Prepare to Pitch Your Book

Book Proposal Ghostwriting

You'll need a ~20,000-word marketing document.

Some of my writer friends have confessed that they don't like writing book proposals and with good reason -- book proposals are a lot of work. Maybe I'm a nerd, but it's my favorite part of ghostwriting.

Before you write your non-fiction book for traditional publishing, you'll need a book proposal to secure an agent and later, a publisher. It's just how the business runs, unless of course you can prove you're Elvis' love child or you have a TikTok following in the millions.

When I'm writing a non-fiction book proposal, I start by asking the author these questions:

  • Why this?
  • Why you?
  • Why now?

Then I turn those answers into three pieces of content:

  1. a one-page overview
  2. a one-paragraph description
  3. a one-line Netflix-style logline

This becomes the foundation of a book proposal, which typically includes: overview, about the author, marketing plan, comp books, audience profile, chapter outline, and (optional) one or two sample chapters. I also include a pitch letter for agents and a spreadsheet of hand-selected 10 agents to pitch.

Let’s meet in a complimentary Zoom call to determine if we’re a good fit for each other. Contact me.

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Testimonials

Jen wrote a proposal for me that landed me a top agent and a book deal with an imprint of a Big Five publisher. She's the person you want in your corner to help you tell your story, manage the lift that is finishing a book, and do so in a way that feels authentic to you.

Mace Curran headshot

Michelle "Mace" Curran
Author, USA Today Bestseller "The Flipside" (Grand Central Publishing)

What I needed was a translator who could turn a decade of advocacy and lived pain into a field guide people could use. If you ever need a ghostwriter, editor, or story surgeon, stop searching. Call Jen. She’s the only person who can walk through the fire with you and still hand you clean copy on the other side.

Matthew ZacharyMatthew Zachary
Author, "We the Patients" (Wiley, June 2026)

Jen helped bridge the research-based writing with relatable stories and make sure the book was entertaining and cohesive. I highly recommend Jen and will definitely bring her along for my next journey if I have another book in me.

Annelise OsborneAnnelise Osborne
Author, "From Hoodies to Suits" (Wiley)

Jen's editorial guidance has made my work stronger without ever making it feel less like mine. She’s an exceptional business partner—on time, on budget, and a true professional. I recommend her without hesitation.

Robin Blackstone, MD
Author, "Doctor AI: Reimagining Health" (February 2026)

I sought a coach to help me articulate my experiences as a disabled speaker navigating life after a transformative trauma. Jen's understanding of health struggles allowed her to empathize with mine, enabling me to communicate my insights through a shared lens. We collaborated swiftly and effectively, producing a compelling product for diverse audiences.

Ron Gold
Speaker on Resilience and Reinvention, CEO, LeanOnWe 

Jen Singer has collaborated with me on my books, speeches, articles, and more. She is always able to capture my voice and put into words the lessons I've shared for years at Heroic Public Speaking. She works fast, processing information at lightning speed. In fact, she's such an exceptional editor, we even call her "Machete Jen." 

Michael Port
New York Times & Wall Street Journal bestselling author of nine books 

Book Proposal Writing & Editing Investment

Book Proposal Writing Fees (up to 20,000 words)

  • Ghostwriting $15,000 to $20,000
  • Editing/Reworking $12,000 to $16,000

 

Billing: ½ upon contract signing and ½ upon delivery of final proposal

Timeframe: 6 weeks to 3 months