eBook: Writing a Winning Book Proposal

Now available for IMMEDIATE download!

Trust me: neither publishers nor agents want to see your book manuscript. Instead, they want to see a carefully-crafted book proposal that follows a specific format. In these two eBooks (available separately or together), I share what I have discovered in more than 25 years in the publishing industry. I show you what it takes to secure a book publishing contract, whether you are writing a non-fiction book or a novel.

Two 3D eBook Covers

In Writing a Winning Non-Fiction Book Proposal, I reveal how to:

  • Write a killer query letter that gets the agent or editor to actually read the proposal.
  • Get the publisher’s attention in the first paragraph.
  • Answer the three questions every publisher asks next.
  • Write a killer query letter that identifies the prospective reader’s need and your proposed solution.
  • Create a unique selling proposition that explains what the reader will gain by reading the book and how the book will deliver it.
  • Distinguish between benefits and features—and why it is essential that you do so.
  • Identify your target market in such a way that the publisher can visualize the exact opportunity your proposal represents.
  • Understand the difference between demographics and psychographics and why both are important.
  • Identify specific affinity groups that will help you—and the ultimate publisher—maximize the sales potential of your book.
  • Assess your competition and explain how your book will be different.
  • Explain why you are qualified to write this book—even if you are a first-time author.
  • Demonstrate what you are prepared to do to help market your book.

In addition, I explain how to write a chapter-by-chapter synopsis of your book and six elements that should be part of any sample chapter you include.

I wrote the first version of this eBook several years ago. It has become the de facto standard in the publishing industry. However, I have now revised it, based on the feedback I have received from hundreds of readers.

Also after years of requests, I have now written the fiction version. In Writing a Winning Fiction Book Proposal, I reveal how to:

  • Understand the four elements your fiction proposal must include.
  • Write a well-crafted query letter that leaves the agent or editor begging for more.
  • Compose a compelling “hook” that conveys the premise of your novel in nine sentences or less.
  • Identify your target genre in such a way that the publisher can visualize the precise market for your novel.
  • Explain why you are qualified to write this book—even if you are a first-time author.
  • Avoid the three items you should NEVER include in a fiction book proposal.
  • Convey the “story arc” of your novel in one page and avoid the mistakes typically made by amateurs.
  • Include just enough of your novel to prove that you can write but not so much as to make reading it too daunting.

Some colleagues suggested that I should charge $30–50 for these eBooks—not based on the page count (after all, non-fiction eBook is only 32 pages long and the fiction eBook is only 28 pages long), but on the specialized information they contain and the results they have produced for so many authors. “This is a minuscule investment,” they argued, ”compared to the results these eBooks produce.”

However, I decided to offer these eBooks for just $19.97 each. I may raise the price later, but for right now, I would rather make these eBooks available to as many people as possible at an affordable price. In addition, if you are considering both fiction and non-fiction, you can buy both eBooks for just $29.94—a $10.00 savings!

My Money-Back Guarantee: If you don’t find these eBooks helpful and worth every penny you pay, I will promptly refund your money. No questions asked. So far, I have sold hundreds. I have only had one refund request. Nonetheless, the offer still stands.

Yes, you could probably find similar information for free on the Internet. You could likely distill it from two or three books on the topic. But why wade through all of that? What’s your time worth? I have already done the heavy lifting for you. Your time is better spent crafting your actual proposal!

I have personally read through thousands of book proposals in my career as a publisher and agent. I know what these professionals are looking for—and what they are not looking for. If my experience is worth $19.97 to you, then click on the buy button below and let’s get started!

Buy Writing a Winning Non-Fiction Book Proposal
Buy Writing a Winning Non-Fiction Book Proposal for just $19.97
Buy Writing a Winning Fiction Book Proposal
Buy Writing a Winning Fiction Book Proposal for just $19.97
Purchase both eBooks
Buy both Writing a Winning Book Proposal eBooks for just $29.94 and save $10.00!

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Your Comments

60 Comments so far

  1. karpo says:

    just ordered it – can't wait to use it!

  2. SLamb says:

    I have used the shorter PDF again and again — exceptionally helpful — so I expect that this will be of great assistance too, and will recommend it to others.

  3. Stephanie says:

    I used the former document (before it was an ebook) to write a proposal for my book, Leader of the Pack: The Legacy of Legendary Coach Kay Yow. As a result, I received compliments from publishers/agents that I had an excellent proposal and eventually landed a publisher.

    I recommend it to anyone who is writing a book–whether you want to go the self-publishing route or are trying to secure a publisher. It helped me think through many aspects of producing a book (marketing ideas, competition, etc.) that I may not have otherwise realized I needed to address.

    Thank you, Michael!

  4. Jeff Meyers says:

    Just ordered it. Sounds excellent. Thanks!

  5. Rhett Smith says:

    Michael,

    Just purchased it….So looking forward to this….

    I got the chance to sit down with Anne Jackson at the last conference we spoke at and she shared with me many of her thoughts on book proposals…many of which probably came from you. So now I was even more stoked to have this resource.

    Thanks

    Rhett Smith

  6. fogbound says:

    I haven't read this ebook yet, but I did read your article on a winning book proposal several years ago and have been following it in all my proposals. I've got lots of rejections but I have also received positive comments on a well written proposal. So I'm still in the process with three completed manuscripts and I'm looking for positive response. Your advice was great, even in the free article Michael!

    • Thanks for your kind remarks. If it's any encouragement, Andy Andrews received 52 rejections before we (Thomas Nelson) finally agreed to publish it. Even we had previously rejected it twice. However, the last time, Andy did follow my advice in the article that eventually became this eBook.

  7. I must say that out of all the things I have found as a new (aspiring) author, this ebook was the most helpful tool I have ever used. Warren Bird (author of several Church growth books) a mentor of mine read my book proposal and said how amazing it was. I told him all I did was pattern it off of this document by Michael Hyatt. I know that what I learned from this ebook will help me in my way to getting published! Thanks Michael!

  8. brettaljets says:

    Just purchased. Looking forward to the read and writing!

  9. wisdomcalls says:

    Purchased it tonight. I am 2/3 through and it has been well worth it! This is helping me clarify my purpose and my content. I am very excited about how this process is going to affect not only my book proposal but also the entire book. The format is EASY to understand and apply. Thank you Mike for putting in the example along with your descriptions. Picturing my audience (in the specific ways outlined) has reenergized me to focus on meeting their need with my book. Many thanks for your generous tips for finding success in this industry. Well worth the money!

  10. If you have found this eBook helpful, please leave a comment.

    Also, if you order this and don't receive the download link, check your spam folder. If it is not there, you are welcome to email me directly at michael dot hyatt at gmail dot com.

    Thanks!

  11. I just bought it… 1) to see what updates there are 2) to check out the new layout 2) to support your test. :) The previous version was extremely useful and quickly became my default resource to share with new authors looking to draft a proposal or just learn more about the process. No doubt this revised / updated version will be even better. I consider the $9.95 investment also a small “thank you” for the amount of time and information you share with us all. It's a worthy exchange.

    Couple questions:
    1) Do you have plans to create any sort of affiliate program with this e-book?
    2) Was there a specific program you used for layout of it? Looks great, love the formatting and ability to make the pages advance via arrows at bottom. Almost looks like a “Change This” PDF.
    3) Is there any way to include a few actual proposals that sold as a further example? Maybe a few different genres? Obviously the author(s) would have to agree to share. That might be helpful to others to also see some real world examples.

    • Daniel, sorry for the delay in responding. I was attending the Catalyst conference and am just now catching up.

      1. Yes. However, I have to figure out the software component on this. I plan to do this next week, while I am on vacation and have a little extra time.

      2. My designer used Adobe In-Design. I gave him the “Change This” PDF as an example. ;-)

      3. I think including some sample proposals is a GREAT idea. I can tell you that Andy Andrews used this format for The Traveler’s Gift, which became a New York Times bestseller. I will check on this. It is a wonderful idea.

      Thanks so much for your questions.

  12. SLamb says:

    Downloaded the eBook — very useful and easy-to-follow. Folks, if you want to know how it is done, buy this Ebook.

  13. human3rror says:

    freaking best ebook ever.

  14. DuongSheahan says:

    I just downloaded this e-book to have for when the time is right for that book project! Thank you!

  15. Thank you for taking the time to help aspiring authors! You are right–my time is valuable, as I have three children three and under. I've recently had a renewed passion (and need) for writing, and this e-book will definitely help me as I progress. I just purchased it a few minutes ago, but from what I skimmed, I can tell this layout is clear and easy to understand. Just what I need–thank you!

  16. Lynn McCallum says:

    Does this address fiction and non-fiction?

  17. Jason Young says:

    I just downloaded the ebook. I look forward to learning.

  18. I have just gotten into writing myself, and have just started on my first novel… I'm not so sure it's going to be the best, most original novel every, but the most important thing I think is to actually do it.

    I just ordered this ebook too, because even if it's not good enough to get my book published, I would love to get feedback from professionals, and it seems like following this pdf will be the best way to get publishers to at least take a look at my idea.

    Thanks for this great resource!

  19. Diane says:

    I want to be like Mike! :)

    Thanks. I read the older version, ready to read the update!

  20. Julie says:

    I just read your e-book. I am eagerly anticipating your e-book for fiction propsals. I am half way through my first fiction novel and would love to see if I am moving in the right direction. Can't wait to read it!

  21. michaelhyatt says:

    I am working on that now. I expect to be done in about four weeks. Thanks!

  22. Mike Myatt says:

    Hi Michael:

    For what it’s worth, I think it’s a great move to raise the price on your eBook. While price is always “a” consideration, it is rarely “the” consideration. In my experience it’s not the price, but the perception of whether or not real value will be received for the price paid.

    In the case of your eBook, potential authors should easily be willing to invest a few dollars more for advice from a subject matter expert whose counsel can potentially generate a huge return on investment.

  23. Michael,

    Just wanted to let you know that this is the first ebook I've ever purchased and my expectations are very high if I ever get one again. Within the first week I was able to put together the majority of my book proposal, outlining my entire book in just a few hours.

    Even if I never send it to a publisher and decide to self-publish, your ebook provided me with the most tangible means I've seen to narrow my focus and outline my approach. I've had several book ideas that never got beyond a few pages. I think they're going to get the ebook treatment now thanks to you!

    Anyone who is serious about writing their first book needs to buy this ebook!

    James Woosley
    WoosleyCoaching.com

  24. @josephmcole says:

    I purchased your ebook about a month ago when you offered the revised edition. I read your FB status today that you are working on a Fiction edition. I am more interested in the Fiction edition. Are they separate books (meaning I would buy the fiction edition) or do I simply have to "upgrade" my current edition? Either way I am a happy customer.

  25. Shannon C. says:

    Hi! I am very interested in your eBook. Does it address children's books?
    Thanks.

  26. Jeff Goins says:

    Do you offer like a free sample of this, Michael? Something like a teaser?

    • Jeff, unfortunately, I don't. However, that's why I offer a money-back guarantee. I have only ever been asked for two refunds—both because people inadvertently ordered two copies.

  27. Amber says:

    Hi Michael,

    Thanks for such a thorough guide! I love it. However, you don't mention if we should compose a cover letter to go on top. Should we? If so, should it be brief or more toward a middling length?

    Thanks again!

  28. Jimmy says:

    Thank you so much for making this available. This is by far the best book I have read on putting an agent package together.

    Hopefully in the next month my book will be accepted by a publisher.

  29. Just a note that the fiction version is now available. I am really excited about it!

  30. human3rror says:

    is there a way to get a $10 discount if we've bought the first one?

    ;)

  31. Kyle Reed says:

    I am currently reading through and using this great book proposal guide myself.
    Definitely worth the 10 dollars.

  32. I asked my wife if I could buy the non-fiction version! She said, "Yes." So…i'm reading it and winning. Great job. Very helpful.


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I am the Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Nelson Publishers, the largest Christian publishing company in the world and the seventh largest trade book publishing company in the U.S.

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