INSIDER INSIGHT!
Best Advice on Book Proposals from Publishing Professionals
When we asked editors, agents, published authors, and other people in the publishing industry for their words of wisdom for aspiring writers, we were naturally pleased that much of what they said echoed our advice. We were even more pleased when they said something we hadn't thought of. We don't always include their names because some of the editors prefer only to receive queries and proposals from agents, and some agents aren't seeking new clients. We are especially pleased to share the hard-won insights of authors who have gone through the publishing process themselves.
Published authors were especially forthcoming about their experiences in developing their manuscripts and working with editors and other people at publishing houses. Publishers used to do more consistent manuscript development, but that's not as true now, as several editors and authors point out. And since the quality of the published book has so much to do with how authors work with their publishers, these veterans' thoughts on that subject may also be useful to you.
"Be Professional": Timothy Staveteig, Editor in Chief, The Pilgrim Press
In the past ten years, the number of books that I need to acquire has nearly tripled. At one time, I could nurture a new author with a good idea wrapped inside a poorly written proposal. Today new authors need to present themselves as professionals. Proposals that state clearly four items get most of my attention:
"One Shot": A senior editor at HarperCollins
Make sure that what you submit has your very best, most polished manuscript. You only get one shot with a publisher.
"Make Sure Your Project Fits the (Trade) Publisher": Cedric Crocker, Vice President and Publisher, Jossey-Bass, a John Wiley & Sons Imprint
Do everything you can to make sure your project fits the publisher before submitting it. Look at books published by each publisher you're considering - content, style, audience. Check to see if an editor is credited, even credited consistently in similar books. That's a good indicator that you may have an advocate and someone who can add value to your work. It also gives a person you can contact directly. Corollary: Never send blind submissions.
"Pick the Right (Academic) Publisher": Humanities Editor, University of Texas Press
When you're ready to submit your proposal to a press (or presses), be sure to do your research first. Find out what sort of books the press publishes. Would your book fit their list? Look at the press' catalogs, both print and on-line. Even call the press directly and ask to talk to someone in editorial, even an assistant. Describe your project briefly and let them tell you if it fits their publishing program. And however you do your research, try to discover the name of the editor who covers that area so you can address your proposal to her or him directly. I'll spend less time looking at a proposal that is just addressed to "The Editor" than I will looking at one addressed to me specifically. And one of my female colleagues will immediately discard any proposal that begins "Dear Sir." So don't make any assumptions if you cannot find the editor's name.
"Get Your Work Published First": Chloe Atkins, photographer and author, Girls' Night Out (St. Martin's Press, 1998)
Get your work published in little ways first, like one chapter or so, in all the magazines and newspapers you can think of, wherever, to get as much exposure as possible. This shows potential publishers you have been published, and who knows, maybe a nice agent will see your work around a lot and be curious enough to contact you.
"Say What You Can Do to Promote Your Book": Senior Editor, NTC/Contemporary Books Emphasize right up front in a query letter or proposal how you as an author can help promote and sell the book. Does the author have a following? Give regular seminars? Have media contacts? Is the book based on original research the author has done on a topic that concerns many people? -
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