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“How do you eat an elephant?” my sister said.

“I wouldn’t eat an elephant,” I said, as I looked at my cluttered closet.

“One bite at a time.”

I took her advice and separated the once overwhelming task into small pieces.

Creating a book proposal can feel the same. Over the next few months I will break down the sections of the proposal so you can stomach the process. You can do this!

[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none” inject=”#writing #pubtip”]Book Proposal Basics for Writers, Part 1: Title Page, Contents, and Sell Sheet – @BisbanoWrites on @BRMCWC[/tweet_box]

The first three sections are the Title Page, Table of Contents, and The One Page Sell Sheet (or One Sheet). Check with your agent or publisher for their specific format.

Title Page

This page should include the following:

• Name, address, phone, and email
• Title and subtitle of book
• agent representation-if applicable
• Genre, word count

You can research the different formats. This page should be free of fancy fonts, pictures, and artwork.

Table of Contents

This is for the book proposal, not the book. Make sure the page numbers match the content in book proposal. Some agents and publishers reference specific parts of the proposal before reading the entire document.

One Page Sell Sheet (One Sheet)

The One Page Sell Sheet is like a mini resume. The sell sheet gives the agent or publisher pertinent information while enticing them to continue reading. It is not to be confused with the sell sheet sent to bookstores to promote your book, or the one sheet presented to agents and publishers at a conference.

The use of fancy fonts and colors is not recommended on your One Page Sell Sheet.

Your headshot and photo of the cover of the book (if available) should be the only photos included on this page.

Grab the attention of the agent or publisher by including the following.

• Hook: Capture the reader’s attention. Many agents and publishers look for the hook.
• Title:Don’t underestimate the importance of your title. Yes, the publisher may change it, but the title draws the reader in, and it eludes to the genre and content of the book.
• Genre:Is your book fiction or non-fiction. List any sub-categories. An extended list of subcategories can be found on Amazon.
• Word Count: Most writing programs keep the word count for you. If not, the rule of thumb to obtain a word count is to multiply the number of pages by 300.
• Use one line for the Title, Genre, and Word Count.
• Tagline: This is optional for fiction at some agencies. It’s also called a catchphrase. The tagline should be brief, catchy, and true to the story.
• Back book cover– This is not the synopsis. The back cover is about 200 words that will hook the reader and convince them they need to buy your book. Read the back covers of the best sellers in your genre to get an idea. Think of your back-cover paragraph as a sales pitch. If your book is part of a series, mention it here.
• Abbreviated bio with author photo- Keep the bio brief. Annotate how many years you’ve been writing along with some recent publications. The proposal has another section to expound on your bio. Please use a recent photo. I’ve been surprised when I met an author in person and they look nothing like the headshot on their proposal.

Remember, it’s one page. Creating your one sheet is nothing compared to all the time and energy you invest in your characters, research, and editing.

Next month we will cover Author Bio, Story Synopsis/Chapter Review, and Market Analysis.

If you have any questions, we are here for you. No question is silly or insignificant.

What part of the book proposal is most challenging for you? Join the conversation

Don’t Miss the Rest of the Series on Book Proposal Basics:

Part 1: Title Page, Table of Contents, and Sell Sheet

Part 2: The Author Page

Part 3: Chapter Outline or Book Synopsis

Part 4: Market Analysis

Part 5: Marketing Plan

Part 6: Three Chapters

 

 

Cherrilynn Bisbano is the founder of The Write Proposal book proposal services.

As managing editor of Almost an Author, she helped the website earn the #6 spot on the Top 100 best writing websites for 2018 by The Write Life and Top 101 Websites for writers with Writers Digest.

Cherrilynn is a speaker with Women Speakers. Her topics include leadership, book proposals, and the Bible. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. You can find her published in Southern Writers, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Christian Voice, Refresh and other online magazines. Cherrilynn is a contributor to Selah-nominated Breaking the Chains, Heart Reno, and Chicken Soup for the Soul-Miracles books.