- How does this work?
- How much does this cost?
- Who are the ECPA member publishers who use ChristianBookProposals.com?
- How will I know how many times my proposal is viewed by publishers?
- Who will notify me if a publisher is interested in my proposal?
- How can I increase the chances of having my proposal published?
- What if I already have a completed manuscript?
- What are the chances of being published through this service?
- Can I show my proposal to others while it is on the service?
- How do I know that my manuscript idea will not be stolen?
- How do I renew my proposal at the end of six months?
- When does the six-month period begin?
- Will I be able to use or print out my proposal when I’m done?
- Can I change the margins and font in the book proposal template?
How does this work?
- Simply set up your personal account, process payment, and prepare your book proposal following the guidelines on the “Create Your Proposal” page. Be assured that as you complete your proposal, you will be able to reference instructions for each section. You should work in small intervals and save as you go to ensure your session does not “time out.” Whenever desired, you may stop working, save and return to complete your proposal later.
- Once your proposal is complete, click “Submit to Publishers.” Your work is immediately available in the ChristianBookProposals.com database for review by ECPA member publishers.
- If a publisher is interested in publishing your proposal, they will contact you directly using the information that you provide in your personal account.
- Your manuscript proposal will remain in the database for six months from the time that you click the “Submit to Publishers” button.
- If at the end of six months you have not received publisher contact, you will be reminded of the expiration date. Your personal account information and password will remain in the system for an additional year. This provides the option to re-enter your proposal with revisions or submit a new proposal idea.
How much does this cost?
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Who are the ECPA member publishers who use ChristianBookProposals.com?
ECPA member publishers of all sizes and types use and recommend this service according to their needs and interests. Current ECPA members are listed in our “About Page.”
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How will I know how many times my proposal is viewed by publishers?
We do not currently track the number of views per individual proposal. We do track publisher logins/visits to ensure that publishers are reviewing the database regularly.
Who will notify me if a publisher is interested in my proposal?
If a publisher reads your proposal and is interested in receiving more information, they will contact you directly to discuss a contract. Please make sure that your contact information is current and provide both your phone number and email address for their convenience.
How can I increase the chances of having my proposal published?
Set yourself apart by making sure that your proposal is the best it can be. Have others read your manuscript and welcome critique. View our professional proposal critique option here. Take time to thoroughly answer each question on the proposal form; including in-depth review of your personal history and relevant areas of speaking/teaching/experiencing that makes you able to write as an expert on your topic. Attend a Writer’s Conference, seek acquisition of a Literary Agent, build your own “author brand” and review the Resources link in the top menu of this site.
What if I already have a completed manuscript?
Although the ChristianBookProposals.com service only allows for submission of a writing sample (or portion of your manuscript), the proposal format is specifically designed to provide the publisher with all they need to get a feel for the entirety of your work. By reading your proposal synopsis, topic, chapter titles, and writing sample, the publisher sees a good portion of your effort. ChristianBookProposals.com provides the opportunity to knock on the publisher’s door and present them with your book proposal.
What are the chances of being published through this service?
The publishing world can be difficult to enter. However, ChristianBookProposals.com was designed at the request of ECPA member publishers to meet their need for an efficient review process for unsolicited manuscripts. Most of our publishers no longer review unsolicited manuscripts sent directly to them due to their inability to devote staff time to adequately review the enormous amount of unsolicited manuscripts in print they receive each week. This service offers a win-win situation for new authors and publishers.
Can I show my proposal to others while it is on the service?
Yes. You are welcome to share your proposal with others while it is active in the ChristianBookProposals.com database. The preparation of your proposal on this site provides you with a good way to share this with an editor at a Writers Conference or with a literary agent. Consult the Resources page for conference opportunities and advice on contacting an agent.
How do I know that my manuscript idea will not be stolen?
Access to the ChristianBookProposals.com database is secure. ECPA member publishers are screened and enter the system by password only. Please review our “Terms of Use” regarding the protection of your intellectual and creative property.
How do I renew my proposal at the end of six months?
At the end of six months, you will be sent an email reminder of the expiration of your proposal. You may renew your proposal by choosing the renew option that will appear when you enter the system. You will be able to edit or update your proposal prior to submitting it again to the publishers. Your proposal will then shift back to the top (by new date) within the database of submitted proposals. Renewal cost is $98 for an additional six months.
When does the six-month period begin?
The six-month exposure period for your proposal begins when you choose the “Submit to Publishers” button at the bottom of your saved screen. You may enter the system multiple times before completing your proposal and choosing the “Submit to Publishers” button. Make sure to choose the “Save and Preview” button at the close of each work session.
Will I be able to use or print out my proposal when I’m done?
Yes! The completed proposal form can be printed or a print-to-pdf button used to provide you with a helpful, complete proposal document to share with a literary agent, a colleague, or a publisher at a conference event.
Can I change the margins and font in the book proposal template?
Our publishers have asked us to provide a pre-formatted proposal form for their efficient review. Therefore the margins, font, font size, and format cannot be customized. Review the final version of your proposal and indicate to the reviewer any intended formatting in parentheses if you feel it necessary for their understanding.
