How to Sell a Book Idea to a Publisher

Co-authored by Alicia Cook

Last Updated: June 4, 2024 Fact Checked

If you have developed an idea for a book, or if you have actually written a book proposal, you need to know how to sell a book idea to a publisher, especially if you don't plan to work with an agent. You can sell your book without an agent, but you're competing with other writers and authors who have agents.

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1
Conduct research on publishing houses and categories they specialize in. As you do your research, make sure you highlight the publishers that specialize in the genre you are writing in. A mystery publisher would not accept a submission or proposal for a science fiction or young adult fantasy manuscript. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Talk to booksellers in your community. They will give you good advice on which publishers you should target as you prepare to submit your book idea.
- Take a notepad and pen to the bookstores in your community. Do targeted research in the category under which your book falls. You should look for which publishers are the most dominant.
- Look through individual books for a numbering sequence -- this tells you how many printings the book has had -- the more printings, the more successful the book is. Find this sequence on the copyright page and make a note of these books on your notepad.
- Visit your library. Talk to the reference librarian and ask for his or her advice and write it down.
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Look for publishing house websites and research the names of current editors so you send your book idea to the correct person. ^{[2]
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Research source}

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3
Write a book proposal that is short, to the point and articulate. This is a sales presentation of your idea and you want to give it the best chance possible. ^{[3]
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Research source}
- Write a one-page cover letter.
- Compose an introduction of your book idea that fills two pages or less. Include what the book is about, what makes it different from any other book, what the market for your book idea is and how you plan to reach this market demographic.
- Include a table of contents. If necessary, annotate it.
- Add a sample of your book. Ideally, this is the first three chapters.
- Write a page about your personal information and why you are the best writer for this book.
- Include marketing information. This includes how you can market and sell your book, the ways it can be marketed and where it would best sell. Include ideas on how your book can be promoted.

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Do you have any tips on designing the book's interior or exterior?

Alicia Cook
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Alicia Cook is a Professional Writer based in Newark, New Jersey. With over 12 years of experience, Alicia specializes in poetry and uses her platform to advocate for families affected by addiction and to fight for breaking the stigma against addiction and mental illness. She holds a BA in English and Journalism from Georgian Court University and an MBA from Saint Peter’s University. Alicia is a bestselling poet with Andrews McMeel Publishing and her work has been featured in numerous media outlets including the NY Post, CNN, USA Today, the HuffPost, the LA Times, American Songwriter Magazine, and Bustle. She was named by Teen Vogue as one of the 10 social media poets to know and her poetry mixtape, “Stuff I’ve Been Feeling Lately” was a finalist in the 2016 Goodreads Choice Awards.

Alicia Cook

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Expert Answer

In designing a book, the process often involves collaboration, and while there are instances where the publisher makes final decisions, some are fortunate to actively engage and collaborate creatively with their publisher. You present your concepts, and together, you and your publisher will bring them to life. While writers typically focus on the text, self-publishing offers full creative freedom, albeit with potential resource constraints. Whether working collaboratively or independently, the design process demands active participation and thoughtful decision-making to ensure the visual representation complements the essence of the written work.

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Should I send the whole book a publisher?

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Most publishers will ask for the first three chapters. If they are impressed, they will ask for the rest of the manuscript.

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Can a publisher publish my book if I am only 10 years old?

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If your book is good enough to be published, then yes, although they will need to work closely with your parent(s) or guardian throughout the process.

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If you land a book deal, you should receive a non-refundable advance -- which is applied against future royalties.

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Warnings

Don't use a fancy, hard-to-read script font.

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Don't use colored or scented paper for your proposal.

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Don't package your book proposal in styrofoam peanuts

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As you write your proposal, don't say, "All my friends think this is a great idea for a book."

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Things You'll Need

Notebook
Pen
Literary Marketplace
Computer with Internet connection
Printer
Printer paper

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How to Sell a Book Idea to a Publisher

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