Post on 13-May-2015
transcript
Gary C. Schoenwolf, Ph.D.University of Utah School of Medicine
Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Tips on Writing an Effective Book Proposal for a New Edition of an
Existing Book
New Editions Published from Proposals that I Have Written
Fourth-Ninth Editions
New Editions Published from Proposals that I Have Written
Fifth-Seventh Editions
New Editions Published from Proposals that I Have Written
Fourth EditionFifth Edition underway
1. Convincing the publisher to publish a new edition of an existing book, with you as author
2. Convincing the publisher to publish a new edition of a book you’ve already authored
Topics to Cover
1. How Do You Convince the Publisher to Publish a New Edition of an Existing
Book, with You as Author?
Why do publishers exist? To make a profit!
Scenario A: If the book is selling sufficiently well, but the book is becoming dated and the current author cannot do a new edition, then the publisher will be looking for an
author to do a new edition
How do they find you?
Networking:
•With authors of books in your field
•With publishers
Develop your reputation in the field (as a researcher; as a teacher; as a writer)
Scenario B: If the book is not selling sufficiently well, is becoming dated,
and the current author cannot do a new edition, then the publisher may merely let the book sell out (i.e., go out of
print)
•Demonstrate to the publisher that there is a market for the book if appropriately revised
•Demonstrate to the publisher that you know how to appropriately revise the book
•Demonstrate the publisher that you have the reputation to generate interest in the book from your colleagues in the field
There is a Market for the Book that Has Not Been Realized in the Current Edition
•Intended readership (Audience): Existing market; new markets to break into
•Competition: What do they lack that I will add? = Opportunity (unmet needs); unique aspects that will be added
I Know How to Revise the Book to Realize this Market
•Unique characteristics: unique aspects and strengths of your revision; unique value not provided by the competitors; unmet needs to meet
I Have a Reputation that Will Generate Interest in the New Edition
My expertise and reputation: I am known in the field because of my following qualifications
It’s all about sales!
2. How Do You Convince the Publisher to Publish a New Edition of a Book You’ve
Already Authored?
A Hard Sale if Sales are Not Strong Enough to be Profitable (13th Slide)
•Demonstrate to the publisher that there is a market for the book if appropriately revised
•Demonstrate to the publisher that you know how to appropriately revise the book
•Demonstrate the publisher that you have the reputation to generate interest in the book from your colleagues in the field