Reviewed by: Francine Silverman

Writing a book proposal is as important as writing a business plan, contends Patricia L. Fry, author of How to Write a Successful Book Proposal in 8 Days or Less (Matilija Press 2005). "I'm told more and more often by publishers that a well-thought out, well-written book proposal can make the difference between a publishing contract and rejection," she says.

Writing a book proposal is the best way to determine if you have a good idea and who the audience is for your book, Patricia says - even if your publisher is a POD. "A book proposal is a guide for writing the book. Once you have written a complete book proposal, writing the book is a slam dunk."

Patricia is the author of 24 books, six of them writing/publishing-related, and president of SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network). As such, she knows her subject well but still runs into hurdles like the rest of us. In the section called Chapter Outline, for instance, she notes that in organizing the chapters for this book she changed her mind several times. "I must have moved information and data from folder to folder a dozen times before settling on a logical chapter flow."

The 66-page book includes samples of successful book proposals, resources and marketing strategies. Assignments are posted at the end of each chapter.

This easy-to-follow guide is for anyone contemplating writing a fiction or non-fiction book. The book retails at $12.99. To order copies, shop at www.matilijapress.com or www.amazon.com

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Francine Silverman
Author of "Book Marketing from A-Z"
(Infinity Publishing 2005)
Editor/Publisher of Book Promotion Newsletter, a bi-weekly ezine for authors of all genres
bookpromotionnewsletter.com