Monday, May 13, 2013

Proposal

I've been asked for a book proposal and two chapters from an editor.  Which is exciting, even if the book isn't something I'm 100% passionate about writing.  But to be honest, I'm not sure exactly what a proposal entails, or what format it should take.

Is it like a query blurb?  A longer synopsis?  Or something halfway in between?

And is there a specific layout editors expect?

Does anyone know the answers to this?  At the moment I have about 1.5 pages, single spaced, outlining what I think the story will be.  Given I'm a pantser, and never do outlines, this is more than I usually start a book with, and I'm entirely unsure if I'll stick with it once I start writing.

I also haven't included the ending in my proposal because I don't know what it is going to be.  My MC has 2 choices and until I get to know her better through writing the story, I don't know which way she'll lean.

If any of you know about proposals, could you share your insight?
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9 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 13, 2013 at 9:21 PM

    That sounds very exciting Kate... I know very little about proposals, but this site seems to explain it pretty simply - what to add in a proposal. http://www.prlit.com/bookproposal.htm Best of luck and can't wait to hear more about this story:)

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    1. Kate LarkindaleMay 14, 2013 at 2:43 AM

      Thanks Tania! That's helpful, even though it's for non-fiction. I guess if I lay it out the same way, but without the table of contents type thing, I should be okay.

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  2. Tony LaplumeMay 13, 2013 at 9:59 PM

    Congrats!

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  3. UnknownMay 13, 2013 at 10:40 PM

    I only familiar with non-fiction proposals which I think is a completely different beast. Good luck!

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  4. AnonymousMay 14, 2013 at 12:25 AM

    this may or may not help, it's craft book based proposal and also a us one . Maybe it's worth asking what they want from you?
    http://thecraftychica.blogspot.co.nz/2009/09/inspiration-friday-how-to-write-book.html

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  5. Kate LarkindaleMay 14, 2013 at 2:44 AM

    Thanks for all the help and congratulations! I'll keep you posted as to what happens next. Probably nothing, but you never know....

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  6. KatieCMay 14, 2013 at 12:37 PM

    Congrats on the request! Check out this website for help on putting together a proposal. http://stevelaube.com/guidelines/ Scroll down to where it says "Fiction Proposal".

    I usually include the following:

    Synopsis (including the ending)
    Sample Chapters
    Market Analysis (listing books similar to yours that did well)
    Bio
    And some form of a sales hook/log line

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  7. VikLitMay 15, 2013 at 12:35 PM

    oh gosh congrats this is exciting!

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