Book Proposals That Sell: 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success

This book is written by one of the most knowledgeable editors in the field. I figured that, based on that alone, it must be good. And it is. The book is an absolute gem for the author preparing a non-fiction proposal, but it also contains advice that will help the fiction author. Perhaps equally as important, it gives the reader a detailed idea of how editors and agents approach proposals. I've used it to prepare several proposals, and plan to go back and consult it periodically in the future, to keep the principles fresh in my mind. Nice job, Terry.

Before you even think about writing a book, you need to read Terry's book. Finally, in helpful detail, we have an insider explaining what goes on in those mysterious caverns called publishing offices. Terry teaches you how to write a book that will pass the scrutiny of those guarding the publishing house gates and eventually reach the golden status of "published." He introduces his book with some insight into non-fiction trends in publishing, then launches into the twenty-one "secrets" that comprise a winning book proposal. From sharpening a book's topic and identifying an audience, to defining marketing plans and putting together a winning proposal package, he gives helpful, inspiring advice. His thorough treatment offers a comprehensive education in the business side of book writing that you'd never get from a conference or course. It's a paperback mentor you can't pass by.

Author Terry Whalin has written an amazingly helpful book for those wanting to publish a non-fiction manuscript. Book Proposals that Sell: 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success offers practical, succinct advice to help authors create attention-grabbing proposals. He gives authors a much-appreciated insider view of why editors and agents reject the many projects coming across their desks, while offering sound tips for rejection-proofing a non-fiction proposal. He also provides proposal samples for those who learn by seeing an example. From teaching the importance of creating a stellar marketing plan (complete with special markets consideration) to encouraging writers to juggle multiple projects, Whalin's experience both behind and beyond the editor's desk helps authors navigate the publishing industry's often fickle seas. Whalin, rightly, stresses the importance of relationships within the industry. My favorite secret was his last: Always Take the Attitude of a Learner. None of us are ever "too big" to keep learning the craft of writing. His words encouraged me to continue to be a lifelong learner. Complete with personal stories and the authority of someone who's been there, Whalin's book is a must-have for anyone wanting to publish non-fiction.

You've got an idea that you're bursting to put into words. You think you may even have a book in you. You talk about it with your friends and family, and they tell you it sounds amazing. Now what? Weeks pass. Months go by. Maybe even years. That idea just won't go away! So, finally you sit down at your computer and begin typing it out. You become engrossed in your topic -- swamped in research, personal anecdotes, and fresh twists on age-old issues. You're convinced every publisher will be clamoring for your book. Unfortunately, if you send your masterpiece out without a bodyguard (an agent), it may end up in a tottering pile of manuscripts in the corner of an editor's office. Or worse -- it may not even make it to his desk because a first reader deemed it inappropriate for the publishing house. Never fear. That's where Terry Whalin's book will save you the months and years of heartache as you turn your passion into print. He explains, "Many writers focus only on the creative aspects of writing a book and getting it published, but the executives inside a publishing house are business people who want to sell books and turn a profit at the end of the day. It's a delicate balance between creating the best possible product and assuring that each product has the best opportunity to sell into the market and reach the target audience." BOOK PROPOSALS THAT SELL is your road map for bypassing the long, winding route that gets you nowhere and shows you the shortcuts for learning what publishers are really looking for. The author explains that more than 80% of nonfiction books are first sold as proposals. How can you capture an editor's interest? Where should you start? The 21 secrets in this book will teach you what really goes on behind the closed doors of an editorial meeting. And they obviously work -- since Terry Whalin has published over 60 nonfiction books and also works as an acquisitions editor. His personal web of stories spun from a career in the publishing world make the book a dynamic read. And it's fun to learn about all the goofy stuff people do to try to get their foot in the door. (Yes, you get all the nitty-gritty details...Like the one about the writer who wanted to know if she could have a response over the weekend!) What makes this book truly worth the money is that it's only a springboard into the topic of book publishing. It's filled with up-to-date websites that will further your education. Want to see a sample proposal that sold for six figures? It's in there. Want to see a list of agents, hear which conferences are the best, or learn about book marketing? Having this book will save you hours of surfing the web because you'll receive the author's list of the very best sites. If you're planning a trip to a new place, you wouldn't dream of going without a map. And writing a book is a journey with the destination of getting your ideas into the minds of your readers. Whalin says, "With good writing skills and using the secrets in

I'm a published book reviewer, freelance critiquer and editor. Because I read proposals and manuscripts for various houses, authors and agents, I have seen my share of proposals that aren't quite "there." I wish I could send this book to every wannabe author out there who isn't quite sure what they did wrong, or what they could do right to get through people like me. With examples, anecdotes and real experience this book hands the keys to open doors for those who wonder what the mystery is all about. The appendices are worth the price of the book.