Please use these guidelines when preparing your proposal. They will help you provide all the information we need to review your proposal fairly and quickly. You don’t need to follow this format exactly, but please provide as much detail as possible

 

Book Content and Description

· Brief Description - In two or three sentences state the content of your book and the market for which it is intended.

· Content Summary - In several paragraphs, please describe your book, its purpose, approach, organization, and content. What prompted you to write the book now?  What are the outstanding, distinctive, or innovative features of the book? If you have clips of any news articles supporting the popular interest and relevance of your topic please be sure to attach them to your proposal

· Courses - List the classes your book would most likely accompany or supplement.

· Leading Textbooks -  List the two or three leading textbooks, if applicable, on the subject you’ll be addressing

· About Yourself -  In a paragraph or two, please tell us about your background and achievements. What experience or professional credentials do you have that uniquely prepare you to write this book?  What other books have you published?  Please attach your CV or resume.

Marketing

· Your Audience - Describe the primary and secondary markets for your book. Where appropriate, indicate the general type of reader (e.g., high school student. college student, graduate student, business professional)

· Sales/Marketing Handle - In fifteen words or less tell us the major selling point of your book What will make someone want to buy your book?

· Student/Readership Enrollment - Estimate the total number of students or readers nationwide who might make use of your book(s).

· Existing Marketing and Sales Opportunities - What resources do you have available to help market the book? Do you regularly give speeches or hold seminars at which the book could sell? (If so, to which groups? How many people would you typically address over the course of a year?) Do you plan to use the book as a required text for your classes?   Do you have any contacts with the media that would help promote the book, or get it reviewed? Do you have ties to relevant professional associations?

· Comparison with Key Competition - List 3-6 competing books and positively distinguish your book citing its advantages over the competition How is your book more outstanding and unique? If possible, supply title, author, publisher, price, year of publication, and number of pages. If there are no direct competitors, please cite the books that come closest

Manuscript Production

· Project Details - How long will the completed manuscript be (in double-spaced typewritten pages)? When will it be finished?  Will it contain photos, art, charts, or graphs?

 

What to Send to Us

Along with the above, include two or three sample chapters and a table of contents that lists all the chapters and annotates each briefly.  A SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope) is necessary if you want your original materials returned.

Book Proposal Guidelines