Book Proposals

Proposal Packages: The Secret Weapon to Ignite a Bidding War

Derek Taylor Kent — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 20:17:47 GMT

Current Revision posted to Book Proposals by Derek Taylor Kent on 9/23/2025 8:17:47 PM

While many just write query letters, there's a whole other option that very few know about called the proposal package. Learn how Derek created a proposal package that got his book into a bidding war between Penguin, Random House, and Holt/Macmillan for a book he literally wrote the week before.

Many have heard of them, but few take the time to actually create them, and that could be your ticket to getting the book deal of your dreams. Learn the step-by-step method of creating a proposal package that will make you stand out in the crowd.

Here are the handouts referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Kent_5F00_Proposal-Packages_5F00_ALC-Handout.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../EL-PERRO-IN-SOMBRERO-proposal_5F00_DTK.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../LQ-Hysterical-Rhymes-Proposal-Package_5F00_DTK.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Non_2D00_Fiction-Book-Proposal-Template_5F00_Hyatt.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ProposalPackagesTheSecretWeapontoIgniteaBiddingWar25.mp4

About the Presenter:
Derek Taylor Kent is the author of 19 books encompassing a wide variety of audiences and genres. He has also produced 15 audiobooks to date and has written 6 screenplays. Along with being an instructor for the ALC, he teaches at the Writing Pad in Los Angeles and is a freelance story editor. Derek received a 3-book deal from HarperCollins for his middle-grade book series Scary School, and his Mystery/Thriller book Kubrick’s Game was #1 on Amazon three times and was optioned by Bobby Cohen Films. His middle-grade novel My Homework Ate My Dog! was awarded Best Middle-Grade Fiction Book of 2020 by Kops-Featherling Book Awards, and there was a bidding war for his picture book El Perro con Sombrero, which was published by Holt/Macmillan. In addition, Derek Founded Whimsical World children’s publishing brand with wife, children’s author and ALC speaker Sheri Fink, with a mission to inspire, delight, and educate children of all ages while planting seeds of self-esteem and high achievement. Discover more at www.DerekTaylorKent.com and www.WhimsicalWorldBooks.com.

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Why Accurate Comp Titles Are Important in a Book Proposal

Stephanie Newton — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 17:10:26 GMT

Current Revision posted to Book Proposals by Stephanie Newton on 1/17/2024 5:10:26 PM

As an Associate Publisher with the W Publishing Group, a commercial nonfiction imprint of Thomas Nelson, Stephanie Newton reviews many manuscripts and book proposals that are submitted for consideration. The pitches and proposals that stand out to her are the ones that include relevant and accurate competitive titles. Why? Because Newton can tell an author is intentional when they use comp titles where the content matches theirs, the authors' platforms match theirs, and they give a realistic projection of what their own books sales could be. If an author just throws in some bestselling books to be impressive, there is a disconnect for her. Newton wants to know why your book has potential, while also highlighting what makes it unique.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../WhyAccurateCompTitlesAreImportantinaBookProposal.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, video

Why Accurate Comp Titles Are Important in a Book Proposal

Stephanie Newton — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 16:51:43 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Book Proposals by Stephanie Newton on 1/17/2024 4:51:43 PM

W Publishing Group Associate Publisher Stephanie Newton discusses nonfiction book proposals and why including accurate comp titles is important.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../WhyAccurateCompTitlesAreImportantinaBookProposal.mp4

Elements Required for Presenting a Book Proposal to a Publisher or Agent

Eric Lincoln Miller — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 13:01:00 GMT

Current Revision posted to Book Proposals by Eric Lincoln Miller on 12/9/2022 1:01:00 PM

If pursuing a traditional publishing path, it's important to understand literary agent and publisher expectations. You will typically need to submit a compelling query letter, but in some cases you will also be required to submit a book proposal package. Literary agent Eric Lincoln Miller of 3ibooks shares what he expects to see in a book proposal, and how writers can make their book and author platform stand out. Knowing your word count, genres and subgenres, and how your book is unique or different are very important, as is being able to summarize your story or concept in a compelling way.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ElementsRequiredforPresentingaBookProposaltoaPublisherorAgent.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, video

Elements Required for Presenting a Book Proposal to a Publisher or Agent

Eric Lincoln Miller — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 22:37:29 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Book Proposals by Eric Lincoln Miller on 12/8/2022 10:37:29 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ElementsRequiredforPresentingaBookProposaltoaPublisherorAgent.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, video

Elements Required for Presenting a Book Proposal to a Publisher or Agent

Eric Lincoln Miller — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 22:17:22 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Book Proposals by Eric Lincoln Miller on 12/8/2022 10:17:22 PM

If pursuing a traditional publishing path, it's important to understand literary agent and publisher expectations. You will typically need to submit a compelling query letter, but in some cases you will also be required to submit a book proposal package. Literary agent Eric Lincoln Miller of 3iBooks shares what he expects to see in a book proposal, and how writers can make their book and author platform stand out. Knowing your word count, genres and subgenres, and how your book is unique or different are very important, as is being able to summarize your story or concept in a compelling way.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ElementsRequiredforPresentingaBookProposaltoaPublisherorAgent.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, video

Elements Required for Presenting a Book Proposal to a Publisher or Agent

Author Learning Center — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 22:16:00 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Book Proposals by Author Learning Center on 12/8/2022 10:16:00 PM

If pursuing a traditional publishing path, it's important to understand literary agent and publisher expectations. You will typically need to submit a compelling query letter, but in some cases you will also be required to submit a book proposal package. Literary agent Eric Lincoln Miller of 3iBooks shares what he expects to see in a book proposal, and how writers can make their book and author platform stand out. Knowing your word count, genres and subgenres, and how your book is unique or different are very important, as is being able to summarize your story or concept in a compelling way.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ElementsRequiredforPresentingaBookProposaltoaPublisherorAgent.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, video

Proposal Packages: The Secret Weapon to Ignite a Bidding War

Derek Taylor Kent — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 22:10:27 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Book Proposals by Derek Taylor Kent on 12/8/2022 10:10:27 PM

Here are the handouts referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../EL-PERRO-IN-SOMBRERO-proposal_5F00_DTK.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../LQ-Hysterical-Rhymes-Proposal-Package_5F00_DTK.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Non_2D00_Fiction-Book-Proposal-Template_5F00_Hyatt.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ProposalPackagesTheSecretWeapontoIgniteaBiddingWar.mp4

About the Presenter:
Derek Taylor Kent is the author of 18 books encompassing a wide variety of audiences and genres. He has also produced 15 audiobooks to date and has written 6 screenplays. Along with being an instructor for the ALC, he teaches at the Writing Pad in Los Angeles and is a freelance story editor. Derek received a 3-book deal from HarperCollins for his middle-grade book series Scary School, and his Mystery/Thriller book Kubrick’s Game was #1 on Amazon three times and was optioned by Bobby Cohen Films. His middle-grade novel My Homework Ate My Dog! was awarded Best Middle-Grade Fiction Book of 2020 by Kops-Featherling Book Awards, and there was a bidding war for his picture book El Perro con Sombrero, which was published by Holt/Macmillan. In addition, Derek Founded Whimsical World children’s publishing brand with wife, children’s author and ALC speaker Sheri Fink, with a mission to inspire, delight, and educate children of all ages while planting seeds of self-esteem and high achievement. Discover more at www.DerekTaylorKent.com and www.WhimsicalWorldBooks.com.

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Proposal Packages: The Secret Weapon to Ignite a Bidding War

Derek Taylor Kent — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 22:08:34 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Book Proposals by Derek Taylor Kent on 12/8/2022 10:08:34 PM

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

What Literary Agents Look For in Nonfiction Book Proposals

Steve Hutson — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 14:19:58 GMT

Current Revision posted to Book Proposals by Steve Hutson on 9/4/2020 2:19:58 PM

Literary agent Steve Hutson shares the elements that should be included in a nonfiction book proposal.
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../WhatLiteraryAgentsLookForinNonfictionBookProposals.mp4

Tags: Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

What Literary Agents Look For in Nonfiction Book Proposals

Steve Hutson — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 14:08:26 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Book Proposals by Steve Hutson on 9/4/2020 2:08:26 PM

Literary agent Steve Hutson shares the elements that should be included in a nonfiction book proposal.
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../WhatLiteraryAgentsLookForinNonfictionBookProposals.mp4

Tags: Nonfiction, video

What Literary Agents Look For in Nonfiction Book Proposals

Steve Hutson — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 14:02:38 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Book Proposals by Steve Hutson on 9/4/2020 2:02:38 PM

Literary agent Steve Hutson shares the elements that should be included a nonfiction book proposal.
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../WhatLiteraryAgentsLookForinNonfictionBookProposals.mp4

Tags: Nonfiction, video

What Literary Agents Look For in Nonfiction Book Proposals

Steve Hutson — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 19:22:08 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Book Proposals by Steve Hutson on 9/3/2020 7:22:08 PM

Literary agent Steve Hutson shares the elements that should be included a nonfiction book proposal.

Tags: Nonfiction, video

Darice Fisher on Researching and Writing Her Nonfiction Book Proposal

Darice Fisher — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 14:31:48 GMT

Current Revision posted to Book Proposals by Darice Fisher on 6/19/2020 2:31:48 PM

Publicist Darice Fisher knows how much work goes into writing, publishing, and marketing a book because of her experience in helping other authors with their book publicity campaigns. Fisher hopes to have her own nonfiction book series traditionally published, so she's spent a lot of time researching agents, publishers, and the publishing process to make sure her book proposal is as perfect as possible.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../DariceFisheronResearchingandWritingHerNonfictionBookProposal.mp4

Tags: Nonfiction, video

Advice for Creating a Nonfiction Book Proposal

Herbie J Pilato — Fri, 08 May 2020 17:54:13 GMT

Current Revision posted to Book Proposals by Herbie J Pilato on 5/8/2020 5:54:13 PM

A nonfiction book proposal is the ultimate selling tool, explains writer, producer, and TV host Herbie J Pilato. The proposal shows agents, editors, and publishers that you have a well-formed idea and are dedicated to the topic. Pilato lists the key components of a nonfiction book proposal: an overview or introduction, chapter outlines and samples, your marketing plan, and an author bio. Keep your bio short – just one or two paragraphs. Prove that you know what the market is for your book, and why you in particular are the person who can write this book like nobody else can.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../AdviceforCreatingaNonfictionBookProposal.mp4

Tags: Nonfiction, video

Why Every Nonfiction Author Should Prepare a Proposal

Cathy Fyock — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 17:46:21 GMT

Current Revision posted to Book Proposals by Cathy Fyock on 2/18/2020 5:46:21 PM

(Whether you're traditionally publishing or not!) As a nonfiction author, you know that you need to prepare a written proposal to be considered by a traditional publishing house. But, even if you are going to self-publish or work with a hybrid publisher, you should prepare a similar proposal to guide you in the writing and promotion of your book. Every book proposal forms the strategic plan for your book and will benefit the author in having written it (hint: this is why traditional publishers require a proposal as the first step in the process). What is your book about? Who is the targeted reader? What are the competitive titles on your topic? What is your promotional plan? How developed is your platform for promoting the book? Cathy Fyock, The Business Book Strategist, has had half of her books traditionally published and understands the importance of creating your proposal. In this session, she outlines what is included and gives tips and ideas for creating a book that will sell, whether traditionally published or not.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../WhyEveryNonfictionAuthorShouldPrepareaProposal.mp4

Here is the handout that goes along with this presentation:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Why-Every-Nonfiction-Author-Should-Prepare-a-Proposal.pdf

About the Presenter:
Cathy Fyock is The Business Book Strategist, and works with professionals and thought leaders who want to write a book as a business growth strategy. She is the author of nine books, including On Your Mark: From First Word to First Draft in Six Weeks, Blog2Book: Repurposing Content to Discover the Book You’ve Already Written, and her most recent, The Speaker Author: Sell More Books and Book More Speeches. Since 2014 she has helped more than 150 professionals become published authors.

Tags: Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Why Every Nonfiction Author Should Prepare a Proposal

Cathy Fyock — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 17:10:35 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Book Proposals by Cathy Fyock on 2/18/2020 5:10:35 PM

(Whether you're traditionally publishing or not!) As a nonfiction author, you know that you need to prepare a written proposal to be considered by a traditional publishing house. But, even if you are going to self-publish or work with a hybrid publisher, you should prepare a similar proposal to guide you in the writing and promotion of your book. Every book proposal forms the strategic plan for your book and will benefit the author in having written it (hint: this is why traditional publishers require a proposal as the first step in the process). What is your book about? Who is the targeted reader? What are the competitive titles on your topic? What is your promotional plan? How developed is your platform for promoting the book? Cathy Fyock, The Business Book Strategist, has had half of her books traditionally published and understands the importance of creating your proposal. In this session, she outlines what is included and will give you tips and ideas for creating a book that will sell, whether traditionally published or not.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../WhyEveryNonfictionAuthorShouldPrepareaProposal.mp4

Here is the handout that goes along with this presentation:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Why-Every-Nonfiction-Author-Should-Prepare-a-Proposal.pdf

Tags: Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Why Every Nonfiction Author Should Prepare a Proposal

Author Learning Center — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 16:36:51 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Book Proposals by Author Learning Center on 2/18/2020 4:36:51 PM

(Whether you're traditionally publishing or not!) As a nonfiction author, you know that you need to prepare a written proposal to be considered by a traditional publishing house. But, even if you are going to self-publish or work with a hybrid publisher, you should prepare a similar proposal to guide you in the writing and promotion of your book. Every book proposal forms the strategic plan for your book and will benefit the author in having written it (hint: this is why traditional publishers require a proposal as the first step in the process). What is your book about? Who is the targeted reader? What are the competitive titles on your topic? What is your promotional plan? How developed is your platform for promoting the book? Cathy Fyock, The Business Book Strategist, has had half of her books traditionally published and understands the importance of creating your proposal. In this session, she outlines what is included and will give you tips and ideas for creating a book that will sell, whether traditionally published or not.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../WhyEveryNonfictionAuthorShouldPrepareaProposal.mp4

Here is the handout that goes along with this presentation:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Why-Every-Nonfiction-Author-Should-Prepare-a-Proposal.pdf

Tags: Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Key Elements of a Successful Nonfiction Book Proposal

Claire Gerus — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 17:36:37 GMT

Current Revision posted to Book Proposals by Claire Gerus on 9/16/2019 5:36:37 PM

For nonfiction authors, establishing expertise in a subject should be a top priority before submitting a book proposal to an agent or publisher. If you’re having trouble solidifying your credentials and platform, literary agent and book development consultant Claire Gerus has suggestions to expedite the process. She uses an example of someone who has spent years researching an unusual device. This person has put a lot of time into becoming an expert, but he or she is employed in an unrelated field. While this could be a hindrance, Gerus suggests asking for an endorsement or written introduction for your book from someone who is already respected in the field. This will boost your credibility and trustworthiness when submitting a book proposal.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../KeyElementsofaSuccessfulNonfictionBookProposal.mp4

Tags: Nonfiction, video

Using a Classical Book Proposal to Grab the Attention of Agents and Publishers

Claire Gerus — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 17:18:13 GMT

Current Revision posted to Book Proposals by Claire Gerus on 9/16/2019 5:18:13 PM

A classical book proposal, rather than sending in a manuscript, makes it easier for agents and publishers to determine if your work will be a good fit for them. Literary agent and book development consultant Claire Gerus advises authors, especially nonfiction writers, to create a proposal with the following elements:

• Table of contents

• Author bio

• Overview of the book’s subject

• Competition analysis

• Sample chapters

All in all, the proposal will only be about 40 pages, Gerus says. This is enough content for the publisher to get a good idea of what your book is about, but not too much to take up all of their time.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../UsingaClassicalBookProposaltoGrabtheAttentionofAgentsandPublishers.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video