How To Write a Book Proposal 3

Let’s turn to the second item on the How To Write a Book Proposal list -

How to structure your book

I’m not sure how much we’re being shaped as readers by the web. I know that people say that we no longer read as much. Not true in my experience but I do think that we perhaps read differently.

When I’m writing for websites, I have to take into account, skimmers, scanners and readers because we have different approaches, depending on the site and why we’re there.

That’s why when I’m working with clients writing books we take that into consideration when we look at the structure of the book.

Think of yourself for a moment as your own possible buyer. How do you look at a book when you pick it up, before buying?

Do you look at the contents page first?

Do you look at the backof the book?

Do you open in the middle and dive right in?

Just as with your skimmers, scanners and readers, you have to think about having something to interest all of them. It can make the difference between a sale and not a sale.

It’s difficult to give you more specific advice since I don’t know what type of book you want to write, or who you’re aiming at. Just as with the research for your market last week, you need to look at what’s out there.

How are the books in your market arranged?

Do they have a traditional chapter structure or are they in sections?

Do they have a theme to each chapter?

Think about what you would like. It’s said that we want to write the book we want to read. But relying only on our opinion as writer isn’t always the safest thing to do. Ask other people. After all you must know people who would be the ideal customer for your book.

More research I know – but trust me it will pay off in the long run… and make your book easier to write when you start.