In the meantime, I see the same book on the agenda for the next meeting from another editor here in the building.  Ironically the book aimed to teach business readers the importance of being “open” and “transparent” in the Web 2.0 Age.  Since the editor had prepared a very nicely done presentation for the book, it was obvious that they had been working on it with the author for quite some time.

Now don’t misread me – I think it is absolutely fine to shop your book proposal around.  This is a very competitive industry, and you absolutely should be sure you are partnering with the right publisher for you.   But if you know you are sending your proposal to multiple editors at the same publishing house, be sure you let them know that.  We aren’t all going to publish it after all and frankly if several of us know we are looking at the same thing we can collaborate to be sure we place it in right group for maximum sales potential.

(Image credit: Mekong Virus)

However, from time to time I do get proposals that look like very little effort was put into them. Always remember the book proposal is the first indication of your knowledge, commitment and ability. Here are 5 ways to not get my attention:

1. Don’t do any research. Be sure you have no idea about the books we have already published on your topic or related topics, or books we have announced. Never check Amazon.com, and certainly don’t come to our website. I actually had someone pitch me recently on a “…beginner’s book on using a computer. You guys should do a For Dummies book like that.” Why didn’t we think of that?
2. Tell me there is no competition for your book. Yes there is – it might not be a book. See also Know Your Competition.
3. Tell me you don’t have any ideas for interesting ways to market or promote your book. Really, you don’t have any suggestions? Authors should want to be involved in the promotion and marketing of their book.
4. Send me a poorly written proposal. Be sure you leave several sections blank, or give me 1-2 word answers to the proposal questions. Typos and misspelled words are a bonus.
5. Be sure the outline is a mess. I am going to help you develop your outline, but you need to give me something to work with.

If you are going to submit a book proposal, you may find my series on the topic useful.

(Image credit: WhatDaveSees)