By John Bond 

Writers take different journeys getting to a published book. Some write their manuscript, and then write a book proposal. Some may work on both simultaneously. Some may never write a book proposal. And I am sure there are other permutations. I think a case can be made for writing a full, final book proposal before you ever write a single word of your manuscript. Hear me out.

Book proposals (the way I suggest people create them) include Project Overview and Summary, Extended Table of Contents, Project Specifications and Status, Book Market, Competitive or Complimentary Books, Author Bio, and Author Promotional Platform. Contact me for what each of these mean if you are unsure.

Writing a book proposal as a first step does not mean anything is set in stone. The table of contents, the title, the competitive books: all of it can change if needed. So, why create this before writing?

• First and foremost, it makes you really concentrate on what the book will be, but most importantly what it will not be. What will the book exclude? What perspective will it take? Will it be slim and concise, or large and comprehensive? Will it be case based or theoretical?
• Next, it makes you commit to the target reader because of the market analysis. This will help you envision your ideal reader. Please don’t make it so broad and say it is for “everyone,” therefore it is for no one.
• Next, it will make you think about the other books in your lane. How will your book be different than them? Similar to them? Once again, please don’t say, “There’s nothing like this out there.” This is not the magic phrase that makes a publisher want to sign you up. Carefully consider the competitive or complimentary books and think through how yours will differ.
• Next, it will allow you the opportunity to get feedback. Show the draft book proposal to very close colleagues or friends. You might also show it to members of the target audience. See what they say and carefully consider their feedback. This market feedback can be very beneficial down the road with a potential publisher.
• Strive to have the book proposal be tight, well-edited, and definitive. Don’t be broad, or say “I might do it this way, or I could do it that way.”

As I said, nothing you write in this draft proposal is set in stone. If you embark on the project, you can always expand here or condense there. Or you could throw it out and start again.

As for showing it to a publisher, two thoughts. First, if you choose to do this, please make sure the book proposal is absolutely locked down and perfect. Put your best foot forward.

Second, some people seek a publisher prospectively before a word is written. Granted, this is less common in academia and with textbooks compared to trade non-fiction (where this is a common practice). But this requires a rock solid proposal. Also, be realistic in the time it would take you to write the book. Under promise and over deliver, versus rosy optimism. One benefit of this approach is, if there is no market and no publisher wants to move forward, you have saved yourself an enormous amount of time in writing the manuscript.

Give it a shot and write a book proposal before you begin. It will improve the process, your writing, your chances, and you all around.

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John Bond is a publishing consultant at Riverwinds Consulting. His new book is: The Little Guide to Getting Your Book Published: Simple Steps to Success. He is also the host of the YouTube channel “Publishing Defined.” Contact him at jbond@riverwindsconsulting.com.