Michael Larsen delivers a well thought out approach that is acutely adept in describing and understanding the new writers perspective and guides them safely into the labyrinth of working with publishers, agents and their requirements. He introduces the inductee to how the agent or publisher thinks since they are the ones that have to read and make decisions for hundreds of publications weekly. He educates the reader in writing a book proposal of the anticipated content so as to whoo the editor into seeing the meaning and readability of the new authors desire in a crisp clear written form. An excellent purchase for the serious writer who has a solid intention to get something published.

How to Write a Book Proposal is not all bad--I highlighted many sentences, and I did pick up some good tips. However, I felt like I was touring the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose--that 160-room mansion comprised of endless additions and oddities because the heiress compulsively felt that she had to keep the construction continuing. The book is in fact the 3rd edition, but some extra editing would have helped rather than just multiplying pet entries.

Larsen might be able to write an irresistible proposal for himself, but he hasn't written an irresistible book. I wearied in reading countless times that I would have to have a marketing plan that would sweep the publisher off his or her feet, that I would have to obtain quotes and recommendations from famous people, and that I would have to promote endlessly on tours across the nation. Perhaps these are essential to getting published, but then I am left scratching my head in wonder as I look at all the mediocre material on the booksellers' shelves. Lots of people seem to have slipped through. And when I read his sample gems, I quickly grew bored.

The main problem that I had with the book was that it felt like a hodgepodge of ideas that kept overlapping each other. I am a person who appreciates good organization and order. This book left me feeling that I would have to edit it first to then be able to use it.

If you are a new (promising) writer prone to discouragement, I would not read this book. However, if you think writing would be a neat whim and easy, then you should read this book. You will throw up your hands in despair and save yourself and the publisher who might have to look at your material a lot of wasted effort.

This book is an excellent template on writing an effective book proposal. The book proposal is a vital component to getting published, and Larsen takes you step-by-step through the process, with great examples. And while I've written 7 nonfiction books with a successful track record, my publishers still require a proposal. This is a must-have resource for anyone serious about getting a book published.

This book provides a successful model of what literary agents and publishers are looking for in a book proposal. Although it is written for non-fiction, fiction authors will benefit tremendously from reading it. (Especially now, fiction has to have an engaging slam-dunk pitch.)

I recommend all the writers I mentor to read this book!

This book is the best guide to writing a book proposal on the market. It has been updated since the first edition, and contains all the information a writer needs to write a marketable book proposal. I edit books for a living, and have recommended this book to prospective authors for years.