Playing by different rules: non-fiction writing

October 9, 2009 by Writers, Artists and Insiders
Filed under: Literary Agents 

A guest post from literary agent Judy Chilcote:

I wanted to explain that the rules are different for when I decide to take on a non-fiction project than they are for fiction.

For fiction, it’s largely down to personal taste and interest, I think. In non-fiction, it’s more clear-cut to determine if there is a niche for a subject, if the market is over-saturated (as with most mind/body/spirit subjects at the moment) and if it has something new or controversial to say.

For non-fiction you need to submit a fairly detailed proposal along with the sample writing. Most non-fiction is commissioned on the basis of a proposal as opposed to a completed manuscript.

A strong proposal is both a sales tool and a business plan. It should estimate the length, competition in the marketplace, why you are the best person to write this book, as well as potential sales. The proposal should make the reader want to know more about your project. And excite an editor to make you an offer.

A proposal begins with a statement that explains the concept of the book: ideally an anecdote or a set of facts that convinces the agent/editor of your idea. Explain why your idea is unique, why it’s the right book for the moment, and why you are the best author for this book.

You’ll want to have some sort of marketing section and a look at the competition your book will face in the market. Do your research. Then emphasise how your book will be different. You should also define your audience, citing statistics and special outlets which might buy or advertise your book. Be realistic as no one is convinced by inflated numbers or wild generalisations.

Include a table of contents to give a sense of how you envision the book. This could be a chapter breakdown of the contents of the book you want to write; mini essays that describe what material will be covered and how it will be handled. You want to show the depth and detail of your approach and how the themes of the book will evolve from one chapter to the next.

Your author bio should establish your credentials for writing the book you are proposing, and be written in the third person.

Finally, you need to provide one or two sample chapters from your book to prove you can write. Choose chapters that will whet your reader’s appetite!

Good luck.

About Judy: Judy Chilcote opened her literary agency in 1990 after five years working in London with a large US marketing firm. Her focus is very commercial, so what she takes on ebbs and flows with the market. She is currently interested in popular psychology, nostalgic memoirs, historical fiction, women’s fiction (no chick lit) and crime fiction.

Unfortunately Judy cannot answer questions about individual submissions, but you’ll find details of her literary agency – the Judith Chilcote Agency – in our Listings section.

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Comments

14 Comments on Playing by different rules: non-fiction writing

  1. Warren on Oct 12, 2009 at 21:55pm

    2. I have self published my book, “A Romantic Time for Rhyme and Success Poetry”, on Lulu.com. It has also been given an ISBN and is now listed on Amazon.
    I would like to know if it is possible for me to get a Literary Agent for my book.
    I have also published a few poems and a list of my poems from my book, onto my blog.I wonder if this will help me if I try to locate a Literary agent to present my work.

  2. Abraham.R on Oct 29, 2009 at 11:08am

    3. Hi guys,
    A SIMPLE TIP:

    Be humble while submitting your manuscripts.Perhaps,it may work.

    Regards with topping (No,its not pepperoni)

  3. Abraham.R on Oct 29, 2009 at 11:13am

    4. Hi authors,
    Does anyone have any tips on names in fiction?

    Regards…………

  4. Abraham.R on Oct 29, 2009 at 11:16am

    5. Hi Poets,

    Are there agents for publishing poem collections?

    Thanks.

  5. John on Oct 29, 2009 at 11:24am

    6. HI Abraham;

    Visit site:
    ‘Poetry Publishers Who Accept Electronic Submissions’

  6. Abraham.R on Oct 29, 2009 at 11:28am

    7. Writers and Artists yearbook ROCKS!!

    – A satisfied author…

  7. Purnamasi on Oct 29, 2009 at 11:30am

    8. For a good proposal ( for non-fiction ) how many materials( i.e. cover letter, synopsis and sample chapters ) should be there in a letter to the editor of a publisher? I will be honor if you will respond to this query and for this I will be ever greatful to you.

  8. Claire Fogg (Publisher, Yearbooks) on Oct 29, 2009 at 11:45am

    9. Take a look at the post What’s Different About Non-Fiction for more info on what to submit. Good luck all!

  9. Purnamasi on Nov 20, 2009 at 12:29pm

    10. what should be a standard format for a non-fiction synopsis and for a cover letter?

  10. joline on Nov 22, 2009 at 09:24am

    11. Hi everyone, I am from South Africa and I am excited to have linked up with Writers and Artists. I plan to enter your short story competition. At the moment I am busy working on a non-fiction book. Your writing courses sound really great.

  11. Jo Herbert (Editor, Writers' & Artists' Yearbook) on Dec 1, 2009 at 14:40pm

    12. Hi Purnamasi, take a look at the article ‘Writing a synopsis’ in the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook. It will give you all the pointers you need to make a good start. There is no standard format as such, just recommendations and suggestions for as clear, concise and interesting a submission as possible. Remember, it’s worth taking your time on your covering letter and synopsis – they are your gateway in. All best, Jo

  12. Sharnu on Dec 25, 2009 at 17:18pm

    13. I am hugely excited with the non-fiction I have started writing and am struggling to write a pitch to an agent. I would prefer to speak to an agent as my synopsis and cover letter do not convey my book or myself well enough for marketing purposes. Can anyone advise me on how to meet agents or on an alternative approach to sending an email proposal

  13. Taylor on Dec 27, 2009 at 14:09pm

    14. Hello and Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2010 to you all.

    Can anyone help me? I have written an excellent and relevant documentary, that I believe a wide audience will appreciate. Do I need and agent and if so are specialist documentary agents? Or should I just approach potential sponsors direct? Very many thanks for your help in advance.

  14. Cressida Downing (Editorial Consultant) on Dec 31, 2009 at 14:39pm

    15. Sharnu – while it’s great to be able to talk to an agent or editor, and express your enthusiasm for your project, it has to work on paper. The reason for this is simply that when your book is published, you won’t be there to explain it to your reader, they will have to rely on the printed page.

    Taylor – do you mean a TV documentary? If so, it’s worth looking at TV websites, such as this BBC one – as they will have some ideas for you.

    Cressida

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