If you’re hoping to secure a traditional publishing deal, especially through a literary agent, a book proposal is your calling card. It makes a case for why your book should exist, and why it matters now. It’s not enough to have a great idea or even polished writing; your proposal must prove that your book is marketable, salable, and relevant in today’s publishing landscape.
Book proposals are standard for non-fiction, particularly for prescriptive works (like self-help or business books), where publishers buy based on the author’s expertise and platform. But for narrative non-fiction and memoirs, and increasingly even in commercial fiction, proposals can help highlight audience appeal, your promotional strengths, and your positioning within the market. If you’re hoping to find a book publishing agent, a strong proposal can make all the difference.
Must-Haves for a Strong Book Proposal
- Overview
Instead of simply summarizing your book, explain why it’s needed right now. What urgent problem does it address? Why will readers choose this book over free content or other titles? For fiction, highlight the hook or concept, and what makes your story fresh. - Target Audience
Be specific. Who is primarily going to buy your book? Whether it’s working professionals, Gen Z fantasy lovers, or first-time parents, agents need to know there’s a clearly defined readership. - Comparable Titles (also called Comp Titles)
Include 5–10 books your ideal reader may have read or considered. Your goal isn’t to claim yours is better, but to show that there’s a market for it, and that you’re offering something distinctive within it. Provide basic publishing info and a short paragraph explaining how your book complements or contrasts with each. - Author Bio
Use this to explain why you are the perfect person to write this book. Go beyond a standard bio—emphasize your credentials, experiences, and current platform. - Marketing Plan
Don’t say what you’re “willing” to do. Be bold and specific about what you will do. Include platforms you already use, speaking engagements, partnerships, newsletters, or media exposure. Numbers speak louder than vague promises. - Chapter Outline or Table of Contents
Especially for nonfiction, summarize each chapter’s content or key argument. For fiction, a brief story synopsis or act-wise breakdown can work too, helping literary agent services assess narrative structure. - Sample Chapters
These showcase your voice and writing style and also provide a clearer window into what to expect from the book. They’re essential for memoir, narrative non-fiction, and fiction proposals. For prescriptive non-fiction, one or two chapters may suffice.
Bound’s Top Tips for a Book Proposal:
- Don’t rush it. A proposal is as strategic as it is creative. Take time to research, refine your pitch, and understand your genre’s market.
- Be current. Publishing is competitive. Your proposal must feel urgent and timely, even for evergreen topics.
- Show your edge. Why you, why now, and why this book?
- Be realistic. A flashy but vague marketing plan won’t help. Be practical and data-driven.
Ultimately, a book proposal is both a strategic and creative document. It requires careful thinking about your book’s purpose, audience, and place in the market. If you’re navigating this process for the first time or even refining an existing draft, it can be valuable to seek professional literary representation.
Need help navigating this process? Discover our publishing guidance services here.
