This is part Two of a Two-part blog series. HERE is Part One: How to Pitch YOUR Book To Agents and Publishers.
BOOK PROPOSAL TEMPLATE
A book proposal is a comprehensive document that outlines key details about your book and provides information about yourself as an author. Here’s a template you can use as a starting point for a non-fiction book proposal. Adjust the template as needed to suit the specific requirements of the agent, editor, or publisher you are submitting to.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Agent/Editor/Publisher’s Name]
[Agency or Publishing House Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name],
I am writing to submit a proposal for my non-fiction book, [Title of Your Book]. I believe this project aligns with your interests and expertise in [specific genre or subject matter], and I am excited about the possibility of working with [Agency or Publishing House Name].
[Paragraph 1: Introduction]
Briefly introduce yourself and your background as an author. Highlight any relevant credentials or experience that make you well-suited to write this book.
[Paragraph 2: Overview]
Provide a concise overview of your book, including its title, genre, and word count. Explain the central theme or thesis and why it is timely or relevant in today’s market.
[Paragraph 3: Target Audience]
Identify the target audience for your book and explain why there is a demand for this type of content. Include any market research or trends that support the need for your book.
[Paragraph 4: Unique Selling Points]
Highlight the unique aspects of your book that set it apart from others in the market. Discuss any special features, original research, or innovative approaches that make your work stand out.
[Paragraph 5: Table of Contents]
Provide a detailed table of contents for your book. Briefly describe each chapter, outlining the key topics, themes, and any special elements, such as case studies, interviews, or exercises.
[Paragraph 6: Author Platform]
Detail your author platform, including your online presence, social media following, speaking engagements, and any other relevant promotional activities. Explain how you plan to contribute to the marketing and promotion of the book.
[Paragraph 7: Comparable Titles]
List and briefly analyze a few key comparable titles in the market. Explain how your book fits within this landscape and how it offers a fresh perspective or addresses a gap.
[Paragraph 8: Manuscript Status and Timeline]
Indicate the current status of your manuscript and provide an estimated timeline for completion. If any chapters or sections are already written, consider including a sample.
[Paragraph 9: Conclusion]
Express gratitude for the agent’s/editor’s/publisher’s consideration and interest in your project. Offer to provide additional information or materials as needed.
Thank you for considering my proposal. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my book further and am excited about the prospect of partnering with [Agency or Publishing House Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Signature – if sending a physical letter]
Verbal Pitch
What is a Verbal Pitch?
Let’s use Query Letters as a frame of reference to define some of the key aspects of a verbal pitch.
A verbal pitch and a query letter serve the same fundamental purpose—to introduce your book and persuade an agent or editor to show interest. However, they differ in their format and delivery. Here are the key distinctions:
1. Format:
- Query Letter (Written):
- A query letter is a written document typically sent via email or traditional mail.
- It is a carefully crafted letter that introduces your book, provides a brief synopsis, highlights your credentials as an author, and includes a closing.
- Verbal Pitch (Spoken):
- A verbal pitch is a spoken presentation of your book idea.
- It is typically delivered in person, over the phone, or in a virtual setting (such as during a pitch session at a writing conference).
2. Medium:
- Query Letter (Text-based):
- Relies on the written word to convey the pitch.
- Allows for thoughtful and precise wording, giving you time to revise and polish before submission.
- Verbal Pitch (Oral):
- Involves spoken communication.
- Requires effective verbal communication skills, including tone, pace, and enthusiasm.
3. Detail and Depth:
- Query Letter (Detailed):
- Allows for a more detailed presentation of your book, including a synopsis, comparable titles, and author bio.
- Provides an opportunity to carefully choose each word for impact.
- Verbal Pitch (Concise):
- Requires a concise and engaging summary of your book.
- Typically shorter than a query letter, so it necessitates focusing on the most compelling aspects of your story.
4. Flexibility:
- Query Letter (Fixed):
- Once sent, a query letter is static and doesn’t change.
- The recipient reads it at their own pace.
- Verbal Pitch (Dynamic):
- Offers more flexibility for adaptability during the presentation.
- Allows for immediate response and interaction with the listener.
5. Personal Connection:
- Query Letter (Indirect):
- Establishes a connection through writing style and content.
- The author’s personality comes through the choice of words and the structure of the letter.
- Verbal Pitch (Direct):
- Provides a more direct and immediate connection.
- The author’s passion and enthusiasm are conveyed through vocal expression.
In summary, while both a query letter and a verbal pitch aim to achieve the same goal of capturing the interest of literary agents or editors, they differ in their format, medium, and the way information is presented. A written query letter allows for careful crafting and detail, while a verbal pitch relies on spoken communication and immediate engagement. Writers often find it valuable to be adept at both approaches depending on the context and the opportunities available to them.
A Real-World Verbal Pitching Example
In the same way that each publisher/editor/agent has different submission requirements for query letters, each verbal pitching situation will also have different presentation requirements.
For example, Pitchorama hosted by the WNBA-SF Chapter (no, not the basketball organization), WNBA stands for the Women’s National Book Association, places an approximately 5-min cap on each verbal pitch, and they recommend your pitch only takes up 3-mins tops, so you leave 2-mins to receive feedback from the publisher/agent/editor you are pitching to. NOTE: Anyone can sign up for the WNBA-SF Chapter Annual Pitchorama event, regardless of gender identity. I really enjoyed participating in the event in previous years.
WNBA provides a detailed pitching guideline for the event. Copied and Pasted Below.
Tips for Pitching: Pitch-O-Rama 2022
Tips for Pitching
Overview
- A Conversation not a Pitch
- Prepare and Improvise
- Pitch from the heart, not by heart
- Expect to learn and anticipate success
Check Out the Pitch-takers
- Take the time to review each pitch-taker, agent, or publisher
- Get a general overview of all pitch-takers
- Visit their websites to learn more
- Think of each as a literary pro, a professional resource
- Note their agency or publisher for contact information for follow up
Plan for Self-care
- Rest and eat well a few days before the event to be bright-eyed and alert
- Plan a special treat right after the event, something sweet to celebrate your efforts
Virtual Adjustments for Optimal Contact
- Set computer camera at eye level or higher, set up ahead of time & practice on Zoom
- Highlight your face close to the camera to enhance personal communication with facial expressions
- Eye contact – vary looking from camera up to down, looking at the pitch-taker, then at the camera. Do not lock-in on the camera, even look away when you are thinking.
Pitch Practice Sessions
- Draft the pitch content and time it for 3 minutes
- Record the pitch on your phone or other device and playback
- Adjust for content, pacing, and time limit
- Record on Zoom to practice camera set up, eye contact, presence, timing
- Practice on Zoom with a partner, either gallery or speaker view–coach one another’s content and presentation
Pitch Content:
A Suggested Interactive Conversation
- Begin with an ice breaker to connect with the agent or publisher. This could be a question or a comment about their work based on your review.
Examples: “I’m impressed with your recent placement for [book] with [publisher].” OR “It’s great to finally meet you, I’ve heard so much about your work in [genre/authors].” Or “I hope you’ve been enjoying the virtual event so far.”
- Describe your book, its genre, with a hook, even a 6-word phrase, the elevator pitch
Examples: A memoir: Searching for my mother’s murderer. OR Self-help: Rediscovering yourself in loss. OR Fiction: Two teens escape from a juvenile work farm.
- Go deeper and provide the context for your book: time period, history, cultural background.
Example: Memoir: It’s the story of how I, an Orange County housewife, spent four years searching for my mother’s murderer when law enforcement officials in both Mexico and the US gave up during the 70s.
- Promote the appeal of the book, why a reader should care or identify, be entertained or inspired.
Example: Memoir: Many people dream of solving an unsolvable murder case and cracking a code no one else could touch; few people actually pull it off.
- Provide comp titles, successful books in your genre with a similar theme or style, perhaps with a catchy phrase.
Examples: Bridgerton Series: “Jane Austen meets Gossip Girl.” OR My book compares to [title] and [title]. OR If you looked for my book on a shelf in a bookstore, it would sit between [title] and [title].
- All about YOU: Share relevant accolades, awards, platform, successes.
Examples: Are you an award-winning writer? A respected leader in your field? Was your last book a New York Times bestseller? Is this book the next installment of a beloved series? Did someone famous give you a killer blurb? Why are YOU the best person to write this book?
- End with open ended questions and a smiling “thank you” —ON TIME!
Example: Do you see the publishing business changing now due to the pandemic?
END OF COPY AND PASTE.
Verbal Pitch Example (that helped me get a publisher)
To see me reenact my verbal pitch: watch this video, my verbal pitch example is at time code 36:44
If you have any questions, please let me know in the YouTube comments or feel free to reach out via email: BodhiTheMovieMaker @ Gmail . Com
If you found this useful, please drop a like and let me know if this helped you in the YouTube comments.
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Bodhi Werner is a fiscal year 2023 recipient of a Creative Support for Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature; and by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
