publishing proposal

We Can Help You Approach Traditional Publishers

We have experience creating and pitching Publishing Proposals. This requires the development of a publishing proposal document meeting industry format and approaching a list of relevant acquiring editors in a personalized manner.

3 Simple Steps

Your team will consist of a project manager, a Senior Book Strategist with over 20 years of experience in the book publishing industry and a Premium Ghostwriter.

Step 1

Craft Industry Standard Proposal

The development of a Publishing Proposal according to industry standards
Step 2

We curate a list of acquiring editors

The curation of a list with the most relevant acquiring editors at 10-15 book publishers
Step 3

Outreach

Outreach with individualized cover emails and follow up as required
Download example here

Why Do I Need a Publishing Proposal?

Clarify Your Vision
A publishing proposal helps you articulate your book's purpose, audience, and market potential, ensuring clarity and direction for both you and potential publishers.
Demonstrates Marketability
It shows publishers that your book has commercial viability by outlining its target readers, competition, and unique selling points
Secures Publishing Interest
A well-crafted proposal acts as a business case, increasing your chances of attracting a publisher by highlighting the book's value and potential for success

Jon Malysiak

Jon Malysiak has been a book publishing professional for more than 25 years. He is currently the Global Publishing Manager at StoryTerrace, where he has been for the past three years. In this capacity, Jon oversees the self-publishing programme, leads content strategy sessions for Business and Memoir Pro clients, and advises on traditional publishing and book proposal queries. His passion is to inspire and motivate each of his clients to realise their dreams of becoming published authors. He has been a commissioning editor, book marketer, literary agent, and publishing consultant. Over the span of his career, he has worked on books with world-renowned business guru/entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn, Tony- and Olivier-award winning producer of Newsies and Kinky Boots Ron Fierstein, child film star-turned-Hollywood agent Jeff Cohen (Chunk in The Goonies), legendary lawyer Leon Wildes (attorney who represented John Lennon and Yoko Ono in their 1972 US deportation case), reality TV star and LGBTQ+ advocate Reichen Lehmkuhl, and fitness coach/TV host Harvey Walden, to name but a few. In 2023, Jon published his first novel Posh, a satire on the British aristocracy.

A book sitting on top of a table next to a candle.

What Does a Publishing Proposal Include?

Overview of the Book
Target Audience
Author Bio
Market Analysis
Book Outline
Sample Chapter‬‭
Marketing and Promotion Plan‬‭

PRO Package, Designed For You

Our PRO line delivers the exceptional quality and professional expertise found in leading publishing houses. From compelling manuscript development to professional design and marketing support, our PRO packages are the premier choice for thought leaders and businesses.
Learn more about Pro

PRO

Work with a team of top professionals who are behind global bestsellers. We bring your vision to life from your book strategy and writing to design and marketing.
115 - 120 pages
Full-fledged book strategy session
10 interview hours
Remote
20,000 words
40 photos
10 hard copies
Your highly accomplished ghostwriter and developmental editor will collaborate to create your book taking onboard your feedback throughout the process.
Prices start at $4,200

Q&A

Am I guaranteed to get a publishing deal?

No, unfortunately, there are no guarantees. However, a well-crafted, professionally written proposal enhances your chances of getting your book considered for publication.

How do you pick the publishers and who sends the pitches?

Based on your book’s topic and genre, Jon (a former literary agent and acquisitions editor) researches and recommends a list of publishers who have successfully acquired and recently published books in your project’s subject area. When the proposal is ready to be submitted, it’s accompanied by a personalised cover email tailored to each acquiring editor and publisher, explaining why your book might be a fit for their list.

How long does it take?‬ ‭

Originally, we estimated around 4 weeks, but to allow the writer ample time to craft the sample chapter and outline, we recommend up to six weeks before sending the first email to publishers.

Do I need to have a completed book before getting a publishing proposal?‬

No. The Publishing Proposal contains the first 3000 words of the book. That is industry standard (in other words no need for the full manuscript). An interested publisher that is not convinced may ask to see the full manuscript or come back when it’s ready or a deal can be done based on the publishing proposal alone after which the manuscript needs to be completed (which we are of course happy to help with..).