The Book Proposal: A Guide for Faculty in the Early Stages of Developing a Book

On writing a book proposal

The Professor is In: How to Write a Book Proposal

Writers in the Mountains: Hold workshops for all kinds of writing in the Catskills region.

Grants

You can actually get a grant to produce a book proposal. Example: https://press.princeton.edu/book-proposal-development-grants

Book Agents

Finding a book agent: https://www.janefriedman.com/find-literary-agent/

Publisher-created Resources

SUNY Press: How to Submit a Book Proposal

Sage: How to Get Published [webinar series]

Have more resources to add? Contact the librarian listed on this guide. 

General Notes: The Proposal Itself

• The Table of Contents is important – editors may look there first.
• You need a compelling point to justify a book.
• Ask big questions beyond just your narrow focus.
• Mention comparable books.
• Need at least two decent chapters to pitch.

Contacting Editors

• For every press, you have to find the right editor for your area.
• Make things as easy as possible on the editor – send everything in one big go, not multiple emails. No separate query. Include the proposal, CV, sample chapters. Include contact info in the email.
• Set up meetings at a conference about 3-4 weeks in advance.

Timeline

Varies by publisher, but one example:

1. The proposal goes out for review along with two completed chapters (you can recommend reviewers or those to be avoided).
2. Then it goes to the editorial board. If approved:
3. Write the Book.
4. The book goes out to review (typically different reviewers but this varies).
5. Revisions.
6. Production (9-12 months).