The Basics: Book Proposals 101

Kind Of A Big Book Deal

Writing a book proposal can be overwhelming, especially for experts and entrepreneurs who want to publish a nonfiction book. In this episode, we break down why book proposals matter and why most authors shouldn’t write them alone. Our guest, an experienced proposal writer and publishing insider, shares how a strong proposal can make or break your chances of landing a literary agent and a book deal. We cover the key elements of a proposal, from the business sections—like competitive titles and marketing plans—to the editorial sections that showcase your book’s unique message.

You’ll also hear common mistakes authors make, like skipping audience-building, failing to research comparable books, and sending proposals to the wrong agents. We also discuss how literary agents and publishers evaluate proposals, why platform matters, and how a well-crafted submission speeds up the publishing process. If you’re serious about getting published, this episode will save you time, money, and frustration.

Find the 3Ps freebie here: https://meghanstevenson.kit.com/50230df9e1

Episode Highlights:
(0:00 Intro)
(5:06) What a book proposal is and why publishers require it
(7:02) Key elements of a strong proposal
(9:37) Why publishers prefer proposals over full books
(10:54) Common mistakes authors make with proposals
(15:49) The role of literary agents and how they evaluate proposals
(22:46) How editors and publishers review submissions
(24:38) Why your platform and audience matter in the publishing world
(26:10) How a strong proposal can fast-track your book deal
(29:38) Outro

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Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start?MeghanStevenson.com/quiz
Traditional publishing expert Meghan Stevenson blasts open the gates of the “Big 5” – Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Macmillan – to share what every entrepreneur and expert needs to know about landing a book deal.
In episodes released every other Monday, Meghan shares wisdom and stories from 20+ years in publishing as well as interviews with authors, literary agents, and editors. She also answers questions from listeners like you.
Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur with an empire, or are just starting out – this podcast will help you understand what you need to do in order to turn your dream of being a bestselling author into real life.