Abouts Books

By Rick Frishman

Before starting your book proposal, make sure that you have a strong book concept, an interesting approach and a catchy title.

Clearly identify your market, your niche, and understand what your proposal is intended to achieve. Make sure that your book is of the best quality:

that it is interesting, well written, and filled with information that will really help readers.

*** 6 Action Steps****

1. Be honest. Does the world need another book on your topic? Check bookstores and get in the know about what books exist.

If you think that your book is better and brighter, then perhaps it's meant to be.

2. Don't let anyone talk you out of your dream. If you believe in your idea and it does not exist, then don't postpone success.

Many agents have turned down ideas and said, "It's just a magazine article," but those ideas sold.

3. Search online. Search everywhere. Talk to bookstore owners; see what's out there. Study your competition.

Learn what other authors have done. Were their books successful?

4. Research your book's title. You might be surprised to find that your title already exists. Was it on your topic?

The same title could be used for a book for kids and one about pets. Don't rule out a great title, but make sure that your book won't be confused with or be considered derivative to another book unless that's your intent.

5. Create an outline. Outline your book and see if you are still glued to the project after you set up what your chapters are about, etc. Sometimes people discover they really don't have a great deal to say, whereas others find the proof in the outline.

6. Write a Dear Reader letter. Try this assignment: write a letter to your reader and state what you plan to deliver in your book. It's a promise to the reader. You'll know after writing this letter and sharing it with others if there's a burning passion in you to write this book.

Then, keep your promise! Get your Million Dollar Rolodex at http://www.rickfrishman.com

Rick Frishman, the founder of Planned Television Arts, has been one of the leading book publicists in America for over 30 years.

Working with many of the top book editors, literary agents and publishers in America, including Simon and Schuster, Random House, Wiley, Harper Collins, Pocket Books, Penguin Putnam, and Hyperion Books, he has worked with best-selling authors including Mitch Albom, Caroline Kennedy, Howard Stern, President Jimmy Carter, Mark Victor Hansen, Nelson DeMille, John Grisham, Hugh Downs, Henry Kissinger, Jack Canfield, Alan Deshowitz, Arnold Palmer, and Harvey Mackay.

In addition to his work at "PTA" Rick has now taken on the new role as Publisher at Morgan James Publishing in New York. David Hancock founded Morgan James in 2003 and in 2007 "MJ" published over 130 books. Morgan James only publishes non fiction books and looks for authors with a platform who believe in giving back. Morgan James gives a portion of every book sold to Habitat for Humanity. (http://www.morganjamespublishing.com)

http://www.rickfrishman.com for the million $ rolodex