How to Submit a Book Proposal
We request that all prospective writers first make a general inquiry, preferably by e-mail, to gauge our initial interest in your topic before submitting a full proposal. This inquiry should include a brief (1-2 pages) description of your topic, your background, and unique features of your project.
If your inquiry sparks interest, an Alban editor will request more materials and, if appropriate, work with you to shape a full book proposal. In order to give us a sense of the scope of the book that you propose, as well as your qualifications to write this book, this full proposal should contain the following information:
- A brief synopsis or general overview of the contents and purpose of the book
- An outline describing the contents and scope of each chapter
- A sample chapter or an article-length sample of your previous writing on the same subject
- Your resume or c.v., including information about your previous publications
- Your complete address and phone number (also fax and e-mail address, if available)
- The proposed book title, anticipated completion date, and estimated manuscript length (word count)
- Special features or formatting this book might have, such as charts, pull quotes, electronic dimensions (CD-ROM, Web-based features), etc.
Alban’s most successful books have been written by authors who (1) are familiar with other literature in their topic area; (2) are actively engaged in the field that their book addresses (such as through teaching and consulting); and (3) can actively collaborate with Alban in the marketing and sales of their books through their personal networks. Therefore, it is essential that proposals also address the following questions to help evaluate your book’s significance and sales potential:
- What is your interpretation of the significance of this book? What five key words would explain that to the potential reader?
- Who are the primary and secondary audiences for this work? What needs of this readership does your book meet?
- What other books on this topic are on the market that would compete for sales with this book? How does your book differ from these books?
- Why are you the person to write this book?
- What sorts of speaking engagements do you have planned that could provide promotional opportunities for your book?
- What organizations are you involved in that could be promotional channels for your book?
- What sorts of educational events (including seminary classes) might use your book as a primary or secondary text?
We try to respond to inquiries and proposals within four to six weeks of receiving them. Please do NOT send full manuscripts unless specifically requested. Only proposals that include self-addressed, stamped envelopes will be returned. Address correspondence to: Book Proposals, The Alban Institute, 131 Elden St., Suite 202, Herndon, VA 201701; e-mail: proposals@alban.org or the acquisitions editor with whom you are working.
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If you would like to place your order by phone, please call 1-800-486-1318 Ext. 244.
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