How to Write a Children’s Book Proposal

Crystal Bowman is an author, speaker, freelance editor, and Mentor for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). She has written over 70 books for children and three books for women. She also writes stories for Clubhouse Jr. Magazine and lyrics for children’s piano music. Her children’s books come in all shapes and sizes and many of them have become best sellers. Whether her stories are written in playful rhythm and rhyme, or short sentences for beginning readers, she tries to make them so enjoyable that kids will want to read them over and over again. “But the most important part,” she says, “is to teach children that God loves them and cares about them very much.” Crystal and her husband live in Florida and have three grown children and one granddaughter.
 
Before I went to the Florida Christian Writer’s Conference, I submitted ECLAIR GOES TO STELLA’S, the first book in my children’s chapter book series, to Crystal Bowman. She not only read and edited the book, she endorsed it! I was ecstatic. Still am. Thank you, Crystal! I’d never met her before, but I knew she was going to be at the conference, so I reached out to her before I went. As a conference perk, writers were allowed to submit their stories for editing purposes. I took advantage of Crystal’s experience, and I was really glad I did.
 
(By the way, I highly recommend going to writer’s conferences. Even if a publisher doesn’t buy your books or articles you’ll make connections that can open doors later. It’s worth the money.)
 
Crystal took the time to answer a few questions about publishing children’s books. I hope you’ll take the time to listen. Click on the arrow below and listen while you’re cooking, brushing your teeth, or planting your flower garden. This is a great hands-free way to learn.
 
A few of the questions I asked her were as follows.&nbps;

  1. What does it take to be a children’s author?
  2. How did you break into the genre?
  3. How did you spend your first royalty check?

Click on the arrow to listen to the interview:

 

Writing a Strong Proposal

Concept – In one or two short paragraphs explain the idea behind the book. Why should someone publish this book?
 
Strengths – Clearly explain the strengths of your book. Why would someone want to buy it?
 
Format – What should the book look like? How many pages? Should it be hard cover or paperback? What kind of illustrations would complement the story?
 
Market – Who will buy your book? You must list specific audiences that will find your book appealing.
 
Competition – What other books are currently in the market that are similar to yours? List specific facts about the books: publisher, price, page count, date of publication.
 
About the Author – In one or two paragraphs explain why you are qualified to write and market your book. List any publications you may have, even if you were not paid for them. Only include what applies to your writing credentials or subject matter.