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Positioning Yourself as the Right Person to Write This Book
A proper book proposal should position the prospective author as an expert or unique voice on the subject. After all, the writer isn’t just trying to convince the publisher to release a book on the subject but to contract the writer to author that book. When making their case, the writer can include the following… Continue reading
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Communicating Your Vision for Your Book’s Cover Design
Cover design is one of the most exciting parts of the book production process. Undoubtedly, both author and publisher understand that a well-designed cover draws in readers, and all parties want to be proud of the end result. However, the author and publisher often have differing ideas of what that design looks like. For the… Continue reading
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Identifying Your Primary Audience
Whether reading a proposal or discussing a prospective author’s book idea, there’s a point when my focus turns to primary audience—that is, the customer who will buy the most copies of the author’s book. It is quite common for authors who want their books to reach as many people as possible and undoubtedly to sell… Continue reading
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Optimizing Online Presence to Attract Trade Publishers
I’ll begin with a quote by bestselling author Jeb Blount (2010): “People buy you.” In this case, people encompass acquisitions editors—the party a publisher tasks with signing new authors to books that support publisher goals. Before an acquisitions editor invites a prospective author for a meeting or to send a book proposal, they will likely… Continue reading
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Getting Past Imposter Syndrome for New Authors
During a staff meeting, my colleagues discussed several newly signed authors who were hesitant to send in their draft manuscripts because they feared the content wasn’t good enough. They were missing submission deadlines and fretting over the layout and direction of their manuscripts. These authors concerned were perfectly reasonable—and to expected—from new authors. However, my… Continue reading
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Coauthoring a Book: 4 Recommendations for a Smooth Publishing Experience
I noticed that quite a number of books that I acquired have multiple authors. Whether they’re longtime business partners penning their first book or previously published authors sharing a byline for the first time, coauthors can do the following to make the process easier on them and the publisher. Have a clear, joint vision for… Continue reading
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Naming Your Book
A book’s title is arguably as important as its content. A vague title or one too common runs the risk of being overlooked by retail customers. A title that’s too niche is also unlikely to gain traction. One must also make sure the book’s title complements the cover art. Simple, short titles look great on… Continue reading
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Bragging on Yourself, Selling Yourself
Some see humility as a virtue, and I concede there is a time for it. However, that time is never when writing your proposal or pitching yourself to a publisher. When writing your proposal or pitching yourself, you as prospective author should detail: Your expertise—What are your credentials? Have you received any national or international… Continue reading
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Ashante Thomas's Blog 