Book Review: Book Proposals that $ell by W. Terry Whalin
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Title: Book Proposals that $ell Author: W. Terry Whalin Publisher: Write Now Publications, 2005 ISBN: 1932124650 Paperback, 184 pages. |
Violet Nesdoly, a poet, Christian and Children’s Author said, “The world of words has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. As a kid, whenever my Mom needed me for a job, it was a sure thing she’d find me between the covers of a book.” Today, she offers Writer’s Round-About a book review of W. Terry Whalin’s Book Proposals that $ell.
You can get to know her better by reading her blog, Line Upon Line, where she shares inspiration, poetry, and thoughts on writing life. You can also find out more about W. Terry Whalin on his brilliant blog, The Writing Life.
If you’re interested in having a review or article posted on Writer’s Round-About please send your query letters to rebecca.laffarsmith@gmail.com.
Book Proposals that $ell
When I dutifully picked up a copy of Book Proposals that $ell a while ago, and knowing that I (a perennial avoider of writing said proposals) really should read this, I admit I thought I’d enjoy it about as much as a handful of vitamins. But this slim volume had more than one surprise in store for me!
From the start, author W. Terry Whalin captured my interest. He did this by not only taking the mystique out of how to write an effective non-fiction book proposal but also by giving numerous telling glimpses into the world of editors and royalty publishing.
In the first three chapters, Whalin lays the foundation of why such proposals are necessary. He starts by sharing the story of how one of his projects went from idea to published volume via a proposal. Then he goes on to enlighten us about the current state of affairs in publishing and explains why, given the piles of submissions on editors’ desks and the small window of opportunity an unsolicited proposal has with an editor, only the most complete and professionally presented will earn a second look.
The 21 chapters that follow deal with the nuts and bolts of proposal writing. Many chapters address elements that must be included (e.g. Chapter 1 - Know the topic of your book; Chapter 5 - Know your competition; Chapter 7 - Create a dynamic marketing plan etc.). A few chapters also discuss attitudes that foster writing success (e.g. Chapter15 - Build editor relationships; Chapter 21 - Always take the attitude of a learner).
The chapters are short (about three to five pages) and information-packed. They are interesting, thanks to Whalin’s ability to weave personal anecdotes into the instruction:
“I once received a large manuscript in a note binder…”
“I received an entirely handwritten manuscript (fiction). I found it almost frightening to be holding the single copy of another person’s work.” [p. 88]
“He looked at my name tag and, knowing that our house took children’s material, he reached into his briefcase, pulled out a bound copy of a manuscript and almost threw it into my hands. ‘You need this manuscript,’ he said. ‘I read it in the elementary schools and the kids loved it.’” [p. 110]
His information is authoritative because he is no stranger to the writing and publishing world. He has authored over 60 books, written for as many periodicals, and worked as an acquisitions editor in several publishing houses. Though the type of proposal he advocates takes a lot of work, he is persuasive in explaining how each element adds value for the author and editor alike.
The book ends with a section of Appendices including samples, a list of other books about proposal writing, a checklist, helpful websites, and more.
I read it in a few hours and came away feeling empowered, motivated to give this brand of proposal-writing a try, and asking myself – exactly why have I avoided this for so long?
durano lawayan says:
Hi Rebecca,
Sounds like a good book since you, a perennial avoider of writing proposals got hooked into reading it and felt being empowered by it after. Proposals about personal creations are really difficult to make. One feels the need to praise the work but it sounds self-serving. One may thus end up understating the best points of the book.
With this book on proposals that sell, a new mindset may be established that removes all the secrets from the publishing world and humanizes or brings back to earth the editors you have come to fear perhaps because of fear of rejection.
Go use your new found power. Good luck!
–Durano, done!
Terry Whalin says:
Hello Rebecca and Violet,
Thank you for publishing this fabulous review of my Book Proposals That Sell.
People can instantly get it as an Ebook as well at http://www.bookproposals.ws or they can get the paperback: http://www.right-writing.com/ways.html I’ve been encouraged with the great reaction from writers about this book–beginners and professionals.
Now as a literary agent, I continue to read proposals and work with writers on their pitch. It is a challenge–for nonfiction and fiction. The pitch is critical and what writers don’t understand is that decisions are made in seconds about this pitch–yet require lots of work to shape it in the right way.
Terry
Jean says:
Hi Rebecca. I just followed the link from my blog and arrived here. I recognised the start of your post at once. You have to be Nell at Constant Content. I am jak. How do you do.
Rebecca Laffar-Smith says:
@ Durano: Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed Violet’s review, Durano. I’ve never attempted to write a proposal yet myself. It is a whole new challenge that seems daunting and perhaps, tedious. I’m going to buy a copy of Terry’s book for myself before I begin that sort of task because Violet already covered what a fantastic resource it is for beginners and practiced proposal writers alike.
@ Terry: It’s great to see you, Terry. I’m an avid reader (lurker) of your blog and newsletters so I loved the opportunity to share Violet’s review with others. Your gently persuasive voice offers a great deal for writers from all walks of life.
@ Jean: Hi Jean, actaully I (Rebecca) am not Nell. I purchased this book review from Constant-Content. Nell’s great writing and wonderful review captured my attention and I wanted to highlight her writing, her blog, and provide some great content for my readers. I’ll have to go hunting on C-C for your articles too, or feel free to send me a query email if you’d like to guest post.