Course: How to Craft a Non-Fiction Proposal
Get your non-fiction book idea ready to share with agents and editors!
Hi all,
It seems January has been busier than ever! I hope you’re all well and not having to deal with much damage from Storm Éowyn (I sadly am!).
After the success of my Get Submission-Ready Course, I thought I’d convert my most popular workshop for Substack!
Unlike fiction, non-fiction usually sells to publishers on proposal. That means that you don’t need to have written the whole book. Historically, this was done because researchers, academics and journalists needed to be able to take time off paid work to be able to write the book, or needed specific research or travel financed. The market has obviously changed a fair bit but it is traditional for non-fiction to sell on proposal.
What is a proposal?
A proposal is a document that contains:
Synopsis
Biography
Chapter outline
Sample chapters
Market / Readership section
It is used to showcase what your book is about and why you’re the best person to write it.
For the purposes of this course, I am going to distinguish between three types of non-fiction books:
Narrative Non-Fiction (like Memoir, Travel, Nature, Autobiography): this is non-fiction whose main attraction (not sole attraction!) is in its writing and storytelling.
‘Serious’ Non-Fiction (like History, Politics, Social Science, Current Affairs, Anthropology, Social issues, Science, Art, Medicine, Journalism): this is non-fiction whose main attraction is in its topic and research. Serious non-fiction will often feature things like footnotes, endnotes, bibliography, etc. Please note: this isn’t me saying the other categories can’t be serious or that titles in that category can’t be fun and humorous for example.
Practical books (like Cookbooks, Travel Guides, Self Help, Crafts): this type of non-fiction may often be in a larger format and feature images or illustrations. Some of these types of books will be published by specialist publishers and are all about to impart knowledge, skills or information for you to use.
The reason why I distinguish them is that there are small distinctions to be made in your proposal depending on which type of non-fiction you write. These are obviously generalisations so your book may fit into two categories, in which case take into account the advice for both. Additionally, non-fiction editors tend to specialise (again, big generalisation, some do all kinds!) in one or two of these.
Have a peek at the programme:
[I may update with more guest posts and people joining our Zooms as I get confirmations!]
A post discussing:
Chapter Outline
Structure
Non-Fiction Proposal Course — Session One Zoom (11th February at 6.30pm)
Zoom meet up to discuss your proposal structure and outline: a recording exists in the chat for subscribers.
A post discussing:
Synopsis
Themes
Pace
Guest post by
A post discussing:
Biography
Market and readership
Guest post by
Non-Fiction Proposal Course — Session Three Zoom (Tuesday 25th February 6pm)
Zoom meet up to discuss Market and readership section
Non-Fiction Proposal Course — Session Four (w/c 3rd March)
A post discussing:
Sample Chapters
Memoir, data protection, libel and privacy
Research, bibliography, permissions, sources
Non-Fiction Proposal Course — Session Five (w/c 10th March)
A post discussing:
Polishing your proposal
Feedback
The Important Last Pass for your own comfort and privacy
Non-Fiction Proposal Course — Session Five Zoom (Tuesday 18th March 6pm)
Zoom meet up for all last questions
I will be answering questions on a weekly basis by email, DM or chat but we will have three Zoom sessions to discuss the outline and structure, the market and readership and a last one for last minute questions.
This course will be open to paid subscribers only, so do consider becoming a paid subscriber to access all the content.
If you feel you really need this course but can't afford the fee, do message me as I'll be giving away some comp subscriptions.