What does a book development editor do? Professionally assess your manuscript or book concept for its publishing potential Offer critical feedback and editorial guidance Serve as writing coach as the author completes a manuscript Collaborate in the development of a winning book proposal Position and package the book concept to specific publishers Research what publishers are looking for in the current market Conduct market research on target audience and how to reach your readers Identify competitive titles in the current marketplace of ideas Create a marketing strategy and assist in building an audience platform Provide guidance in the business of publishing A book development editor functions as: * An advocate for an author and his or her work * A midwife who assists with the birth of a writing project * A reminder who keeps the author on track if things begin to slip * An editor for that last push before submission * A critic who will tell authors what they need to hear in order to improve * A matchmaker who knows the exact editors for an author’s type of writing * A negotiator who will fight to get the best deal for an author * A mediator who can step in between author and publisher to fix problems * A reality check if an author gets out of sync with the real world * A liaison between the publishing community and the author * A champion for your work * A focal point for subsidiary, foreign and…

You might think you have a non-fiction book concept worth publishing, but in order to convince an agent or publisher of that you will need a winning query letter and full proposal. Writers tend to focus too narrowly on the ideas and content of their manuscript and lose perspective on the purpose of a book proposal. Think of it as a business plan. If you wanted to build a house, before you start you need at least a blueprint and a budget. If you need financing you put together a proposal that looks like it is a sound investment. Your book proposal is like a business prospectus in which you want an agent or publisher to invest. You need to include 6 pieces in your package to prepare for the specific submission gudielines of particular agents and publishers. 1. Synospis. A one page “executive summary” of the subject of your book. 2. Expanded Table of Contents. Provide an outline of chapters with estimated pagination and a short paragraph about each chapter describing its content. 3. Author bio. A short biographical profile with a professional headshot. 4. Competitive Title Analysis. Review bestselling current and forthcoming titles in your subject area competing for your audience. 5. Marketing Strategy. Identify audience and how to reach them, current platform, social media metrics, reviewers, endorsements/blurbs, author events, cross-promotional opportunities, book trailer, campaign ideas and inbound marketing strategies. 6. Writing sample. Submission guidelines vary but prepare at least 100 pages and no less than two chapters polished for…

What does a book development editor do? Professionally assess your manuscript or book concept for its publishing potential Offer critical feedback and editorial guidance Serve as writing coach as the author completes a manuscript Collaborate in the development of a winning book proposal Position and package the book concept to specific publishers Research what publishers are looking for in the current market Conduct market research on target audience and how to reach your readers Identify competitive titles in the current marketplace of ideas Create a marketing strategy and assist in building an audience platform Provide guidance in the business of publishing A book development editor functions as: Advocate for an author and his or her intellectual property Doula who assists with the birth of a writing project Editor for that last push before submission Critic who will tell authors what they need to hear in order to improve Matchmaker who knows specific acquisition editors at particular publishers for your project Negotiator who will fight to get the best deal for an author Mediator between author and publisher to fix problems Liaison between the publishing community and the author Champion for an author’s work including subsidiary, foreign and dramatic rights Mentor who will assist in developing an author’s career Marketing strategist who has your brand as an author in mind Career coach for all aspects of your profesional writing profile Educator about changes in the publishing industry Manager of the business side of your writing life A book development editor is NOT…