An Interview with Author and Teacher Andrea Campbell
Melinda: Can you tell us a little about your background and how you started teaching book proposal workshops?
Andrea: I am first and foremost an author. I started writing my first book, Great Games for Great Parties: How to Throw a Perfect Party, in 1990, and have worked as a self-employed, full-time professional writer ever since. Currently, I am the author of twelve traditionally published nonfiction books.
Writers, readers, and fans would always ask me, “How do I get my own book published?” I decided there was an industry for that type of information, and hung out my shingle so-to-speak. I started with Painted Rock, Kiss of Death, and Mediabistro; worked with Absolute Write and Renegade Writers; and now I am working under the umbrella of WOW! Women on Writing. They do the advertising and promotion, register the sign-ups, and I get a roster of students and teach. I have been teaching online for over twelve years. (I have also written college course material for Pearson Learning Solutions.)
M: What is a book proposal? And why do aspiring nonfiction authors need one to find an agent and publisher?
A: A book proposal is a sales document specifically, and the language and approach are somewhat different than writing a creative piece, although it is a creative endeavor as well. The utility of a nonfiction book proposal is of immeasurable benefit to everyone who writes them and for everyone who uses it. It is THE document used to sell a nonfiction book. Period.
M: Can you briefly describe the different sections of the book proposal?
A: There is no standardization of how to write a book proposal but, basically, a book proposal contains: an overview, an about the book statement, an author bio, a competition analysis, production notes, marketing and promotion, a chapter-by-chapter synopsis, and one or two sample chapters.
M: When an agent gets a book proposal, what do they most want to see?
A: Years ago I would have said unique content. Today I think it has shifted somewhat. Now agents want platform.
M: What is the most common mistake you see in book proposals?
A: This is difficult because writers make a lot of mistakes. I think first of all, not knowing anything about the publishing industry or how book publishing works is a big one. Then it would be delusional thinking when it comes to their subject matter and inability to adapt. Lack of experience. No platform. Inability to examine the market, reticence to acknowledge the market, market ignorance. Not knowing their audience. Poor writing skills. These are all problems I see, and more.
M: This has been so helpful, Andrea. And you’ve really given us a lot of information to cram in a short article. So I’m sure some readers will want to get more instruction on this topic. Where can we find out more about your upcoming book proposal programs?
A: Right now I am teaching two different e-courses. “Publish That Book: How to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal that Sells” is an eight-week, intense e-course for experienced writers or intermediate writers. It is styled as a workshop with lectures, assignments due, feedback, and a weekly one-hour online chat. It is a clear-your-plate class but if you are a good student, at the end you will have a book proposal document. We also have lots of supplemental information, and include query letter and marketing instruction.
The other course is “The Gatekeepers: All about Agents and Editors—Getting Them, Working with Them, and Growing as a Career Author” is four weeks long, and requires commitment that’s concentrated. Lectures, lots of marketing, assignments and feedback, and a weekly one-hour chat are the basic elements of this class, with a lot of supplemental material. You should come away with a query letter, a synopsis in some form if you are working in fiction, and the stuff—or direction—you need to gain the interest of an agent or an editor.
I alternate between the classes, doing “Pub That Book” and then switching to “The Gatekeepers” occasionally, based on the needs expressed to me from writers. I couldn’t possibly run both simultaneously as they are too dense and focused, so the student gets lots of individual feedback, editing, and direction. Information, registration and payment are conducted here: http://wow-womenonwriting.com/WOWclasses.html#AndreaCampbell. My e-mail is: andreacampbell@hughes.net.
M: Thanks again, Andrea, for sharing your tips!
