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Nonfiction Book Proposal

Complete a full proposal that wins an agent and a contract

Nonfiction Book Proposal
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WHEN Materials available starting June 5
Discussions start Wednesday, June 12, 9-10 pm ET - Full Schedule

WHERE Online

PRICE
$550 (or $525 for AvantGuild members - details)

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ALSO STARTS:  New York - 9/12/2013


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20% off if you buy both today: $1,225 
$980
Register For All
Nonfiction Book Proposal  Online - 6/5/2013 (8 sessions)  $550
Nonfiction Book Writing  Online - 6/3/2013 (12 sessions)  $675

Details

Nonfiction books -- a market easier to break into than fiction -- are the backbone of publishing. Whether self-help, travel, health, memoir, business, current affairs, or any other number of categories, there's no shortage of readers for nonfiction that teaches, transforms, and captivates readers interested in a particular subject.

In this class, you'll learn how to convey your idea in a winning book proposal and why taking the time to do so will make or break your chances of getting it noticed and sold. You'll also learn what is appropriate for writers who have an idea for a book, but would like to know the complete and correct execution of this vital marketing product.

In this class, you will learn how to:

  • Identify whether your idea is a good one
  • Think through the essential ingredients of a book proposal
  • Format the proposal
  • Write your proposal letter
  • Understand the nuts and bolts of the nonfiction publishing industry

By the end of class, you will have:
A marketable nonfiction book proposal package ready to send out to agents, including a query letter and sample chapter.

Students who have taken this class have published with:
Simon and Schuster, Perseus/Running Press, and Simon Spotlight.

The online classroom has several components:
  • Lessons: Learn new skills through written lessons
  • Discussion: Join a weekly live, interactive discussion via IM and video
  • Assignments: Complete homework and receive instructor feedback
  • Forums: Exchange resources, meet peers, and ask your instructor questions

Course Syllabus

course materials
View a sample syllabus for the class here.

Instructor

Jill Rothenberg
Jill Rothenberg is an editor who has helped journalists and writers develop their nonfiction book proposals and transform them into award-winning and commercially successful titles. At Westview Press/Perseus Book Group, this included Blood Diamonds, which was made into a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. At Seal Press/Avalon Publishing Group, she edited Confessions of a Naughty Mommy: How I Found My Lost Libido, featured on NBC's Today Show. Her work has appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, Urban Moto Magazine, Woman's Best Friend: Women Writers on the Dogs in Their Lives, and P.S.: What I Didn't Say.

Jill Rothenberg's Courses
Nonfiction Book Proposal – (Starts June 5)

Testimonials

After taking Jill's class, I scored an agent who told me the book proposal was one of the best ones she has seen. -- Rob Koebel

"My query letter, written with help from the class and Jill, resulted in a well-regarded agent requesting my proposal. I'm thrilled!" -- Marge Thorell

"Jill was a wonderful instructor -- friendly, encouraging, and always ready and willing to answer questions." -- Shann Fountain-Culo

"Jill was an outstanding instructor. She gave honest, constructive feedback that made my proposal 10 times better." -- Marla Majewski

"Jill's experience, knowledge, and insight of the publishing industry, plus the structure and format of the class, made it an incredible experience and really taught me how to fine-tune my pitch and craft a stellar proposal." -- Kristi Daniels

"Jill guides her students with clear lectures, detailed critiques, and lively chats. By the end of Jill's course I had a solid book proposal and a clear idea of the content of my entire book." -- Jill Johnson

"Jill's a great motivator, cheerleader, and fountain of knowledge. She is a spot-on editor and the most thorough class instructor I have encountered." -- Lovelace Cook

"Jill will be at the top of my book's acknowledgement page. I would totally take another class from her!" -- Anna Cox

"Jill's expert information, her kind, supportive advice and feedback, and her belief in writers to create excellent nonfiction book proposals made getting a book published a reality." -- Patricia Wilkinson

"I couldn't have gotten my book proposal written without the class and instructor. Jill was fabulous ." -- Ellen Rosenthal

"Jill is a talented teacher and a savvy editor. She is supportive and her wisdom is insightful for those of us trying to make the leap to becoming nonfiction book authors." -- Meg Robbins

"Jill offered great feedback and insight into class submissions. She was very helpful and responsive to our questions." -- Stacy Jensen

"Jill is a compassionate and knowledgeable instructor who knows publishing from all sides. I would recommend her to anyone tackling a nonfiction project." -- Susan McDonald

"Jill is very experienced and insightful. She helped all of us bring the quality of our proposals up several notches, think of more ways to promote ourselves, and to get the word out about our books." -- Malorye Branca
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