What a nonfiction book proposal looks like

A nonfiction book proposal is a concise business case for your book. While there is no single required format, strong proposals usually include: an overview, annotated table of contents, target audience, comparable/competitive titles, project specs and schedule, author bio (and platform), and sample chapter(s). University of Chicago Press notes proposals typically run 5-15 single-spaced pages and that editors often welcome a sample chapter (University of Chicago Press submissions). Many trade-focused guides describe 10-25 double-spaced pages (not counting samples) as common for general nonfiction (Jane Friedman).

Core sections to include

1) Overview

Summarize the book’s argument or central promise and what makes it distinctive or necessary in its field. Match the prose style to the book you intend to write (University of Chicago Press submissions).

2) Annotated table of contents

List each chapter with a few sentences on what it covers and how the argument or narrative builds. Expect to refine this later (University of Chicago Press submissions).

3) Target audience

Describe who will be most excited by the book and why. Be realistic about reach (e.g., undergraduate course use vs. graduate seminars vs. general trade readers) (University of Chicago Press submissions).

4) Comparable/competitive titles

Identify recent books your audience knows, and explain how yours fits and differs. Editors use this to understand market context and positioning (University of Chicago Press submissions; Jane Friedman).

5) Project specs and schedule

Provide projected word count (not pages), anticipated illustrations and counts, and your timeline to deliver a full draft if the manuscript is not complete (University of Chicago Press submissions).

6) Author bio (and platform)

Explain why you’re the right person to write this book and how you can reach readers. Platform and concrete outreach paths matter for many categories (University of Chicago Press submissions; Jane Friedman).

7) Sample chapter(s)

Often helpful or requested: include the introduction and at least one substantive chapter to demonstrate voice and execution. Editors commonly welcome a sample with the proposal (University of Chicago Press submissions; Jane Friedman).

How long should it be and how is it formatted?

There is no strict format. University of Chicago Press advises that a good proposal "typically" runs 5-15 single-spaced pages and that individual editors may ask for additional materials (University of Chicago Press submissions). In trade contexts, 10-25 double-spaced pages (excluding sample chapters) is also common (Jane Friedman). Prioritize clarity and market relevance over length.

What happens after you submit

Response times vary. Chicago’s own published target is an initial response in about 3-4 weeks; this is not a promise from every press or a guaranteed reply date. If they proceed, they use single-blind peer review and typically send materials to at least two readers per round (University of Chicago Press submissions). Presses sketch their acquisition, contract, production, and marketing phases publicly; see Chicago’s overview for a representative process from proposal through publication (Publishing with Chicago).

An outline you can copy

• Header: working title, your name, contact info.
• Overview: 1-3 pages on the big idea, distinctiveness, and reader benefit.
• Audience: primary readership and use cases.
• Comparable/competitive titles: recent comps with brief notes on overlap and differences.
• Annotated table of contents: 1-3 sentences per chapter.
• Project specs and schedule: projected word count, illustration counts, delivery date.
• Author bio (and platform specifics).
• Sample chapter(s): introduction plus one strong chapter.

For further craft insight on proposals themselves, Chicago recommends William Germano’s book, which includes an expanded chapter on proposals (Getting It Published, Fourth Edition).

Before you send your nonfiction proposal

• Confirm the press or agent acquires in your area and address the right editor or agent by name.
• State a clear, distinctive hook in the overview that a sales team can repeat.
• Choose relevant comparable books in the number the target editor or agent requests and explain the distinctions.
• Quote a realistic word count and a delivery month for a full draft.
• Include one polished sample chapter that demonstrates the book’s core value.
• Note if you are submitting simultaneously to other publishers in your cover email.

Related on Luis Wester

• How to present a project in a creative way? Practical guide to documenting a creative project
• What are the best ways to document a project? A practical guide

Quick FAQs

Can I submit to more than one publisher at once? Chicago’s cited guidance permits simultaneous submissions with disclosure. Check each destination’s current policy before assuming the same rule applies everywhere (University of Chicago Press submissions).

Do I still need a proposal if the manuscript is complete? Often yes. Some editors want both a proposal and the full manuscript for context and positioning; ask the acquisitions editor’s preference (University of Chicago Press submissions).

Do I need an agent? If you’re targeting large New York trade houses, you typically query agents first; scholarly and many regional or university presses consider proposals directly (Jane Friedman).