Kim Tomsic received her MFAC from Hamline University and teaches creative writing at two universities. Kim is the author of many award-winning books for kids, which include The 11:11 Wish, followed by The 12th Candle, also Guitar Genius: How Les Paul Engineered the Solid Body Electric Guitar and Rocked the World, and The Elephants Come Home.
Kim has put in those 10,000 hours to bring us all her best advice on creating a compelling nonfiction book proposal. She also includes some examples from fiction, because fiction can be sold on proposal too.
Do you have to write a proposal? No. But there are many benefits.
- Focuses story, jacket flap, and "one sheet"
- Planning and structure
- Query + acquisition meeting
- Saves you a lot of re-writing if this isn't "the" book
- Prepares you for interviews and school visits
Checklist for Creating an Irresistible Proposal
1. Create a compelling title and write a snappy paragraph about your story (focus in on the things that excite you)
2. Identify the heartbeat of your story (this is where you create the emotional connection)
Kim gives us an amazing way to connect to the heart of your story which is much different than theme. It comes by asking the question: Where can a child insert themselves into the story? And, she generously shares a great example of the way she inserted heart into The Elephants Come Home.
Check out a draft page before she tapped into the heart:
And now checkout it after she inserted the heart:
Kim gives us a great tip: Think about what you're going to share at school visits. How will the kids your speaking connect with your story?
3. State your intended audience.
4. You. Have a clear understanding why YOU should write this story.
5. Write some sample chapters, or pages.
No comments:
Post a Comment