The Art of the Book Proposal

Here is an expert's guide through the elements of a nonfiction book proposal, including the outline, chapter summaries, marketing/publicity, book and chapter titles, and more. Filled with exercises designed to help a writer conceive and create a desirable proposal, and checklists to keep track of the project's progress, The Art of the Book Proposal provides the framework on which to build a great idea, as well as intelligent, empathetic instruction on how to produce a proposal that will capture the interest of an agent or editor.

While most how-to writing books focus only on the nuts and bolts of putting a proposal together, Maisel, considered by many to be America's foremost expert on the psychological side of the creative process, also helps the writer overcome mental barriers to producing the best work possible. Using a holistic approach to the sometimes unglamorous work of designing a proposal, his guide enables a writer to transform an idea into a book.

Maisel (a frequent contributor to Writer's Digest) encourages would-be writers to begin major projects by thinking through the process of writing. In this sense, the book proposal becomes the first step of writing the book. With this in mind he offers advice for the creation of a book proposal. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

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Maisel (Deep Writing), a psychotherapist and writing workshop teacher, presents the standard model for a marketable nonfiction book proposal. He offers insight into exactly what agents and publishers look for, including a cover letter, a compelling title, a marketing and promotions section, and a sample chapter, before proceeding to explore these elements in depth. For all writing collections. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Eric Maisel, Ph.D. works exclusively with artists in his private psychotherapy practice and in group writing workshops. He is a regular contributor to Writer's Digest.