BOOK CONCEPT ANALYSIS

Coming up with a new book idea is the fun, easy part of being an author. The challenge, however, is to create a book that is enjoyable to write and profitable once it’s published. It takes a great deal of time to write an excellent book proposal, find a publisher, and deliver a finished manuscript. To help sustain enthusiasm during this sometimes difficult and tedious period, the author needs to feel confident that a real “need” exists for this kind of book. Otherwise, it is easy to get discouraged and leave the book as an unfinished project.

Whenever I have a new book idea, I answer a standard list of questions to determine if it is a project worth pursuing. This way, I will not invest a lot of time on a book that will never see the shelves of a bookstore.

In mid-October I launched Book Proposal Services, a consulting business to help writers improve their nonfiction book proposals. One service I offer is the Book Concept Analysis. This is my evaluation of a question-and-answer form clients complete so I can advise them on the next steps to take. For example, I assess whether a large, New York publisher would be interested in their proposed book, or if they should pursue other avenues such as a small publisher, or even self-publication. I also offer marketing suggestions and conceptual directions for the book, depending on the project.

For this month’s Publishing Tip, I am providing the complete Book Concept Analysis form. Even if you feel you don’t need my specific analysis of your project, I encourage you to use the attached list of questions to evaluate every new book idea. These questions are an excellent starting point.

If you decide you would like me to evaluate your proposed book, please complete and mail the form with a check for $85. Before doing so, I would appreciate an email inquiry (june@junecotner.com) to confirm I’m not overbooked. I want to complete your analysis in a timely fashion.

Good luck!

Listed below is the Book Concept Analysis form:

BOOK CONCEPT ANALYSIS

Please note: June Cotner’s primary strength is evaluating adult nonfiction book projects. Ms. Cotner’s advice would also be helpful regarding children’s nonfiction and fiction book projects (particularly children’s picture books). However, for adult fiction and poetry projects (if all poems are authored by one individual), she recommends that you seek advice elsewhere.

Your name: _________________________________________________________

Mailing address: ______________________________________________________

Email address: _______________________________________________________

Daytime phone: ___________________  Evening phone: _____________________

Fax number (if available): _______________________________________________

Your book’s title: _____________________________________________________

Your book’s subtitle: __________________________________________________

Describe your book in 1-2 short paragraphs (this would be your back panel or jacket flap copy):

Describe how your book is better than other competitive books on the same topic — e.g. does it offer newer information or present material in a unique way? (For more guidance in filling out this section, you can go to my website — www.junecotner.com — to access the May 2003 Publishing Tip “How to Research Competitive Books” in the Publishing Tip Archives.)

If your book is nonfiction, describe how you have gained expertise with your book’s subject (e.g. do you practice in this field, do you regularly teach workshops on this topic?):

If your book is a children’s book, describe why you are an expert on writing for children.

Describe your book’s audience:

Describe the ways you will reach this audience once your book is published (please list the primary elements of your marketing plan):

DO NOT FILL IN BELOW

Analysis

Based upon the information you provided (assuming your research of competitive books is thorough and accurate), I believe:

___ Your book may be of interest to a major publisher. Your next step would be to develop a thorough book proposal and seek an agent’s representation.

Comments:

___ Your book may be of interest to a mid-size publisher, a small publisher, or a university press. You may want to develop a thorough book proposal and query agents.

Comments:

___ Your best avenue may be self-publication.

Comments:

The following are some additional suggestions:

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