* Note: This service is for those who have completed my previous program, Your Book Skeleton for Non-fiction 

THIS PROGRAM IS FOR YOU IF

You're looking for one-to-one guidance and support, tailored to your needs

Your book proposal is the 60-80+ page package of information you send to a literary agent or publisher that presents the vision for your book, makes an argument for why it should exist, and outlines how it might take effect - much like a business plan.

Writing your proposal can be intensive and demanding. Momentum and enthusiasm are hard to keep up on your own, particularly if you get stuck in the sections that are difficult to write. 

As your coach, I will guide you through the point and purpose of all the required sections of a proposal, offering guidance though all the requirements, accountability and deadlines, industry insights, creative brainstorming and emotional support. 

You understand that a proposal can be harder to write than the book itself

Because it is essentially a business plan for your book, writing your proposal is a big undertaking.

You must demonstrate that you are professional enough in your attitude to do the legwork required to write a good proposal, and that you're capable of delivering a high-quality manuscript via sample chapters.

The proposal shows that you're knowledgeable about your topic by providing the whole shape of the book, your plan for its execution, and its place in the world.

It does not make vague promises. It's not a sketch. It is rigorous and challenging.

You need to be able to summarise your book in a way that's beautifully written and convincing, with a detailed summary of each chapter and a polished sample of the writing style and quality.

You're struggling to do this alone

If you've already attempted to write your proposal, you may have found the process difficult, dispiriting or confusing.

You feel you don't really know what you're doing... at the very moment it matters most, because the future of your book hangs in the balance?

While my service called Your Book Skeleton for Non-fiction is a tool for outlining your book for your internal reference, the proposal work is designed for external purposes - as a sales tool. 

A book proposal can be difficult to put together if you don't understand how the industry works, or what exactly is being sought. This is a sales document rather than a creative exercise, and it might require a writing mindset that's different to the one you're used to. 

If you're struggling with your proposal - or even the idea of one - this program will keep you on track. You will prepare every section necessary for a polished and professional book proposal that you feel proud to pitch, with guidance at every step along the way. 

You aren't sure how to communicate you book's value

In the proposal you have to deeply understand - and demonstrate - what you're putting into the marketplace. 

That is, the cultural context you're speaking to.

Why your viewpoint matters.

How your book differs from those already on the shelves, especially if well-known authors are writing on the same subject.

How you will put energy into the marketing of your project. 

By communicating your book's value in the proposal, you will instill faith in agents and publishers that they should invest time and resources into it (and you). Publishing is, after all, a business, and any financial risk needs to be mitigated.

Generally, you aren't required to have written a whole non-fiction manuscript before pitching to publishers or agents: you need to prepare an in-depth proposal instead.

Your proposal might end up getting more attention from an agent or publisher than your finished manuscript does - it's that important!

WHAT'S AT STAKE

The quality of your proposal determines whether your non-fiction book is signed up. If your proposal fails to meet industry requirements, it will be quickly discarded.

HOW THIS PROGRAM WILL GUIDE YOU

Your proposal must follow a set of industry standards

Although requirements vary between publishers and agents, there are 8 components that are universally sought. 

If you aren't accustomed to them, these industry requirements can feel overly corporate, 'salesy' or marketing oriented. You might feel you're being asked to compromise your voice or intellectual/artistic integrity. 

These feelings can be alleviated if you learn to see this as a vital way of sharing the information that's close to your heart. Focusing on 'marketing as education' can be a useful tactic for re-framing your doubts. 

This program ensures that you put the 8 most essential and relevant parts of your proposal in place. You're then beautifully prepared for any agent or publisher scenario that follows, having prepared all the sections you need as well we dispelled any fears or hesitation along the way.

Avoiding stuckness and heartache

Having one-to-one support tailored to your needs will pull you through the sections that are difficult to do. 

Momentum and enthusiasm are hard to keep up on your own, particularly if you get stuck. 

Many writers falter when the idea for a book comes face to face with the realities of the marketplace. Did you know that 97% of people who start writing a book don't finish...?

If you run into invisible barriers

I am certified in various healing methodologies to help you get back on your feet. Creative blocks will probably arise, but we'll endeavour to catch them early and work on dissolving the resistance that shows up.

If you have fears around going public with this particular topic because it's edgy for you, we can work on that too.

BY THE END OF THIS PROGRAM

YOUR PITCHING STRATEGY

If time permits, once you've finished your proposal, we'll go into your pitching strategy.

You recognise that pitching is an art: it's about much more than sending an email out to every company you can think of. It needs to go deeper than that. Your pitch must be as professional, compelling, precise and as targeted as possible.

YOU'LL RECEIVE GUIDANCE WITH:

• Writing your query letter
• How to find agents and publishers looking for a book like yours
• Avoiding common pitfalls, and
• Devising a solid pitching plan for you to roll out over time.

I'll walk you through the best way to research companies that will be a good fit, so that you are targeting agents and/or publishers that are most relevant for you and your particular project. 

I'll share ways to help you do this in the quickest and most professional way, and provide you with a spreadsheet template (XL) to help you track responses to your pitch as they come in.

You'll then be well prepared to proceed into the longer process of pitching, which can take time, because each company can take 6-8 weeks to get back to you - if they respond at all.

This process can jangle the nerves, but by rolling out your pitch with a pre-established strategy, you'll be going into this with your eyes wide open, and will be well prepared for your next steps.

INVESTMENT

Private intensive coaching program

PAYMENT:

In full, or as a 3-part payment plan.

While prices are set in USD, payment is possible in €, AUD, or GBP on request.

TIME INVESTMENT:

The proposal takes 3+ months to complete, depending on how far developed your ideas are already, how fast you work, and how much time you have to give to this.

PRACTICALITIES:

This package does not guarantee that you will be signed with an agent or publisher. 

Nobody can promise that. It depends on many factors, such as world events, industry trends, books about to be released that are similar to yours, luck and so much more.

Nor can I guarantee that by writing this proposal, you will make money. 

It's not unusual for a writer to send out as many as 50-80 query letters over time, or even 100+. It can be a long-drawn-out process.

The duration of your pitching process will depend upon the industry response to your proposal, your emotional stamina, and how much time and energy you are willing to invest in the process.

Would you like to work on your proposal with me?