Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, every proposal package must include a cover letter, an author's bio, and a SASE. You also might want to include a copy of your original query in your proposal package. It helps to remind the agent or editor why she was interested in your material and saves her the trouble of searching for your original query. Put the query right behind the cover letter.

Cover Letter

The cover letter is a short business letter. Your goal is to remind the agent or editor that he requested your proposal and (very briefly) what your book is about. If there are any new developments pertaining to your book's topic, include that information in your cover letter as well. Close by thanking the agent or editor for his time and interest and say you look forward to hearing from him.

Make sure all your contact information is on your cover letter, including your area code and zip code. If you choose to create your own letterhead, select a style and font that is clean and easily readable. Agents and editors who want to contact you don't want to break out the magnifying glass to decipher your telephone number. Never handwrite your cover letter.

About the Author

Agents and editors want to know about your qualifications to write your book, so every proposal must include a short narrative about you. (A sample author's bio is included in Appendix B.) Written in the third person, your bio includes your published credits, your expertise on your book's topic, and any awards you have won that relate to your writing or your book topic. Your education and work experience should be included only if they are related to your book topic, or if they give you a platform for promoting your book.

If you have published credits, put them in the first paragraph; this is the first thing most agents and editors will look for. List book credits first, then magazine and large-circulation newspaper credits. List well-known publications by name. If you don't have credits with big-name periodicals, you can say your “work has been published in several regional and local magazines and newspapers.”

If you don't have any published credits to include, do not call attention to that in your bio. Instead, find a way to incorporate your other life experience and accomplishments into a positive reflection of your writing ability.

SASE

Most proposals should fit in a 9 × 12 or 10 × 14 mailer. For your SASE, include the same-sized mailer, with postage affixed, the agent's or editor's name and address in the upper left corner, and your name and address in the center. This is important — and too often forgotten by writers — because some agents and editors separate SASEs from proposal pages. Fold your return mailer in half and place it directly underneath your cover letter.

Some writers prefer to send their proposals via a shipping service like UPS or FedEx because they can track deliveries easily, although the U.S. Postal Service now offers tracking services without requiring the recipient to sign for your package. If you use a service other than the regular mail, don't expect the agent or editor to return your proposal the same way. It's just far too cumbersome, what with special labels and account numbers and finding a drop box or calling for pick-up service. It's easier on everyone if you just include a regular, stamped mailer for returns, no matter which shipping method you use.