Book Proposal Podcast

On this episode of The Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “What do I work on first?”

The first section in the book proposal, after your title page and your splash, is About the Book. And the first part of that section is the Overview. Your Overview is a clear and engaging snapshot of your book concept, what makes it unique, and why you are the best person to write it. And you express this in one page, no more than two. 

The other content sections in your book proposal are an expansion of the ideas set forth in the overview, which is why getting this section right is so important. Listen to the episode to learn more.

***

Debra Eckerling is a goal strategist, book proposal specialist, and author of “Your Goal Guide” and “52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting.” 

Have a question about book proposals, email [email protected]. Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at BookProposalPodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the episode of The Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “Where do I start?”

Debra says to start by getting organized. Create a folder for your book proposal on your computer or in the cloud; then create a brainstorm document for each of the sections. This includes: sizzle ideas, overview, what’s in the book, book specs, author bio, author reviews/testimonials, author platform, marketing plan, series, audience, comp titles, table of contents, and detailed outline.

Now, whenever you get an idea for any of these sections, you have a place to jot it down. Since you are gathering all your notes ahead of time, when you're ready to start writing your proposal, you have everything you need all in one place. 

***

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the episode of The Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “What’s in a book proposal?”

 A book proposal has a lot of elements, broken down into three areas: concept, promotion, and content. Debra goes through the sections, from title page and sizzle to overview, what’s in the book, and book specs; from author bio, reviews/testimonials, platform, marketing, and series to audience and comps; and from table of contents to detailed outline, and writing sample. However, she notes, the whole proposal is a writing sample. It shows your tone, style, and passion for your topic, along with your plan. 

***

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the episode of The Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “Why should I write a book proposal?”

Debra explains how most nonfiction books are sold via a book proposal. It's a business plan, a roadmap designed to sell your idea, and you as the author, and if you are planning to go the traditional publishing route, you definitely need a proposal.

Even if your aim is to go hybrid or self-publish, a book proposal is a wonderful tool to help you find clarity and develop strategy, so you get the results you want, which is a saleable, marketable book.

***

Debra Eckerling is a goal strategist, book proposal specialist, and award-winning author and podcaster. Her books include Your Goal Guide and 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting. She hosts GoalChat, Taste Buds with Deb, and the Book Proposal Podcast.

Do you have a question about book proposals? Email [email protected]. Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at BookProposalPodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your nonfiction book proposal is the roadmap you need to get your book idea out of your head, onto the page, and into the right hands. More than that, it helps you find clarity, develop strategy, and get the results you want: a saleable, marketable book.

In the Book Proposal Podcast, host and book proposal consultant Debra Eckerling simplifies the process with short, practical episodes focused entirely on proposals. From pinpointing the right idea and building your platform to planning your promo and choosing comps, Debra answers real questions to help you create a proposal that sells your book—and you.

Whether you’re aiming for traditional, hybrid, or indie publishing, you’ll get actionable advice to turn your concept into a plan.

***

Do you have a question about book proposals, email [email protected]. Also, connect with Debra Eckerling on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips to get you excited about planning and achieving your book publishing goals.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices