What publisher is really thinking:

The book cannot be all things to all people. Do you demonstrate focus? Are you confident about who customer is and primary (most appropriate) category where book should be placed in bookstore? Do you provide three distinct benefits that relate to book’s core premise?

Question #3: List competing books that you are aware of on this topic and explain how your book differs.

What publisher is really thinking:

How do you demonstrate that your premise is solid in relation to existing books? Will publisher’s sales representatives understand where your book fits among five other books in same category? Do you contradict what book is or is not elsewhere in proposal?

Question #4: What are your expectations for project?

What publisher is really thinking:

Do you sound like you expect to make a million dollars and plan to retire on your royalty earnings? Is your goal to raise level of topic discussion and to advance your profile as a thought leader? How realistic are you about work involved to write book from start to finish?

Question #5: Describe your qualifications for writing this book and include your latest curriculum vitae or other relevant factors.

What publisher is really thinking:

Several proposals are discussed during a publisher’s editorial board meeting. Why say ‘yes’ to yours? What is your media platform? How are you going to be an asset in marketing and promoting book? What’s your track record?

If you are now thinking about you book concept as a business plan, bravo! This is foundation for a solid beginning; and, I encourage you to continue forward. High-quality books written by people who are committed to excellence (in any sphere of living) are in short supply. Adopt publisher’s perspective—how will it sell and to whom—and you will not only become a published author. You will make a difference in world.

Melissa Rosati is a co-active coach, whose clients are writers, authors and creative artists. Register for a complimentary subscription to her newsletter, The Essential Publisher at http://www.melissarosati.com