How to Write a Novel Proposal

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First, let me say that I've discovered there really isn't just "one way" to write a fiction proposal. One writer's style might not work for everyone. When I was crafting the proposal for my novel Thicker Than Blood, I included these elements, all double-spaced:

• Three sentence logline ... think what you'd see on a movie poster.

• Brief synopsis (1 page) -- pretend you're writing the back-cover copy of a novel. Write this like that.

• Marketing considerations (1 page) -- compare your novel to what's already out there.

• Target audience (1 page) -- shows the editor you're thinking in marketing terms.

• About the author (1 page) -- if you don't have clips, that's okay. Are you a teacher and your main character is a teacher? Mention this.

• Series potential (1 page) -- shows the editor, again, you're thinking ahead and don't plan to be a one-book wonder.

• Full synopsis (6 pages) -- tell the whole story like you were talking to a friend. Don't leave out the ending!

Not all of the sections filled each page, but I separated them anyway.

Several books I recommend for writing a fiction proposal:

• Your Novel Proposal : From Creation to Contract by Blythe Camenson & Marshall J. Cook

• The Sell Your Novel Toolkit by Elizabeth Lyon

• The Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches & Proposalsby Moira Allen

Also, Terry Whalin's Book Proposals That Sell, though geared for nonfiction, will teach you how to think like an editor.

More Resources:

• Randy Ingermanson has an example of a successful fiction proposal on his website in .pdf format. It was the one he and John Olsen used for Oxygen, which was later published by Bethany House. Click here.

• Also, literary agent Chip MacGregor has an example on his website (also .pdf) of Sandra Glahn's novel Informed Consent. Click here.

• Literary agent Rachelle Gardner has a great post on her blog describing the details as well. Click here.

Authors, editors, agents ... what do you say?

Ask Terry Whalin

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"What is your most important question about book proposals and how to grab an editor's attention?"

Here's your chance to ask someone who knows. On June 5th at 8:30 p.m. EST, Terry Whalin will be answering your questions during a 70 minute teleseminar.

But your chance to ask him a question starts now! Visit the website: http://www.askterrywhalin.com for all the details (and don't be alarmed when Terry's voice starts talking to you when the page loads).

W. Terry Whalin is a multi-published literary agent who's also been an acquisitions editor. He really does know both sides of the desk and has written the very helpful text Book Proposals that $ell.

Visit Terry's website for even more information about him. He has also created a helpful website for writers called Right-Writing that's chock full of advice. And nearly every day you can find a new post at his popular blog The Writing Life.