your own material to ensure you’re presenting your project—and yourself—in the best possible light. We also discussed how editors and agents evaluate potential acquisitions and what your proposal must contain to get the coveted attention of these publishing professionals.
I had a great time, and so did the attendees. A few of them shared their thoughts with me:
Your workshop was my favorite of the six I attended during the one-day conference. Your personal friendliness and empathy with the concerns of struggling writers combined with the uncomplicated, straightforward and thorough presentation of your subject, fortified me, at least, for the work I have ahead of me. Besides the wealth of information and instruction you provided, the way in which you spoke with us made me feel that, just possibly, all of the bastions of the gates of the publishing world are not cold-blooded and ruthless, after all. You gave me hope. No greater gift than that, if it’s backed up with the tools you need to realize your goals.–Cynthia Williams, www.cyn1020.wordpress.com
The real examples truly helped me to visualize the concept and understand what is expected for each section of a proposal. I felt encouraged in the process, and being reminded of what mistakes to avoid will help me write a successful proposal.–Georgette Beck, www.bellahealinghears.com
Full of well organized information! I walked in with my book proposal information as clear as mud. Your answers and comments helped clarify much of my murky thinking.–Kathy Dobronyi
I enjoyed spending yet another weekend in sunny Florida! Many thanks to organizers Larry Leech and Chrissy Jackson for inviting me and making it such a lovely experience. The Florida Writer’s Association has been hosting these mini-conferences throughout the year and in different parts of Florida, so if you or your writer friends live in the Sunshine State, I hope you’ll take advantage of one of these great weekend events in 2015.
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