Are You Writing Your Book Backwards?
When someone is going to write a book often their first step is to open a computer file and begin writing a manuscript. Day after day they write their book until they finish, then wonder how to get it published.You aren't alone. Over 80% of people feel like they should write a book and get paid for it.These authors are dismayed to learn that editors and literary agents do not read book manuscripts. They read a specialized document called a book proposal.These unpublished writers do not understand how 80 to 90 percent of books are sold. Because of a lack of understanding, unpublished authors never sell their book manuscript to a publisher. Instead they gather some rejection slips and retire their book to a desk drawer or they plunge into self-publishing (more about this below).If you want to sell your book idea, then you need this book. I wrote this book as a frustrated acquisitions editor. I was not receiving the types of submissions that I needed to convince my colleagues inside the publisher to give the writer a contract. Often they were missing a key element or didn't include the information we needed to make a decision. Book Proposals That $ell (Revised Edition) has garnered over 130 Five Star Amazon reviews. Hundreds of people have used this book to:
But I'm going to self-publish, do I still need Book Proposals That $ell?
Yes. The average self-published book sells less than 200 copies. While it may sound simple to create a Kindle book or CreateSpace or Lulu or any number of the 20+ Author Solutions companies, what people unskilled in publishing do not realize:
Whether you are writing nonfiction, fiction or a children's book, this book will help you. Even if you self-publish, you need to do the work to create a book proposal. Why?
This mysterious document includes many elements that will never appear in your manuscript -- yet these elements are critical factors to publishing executives who will make a decision about whether to publish or reject your project. From his years as a book acquisitions editor, Terry has often tried to convince the room of publishing executives (sales, marketing and editorial) to issue a book contract for an author's idea. Yet far too often the author has not given Terry the ammunition to successfully get these executives to give an enthusiastic "yes" to the author's idea. The acquisitions editor is the first person to read the book proposals. This book contains his insight and experience regarding book proposals that sell. His stories and information will show you how to avoid the pitfalls of rejection. Book Proposals That $ell (Revised Edition) has proven results. Numerous authors have used the information in this book to get a literary agent or a book contract. Originally written in 2004, Terry's classic book has been completely revised and updated for a new generation of writers. The bookstore launch and release for this revised edition is October 5th. You can get the edition at a number of different bookstores. Just use the various buttons below. Many Different Ways to Purchase: 1. Purchase your autographed book from the author:
2. Purchase from your favorite Indie Bookstore
3. Purchase from Barnes & Noble.com:
4. Purchase from Books-A-Million.com:
5. Purchase from Amazon.com:
Here's other additions in Book Proposals That Sell:
Learn how to give the editor exactly what they need to champion your book idea.
Praise for the techniques in "Book Proposals That $ell"
Here's what readers are saying about Book Proposals That Sell...
Book Proposals That $ell 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. --Heather Ivester, Georgia
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. --Jeanne Zornes, Wentachee, Washington
Whalin uses his vast experience in the publishing business to lay out a step-by-step plan to write a proposal that will get your foot in the door. Even the fiction writer can gain much from Whalin's insight in this book. --Ronald Estrada, Oxford, Michigan
Book Proposals That $ell would have saved me years of heartache and rejection. Whether you're an aspiring author or already published, this book will help fast-track your next proposal to an acceptance letter. --Sean Young, Johannesburg, South Africa
I learned more about crafting a non-fiction proposal from Terry Whalin's book than I did from the three writers' conferences I've attended--and received huge dividends. By using the wealth of information in Book Proposals That Sell, I was able to write a powerful proposal that, to borrow Terry's term, "snagged" an agent. Three months later I signed a contract for my first non-fiction book! --Sharon L. Fawcett, New Brunswick, Canada I'm a fiction writer and my copy is marked and dog-eared. Terry covers the publishing business, submissions process, how editorial decisions are made, the editors and authors jobs, and a whole host of things that every writer needs to know! No writer should be without this valuable resource! --Bonnie Calhoun, New York Many Different Ways to Purchase: 1. Purchase your autographed book from the author:
2. Purchase from your favorite Indie Bookstore
3. Purchase from Barnes & Noble.com:
4. Purchase from Books-A-Million.com:
5. Purchase from Amazon.com:
If you already have a copy of this book, here's several suggestions: 1. Buy a copy for a friend. The price for this proven tool has never been so inexpensive and makes a terrific gift. 2. Enroll in Terry's Write A Book Proposal Membership Course. You will discover Terry's detailed teaching on book proposal creation. |
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W. Terry Whalin has been a book acquisitions editor for over 14 years at three different publishers. The acquisitions editor is the first person to read the submissions to a publishing house then champions the author's project in front of a room of publishing executives. Terry knows the inside scoop on what publishers want in a book proposal.
As a writer, Terry has published more than 60 books with traditional publishers such as Zondervan, St. Martins Press, Tyndale and others. A traditional publisher pays you to write the book. Twice in his career, he has written book proposals which received a six-figure advance. One of these proposals is included in Book Proposals That $ell. A popular speaker at conferences, Terry often teaches about book proposals.
Book Proposals That $ell
“A book proposal serves as the business plan for your manuscript. My friend Terry Whalin’s revised classic on this is a must-read for any writer.”
—Jerry B. Jenkins, A 21-time New York Times bestseller www.jerryjenkins.com
“Terry Whalin has written an informative book to help people navigate the treacherous waters of getting published. This book is an indispensable tool for new authors.”
—Scott Waxman, CEO Diversion Media
“I’ve known Terry Whalin and his work in publishing for decades. Throughout the years he has guided many authors to create excellent book proposals. His recently updated edition of Book Proposals That $ell will introduce these time-tested principles to a whole new generation of authors.”
—Steven James, bestselling author of Synapse
“This is a valuable step-by-step guide to doing a book proposal. It tells would-be authors what agents and editors look for in book proposals, with advice on how you can tailor your book proposal for the market at which you’re aiming.”
—Timothy Harper, journalist, author and Newmark-CUNY professor
“Terry Whalin shares his wisdom as a bestselling writer and editor to ensure your book contains the necessary ingredients to attract agents and editors. Whalin’s step-by-step instructions on how to create a dynamic proposal is filled with years of wisdom and insight. This is a must have book for every writer who has wrestled with a proposal.”
-—DiAnn Mills, bestselling novelist of Airborne
“Writers who are serious about getting published need more than talent. They need the inside scoop on what really goes on in publishing. Terry Whalin offers insider information for writers at every level in Book Proposals That $ell. This book is bursting with real life examples and bottom-line advise to create professional proposals that will make editors sit up and take notice.”
—Vicki Caruana, teacher and author of the bestselling Apples & Chalkdust.
“Terry Whalin has written scores of book proposals. And, as an acquisitions editor at two publishing houses, he’s read his fair share of proposals. Now he shares his wealth of knowledge in succinct chapters brimming with pointers.”
—Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent and Founder, Books & Such
“Traditional publishing is shrouded with mystery. Terry Whalin peels back the curtain to give authors an inside look at what a writer needs to provide a publisher. Following his advice will give you the edge you need to create a slam dunk proposal!”
—Michael S. Hyatt, New York Times bestselling author
“A tremendous book with crisp, concise and insightful advice that makes this an invaluable resource for every writer! Ignore his counsel at your peril.”
—Steve Laube, Literary Agent and President, The Steve Laube Agency
“As a former publisher, the truth and insider information from Book Proposals That $ell resonates with my own publishing experiences. Terry Whalin helps would-be authors or experienced writers walk through the critical questions from any acquisitions editor. If you give the editor this information, it will help you gain serious consideration for your book idea.”
—Kelly Gallagher, Vice President Content Acquisition, Ingram Content Group
“As an agent, I am consistently impressed by Terry’s nonfiction proposals. He knows how to put together a winning presentation. In Book Proposals That $ell, Terry combines his compassion for writers with his considerable publishing experience, resulting in solid, helpful advice for aspiring authors.
—Claudia Cross, Partner and Literary Agent, Folio Literary Management, New York City
“Many beginning book writers complain that it’s harder to write the proposal than the book itself. Until they know how, that’s probably true. Terry Whalin knows the secrets of good book proposals. As a writer, he’s composed many book proposals; as an editor, he’s read hundreds of them”
—Cecil Murphey, writer, co-writer, or ghostwriter of 140 books including Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story and 90 Minutes in Heaven.
“Early on as a writer, I turned to Book Proposals that $ell to learn how to craft a proposal that was not only correct, but that would get a publisher’s attention. Now as a literary agent, I receive proposals from writers seeking representation. I am shocked at how many know so little about what should be included in a proposal or how to present their project to get my attention. They desperately need this book. It is a must read for every writer who wants to be published.”
—Karen Hardin, Founder and Literary Agent, PriorityPR Group & Literary Agency
“When I wrote my first book proposal, Book Proposals that $ell was recommended as a guide. I’m thrilled Terry is updating this resource so I can recommend it to first-time authors. Each secret includes not only the “how-to,” but also the “why-to.” Armed with this information, writers can craft a proposal that will get a second and third look.
—Susan K. Stewart, Managing Editor—Nonfiction, Elk Lake Publishing Inc.
“If every proposal followed the rules of Book Proposals That $ell, my job would be a lot easier.”
—Kyle Duncan, Writer-in-Residence, The Fedd Agency
“With years of experience as an author and an editor, Terry Whalin has written a book that can help any writer. Book Proposals That $ell offers great advice on building the nonfiction proposal and also explains the inner workings of the editor’s and publication board’s role in acquiring a new book. Novelists, too, will find this background information very helpful. All authors need to understand the uphill battle they face in selling a book before they can be fully prepared to submit their absolute best proposal or manuscript. Whalin’s book lays out what they’ll face—and then shows them how to win the battle.”
—Brandilyn Collins, bestselling novelist
“Today writers need to stand out in the competitive literary marketplace. Book Proposals that $ell gives you the guidance to maximize your chances for success.”
—Katharine Sands, a literary agent at the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency and agent provocateur of the book, Making the Perfect Pitch: How to Catch a Literary Agent’s Eye
“As a writer, Terry has written proposals which received six-figure advances. As an editor, he has read countless proposals. I’m thrilled to see this updated edition of his classic Book Proposals That $ell—perfect for beginning to advanced writers.”
—Michelle Medlock Adams, bestselling author of more than 100 books and a NY Times Bestselling ghostwriter
“I speak with many authors (traditional and self-published). While their book is written, I'm shocked many of them are clueless about the critical elements of a book proposal: target audience, competition to their book and a detailed marketing plan. Terry Whalin’s Book Proposals That $ell is loaded with valuable insights for every author--no matter how your book is published.”
—Brian Feinblum, Award-winning blogger (www.BookMarketingBuzzBlog.blogspot.com) and book publicist of 30 years
“Book Proposals That $ell is the go-to resource for learning how to write a book proposal. It’ll set you apart from the crowd.”
—Lee Warren, freelance editor and author of the Mercy Inn Series
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