Fast-track your writing and improve your chances of winning the book contract you need on your CV.
The Book Proposal Challenge saves you valuable hours by showing you exactly how to write more clearly and efficiently and win the attention of acquisitions editors. Learn exactly what it takes to land a book contract, draft an impeccable proposal, and complete a well-organized, influential book. Join today and feel confident when you hit “Submit.”
You need this course if:
After this course, you will:
- You value your precious writing time and know that structure and accountability will help you achieve your writing goals.
- You’ve wasted too much time wondering how to get started on your proposal or book.
- You’re overwhelmed with choosing a publisher and need help finding a good fit.
- You’re disappointed that you don’t have a book contract yet and are worried about getting a new job or tenure.
- Have a short-list of appropriate publishers, a completed proposal, and a clear, well-organized argument and structure for your book.
- Know what a successful proposal looks like and how to frame yours to get the editor’s attention.
- Have a clear, step-by-step process for identifying presses that will want to publish your book.
- Enjoy the relief of knowing you’ve completed the task and set yourself up for success.
“Just saw the video on week 5 and jotted some notes on the worksheet. I really like how the questions/conversation on the slides aligns with the worksheet, and it helps me a lot. This is a tough part, but your notes so help me think of the market in a realistic manner. I think I will be done with my draft by the end of next week. I was actually wondering how much it would cost me to send you my proposal for you to review.”
— Esther Alarcón Arana, Associate Professor
Here’s How It Works
Watch the Videos
For each module, watch a 15-20-minute video explaining the material.
Complete the Worksheets
Use the digital worksheets to think through each component and prepare to write.
Draft the Proposal
Draft your proposal quickly and effectively and move on to other tasks!
You can also package the course with coaching and/or editing.
Check out my premium packages here.
This challenge is for you if:
- You need to publish a book but don’t know where to start.
- You’re still working on your book and want to ensure your book’s thesis and structure are clear.
- You crave clear guidance and an organized approach that delivers information in manageable chunks.
- You’ve already published a book but you need help getting organized and staying on task.
“It definitely is helpful. Your course came at the perfect time because I had to start writing the proposal (I have the intro and half a chapter of the book written), and this helped me think it through.”
— Associate Professor, two-time book author
What’s Inside the Challenge
1
Getting Started
Narrowing your options and choosing a publisher.
2
Writing the Introduction
The most important parts of a book proposal: the brief description and full description.
3
Chapter Summaries and Timeline to Completion
Clarifying your chapter theses. Setting and sticking to a schedule.
4
Comparable Texts and BONUS Mindset Video
Describing similar works… without getting defensive or into the weeds.
5
Your Audience and Market
Clarifying your target reader and how the press should market the book.
6
Wrapping Up and Submitting
Some final Dos and Don’ts to help you finish strong.
THE COURSE ALSO INCLUDES
Scheduled Writing Time
to help you stay on track and get it DONE.
Submission Guidelines
from several presses that you can download within the course.
Sample Book Proposals
for academic books that are currently in print.
Mindset Coaching
to help you submit with confidence.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The course is asynchronous, so you can complete the modules when it’s convenient for you: on sabbatical, during the summer, or even in the middle of a busy semester.
The material is presented in bite-sized, manageable chunks and shows you, quickly and effectively, how to:
- Choose an appropriate publisher;
- Structure your proposal clearly and concisely;
- Frame the proposal like a sales document, not an academic paper; and
- Submit with confidence.
In 6 weeks (or less!), you’ll submit your proposal to the publisher of your choice.
THIS IS WHAT MY CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY
“Having the video as a class and then the worksheets to do the writing works really well.”
Associate Professor, two edited volumes in print and working on a monograph
The course materials include RECENT book proposals used for books that are now in print. Here are three examples:
Investment: $297
Imagine the feeling of accomplishment as you submit a well-written proposal to your dream publisher. But to get there, you have to stop struggling alone. Take the 6-Week Book Proposal Challenge and you’ll be one step closer to seeing your book in print and achieving your academic and publishing goals.
FAQs
Q: Where is the course hosted?
A: The course is hosted on Thinkific.com.
Q: How long do I have access to the course?
A: You have lifetime access to all course materials, including immediate access to any new materials or updates, for as long as the course is published and sold online. Buy now and get to work when you’re ready to tackle the proposal!
Q: Who is the course for?
A: The course is for anyone writing an academic book who values their precious writing time! Whether you’re new to book publishing or have authored books before, the course guides you, quickly and efficiently, in creating a shortlist of appropriate publishers, drafting a high-impact proposal, and submitting with confidence–in far less time than it would take you when working alone.
Q: Is 1-on-1 coaching available?
A: Yes! Email Paulina to learn more and discuss a schedule that works for you.
Q: What if I have another question that’s not answered here?
A: Watch our webinar above or email Paulina with your question.
Contact us with any questions. We’re here to support you and help you achieve your publishing and professional goals!