Need Some Help guys!

[SaraSparks]

So I am new to the idea of actually publishing and marketing my writing. BUT! I went to a church in Nor Cal and it gave me a craving to really put out my idea. It's not the typical non-fiction book, it's more of a coffee table book (for lack of better words) Very artsy, lots of pictures and every page is a different story. I have no idea how to create a proposal with that idea. I'm afraid they will reject it as soon as they hear coffee table LOL They also ask for 3 sample chapters but there are no "chapters" in my book. I'm so confused! Any advice?

[Keith Wallis]

Sounds as if the info they require is what they ALWAYS ask for - a standard cover-all which only covers the run-of-the-mill. I wonder if you are aiming at the wrong spot. Sounds as if you ought to be approaching a magazine with the single stories in the first instance. More often than not I suspect this would build a base of readers who would purchase an "omnibus" of them in your "coffee-table" book. Not an expert - just a thought to consider.

[love2write]

Sara,

Here is a list from the Steve Laube Literary Agency on what to put in a non-fiction book proposal.

Your non-fiction book proposal could include the following:

1) A one-sentence summary of your book:

2) Create a 75 word summary of the book. Imagine that this is what will go on the back cover of the book.

3) A half page to one page overview of your book including (a) an identification of its uniqueness (the distinguishing “hook” that will draw your reader in: What will motivate a person to pick up your book?) and (b) what you hope to accomplish in the way of transformation in the life of the reader:

4) A brief profile of your reader with a clear explanation of the problem he or she faces and how your book provides a solution. Also, list any additional audiences you expect your book will attract:

5) A listing of other books available that are similar to yours and a brief explanation of how yours is both different and/or better:

6) A description of potential marketing channels to which you have access (e.g., contacts you have in key organizations, groups you speak to regularly, key people you know who might endorse your book, etc.):

7) Your qualifications to write on this topic and a list of your writing experience and educational/career background. If you have published previously, what are the titles and approximate sales to date of your books?

8) A chapter-by-chapter annotated outline that clearly summarizes the overall content and key ideas of each chapter:

9) Projected word length of the manuscript:

[paulchernoch]

Sara,

You say you have no chapters. Perhaps you can arrange your stories into themes (like the Book of Virtues or the Moral Compass by Bill Bennett). Then each theme would be a chapter, and you could have a brief introduction to each theme. Your proposal would them name the themes as chapters, and your proposal would include all the stories for two or three themes.

But maybe you want people to get a variety by reading straight through. You might still identify the themes, but sprinkle stories for each theme throughout the book. In that case you could choose a different organizing principle for your chapters: seasons of the year, seasons of life, etc. Regardless, with some creativitiy you will find an organizing principle. That principle will feed into your title, your artwork and your claim of distinctiveness. It will make or break your book.

- Paul

[SaraSparks]

thank you so much for the advice so far! You all have great ideas that hopefully I will be steadfast enough to implement! lol