For Nonfiction:
• Cover letter. (Generally one page.)
• Title page. (One page—include projected word count.)
• Table of contents for the proposal itself.
• Synopsis or overview of the book. (One and a half to four pages.)
• Marketing section. (Who is your target audience and how many people does this group comprise.) Two to four paragraphs.
• Promotional ideas (How do you suggest this book be promoted and what will you do to promote it?) Two to six paragraphs.
• Details about your platform (How widespread is your following—people who know you as an expert in your field or as an author? What are some of your connections related to this topic?) Use as much space as it takes. Impress the publishers.
• Market analysis or comparison of competitive works. Compare your manuscript with five or six similar books. (One or one two pages.)
• About the author (What makes you the best person to write this book?) One to three paragraphs. (Be sure to add your list of published books and books in the works.)
• Chapter summaries. Approximately 100-400 words per chapter.
• Sample chapters (if requested). Generally the first two chapters and the most impactful chapter.
• Samples of illustrations, photographs, etc. (if appropriate).
For Fiction:
• Cover letter
• Title page
• Promotional plan, including your platform.
• About the author.
• Sample chapters, if requested, or first 100 pages.
For more about writing a book proposal, sign up for my online book proposal course:
http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookpromotion.htm
And/or order my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book or How to Write a Successful Book Proposal in 8 Days or Less. http://www.matilijapress.com