Most writers I know compose a proposal for a nonfiction book for one reason and one reason only: to sell that project to a publisher. They want to become traditionally published authors. That’s not the real reason you should want to put together a nonfiction book proposal. Write a proposal because you want to prove, first, to yourself and, second,…
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The foundation for all author promotion and platform building revolves around an author website. Today, however, you only need a blog because this type of content management system serves all your website needs and it’s easily managed by most writers once designed and “live.” Yet, your author website must work for you; it must accomplish your goals. If it does…
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If you are like most aspiring authors, you see you work from a biased perspective. Maybe you hired an editor for a more objective viewpoint on your manuscript. However, the most important perspective from which to see a book idea—and even yourself—is through the eyes of an acquisitions editor. If you seek a traditional publisher for your book, an acquisitions…
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By Frances Caballo (@CaballoFrances) As writers, we grow attached to the paragraphs of text we create. But do you know what draws the eye to a page more than the lines of black text we write? Images. Pictures of sandy beaches, fields of red poppies, or a rising full moon will trump our words any day, regardless of how beautifully…
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If you want to publish your work, you must know your readers. Whether you write articles, essays, blogs, or books, this first step, called a market analysis, is essential to your success. Without it, you might produce work that attracts totally different readers than you expect or no readers at all. Skip this analysis and you might find it difficult…
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If you want a traditional publishing contract for your nonfiction book, one of the first steps you must take to realize this goal involves writing a query letter. This communication pitches your book to literary agents and to acquisitions editors at publishing houses. If your letter is compelling and proves your book is marketable, these publishing professionals will next ask…
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Maybe you’ve heard the adage that if you’ve been searching for a particular book and haven’t found it, that’s the book you should write. Or if you’ve been wishing someone would tell a particular story, that’s the tale you should tell. And, if there’s a hole on the bookstore shelf waiting for a book readers want and need but that…
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