How to write a book proposal 5 – What’s a feature

How to write a book proposal 5 – What’s a feature

We’ve covered the three key factors you need to concentrate on.  Preferably before you start to write.  It’s not critical if you have already started but bettter if you haven’t.

Now let’s take a look at a vital subject many writers ignore – even professional ones.

Features and benefits

This article may be aimed more at writers of non-fiction than novels but it won’t harm to find out if you don’t already know.

Features and benefits are drummed into anybody who writes for business.  Or at least they should be.  Because knowing why they’re different and how you can use them are the cornerstones of most advertising.

Let’s take a look at them as far as books are concerned.

Features of books:

• They have specific measurements eg 10 x 5 or 8 x 10 or 6 x 5
• They may be a softback or a hardback
• They contain words, drawings, photos, illustrations, tables, graphs etc
• They have information about the author

Benefits of books:

• A soft back book measuring 7″ x 4″ is small and light which means that it will fit in your pocket or bag
• A hardback is not easily damaged
• From books you can gain information about subjects which you need to pass exams, gain ideas and find your way
• Knowing about the author means that you can judge if they are an expert on their topic

As well as benefits there are deeper benefits.

From passing exams or gaining ideas you can improve your status and income, you can gain courage to transform your life or support you in your current situation.

Thinking about the features and benefits of the book you want to write can help you gain a clearer understanding of its purpose and how to design it.