BOOK PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT

For experts pursuing traditional publication.

Do you want a traditional publishing deal for your nonfiction book? You’re going to need a book proposal.

A strong proposal demonstrates:

  • A clear and compelling idea

  • A defined audience

  • A distinctive position within the existing market

  • Your authority to write the book

  • Your ability to actually deliver the book you’re promising

That’s where I come in.

With 25 years of experience as an editor, author, and ghostwriter for major publishers, I help experts shape their ideas into proposals that agents and editors can take seriously.

Engagement Options

Proposal Coaching and Development

For authors who want to write the proposal themselves but want strategic guidance and strong editorial shaping.

This work may include:

  • Refining the concept and positioning

  • Building a clear chapter outline

  • Strengthening proposal sections

  • Editing and sharpening sample chapters

Typical investment: $3,500–$8,000, depending on scope.

Full Proposal Development

For authors who want deeper collaboration, including significant writing support.

I work closely with you to draft the proposal or substantially collaborate on key sections and sample chapters.

Typical investment: $10,000–$12,000.

At this level, the collaboration begins to resemble the early stages of ghostwriting. And in some cases, authors who develop a proposal with me decide to continue the partnership if the book sells. When that happens, I typically offer continuation pricing on the ghostwriting engagement, since much of the architectural work has already been done during the proposal phase.

Finding an Agent

Once the proposal is complete, the next step is usually literary representation.

I can assist with:

  • Identifying appropriate agents

  • Query letter strategy

  • Submission approach and positioning

This work is typically handled as a separate engagement once the proposal is finished.

No one can guarantee representation, of course. But a strong proposal dramatically improves the odds of getting serious attention.

Next Step

If you’re considering a proposal, reach out with:

  • A short description of your book idea

  • Your professional background or platform

  • Whether you’ve begun drafting any proposal materials

From there we can decide whether proposal development—and what level of collaboration—makes sense for your project.