Nonfiction

As an author whose first book was published in 2007, I’ve journeyed from writing a manual for my students to creating non-fiction books derived from my college course materials. This guide is a distilled essence of my experience, aimed at helping you navigate the world of publishing.

• Humble Beginnings: Royalty checks may start small (like my initial thirty-five cents every four months), but they can grow over time.
• Gradual Growth: The increase in royalties, no matter how slight, signifies the growing impact of your work.

• Factual Basis: Non-fiction requires factual, accurate content based on genuine beliefs or claims.
• Approaching Publishers: While smaller firms may accept submissions without an agent, landing a contract with the ‘Big 5’ publishers demands not just a great agent, but exceptional writing skills and a substantial author platform.

• Agents and Smaller Houses: Agents can help you find the right fit with smaller publishing houses.
• Query Letters: Begin with a compelling query letter. If an agent is interested, they’ll request a full proposal.

1. Introduction: Include a hook in your introduction to grab the agent’s attention.
2. Genre and Content: Specify the genre and include samples if relevant (like illustrations or recipes).
3. Table of Contents & Sample Chapter: Provide a glimpse into the structure and a sample of your best writing.
4. Chapter Outlines: Detail what each chapter will cover.
5. Marketing Strategy:
   • Comparative Analysis: Identify top-selling books in your genre.
   • Target Market: Define your book’s audience.
   • Author Platform: Showcase your social media following and other platforms.
   • Promotional Plans: Outline your strategies for promoting your book, including speaking tours, endorsements, and pre-orders.

• Online Presence: Ensure your social media profiles are updated and linked to your website.
• Growing Your Audience: Aim to build a substantial following to appeal to agents and publishers.

• Follow Submission Guidelines: Adhere strictly to the submission format requested by agents or publishers.
• Editing and Polishing: Ensure your proposal is well-edited and professionally presented.

• Persistence Pays Off: Many famous authors faced rejections before success. Your journey may have ups and downs, but persistence is key.
• Self-Publishing as an Option: Many authors have found success through self-publishing and were discovered later.

Every manuscript has a unique journey. Whether it’s to fulfill a personal goal, share knowledge, or achieve commercial success, understanding the publishing process and preparing a compelling proposal are your first steps toward making your dream a reality.