Don't Forget Your Reader! Make Your Proposal Stand Out by Focusing on the Benefits for End Consumers

This is the 5th in my 8-part series sharing my advice about unique way you can write a nonfiction book proposal that stands out from the dozens (if not hundreds!) of proposals that an editor or agent gets each month. 

In the first few parts of this series, I’ve talked a lot about selling your book idea, selling you as the expert, and selling your project through storytelling.

Now I want to focus on someone who often gets left out of proposals: The reader.

While your book is your experience, your knowledge, your ideas, and your words, your book is ultimately all about reaching readers.

A lot of authors focus on how the book is going to help their brand and their platform grow—and yes, a book should do that, too. But editors and agents want to know how you hope your book will impact readers.

What do your readers learn from reading your book?  Is it brand new research that will change how they live their lives? Is it insight into a unique point of view they’ve never heard or even considered? Is it a big idea that inspires them to take action? Does the narrative help them learn more deeply about a person or subject?

When you are working on your proposal, do this exercise: Make a list of all the benefits or takeaways your readers should get from reading your book. Then write these into complete sentences.

Benefits can be about the content:

• “This book gives readers a proven 7-

  
  
  
  

  step process for incorporating a practice of well-being into your daily rituals.”

  
  

• “Readers receive sample age-appropriate conversation starters to use with their kids at each stage of their adolescent journey.”

  
  

• “Real-world stories from senior leaders featured in the book show readers how they can use their communication styles to engage employees at all levels.”

Benefits can also be about you, the author:

• “As a medical practitioner whose work has been recognized globally, I’m able to share my knowledge and research with readers to improve their health and wellbeing.”

  
  

• “Readers learn the lessons I’ve distilled from 25+ years working with families who struggle with this topic.”

  
  

• “I typically charge $2,000 for my master course, and I’m now making it widely available in this book.”

Once you have these statements, start going through your proposal and find places where you can insert these benefits. Show editors and agents that you are writing with the reader in mind.

Most publishing people are in this business because they want to publish books that will make an impact on others.

Your proposal should tell editors and agents why reaching readers is your goal, too.