The nice thing about a book proposal for fiction - especially for an existing series - is that I get to do a nifty plot summary thing. A friend of mine, Ken Howard, did a couple of science books with other people and the proposals drove him stone bonkers.
Jayne: What're you gonna tell the others? Mal: About what? Jayne: About why I'm dead. Mal: Hadn't thought about it. Jayne: Make something up. Don't tell 'em what I did.
'Ariel'
The Great Write Way, Chapter Two: Twice upon a time...
A place for Buffistas to discuss, beta and otherwise deal and dish on their non-fan fiction projects.
deborah grabien - May 28, 2006 10:41:45 pm PDT #6829 of 10001
It really doesn't matter. It's just an opinion. Don't worry about it. Not worth the hassle.
Allyson - May 28, 2006 10:52:57 pm PDT #6830 of 10001
Wait, is this real-world child support, where the money goes to buy food for the kids, or MRA fantasyland child support where the women just buy Ferraris and cocaine? -Jessica
My proposal was a summary, sample chapter, annotated table of contents, marketing analysis, and bio. I'm not sure if that differs a lot from fiction, or even other non-fiction since my book is a collection of stories connected to a theme.
victor infante - May 29, 2006 6:01:16 am PDT #6831 of 10001
To understand what happened at the diner, we shall use Mr. Papaya! This is upsetting because he's the friendliest of fruits.
The next installment of my "How To Succeed As A Failing Writer" column is up: Midnight in the Morning: Face it. Getting older changes things.
Enjoy!
Typo Boy - May 29, 2006 7:53:01 am PDT #6832 of 10001
Calli: My people have a saying. A man who trusts can never be betrayed, only mistaken.Avon: Life expectancy among your people must be extremely short.
The part that drove nuts was the marketing Analysis and promotion plan. Also the biography cause my biography does not show expertise in the subject I'm writing about. I finally got around that by -A) Explaining what does qualify me even though it does not fit in a sound Byte. B) Getting some blurbs from some people I can prove know what they are doing.
The thing I have that you don't is the comparative analysis - cause it definitely belongs a category and I had to explain how it differs from similar stuff, and what it has to offer that they don't.
I have one last self-edit to do, and then I'll be ready for feedback. Any chance someone would have time for me to shoot a proposal their way on Tuesday Evening or Wed? Just to spot anything that might alienate an editor or publisher.
Allyson - May 29, 2006 8:04:24 am PDT #6833 of 10001
Wait, is this real-world child support, where the money goes to buy food for the kids, or MRA fantasyland child support where the women just buy Ferraris and cocaine? -Jessica
I'm no expert, Typo Boy, but I'd be happy to take a look. Profile addie when you're ready.
Typo Boy - May 29, 2006 8:12:40 am PDT #6834 of 10001
Calli: My people have a saying. A man who trusts can never be betrayed, only mistaken.Avon: Life expectancy among your people must be extremely short.
Allyson thanks so much. That will be great.
Strix - May 29, 2006 8:48:47 am PDT #6835 of 10001
A dress should be tight enough to show you're a woman but loose enough to flee from zombies. — Ginger
Sail, new chapters insent.
SailAweigh - May 29, 2006 8:55:56 am PDT #6836 of 10001
Nana korobi, ya oki. (Fall down seven times, stand up eight.) ~Yuzuru Hanyu/Japanese proverb
Oooh, goody!
SailAweigh - May 29, 2006 9:44:41 am PDT #6837 of 10001
Nana korobi, ya oki. (Fall down seven times, stand up eight.) ~Yuzuru Hanyu/Japanese proverb
Backflung, Erin.
BTW, in case I wasn't strong enough in my e-mail. You are evil.
Strix - May 29, 2006 10:26:23 am PDT #6838 of 10001
A dress should be tight enough to show you're a woman but loose enough to flee from zombies. — Ginger
Me? Never, darling.....
Ugh. I wrote all morning in an absolute allergy FUG, so any bizarre erros please chalk up to the fact that I was a giant snot and sneezing machine.
Sexy, huh?