Part 2 in a series on how to build a perfect book proposal Head on back to see part 1 here.

In the first part of this series I made the point that the strategy for publication of a nonfiction book is pretty different from your standard Great American Novel strategy. This really should not be any big revelation, after all we are talking about two different products.  I also talked about how selling your book idea on the front end can save you months of frustration through receiving the feedback from the editors and book publishers.  if your idea is whacked out and has no audience, trust me they are all too happy to point this out.

In consideration of your killer nonfiction book proposal, you want to keep a few things in mind:

• This is a sales pitch.  Treat it that way.  Your idea is for the mostest awesomest baddest nonfiction book ever.  People around the country will be slapping their heads as they slap down their dollars going, “Why didn’t I think of that?”.
• If you’re too lazy to do the requisite market research, you should not even consider writing the book.  Sorry, but writers read – and do their research.
• Write, write and re-write.  You did not get in perfect right out of the chute.  Read it again.  Get trusted colleagues who will give you an honest opinion to go over it specifically to look for errors.

What to include:

You want to put together a packet that is professional, complete and as unique as you are.  Be certain all of the following items are included:

• A cover letter – Think of this like a query letter or the cover letter that you attach to a resume when seeking employment.  Succinctly make the pitch immediately, and then introduce a little information about who you are and briefly state why you are the best person to write the book.
• An outline – Some editors or agents may want this, others are happy with the first chapter or two.  Make certain you understand the submission guidelines.  If you already have the majority of your book written then an outline may be fairly simple to draft.
• Sample chapters – Again, review the submission guidelines.  The editor may want something other than the first chapter.
• Market analysis – Here is where most of us writer types are prone to saying, “Hey, this is my stop!  Let me off the bus!”  The mere mention of the word market may cause fits because we are writers, not Mad Men! (this is a huge topic and will be the subject of part 3, so just hang in there.)
• A table of contents – Especially important if you do not include an outline.
• A competitive title analysis – Who else is out there?  Why is your book better?  What are the strengths and weaknesses of the other books?  How does yours take a unique, fresh, new perspective on the topic?

You need to take the time to put these items together in a professional manner.  Leave off your © marks for they are a sign of a true amateur.  The editor KNOWS the work is copyrighted.

Part three of this series will focus on the market analysis and specific submission tips.