Writing a book? Most people start with a blank page and write their entire manuscript unaware that a book proposal to a publisher is a crucial step necessary for publication. Learn insider tips and secrets from former acquisitions editor, W. Terry Whalin about how to avoid the pitfalls of rejection. Paperback.
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
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3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Leslie Tatum (Post, TX), August 07, 2009
This book was really helpful when I was writing my book proposal. I had no idea where to begin and it broke it down so that I could easily understand the process.
2.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Ellen Sherrill (Broken Arrow, OK), June 30, 2009
The info about this book does not indicate that it is primarily for nonfiction writers. Since my book is fiction I was disappointed. Otherwise, service, etc. was excellent.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Bruce Bertram (Grand Junction, CO), July 08, 2008
Very good book, filled with excellent insights and suggestions for improving your chances of being published. Mr. Whalin gets right to the point and is easy to read, and doesn't pussyfoot around with coddling your self-esteem. He just gives it to you straight without being mean.
As I read the book I had a tendency to be a little bummed out, but only because the truths he presents are like cold water on a sleeping person rather than the warm glow of a shared hot tub. This is very helpful though, because as he says a person has to have sort of a thick skin and a lot of determination to get published, so you get a little practice in reading his book.
It was also helpful to see the business of publishing from an editor's view. I am a business person and aware of those realities, but not as they applied to publishing. Terry (can I call you Terry?) does the reader a favor yet again by helping to reveal the machinations behind the glossy covers and slick marketing campaigns.
Mr. Whalin shows why a writer has to work (read: labor and sweat with groanings too deep for words) on his technique and the nuts and bolts of putting words to a page. Get the book and you won't be sorry. Well, maybe a little, but you'll get over it if you want to proceed with a writing career.
3 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Clarita Hernandez (O Fallon, IL), March 23, 2008
It is a big help for one aspiring to be a writer. It gives you an idea on how to start your book. You will learn many good things from it.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by C Russell (Midwest), May 03, 2006
Book Proposals That Sell is a small book packed with beneficial information for the non-fiction, and to a smaller extent, fiction writer. Written with an insider's knowledge, this book is broken down into twenty-one easy to understand secrets that will advance the reader/writer past any competition and closer to the goal of publication. Concepts, such as writing a proposal, that may intimidate the new writer or frustrate a more experienced writer are explained in a clear and concise manner. This book leads an author secret by secret from an idea to a book with publishing possibilities. This is a book that goes on my keeper shelf.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Donna Rogers (Kansas City, Missouri), January 08, 2006
What an eye-opener this book is! Terry Whalin has been both a writer and editor for many years, and he shares information about the publishing business that only an insider can know. Number One is that editors prefer a well-written proposal over a completed manuscript. (Surprised? I was!) Brilliant writing alone won't get you a contract. Editors don't have time to read voluminous manuscripts, so they rely on well-crafted proposals. And they receive thousands of proposals each year. You need a proposal that will stand out from all the others, one that says, "Read me. Don't put me in the rejection pile." BOOK PROPOSALS THAT SELL gives step-by-step instructions on how to write a proposal and explains the "WHY" of each individual step. In addition, a wonderful sample proposal is included so you can actually SEE what each page should look like. This book is a MUST READ for every writer.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Brenna Fay Rhodes (Texas), December 22, 2005
If you write, you need this book! Terry Whalin shares insider secrets to publishing success in Book Proposals That Sell. Clearly written and to the point, Whalin's book shows how the publishing business works, pitfalls to avoid, and exactly how to succeed in getting your non-fiction book published. The first time you read it, you'll be inspired. The second time you read it, you'll be driven. You will reach for it again and again as you write that perfect, powerful proposal. If you want to get published, this book is the place to start.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jeanne Zornes (Wenatchee, WA), December 12, 2005
When I wrote my first book twenty-five years ago, I know pitifully little about the book publishing business. My amateur and scanty proposal, miraculously, landed a contract. As future books became harder to place, I craved a mentor to show me how to do it. I wish I’d had Terry’s book many years ago! Even though I’ve moved within publishing circles for half my life, reading his book has answered many questions about the dynamics inside a publishing house. It’s helped me understand how to make my next book proposal strong and compelling in a market that’s far more competitive than it was when I first started writing. Don’t waste time and emotion on a half-baked book proposal. Buy Terry’s book and do it right the first time.
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