Writing a book proposal
I have submitted my first book proposal to a publishing company and am awaiting a response by August 5th. Typically, the final details of the manuscript took longer to complete than expected. My translator, as usual, was very conscientious and thorough. He was critical of my formulations several times. With some passages, I rewrote the text three or four times before we were both content with the result.
The manuscript completed
In June, my manuscript was completed. It was a great relief. I should have known that it takes much longer to write than you expect. At the end of my cooperation with the translator, I guess we were both extra stressed. To ensure that we had covered all aspects of the text. We’re nearing the finishing line. In particular, two chapters required reformulation to ensure smooth flow.
Mixed Feelings
For a few days, I experienced calmness and repose. However, then it struck me: you must now choose a publishing company and write a book proposal. Consequently, I must saddle my horse again and meet a new challenge. To my relief, I already had an idea of which company to start with. Already forty years ago, I contacted a publishing house in New York City that I found reliable and capable of publishing my Swedish book.
Writing a Book Proposal
Henceforth, I searched their homepage and found their instructions on how to write a book proposal. As with most publishing companies, they did not want the entire manuscript but instead a description of the text, a table of contents, a detailed chapter outline, a two- to three-page introduction, major selling points, the intended audience, and details about the book. And then, I must supplement with my CV and two chapters.
New Challenges Encountering a Book Proposal
Thus, I met a new challenge, in a way, the farthest I had faced so far. In a few pages, I must convince the company that publishing my book is worthwhile. Several years of work depended on my formulations in a short text.
I worked with the proposal back and forth for four weeks. In my experience, it’s a good idea to pause while writing and then return to the text. All aspects must be considered. If you leave the text for a while, you discern new perspectives that you miss if you write constantly.
Mixed Feelings Revisited
Once again, I found myself caught between stress and the desire to succeed. However, this time, the emotional energy was far more powerful. My worry manifested itself in many ways. My stomach suffered from gastric catarrh, and I had trouble with my sleep. Additionally, I had strong doubts that my manuscript would be accepted. On the other hand, I had visions of my book being published and thoughts about all the positive consequences that would follow from my success. In this mood of triumph, I experienced a strong feeling of peace and perfection.
Present Time– Awaiting the Answer to the Book Proposal
So here I am at present. Awaiting a decision that will have a significant impact on me. I would not miss this situation for a minute. According to my philosophy, it is better to dare to do something than to be passive.
Without trying to fool myself, I am, deep down, partaking in this adventure not only for my own sake. Foremost, the goal is to spread my ideas so that many more people can be helped.
If you read a letter of mine for the first time, you can go back to read all the other letters. The first one was published on October 23, 2023. In this way, you can follow my whole book journey up to now. I would appreciate your commitment to following my journey.
