Manifest the Book Proposal of Your Dreams

Now more than ever, your future is in your hands as a writer. It used to be that you would submit a book proposal, and then sit around, helplessly, waiting to be picked.

Not anymore! There's always an action you can take. 

Still and all, lately I've been working with authors on their book proposals and it's easy to get intimidated. There's always that feeling of "I'm not there yet." This is never going to happen. If Elizabeth Gilbert won't endorse, why even bother!

Whereas the creative process was so much fun, taking it step by step, all of a sudden the proposal becomes serious business.

That's why I want to make this playful again! I want to create a Vision Board Book Proposal. No matter where you're at now, why not just create the book proposal of your dreams. 

Now, I realize, at this point some of you might be wondering, "What the heck is a book proposal?"

I'll be honest, it's a rather lengthy document in which you present (and more importantly sell) your book idea to a literary agent or publisher. However the more fun you have with this, the better it will turn out. 

Aaand, if you do it well in advance, you can really steer your path as a writer in the direction of your dreams.

So in the action for this week, I'm going to list the parts of a book proposal below, along with some questions to help you dream big. In fact, even if you don't plan to submit the book to a traditional publisher, writing a dream book proposal for yourself will give you a lot of clarity about your process, not to mention your marketing plan! Plus, if you start thinking about this now, before you actually finish, you'll be leaps and bounds ahead of everyone else!

Sketch this out in pencil and hang it up where you can see it! Then watch the results begin to manifest!

Here are the major parts:

1. What's your hook?

Remember, your ideal reader will be excited to open this book for the same reasons that you're excited to write it. Your energy will be transmitted onto the page. What makes this book different? This is where you really want to think about your unique selling proposition. How are you going to grab your audience so they don't want to let go?

2. Describe the book as a whole.

What's the overarching adventure that readers will undergo? How will this book transform them? If you're not finished writing the book, doing the proposal in advance can really help you to stay focused on the big picture. Try and describe your book in one paragraph.

3. Who will want to read it?

This is one of your most powerful manifesting tools. When you understand exactly who this book is for and why they want to read it, connecting with your audience will become much easier. Allow them into the process now, through your imagination, and then the words will really start to flow. 

4. Create your Dream Author Bio!

Have fun here! Imagine your life as a successful author! Where are you going to live? How many titles have you published? What accolades have you been awarded? Don't be shy! Everything begins in your imagination.

5. What's your author platform and how many followers do you have?

Your author platform is more important than ever and many authors find it daunting. Really it should be the opposite. This is the part of selling your manuscript where you have the most control. In the past you would have to convince a publisher that your book would draw an audience. Now you have the power to connect with your readers directly, and prove it to the publisher. Don't hold back! Start with the dream and then make it so. 

6. What famous authors will endorse your book?

Who are your favorite authors and thought leaders in your genre? Imagine the wonderful things they're going to say about your book, and don't you dare blush! The fact you know specifically who you want to emulate is an important step in the right direction. Think of all the wonderful things they'll say about you when you're welcomed into the conversation. 

Although this isn't an exhaustive list of what every single agent might require, these are the key aspects. If you have a handle on these parts, you'll really start to open doors. The most important thing is to have fun with this. That's where all the magic happens. In the past decade  the publishing landscape has shifted in favor of artists and creatives. When you're clear on what you want, everything is available to you!