Book Proposal Coaching
I work with academic authors or other professionals who want to reach a broader audience through a traditional publisher.
A book proposal does more than simply pitch your idea to an agent or publisher—it is the beginning of a business relationship with a publisher. It should answer several questions, including:
- Why should a publisher invest in this project?
- Why are you the right person to write the book: what’s your authority and expertise on the subject?
- How will you, as an author, help to sell books? What’s your “author platform” and book marketing plan?
In an intense, two-month engagement, we will work together to:
- Identify the market and audience for the book
- Refine the vision and positioning of your book
- Discuss author platform and book marketing plans for the proposal
- Assemble the components of a successful book proposal
- Create a query strategy and sample query letters
- Evaluate the chapter outline and sample chapter(s) if written
This will happen over eight 45-minute calls. By the end of the engagement, you will have a proposal, including outline and sample chapter, and be ready to start pitching agents and/or publishers. Cost: $2400, paid in two installments.
Proposal Critique
If you already have a proposal in the works or drafted, I can identify ways to make your proposal stronger and more appealing.
You’ll send me the proposal draft and we’ll book a consultation call to discuss what works and your next steps. You will also receive a detailed editing letter for the proposal. The cost of the critique and consultation is $800.
Contact me to see if there’s a fit, or book a short conversation.
I feel so very fortunate to have had Anne’s guidance in developing my book proposal! As a first-time author, I had no clue what a viable nonfiction book proposal should look like and initially consulted someone who was, honestly, not helpful. I was discouraged but decided to take another chance after reading Anne’s description of herself as an ‘armchair cognitive science geek, nonfiction author coach…’ In our first zoom meeting, Anne succinctly walked me through what worked and what didn’t in my proposal, gave me insight into what agents were looking for, and offered to do further follow-up with me. She did all this with a warm and encouraging tone that put me at ease and gave me renewed confidence in the importance of my work. Lovely person, shrewd insight, grammar mastery. If you are looking for a supportive expert for your book proposal, your search ends here.
