Today, I'm joined by Chad Allen, creator of Book Proposal Academy. He is a full-time writer, editor, speaker, and writing coach. Chad has been at the receiving end of book proposals and has created proposals for his own books. We dive into a good book proposal's elements and why Chad is passionate about the Book Proposal Academy.
"A book proposal is simply a document that authors prepare to pitch their book to agents and publishers." Chad says you can think about a book as a "micro-business" and to look at your book proposal as a "business plan for your book." Your proposal's job is to show that your book is a safe bet to publish for-profit and a good ROI for the publishing company.
You can create a book proposal even if you are intending to self-publish. "A book proposal, even when self-publishing, is a great way to get your hands around your project." Make sure to have the "three C's of publishing success" when writing your book proposal.
Chad talks about the three phases to launch your book on your platform: the pre-launch, the launch, and the post-launch. "What are you going to do at each of these phases to promote your book?" You can also add a competitive analysis of your book in your proposal and a section for possible future books if they match your current book's genre.
Find out tips from Chad on how to solve the problem of starting off without a platform, why you want to build an email list, how to grow your audience. Between writing your book and your pre-launch, figure out how you are going to grow your platform. Think of the different strategies you can use to build your audience and launch your book.
Listen in to find out lessons Chad learned from working in the publishing industry, the three C's of publishing success, and the elements that create a good book proposal. Learn why your title and subtitle are significant in a book proposal and ideas on how to build your audience to sell your book.
Show Notes
[01:40] What is a book proposal? [03:25] Benefits of self-publishing from a traditional and self-publishing standpoint. [04:25] What you can learn from writing a book proposal. [06:22] When looking at a proposal, Chad first looked at buy-in. [09:13] Casting a vision for your book through your proposal. [13:00] How to include a section for possible future books in your proposal. [16:12] Create a detailed marketing plan to propose to the publisher. [22:39] How to hire a designer for your book proposal. [23:24] Common mistakes authors make in their book proposals. [25:23] Going from book proposal to book deal. [32:08] Give enough time to your book proposal process to give you the best chance of success. [34:15] What can happen in the book proposal process with publishers. [35:38] Look for your buy back discount from a publisher. [37:10] How many free books can you get from a publisher? [38:32] Tips on choosing a good publisher. [43:15] Advice that Chad would have given himself when first starting out.Links and Resources
Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course Chad Allen Book Proposal Academy Chad Allen on the webSPS 202: From Book To Entrepreneur & 8M+ TEDx Talk Views with Carrie Green (Female Author Association)
SPS 201: What I Learned Publishing 50 Fiction Novels In 22 Years with Tim Waggoner
SPS 200: To The Girl Who Wants To Write Books About Her Faith with Grace Valentine
SPS 199: Ten Ways to Sell Books Through Media Appearances with Steve Harrison
SPS 198: Successfully Self Publishing and Selling Books Through TikTok with Gabrielle Stone (Eat, Pray, #FML)
SPS 197: Worth It: Writing The Book You Want To Write (Not The One People Tell You To) with Brit Barron
SPS 196: Nice Girls Don’t Publish Books? - Empowering Female Authors & Executives with Dr. Lois Frankel
SPS 195: Lessons Learned Publishing 100+ Children & Young Adult Books with Kathryn Lasky (& Turning Your Book Into A Movie)
SPS 194: Building An Empire And Becoming Unbreakable with Elena Cardone
SPS 193: Buy Back Your Time Writing And Launching A Book (A Behind The Scenes Look) with Dan Martell
ANNOUNCEMENT: Self Publishing School Is Closed, The Future Of Publishing, And Funding 75 Libraries
SPS 192: Lessons Learned From 8 Years, 7,000+ Books Published, And $43M+ …And The Future Of Publishing with Chandler Bolt
SPS 191: Turning Your Book Into A Movie (From Book To Script) with Sara McDermott Jain
SPS 190: How To Launch A Book Successfully with Julie Broad
SPS 189: Go For Stupid & Being Authentic In Your Book with Steve Sims
SPS 188: Turning Your Book Into A Viral TED Talk & Speaking Career with Dr. Guy Winch
SPS 187: Affiliate Marketing For Authors with “The Affiliate Guy” Matt McWilliams
SPS 186: Contagious; How To Make Your Book Catch On & Go Viral with Jonah Berger
SPS 185: Writing Great Fables & Discovering Your “Working Genius” with Patrick Lencioni
SPS 184: From Pastor To Author & Podcaster; Writing For Church Leaders with Carey Nieuwhof
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