BOOK PROPOSAL GUIDE
Below is a list of points to be considered when preparing a book proposal.
RATIONALE
This should be a brief, jargon-free description of the book, it should include the following:
Readership - For whom is the book intended? What would be the main market? Do you expect a readership of teachers in practice or in training? Will the book have international interest? If so, in which particular countries?
Level - What level of ability is assumed of the reader? And, to what level does the book take the reader (introductory/intermediate/advanced)?
Courses - Is the book mainly intended to be used as a text for a particular course(s)? If so, would it be used as a main text, a supplementary text, or for reference only? On which taught course(s) would you expect it to be used? Try to estimate (approximately) how many students (UK) per year there are taking this course(s).
Existing books in the area - Please list and describe competing books. How does your book compare? What makes it different?
Background - Was the proposal developed from your own teaching/research/other? If based on courses taught, please specify.
Soundbite - Please provide a short, descriptive paragraph which sums up the proposed book in lay-persons terms (this is a great help)
OUTLINE
This should include a list of contents, chapter headings and sub-headings, and working title. If possible, please supply some chapters in draft form (although this is not always necessary).
Length & Illustrations - Estimated length, estimated number of illustrations, line diagrams and other. If you have particular ideas about layout/design. or you feel the book will need particular care in these areas, please make this clear.
Coverage & Organisation - Description and reasons for this particular approach.
Features - What aspects of your proposal would you emphasise as being of most importance? Are there any deliberate omissions? Or any other features you would like to be taken into account?
Author(s) - Include full name, position, address, telephone/fax/email.. Brief details of other posts, degrees, relevant qualifications and affiliations. Publications - if books, please specify. Nationality.
Timetable - What would you regard as a realistic date for completion of the entire manuscript?
Referees - Names and addresses of several people whom you would regard as suitably qualified to read and comment on your proposal.
If your proposal is in the field of Special Needs or Educational Management, please send it to Nina Stibbe. Any other education proposals should be sent to Helen Fairlie.
