What an Editor Looks for in a Nonfiction Book Proposal

By Nancy Tuminelly

Many say (think) writing nonfiction is an easier task than writing fiction. Being a NF author who has produced hundreds of NF titles in the educational children’s market over the last 20 years, there are specific passions, skills and talents that set the two genres apart. Our company has been tasked by our clients to propose new NF series as well as produce given title lists.

For a single title or a series, it is critical to have a good understanding of the depth and scope of the topic/s. Doing accurate and appropriate research with credible sources helps set the tone, depth, and overall organization. Much of children’s NF must adhere to reading levels, age/grade educational, content standards, and appeal to adults who buy the books and kids who want to read the books.

I look for, and develop, concepts that propose a different slant or focus than the usual standard curriculum-based content yet adheres to the standards. My goal is to set the bar higher with a differentiating feature or activity or content structure that attracts and stimulates young readers’ minds. An outline is useful to get a glimpse of the entire book. A writing sample or chapter shows the ability, strength, and writing style of the content. NF writing need not be mundane if you consider what young readers these days have at their fingertips to access. Ask yourself, as a young person, what would entice or inspire you to read this book?

 

Sometimes, going too far by submitting full manuscripts of proposed books is less helpful than you might imagine. Most publishers have in-house editorial guidelines that are not divulged until a contract is signed. It makes working together more efficient and effective to understand and follow the guidelines versus total/substantial rewriting to hit the mark.

Having a content expert on board is a plus for many publishers, dependent upon the content. Citing correct primary sources also provides reassurance and professionalism to potential publishers that your work and process can be trusted.

What is your objective in proposing NF to perspective publishers? Be clear and upfront about your goals. If it’s a one-time effort, then pitch it as that. Is it a getting to know one another to build a working relationship? Show brief samples (cover and spread or two only) of other similar work. 

When you contract with a publisher, the best products come from collaboration, in my opinion. Some publishers silo tasks and don’t include the author as much as others. Working with the publishing team helps you understand their goals and creates an environment of cooperation, coordination, and innovation that best uses everyone’s talents. 

The ultimate mission is to create and produce successful products as evidenced by marketing and sales. The more you work with specific publishers, the more you learn about their business, structure, and market. Feeling like everyone is marching to the same drum makes for less stress and positive problem solving as a team.

 A word of caution—follow the submission guidelines. Many publishers throw out submissions immediately without reading a word when they don’t follow the posted submission rules. Many great submissions are never looked at based upon this first impression of not following the rules. Try to mimic or rephrase submission information to show you read and respect the process.    

I understand the need for submission adherence because so many are involved in the decision making and it provides an analytical path for all to reference. That being said, I may be a bit different than most who review proposals for publication.

What do I look for? A pitch that shows the author explicitly knows the content, market, the need, and the differentiation in a sea of competition. I want to know what drives the author to write the content; something that makes the submission memorable and leaves me wanting to know more. I want to see an outline that covers the bases but what creative slant or feature can be incorporated to push it further. I like to work as a team, not in a standard hierarchy that can pit author/editorial against design/production. Some of our best efforts have been a collaborative process where all work together. The ultimate win is high quality within budget and timeframe that marketing is excited for and sales meet/exceed expectations. 

My advice is not to compromise your work if the project does not fit your goals. Issues arise when authors try to retro fit concepts into the publisher’s parameters. It is good to take into consideration the feedback, but when you feel strongly about your concept and approach, and the suggested revisions take a whole different turn for you, be true to yourself and know when to decline. There are other options for you to pursue. Or, show your willingness to compromise. What changes can work for you and what you want to keep. 

In today’s world, the opportunity to write exciting, accurate and stimulating NF is vast. Some content may not have the longevity but providing readers with relevant, current, and inspiring content about people and events is a rewarding personal and professional experience.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My creative journey began when I created a colorful design on big grid paper in kindergarten. I have been fortunate to stay that course my whole life thus far. When I took an art director job at a publishing company, I knew I found my spark. For over 30 years, my drive to operate my own company (with my husband/partner), design, write, establish long-term partnerships, mentor others, and make a difference in young people’s lives helps me live my passion every day.

ABOUT THE PRIZE

Nancy Tuminelly will be awarding a critique of a manuscript or series concept to assist creating a publishing project submission proposal.

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