Book Proposals That Sell: 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success by W. Terry Whalin, Donna Clark Goodrich, Steven R. Laube

From the Publisher

Writing a book? If you are like most people, you start with a blank page and write your entire manuscript. According to author and acquisitions editor Terry Whalin, your approach is backwards. About 80 to 90% of nonfiction books are sold from a book proposal. This mysterious document called a proposal contains many elements that will never appear in your manuscript-yet these details are critical to publishing executives who make the decision about publishing or rejecting your project.

What People Are Saying

Cecil Murphey
"Many beginning book writers complain that it's harder to write the proposal than the book itself. Until they know how, that's probably true. Terry Whalin knows the secrets of good book proposals. As a writer, he's composed many book proposals; as an editor, he's read hundreds of them."
—writer, co-writer, or ghostwriter of more than 100 books including Committed But Flawed and 90 Minutes in Heaven

Kelly Gallagher
"As a former publisher, the truth and insider information from Book Proposals That Sell resonates with my own publishing experiences. Terry Whalin helps would-be authors or experienced writers walk through the critical questions from any acquisitions editor. If you answer these questions, it will help you gain serious consideration for your book idea."
—Vice President, Evangelical Christian Publishers Association

Les Stobbe
"A well-written book proposal gains attention, piques interest, and provides the information an editor--and later the publicity department--needs to convince not only his editorial staff but the whole publishing team. Terry Whalin provides the know-how to add sales appeal to any book proposal."
—Literary Agent, Editor-in-Chief, Christian Writer's Guild

Claudia Cross
"As an agent, I've read Terry's nonfiction proposals and have always been impressed. He knows how to put together a winning presentation to capture a potential editor's attention and get a decision. In Book Proposals That Sell, Terry combines his compassion for writers with his considerable publishing experience to create a must-have book for anyone preparing a nonfiction proposal."
—Literary Agent, Sterling Lord Literistic, New York City

Jeanette Thomason
"With practical know-how and tons of proven tips, this book is like that wise friend who's been in the business, knows what works and why. Step-by-step, Terry Whalin guides and inspires both beginners and even experienced writers to doing better, successful, meaningful work."
—acquisition editor, Revell Books

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