Writing a Book Proposal That Sells, with Jessica Papin
Nonfiction manuscripts often begin as proposals before growing into full-length book projects. More and more publishers are asking for proposals from memoirists as well. But how do you begin? What is the purpose of a book proposal, and what does it need to accomplish? This 3-hour workshop with literary agent Jessica Papin will outline the steps of writing a successful proposal, including researching comps, identifying your audience, understanding your platform and presenting your book project in a way that will make it shine. Moving from structure to examples to best-practice techniques, we will demystify the intimidating beast that is the book proposal. Come prepared to discuss your ideas, as well as books that might be similar to the one you are writing. Leave with a plan for writing a proposal that sells!
Thursday, April 22, 6 – 9 p.m. ($75)
Jessica Papin is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. She first joined DG&B in 2003, after spending eight years as an editor at Warner Books (now Grand Central). In 2004, she moved to Egypt, where she spent three years working for the American University in Cairo Press. Upon her return to the United States, she rejoined DG&B. With a background on both sides of the desk, she loves working collaboratively with clients to shape and refine their work.
