Formatting Your Proposal
You will spend a great deal of time creating your proposal, so you want to present it in a professional manner. Before you send it off, check the website of each agent or publisher you plan to contact. If they have posted guidelines for writing and/or formatting a proposal. If they list guidelines, FOLLOW THEM.
Be aware that the submission requirements may differ slightly from one agency or publishing house to another. If necessary, reformat your proposal each time you send it out. They give those guidelines because that’s what they want to see.
Standard Formatting (use if no guidelines are given)
1) Each page except the Cover Letter, Title Page, and One-Sheet should have a header that includes your name, the title of the book (in the center), and your phone no. or e-mail address.
2) Put page numbers on every page except the Cover Letter, Title Page, and One-Sheet.
Ordering the Pages of Your Proposal
Cover Letter
Title Page
Table of Contents (not absolutely necessary)
One-Sheet
Author Biography
Market Analysis
Comparables
Marketing Plan
Synopsis
First Three Chapters
Now that you’re ready to send out your work, good luck! Persevere through the rejections. Listen carefully to any feedback and keep polishing your writing. Most importantly, keep at it. Persistence pays off end the end.