Vital Friends: Getting Your Work Noticed

J. Brent Bill is a Quaker who’s been publishing articles and books since 1983. In that time, he’s learned a thing or three about getting his work published – starting with how to pitch his ideas to editors. Here are a few of Brent’s suggestions for Friends who want to prepare a book proposal.

Questions an editor will ask:

  • Is it a good book concept?
  • Who wants to read it? 
  • Why?
  • Does it fit with our publishing criteria?

Things an editor will look for in a proposal:

  • A clear and specific idea
  • Writing skill – grammar, spelling, etc.
  • Tone
  • Style

Basic ingredients in any book proposal:

  • Subject hook – the most exciting, compelling thing you can say about your book
  • A synopsis of the content
  • Selling handle – what unique benefit(s)the reader will receive for their effort in reading it
  • List of chapters and titles
  • Length of the book
  • Your credentials for writing this book
  • Identify your target market
  • What you are prepared to do to help market your book

Two resources worth checking out are the Quaker Uniting in Publications website and the QUIP Facebook group (click the “Join Group” button to gain access). 

Are you a Quaker author who has advice for aspiring writers? We want to hear from you! Send us an email.
 

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