14 Benefits of Writing a Book Proposal Even If You’re Going to Self-Publish
Macguyver was the all-time master of double use. Watch what he does with this paperclip, for example: I can’t promise writing a book proposal will save you from certain death, but doing so definitely has more uses than pitching an idea to traditional publishers. Writing a book proposal will help you: Clarify your vision for […]
Over at Books and Such…
A while back two commenters asked how big a platform was big enough. “How many Twitter followers, Facebook fans, email subscriptions should I be shooting for? What’s the goal I should have in mind?” In a guest post over at that Books and Such blog, I address these questions. The post is called 5 Questions […]
How to Get Published in Five Steps
Recently I participated in a Q & A session for writers at Baker Book House—a very fine Christian book store in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (By the way, if you don’t already subscribe to Louis McBride’s “Baker Book House Connection,” it’s worth your time. While you’re at it, check out the blog of Josh Mosey, the […]
Book Proposal Coaching Update
For those who have been following along as Gary Neal Hansen and I work through a book proposal together, I wanted to give you an update. For those who don’t know what I’m talking about, here’s a brief setup: In December 2012 I started a series of posts on how to create a book proposal. I […]
8 Essential Tips for Marketing Your Book on Facebook
Guest Blogger: Natasha Crain (www.christianmomthoughts.com) We all know Facebook is the largest social media network in the world. Our intuition tells us it can be a powerful tool for book marketing, but how do you use it effectively? In a word, it all starts with fans. The more fans you have, the more effective Facebook […]
How to Write the Marketing Section of Your Book Proposal
It’s an iconic line from an iconic movie. Maverick and Ice Man break the chill between them whilst maneuvering their F-14 fighter jets in a dogfight against a group of Russian MiGs. Each of them helps the other with life-saving aeronautical stunts. Back on the ground, mission accomplished, Ice Man expresses his newfound appreciation for […]
How to Write a Chapter Synopsis for Your Book Proposal
It’s the oldest trick in the book for a cave tour guide. Ours, who halted us deep within Mark Twain Cave (near Hannibal, Missouri) shut off the lights and talked about how utterly dark it was. “To demonstrate,” he said, “try waving your hand in front of your face.” He was right, we couldn’t see […]
How to Craft a Table of Contents for Your Book
I’ve learned over many years of business travel to appreciate a tool that is often overlooked but absolutely essential: the airport directory/map. I’ve made a habit of finding one after arriving at unfamiliar airports to assess the layout, the best restaurants, any artistic/historical attractions, nearest bathroom, shoeshine stands (if my shoes are scruffy), and of […]
How to Describe Your Book to a Publisher
Down through the dusty annals of antiquity comes the whisper of wisdom to any writer bold enough to listen: “Without vision, the people perish.” Or, as I like to say, “Without vision, publishers will run for the hills.” You’ve come up with a concept, crafted a bio, and developed a working title and subtitle. Now […]
How to Come Up with a Working Title for Your Nonfiction Book Proposal
When my wife and I started dating, we were caught in the magnetic chemistry of young love. It was roses and smiles and sighs and bliss. Then I messed up. I asked her out to a restaurant where I had a coupon from a previous girlfriend. That was bad enough, but it got worse when […]