Thread by @GretchenSneegas

Adventures in academic publishing... a thread about creating my master book proposal template #AcWri #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #ECRchat #postdoc

There are so many resources on writing academic book proposals, so I made a color coded spreadsheet with templates from sample presses and other resources (e.g. @katelyneknox @ProfessorIsIn @tanyaboza @chronicle) to create a master template.

Though different presses/individuals suggest various things, there are some definite trends:
1. Short overview of project (like an intro to a grant proposal)
2. Descriptive table of contents: list of proposed chapters with (sub)headings, and paragragh-length description of each

3. Manuscript description: proposed format, estimated word length, descriptions of front/back matter, illustrations, and other visuals
4. Audience: description of planned audience for book
5. Market: description of competing books, and book's target market

6. Timeline: status of manuscript (how many completed chapters?), and proposed timeline for revisions with completion date
7. Author info: contact info and author platform
8. Other (e.g. suggested reviewers)
9. Tentative works cited list
10. 1-2 sample chapters

Not every article/template I read included every one of these, but for a planning document it makes sense to include it all, then to finesse/tailor the final document for whatever press(es) where you plan to submit. E.g. marketing - definitely tailor to the specific press.

A few notes... first, I see writing the book proposal as a way to help plan the manuscript itself and structure my revisions, rather than just jumping straight in without a plan. (Thanks to Mick at @UGAPress for that piece of advice!)

Second, I wouldn't send the same book proposal to presses without tailoring it. But just like a cover letter or research statement, it makes sense to have a master template that you can then tweak to illustrate your particular fit for a given job (or press, in this case)

And third - don't mistake writing the book proposal for writing the manuscript itself. Some folks suggest drafting your manuscript before the proposal. Others have told me that's not necessary. But you should def have 1-2 polished sample chapters ready to submit with the proposal

Figuring this out as I go along of course (first academic book project here) but might make this into a blog post down the line if others would find that useful!

Please let me know if there's anything you think is missing, suggestions you have, etc!