A proposal is a first, crucial step in selling a nonfiction book to publishing houses. Instead of writing an entire manuscript, the author (or ghostwriter/collaborator) writes a proposal that outlines in detail the book's premise, scope, and market. The proposal must also establish the author's expertise, visibility, publicity and marketing plans, and writing style. Proposals usually include a table of contents, a chapter-by-chapter outline, and one or two sample chapters to prove that the author (or ghostwriter/collaborator) can write.
- Barbara DeSantis
Editor, writer, writing coach. Literary and commercial fiction, including young adult. Memoir, personal history, personal essay, narrative nonfiction, self-help, and spirituality. Developmental and line editing, ghostwriting. Manuscript critiques, book proposals, marketing materials. More than 30 years book-publishing experience.
Read more - Nomi Isak
Writing coach, developmental editor, and ghostwriter on over 45 published books. With her compassionate approach, Nomi has helped numerous authors complete publishable manuscripts. She also coaches clients experiencing writer's block and helps authors create and meet deadlines. She specializes in memoir and fiction, as well as creative nonfiction.
Read more - Monica Faulkner
Editorial, project management, online marketing, and speaker support services for fiction and nonfiction authors; proposals; screenplays; business marketing materials (written and online).
Read more - Karin Gutman
Memoir and story coach who has been guiding writers for over 20 years towards discovering and writing their personal, life-based stories.
Read more - Laura Golden Bellotti
Editor and writer of nonfiction books and book proposals in the areas of psychology, spirituality, relationships, women's issues, parenting, health, and creativity.
Read more - Deborah A. Lott, MFA
Writing, editing: psychology, psychiatry, public health, social science, medicine, particularly gastroenterology, internal medicine, and cardiology, memoir, autobiography and nonfiction narratives; research.
Read more - Amy Friedman
Amy has written, ghostwritten, and served as a developmental editor for dozens of memoirs and other works of nonfiction. Amy's syndicated column, Tell Me A Story from Universal Press Syndicate, ran for 25 years in newspapers across the country. She teaches memoir writing at UCLA Extension and is the founder and publisher of Out of the Woods Press.
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