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. We continue to work together on the full manuscript, and I look forward to our calls every week.

Mace Curran headshot

Michelle "Mace" Curran
Author, Speaker, Thunderbird Pilot '19-'21

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"

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 9 books 

I could not have asked for a better partner in preparing my book proposal. Jen's edits and coaching were invaluable. The proof? The proposal landed me an agent and publisher within two months. Forever grateful.

Rachel DeAlto
Author, "Relatable"

I'm not sure you'll find a more talented and pleasurable person to work with than Jen Singer. She listens well, asks great questions, and offers suggestions that make you feel like she's known you forever. She's also an amazing editor with a real gift for trimming fat and writing for the stage. Jen Singer is a FIVE-STAR coach for any level speaker and I look forward to working with her again soon.

Joe Klimchak
In-game host, Pittsburgh Pirates

"Back to the well." That's the expression that comes to mind when I think about working with Jen. I keep going back to the well because Jen provides value and helps me shine. She is such a gifted writer, editor, and coach and more important than that, she's a really good human being and very fun to work with. I know I will keep coming back to the well!


Shelley Brown
Author & Speaker

All you need is the desire to share something with the world and Jen will help you turn that into something that is clear, compelling, and actionable through her Book Foundation Package. 

Erika Alessandrini
Certified Business & Leadership Coach

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