As you have seen throughout this book, writing nonfiction involves more than just “writing”; there is a significant amount of preparation involved and this is certainly true when composing a book proposal. The following two exercises are not writing exercises but require you to develop other skills.

EXERCISE 1: COMPETITIVE BOOKS

Determine the subject of your project and identify the competition. Gather the information and make your list. If you want to go further, pare down your list by eliminating what is no longer available or is distinguishable and then demonstrate why your book would be better than the remaining books on your list.

EXERCISE 2: PROMOTIONAL PLAN

Prepare a marketing plan for your proposed book. Consider anyone who could help you obtain publicity; specific bookstores for books signings; groups and organizations you can address; people to provide endorsements for your book; reviewers to send advance copies for review; local media where you can appear.