HOW TO SUBMIT A PERFECT BOOK PROPOSAL

1. Propose a working title

2. Contents:

1. a) What genre does the book belong to (e.g. reference/monograph/textbook/student guide/trade book)?

2. b) Provide a concise summary of the contents of the book.

3. c) Provide a draft contents page. Include not only the chapter headings but also preliminary material, e.g. ‘Preface’, and end matter, e.g. ‘ References’.

3. Markets:

1. a) What will be the core market? Include quantitative information if available.

2. b) What subsidiary markets are there?

3. c) Include information about export markets: how will the book appeal to readers abroad? Outline any specific export potential.

4. Competition:

1. a) Which are the most closely comparable books (and other resources) available? Please give author, title, publisher, date and place of publication, length, price.

2. b) In what way(s) does your book differ?

3. c) If there are no competing titles, explain why this is.

5. Sales:

1. a) Why will people buy the book? In particular, explain what needs the book will fulfill and what benefits it will provide to the reader.

2. b) Outline any factors relevant to an assessment of the book's potential for sales after its first year.

3. c) Explain any specifi c factors regarding the potential for translation rights.