Comments on: Why A Book Proposal Is Everything

By: Penlee

Penlee — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 02:08:56 +0000

Have just come across all this by accident for I haven’t had any mail from you for a long time say around May. Am I able to get onto any past (and future again) emails? Just love anything on writing plus all of your (sometimes crazy sense of humour) messages. Unforgettable.

By: Colleen

Colleen — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:41:50 +0000

What is shameless self promotion? Good question. For some it means being less than authentic. Those are the ones I would not want to imitate. Such as, having a website promoting a book that doesn’t exist. List credentials as if you’re an expert because in time you will be. Self fulfilling prophecy I suppose . Don’t mind me, like our Lord I like to be a little provocational from time to time just to stimulate thought. Just to make myself clear, I see that you are the real McCoy. You are a fun writer and I suppose I think its fun sticking my proverbial foot out in a playful

annoying little sister way. Why? The same reason others climb mountains. I really need to grow up. But not too soon I hope…

By: John Shore

John Shore — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:00:31 +0000

Hey, Colleen. Thanks for writing. Good stuff? But what, exactly, do you mean by I should engage in "Shameless Self Promotion"? What would that actually MEAN?

By: Colleen

Colleen — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 15:51:24 +0000

What a blessing! An actual min-writing course I can count toward 150 contact hours for my board certification in nursing. Bet you didn't think anyone would actually list you as a virtual conference speaker. You can take the girl out NYC but you can't take the NYC outta the girl. I dare them to question this one, when I have written some big articles for work, (for free) over the last 6 years. Go me! (Something our 21 yo likes to say in place of, "you go girl!" Seriously, one suggestion to this blog would be…if I may…I am a fan…oh you want proof…on Thursday Amazon delivered Penguins, Pain and the Whole Shebang. I never finish a book unless it's so worth it…and I breezed through Penguins, pressed on through the Pain and will complete the Whole Shebang before the weekend is over. Which coincidently included a reference to William Hung, (the weekend that is) so I thought that would be worth sharing. She bangs… She bangs… Okay now for an actual valid suggestion for this blog. I attended a "Christian" writing retreat in Gatlinburg, TN almost 2 years that stressed that in order to truly succeed, a writer must practice,"Shameless Self Promotion." Is that a challenge for you? I want your wife to answer this one. LOL! I also learned that many blogs today serve as “webs” on the world wide web for…well you know, folks like me. “Come into my web.” said the spider to the fly. A poem my Irish grandmother used to like to share to warn her young lasses about false motives. No offense intended. Thanks again for your generous heart!

Sista Col

By: Karen Gregg Price, Reaching Peak LLC

Karen Gregg Price, Reaching Peak LLC — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:47:58 +0000

I self-published a book that is a Christian testimony of overcoming alcholism. It’s short story that most people find amazing so far, since I nearly died.

I was told to send a book proposal to Christain publishers to see if they would pick up the title (buy the rights). I’m not sure that’s likely based on reading what you said, that they would rather I not write the book on my own, but instead with the publisher’s input.

That said, I will probably still write the proposal. What do you recommend?

Book “Simply Quit Drinking: An Inspirational Journey From Near Death”.

By: John Shore

John Shore — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:38:43 +0000

Publishers don't (that I've ever heard of) buy the rights to a title. If they wanted your title, they'd just change it to "Just Quit Drinking…" or whatever. You could pretty safely not waste your time trying to get a publisher to buy the rights to your title.

As for your book, it's great you've self-published it. As far as getting a publisher interested in it, all they're going to want to know is: How many did you sell? If it's a pretty big, fat number (2,000 minimum), you'll get their attention. If not, then … not so much.

By: ric booth

ric booth — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:33:46 +0000

Hey John,

Back from a vacation (of sorts). Mostly reunions. Whatever. I am back.

I am catching up here and wanted to say thanks for the book proposal tips. I don’t know if I will ever attempt a book but I fantasize about such things. Not while driving and talking on my bluetooth-enabled cell phone. That would be dangerous.

I see I missed the latest debate club post too. Saddness. Ok, I’m over it.

My wife (& others) keep encouraging me to assemble a proposal. (In real life, not the fantasy version.) And I may. So keep ‘em coming.

By: John Shore

John Shore — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:58:31 +0000

Really? I mean, that's nice of you to say. I figured … like, who CARES? It's such a … job-related sort of thing; I thought it was like someone telling you how how they stock stuff in their warehouse, or how they come up with the mold shapes that allow them to pour in wax so they can make angel-shaped candles, or whatever.

Then again, forget that. I DID used to want to know this stuff, actually, when I was thinking I might go into books.

Anyway, I'm babbling. Thanks as ever, Greta.

By: Greta

Greta — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:40:12 +0000

…..a huge thanks for the Three Course . . . (3 reasons) . . 'meal', John!

I'm anticipating the Dessert . . . (an overview of a sample proposal).

Thanks heaps for the help you are giving a whole lot of us.

By: John Shore

John Shore — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:42:36 +0000

Of course I couldn't say without seeing the proposal, but generally it's very safe to say that all editors have the same hot button: Will This Book Sell?

But … you knew that.