The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
Writing a Successful Book Proposal
Sep 1, 2022
Jessie Stephens, author of Heartsick: Three Stories About Love, Pain, and What Happens In Between, discusses what made her book proposal successful and the tenuous connection between social media following and book sales. They also explore the pros of having an agent, the impressions of her first book offer, and her new book. They touch on challenges in conveying desired tone and style in the proposal and the process of pitching a collection of true stories about heartbreak.
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Quick takeaways
- Conveying the tone, structure, and originality of a book is the most challenging part of writing a book proposal.
- Having a platform and background in media can provide credibility and potential avenues for promotion, but the quality and value of the book itself are equally important for securing a deal.
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Challenges and successes in writing the book proposal
The most challenging part of writing the book proposal was conveying the tone and structure of the book, as well as explaining its originality. The easiest part was emphasizing the strength of the idea and its appeal to readers. I highlighted influences such as Lisa Taddeo's 'Three Women' and referenced popular fiction authors like Sally Rooney and Marian Keyes. These elements stood out to publishers because they showcased the potential marketability and uniqueness of the book.
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