By Rhonda Whitton and Sheila Hollingworth

You’ve finished drafting and polishing your manuscript. So what happens next?

Writing can be a self-absorbing process and emerging authors often overlook the importance of presenting their book to a publisher or agent in a concise, convincing and professional book proposal package.

Based on an industry-wide survey and using writers’ successful proposals as examples, A Decent Proposal introduces the techniques required to develop a convincing book proposal that will satisfy (yes, and even excite) an Australian publisher or literary agent.

The book features step-by-step instructions for developing a winning book proposal package, including:

• finding the right publisher or agent for your work
• the essential elements of a book proposal package
• researching the marketplace
• presenting hard evidence about the sales potential of your work
• useful contacts
• book contracts, manuscript appraisal, ebooks
• complete examples of book proposals that have led to publication

A Decent Proposal contains models and – new in this edition – complete examples of successful Australian book proposals for both fiction and non-fiction. This is a must-have book in today’s competitive publishing world.

Praise for the previous edition

"Whether you’ve completed a fantasy novel or just had an original idea for a self-help book, knowing how to pitch to the right agent or publisher is an essential part of your writer’s toolbox. A Decent Proposal takes you into the bewildering world of selling your work, guides you through the do’s and don’ts, shows you how to make your baby stand out in a competitive crowd. Be a professional suitor: learn to propose."
Jane Sullivan, The Age

"If I had a dollar for every time I’ve recommended this book I could probably retire!"
Sally Bird, Calidris Literary Agency

Published by Keesing Press
Third editions 2011
ISBN: 9780975208328

Postage and handling: $6 within Australia, $10 internationally