Do you have a nonfiction book idea but feel daunted by the traditional publishing world? Writing a book proposal can be exciting, yet overwhelming—especially since nonfiction is usually sold on proposal, not on a complete manuscript.

If you're ready to get started but unsure where to begin, this guide is for you. You want a practical, no-nonsense approach to writing a book proposal that grabs agents’ attention without wading through a novel-length how-to.

Book Proposal Boot Camp, based on critically acclaimed author and former Big Five editor Ashley Shelby’s popular online course, is a concise and engaging roadmap to getting your nonfiction book published. In just eight actionable steps—each an “assignment” that covers a key part of the book proposal process—this guide provides everything you need to craft a proposal that stands out. It includes expert guidance on:

• Crafting a Compelling Overview

• Creating an Annotated Table of Contents

• Developing a Marketing and Publicity Strategy

• Analyzing Comparable and Competitive Titles

• Writing an Engaging Author Bio

• Drafting a Sample Chapter

• Polishing and Revising

• Preparing Your Query Letter and Submission Package

Full of insights into the publishing world, Book Proposal Boot Camp reveals what editors and literary agents really look for, the evolving expectations for author-driven publicity, and key strategies for breaking into traditional publishing.