Book Proposals and Queries

I have been on a reading kick of all the books of Elizabeth George I can find. If you like mysteries, I highly recommend her books. Today I've found a book on writing that she's written and her down-to-earth advice makes me want to start writing fiction again.

I know for a fact that there is more money in nonfiction; nonfiction is easier to sell; nonfiction is dealing in facts but can be done creatively so the imagination is involved; nonfiction is easier for me than fiction. In nonfiction, you don't have to write the book first; you submit a proposal and if someone wants to buy it, then you get to work writing. With fiction, you have to submit a query on a completed manuscript. So much work and you don't know if you'll ever sell it.

See, I know all the reasons I should stick to nonfiction, but reading George's book on how to write fiction makes me want to jump right in and begin a new book. I have sent a fiction query (a cover letter telling about me and my writing experience, the book's audience, length of book, premise and theme; a short summary of the book; and two chapters) to an agent and haven't heard yet so I've been working on my three nonfiction projects while I wait.

Actually I'm putting together proposals for each of the nonfiction books. First the table of contents, then the summary, then a bio for me which is already done, then a list of books on the market that are similar to my proposed book and why my book fills a market gap. Add a cover, a cover letter, and a sample chapter and I will be ready to submit.

Right before the Christmas holiday is not the best time to submit as everyone is getting ready for the holidays and won't want to be bothered reading yet another proposal, so I have set a date of January 26 to have my proposals ready, or at least one of them. That gives me wiggle room!! I'm sure I can manage to finish one, and, if I complete two, then I will be so proud of myself. We writers are so insecure sometimes that we have to find all kinds of ways to pat ourselves on the back and bolster our morale.

But then, after I've submitted my proposals and I'm waiting to hear, I think I may try my hand at fiction again. In the meantime, I work at nonfiction during the day and snuggle up with a good mystery at night. Ain't life grand???