Each author is unique, so are proposals. This series doesn’t cover all possible categories but highlights many challenging components of book-proposal writing. My goal is to help authors know what editors and agents want to see and to offer tips on how to get out of the slush pile and into the “must publish” queue! Another benefit I hope this series will provide is the encouragement to move forward and not get frozen, unable to move forward out of anxiety that your proposal isn’t good enough. Don’t be fearful. Do your best and keep writing. Editors and agents will ask for more information as needed.
Title Page
If you like, you can make the title page stand on its own. Alternatively, you can begin your proposal on that page as well. It’s up to you. For this post, we’ll say you’re making the title page stand alone. It should include the following:
Book Title
Try to make this creative and unique but not too far out. Ultimately, the publisher will select the title, which may well be yours! That’s because the publisher must use every means possible to get the reader’s attention. Of course, that includes a snappy title. If you have a fantastic title that you can write in the subject line of your email submission, then the agent or editor may want to open yours first. Even better, a great title will make the reader jump right on your book!
- Fresh and new: When thinking about your title, search it on Amazon and other places on the internet to be sure it doesn’t conflict with a recent book.
- Special tip for romance writers: Please search for your proposed title, because even the most innocuous title may have decorated a beefcake cover. Also consider that since the romance genre is narrow, excellent titles tend to be recycled too often if one isn’t careful.
Genre
Define where your book fits into the market to help the agent or editor acclimate to your work and determine right away if this is a genre they are actively seeking.
Is your novel contemporary or historical? As a reader, I am annoyed if I think I’m in the present, only to find on page ten, the heroine boarding a carriage while ever-so-gently lifting her hoop skirt, making sure she doesn’t accidentally bare her slim and well-curved ankle for all to see.
Name
Tell us if you’re writing under a pen name.
Contact Information
On the front page, I find it helpful to have the author’s name (“real” name if using a pen name) physical address, email address, and telephone number. Yes, I do need to know in what time zone you reside. Since I’m on the East Coast, I’d hate to make a 6 AM telephone call to you in California, even with the best of news!
Your Turn:
What is the best book title you can remember?
What is the title of the book you are currently writing?
What other tips can you offer to get attention on your title page?
_____
Steve Laube has a course on book proposals at The Christian Writers Institute, which includes a one-hour lecture, a short ebook on the topic, and sample proposal templates. Click here for more information.
A Plea for Preciser Language
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Thanks!
Tamela, if you’re still listening outm this is for you.
There is evil afoot that I intend to conquer, but if not…
Your kindness and your wisdom here
has given so much hope
and if I may, I hold you dear
holding to my final rope.
You’ve been a warm and heartfelt balm
to this writer’s heart,
and have helped hold a calm
praise: “Lord, How Great Thou Art!”
I wish, perchance I might have met you,
and, perhaps, a warm embrace;
know that you have helped me through
this hell, and that you have shown His Face.
I pray this might be your leaven,
that you’ve helped turn hell to Heaven.
I am so moved. I plan to print this out and keep it. Thank you!!
I continue to pray for you.
You’re a treasure, Tamela. You’ve made the world a far, far better place.
My favorite title, which would be right for my work in progress is Loving Frank, a recent historical fiction. The working title for me is The Photographer’s Women. It came to me ten years ago when I began writing and researching. But Loving Frank is what it’s about. It took me a few years to discover who would drive the story, the women who influenced my great grandfather, those who loved him and who did not.
Hi Tamela–
Just love your book proposal series. I’m looking forward to learning more from you and Steve.
I’d have to say that even though it’s not-so colorful that one of my favorite titles of late is Team of Rivals. It’s catchy and intriguing for the nerdy like me who like to understand the concept of how teams survive together.
I just completed my ‘final’ draft of How to Be a Worship Songwriter – The Complete Solution.
This is more than a book. It’s an idea.
This is a complete solution, targeted to both the aspiring and experienced, to become a strong congregational worship songwriter. With the help of a songwriting organization that the writer creates (wherever two or more are gathered in my name…!), songs are immediately delivered to local churches.
The organization files for and receives royalties for the use of the songs, helping to support further activities, including the distribution of recording projects.
The money is certainly not as important as the kingdom work!
On tips for memorable titles. One important point I learned from Copyblogger’s Brian Clark is that the best titles often have two elements: interest and intrigue. Coupled with the always-strong copywriter’s advice of adding a big promise, it can often make the title irresistible.
I know that the above on titles has its roots in sales and non-fiction, but I think some form of it would transfer well to fiction. What do you think?
Tamela — this series is so helpful. Thank you! What are your thoughts on including a .jpg of the book cover on the title page? My novel, “A Tormentor’s Tale” is compete, and the cover is captivating!