Write the Perfect Book Proposal: 10 That Sold and Why

I write book proposals. I write about book proposals. I have taught classes in how to write book proposals. But I know that nothing stands still, including the art and science of the perfect book proposal. Trends change; agents' and publishers' requirements change; social media has changed everything. Jeff Herman is an expert's expert in this field. There are many other books out there on book proposals but few authors with the experience and credentials of Jeff and Deborah Levine Herman. I bought this book to stay at the cutting edge in my profession, and it has lived up to my expectations. The advice is sound, and the writing is clear. But what sets it apart from others I have considered are the many examples of proposals that have sold, as well as detailed critiques—pro and con—of every section of every proposal. You can read what authors wrote and then how the experts evaluated the finished product. I have highlighted so many sentences that the pages are almost all yellow. Write the Perfect Book Proposal is a valuable addition to my writer's library.

Lots and lots of helpful information. A good reminder that publishing is a business and you need to do your homework. For example, you need to make sure your manuscript matches the mission statement of the publisher. Otherwise, you're just wasting everyone's time and money. The book offers solid examples of what a book proposal should do. But it's too dated to get five stars. This is the second edition. Maybe Herman and Herman need to do a third!

This was suggested to me as the best book on the subject in the market today. I can only agree. Combining an easy informative style, the book presents 10 proposals that were funded with margin comments showing weaknesses and strengths. The authors are also comprehensive in their bibliography. This is an insightful and targeted marketing book directed at book publishers. Useful read in its own right, even if you are not wanting to write a book.

I must say I am glad I bought this book but feel I may have bought it about 5 years late. The world of writing and proposing is so different today that I am just not sure the content is relevant anymore, however I do like the "very to the point" examples of 10 book proposals vs a lot of fluff by some other books on this subject.In my new published book Wake-Up Call www.wake-upcallbook.com I have taken on the task to promote my own book as much as possible and was hoping for more information on how to do a successful book proposal to booksellers vs publishers.I would recommend this book just for the examples. Happy writing :)

This book was my bible when I was creating my proposal for a book on how to make jewelry. The sample proposals were invaluable in helping me understand what publishing companies are looking for, and how to best structure my proposal.But the proof is in the pudding, right? I am happy to report that, after reviewing my proposal, 4 out of the 5 publishing companies I'd submitted to were interested. One company (the one I eventually wound up signing with) told me that I was "an acquisitions editor's dream." !!! So, thank you, Write the Perfect Book Proposal! It is possible I could've done it without you, but it would have been no where near as good.

Just what I needed! I already knew a lot of this information by studying on my own, but to have examples of proposals at my finger tips I could refer to was exactly what I needed in helping me sharpen my writing skills in my proposals. I love to write but the proposals were something I could not get that smoothness and rhythm as my writing was developing in to. I did not know how to sale my writing, and this book truly did help me with that! Thank you Jeff Herman, and Deborah Levine Herman!

If you're a writer or an aspiring one, get this book. It is detailed but not dense. It provides actual, actionable details that you can use. This book also serves up a healthy serving of "let's get serious here." Definitely in the top five of the entire category...actually, top three. Check it out from the library. You'll end up buying it anyway but give it a read.

A friend recommended the original book. She followed the directions and had her book printed. I am pleased with Part One of this book and will follow the drections as well, but feel the Part Two--10 That Sold and Why---is just extra padding.

I ordered edition 3 updated in 2016 but received edition 2 written in 2001 and thus predating smartphones and sooooo out of date its not funny. Sadly I started reading and highlighted a few points before I noticed so now can’t return it. Not happy.

Excellent product & speedy delivery. Thank you.

This was a very good book when it came out over 10 years ago, but it is very outdated. It is not suitable if you are planning to write a novel and the approach is really not in line with the current writing market. I came across this book as it was suggested to me by someone that got published ... I then found out that this person got published over 10 years ago!This approach may work, but for something more current in terms of approach and really useful info check "Thinking Like Your Editor: How to Write Great Nonfiction - and Get it Published" (really unique in terms of how to determine your audience and how to determine the main question your book will answer) and 'How to Write a Book Proposal" (useful for the marketing plan and how to build and leverage your platform and updated to 2011).

helpful