How To Secure A Book Publishing Contract

Have you ever heard people say “Everyone has a book in them.” Well, I think it’s probably true which means there are probably a lot of people out there who want to know how to secure a book publishing contract but don’t know the first place to start.

Over the past few years I’ve been learning a lot about the book-publishing world. I have a few great friends who work for publishers and when I hear how their industry works, it’s not to far off from how the music industry works.

In fact the early days of popular music were based around sheet music since radio didn’t exist.

Since I am around a lot of creative people (songwriters/authors) I often get asked about where to start.

Obviously, a great story or idea is number one and key to the success of any book. If you think you have a great idea or a great story then here’s where it all begins.

The Book Proposal

Now… you may be saying to yourself “I’m going to self publish, I don’t need to do a book proposal.” That might be true but have you considered that the key elements of a book proposal could help guide you through the key elements of what makes a great idea or story a great book? A proposal can help keep you focused and on track in the writing process and help you think through how your audience will read it.

Here’s the greatest nugget of information I could ever share with you.

Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, has written an easy to read document called How To Secure A Book Publishing Contract. There are actually two versions. One for non-fiction and one for fiction. Think about this for a second. This information is coming from the CEO of one of the largest book publishing companies in the world. He is giving you the answers to how publishers like to read a book proposal. You really can’t get much closer to the source than that right?

You can click on THIS LINK or on the banner to the right to take you to the page he has set up for more information on these versions. The cost is minimal and worth it. I have friends who are working on their proposals using these versions and I have to say… the way these documents are laid out takes out all the guesswork. All you have to do is provide the content. I know… easier said than done right?

Now… does this insure you to get a book publishing contract? NO… not at all.

Does it give you a better chance of getting a publisher to take you more seriously as a first time writer? Absolutely. It’s one of the very best ways to communicate your story without having any relationship to the publisher who is reading your book proposal.

And if you happen to get a literary agent along the way to help you get a publishing contract, then believe me… You just made your agent’s life a whole lot easier by being proactive and on the ball.

It’s time to start telling your story…

I’m going to start working on mine.