The endorsement section can be intimidating for the author who’s unsure if her connections in the industry are strong enough to garner endorsements. While that may be a valid concern, don’t let this stop you from submitting your proposal to agents. Often endorsements are received after the book is already contracted and moving toward publication. What we are talking about here is having an …

This section is scary for authors who, for one reason or another, had a book or two that didn’t sell well. Many times, this isn’t even the author’s fault, making weak numbers all the more tragic. However, facts are facts; and we must report them. Please don’t hide anything. No exceptions. Need to Know Book title Publisher Date of Publication Lifetime units sold to date The units sold to date can …

Lots of authors find themselves stymied by this category, but it’s essential. When I’m unsure of a book’s place in the market as I review a proposal, seeing comparable titles helps me. I define this category as answering the question: “What titles are currently on the market that are similar to the book the author proposes?” You may say, “Isn’t it the editor’s job to know the competition?” Yes and …

The next section of a proposal is titled “Author”; and, as you can guess, it is about you. Third Person Though writing in the third person may feel pretentious and strange, compose this section this way. While sharing something like, “I love drinking raspberry herbal tea; and my cat, Sparkles, helps me write my books,” may sound friendly, save that style of writing for another time. If you do want …