nethawk

I'm in the final stages of the proposal but I have a nagging doubt that needs to be addressed. In my proposal for a nonfiction piece, am I right to assume that what the agent/publisher wants is a longer outline as opposed to a smaller synopsis? Or should I include along with the outline a one to two pager "mini outline" (that again for crying out loud could actually be called a synopsis)?

Confused in Canada.

pfaubush

Your proposal should include an overview broadly detailing your book and a Table of Contents. The table of contents should outline your book chapter by chapter. Include a brief paragraph (but no more) giving details.

If you have an idea of who you will be sending your manuscript to, definately check submission guidelines. Editors can be sticklers for small details.

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nethawk

You sure about that? No market analysis? No outlining ways I plan to promote the book? No competing titles? One paragraph aside from the overview seems a bit sparse. I'll continue researching their requirements.

mammamaia

net... the other things you list are often required in a book proposal... but you'll need to check each publisher's guidelines to see which elements are to be included in that package...

as for the synopsis vs outline question, for non-fiction, a chapter outline is usually expected, along with a brief overview of what the book is about, in the cover [or query] letter... a chapter outline is sort of an expanded table of contents, with a 1-3 sentence description of what each chapter contains...

hope this helps to unconfuse you... for more detailed info on book proposals, you can email me and i'll forward a guide...

love and hugs, maia
maia3maia@hotmail.com

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