The Short Fuse Guide to Book Proposals

by Gordon Warnock

Literary Agent Gordon Warnock walks you through writing the kind of book proposal that makes agents and acquisitions editors want to work with you. Learn what to include, what to avoid, and what will help you stand above the rest.


You need a book proposal to pitch all types of non-fiction, but if you’re writing fiction, a strong “marketing proposal” becomes your secret weapon. This document, with many of the same elements of a book proposal, is a way to give your submission an edge, presenting you as the kind of informed, proactive, and marketing-savvy writer that agents and publishers love to work with. And whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction, your proposal will also act as a road map for promoting your book once it comes out.


Short Fuse Guides offer insider tips and tricks for writers, written by agents and covering different areas of the ever-changing publishing industry.

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 25, 2013

About the author

Gordon Warnock, Partner at Fuse Literary, is a literary agent and the editorial director of Short Fuse publishing. He represents debut authors and bestsellers alike, primarily handling socially responsible nonfiction, book club fiction, and graphic novels.

Reviews

[Jaimie Engle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. It was very easy to read and digest, and I love how it went into details on writing a fiction proposal, something I have not considered before. From the perspective of an agent, it offers an inside look to exactly what this agent is looking for. And since I plan on querying him, it works for me. A very quick read I would recommend to any writer.

[Robin Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really comprehensive. Really expert.

[J.J. Melvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent tool to understand the world of book proposals. It was very helpful, and informative. A quick must read.