Meet your book proposal specialist
While fiction authors submit full manuscripts to agents and publishers, nonfiction writers sell their books based on proposals of 15-50 pages. If you’re short on time or energy, a ghostwriter can help you write a proposal that convincingly pitches your idea, paving the way for a book deal.
On Reedsy, meet hundreds of professional ghostwriters behind bestselling books for athletes, musicians, and other celebrities. Our ghostwriters understand the nonfiction market and what it takes to successfully pitch your book.
Tom B.
Available to hire
Leading ghostwriter with over a decade's experience. I have worked on over 20 titles, including prizewinners and international bestsellers.
James (JJ) R.
Available to hire
Three decades of high level media experience, globally. Published author. Ghost/speechwriter for well known international figures
Jane R.
Available to hire
I'm a children's book specialist with nearly 30 years' experience of writing and editing everything from Winnie-the-Pooh to Minecraft.
David C.
Available to hire
I specialise in long-form content such as books, ebooks, and training products. I particularly enjoy memoirs and business titles.
Tony W.
Available to hire
"Holy sh*t! This guy knows what he's talking about!" client. "King of Rewriting!" publisher. GHOSTWRITER. MENTOR. 30 years, 45 books. Kind.
What is a book proposal?
Book proposals are information packets used by authors to pitch their nonfiction books to publishers and agents. They contain everything a prospective publisher needs to know about a book, including its contents, target market, promotional plan, and commercial potential. In traditional publishing, proposals are almost always submitted before the book’s content is created.
A book proposal includes sample material from your nonfiction book, as well as associated information to help publishers assess its marketability. A book proposal will commonly feature:
- A synopsis
- A list of chapter headings
- Details of the content to be created for each chapter
- A list of 3-5 competing books that have had strong sales
- Sample chapters
- An author biography
- A marketing and promotion plan
- A list of experts (or celebrities) willing to provide blurbs or endorsements
You will notice that a proposal not only covers the content of your book but also demonstrates its commercial viability. You must show that there is demand for such a book, explain what sets your title apart from the competition, and share what you are already doing (or capable of doing) to aid the publisher’s PR campaign.
Book proposal ghostwriters work behind the scenes to help you write proposals that will appeal to publishers. Because our ghostwriters have years of experience submitting proposals to major publishers, they know exactly how to write them.
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Who needs a book proposal?
The primary purpose of a nonfiction proposal is to pitch your manuscript idea to agents and publishers. Any author who wants to traditionally publish will therefore need to have a full book proposal on hand.
That said, you’re also free to create a proposal even if you’re looking to self-publish. Some self-publishing authors find this helps them structure their ideas and develop a proper outline for the manuscript. It also forces them to consider the book’s target market and commercial potential. Writing and self-publishing a book often takes months (if not years) of your life and can cost you thousands of dollars for production. A book proposal will focus your resources in the most productive direction and ensure you have the greatest chance of success.
For Barry Fox, one of Reedsy’s top ghostwriters, writing a proposal is a voyage of discovery:
“Whether you are sorting through a tangled thicket of ideas, expanding a slim concept, or polishing a raw gem, writing a book proposal is, and should be, a process of discovery rather than a chore. Creating a book proposal can be an exciting journey into your topic and sometimes into yourself.”
Why should you hire a ghostwriter for your book proposal?
A well-written proposal is essential for getting your foot in the door. Reedsy’s ghostwriters have years of experience writing for major publishers and literary agencies, so they know better than anyone what editors and agents are looking for.
By collaborating closely with a ghostwriter, you will learn more about writing a book than you thought possible. In a short period, you will benefit from crash courses in structuring the content of your book and pitching it to the right publishers — skills you can use in future projects.
