Dear Editor:

I’ve been told I need to write a book proposal for my book on meditation if I want to interest an agent and a traditional publisher. How do I do that?

—Richard S.

A good book proposal usually includes:

1. Title, Sub Title, and Author’s Name. Be sure your title clearly explains what your book is about.

2. Overview. Give a succinct description of your book, how it differs from others in its genre, and why you are the person to write it

3. Target Audience. Be specific about your intended readers.

4. About the Author. Explain your background, education, and passion for this subject.

5. Marketing Plan. Detail your professional connections and social media presence.

6. Competitive Titles. List com- parable titles and explain how your book stands out from these.

7. Annotated Chapter Outline.

8. Sample Chapter(s). Include an introduction plus one or two chapters.

Think of your proposal as your primary sales tool. Focus on the benefits to the reader. Who needs this book and why? Does the world really need another book on meditation? Maybe if you can show the reader a new way to embrace meditation, and how it changed your life profoundly, then it can change theirs too.

If you have a question for the editor, please email Betty Sargent.

Betty Kelly Sargent is the founder and CEO of BookWorks.