Poets & Writers

This course gives writers the nuts and bolts to write a nonfiction book proposal for their memoir, biography, or long-form journalism project, with an emphasis on the sample chapter and the overview or concept of the book. The course will include lectures, writing assignments, workshops, and brainstorming sessions on pitching the sample chapter as an essay for publication.

We will meet online once a week at two-hour intervals for three sessions and will cover:   

Week 1  
Proposal Structure: Analysis of the parts of a book proposal—overview, chapter outline, sample chapters, author’s assets, market, comparables, and promotion. We will also discuss building a network of supporters and soliciting blurbs.   

Week 2  

Sample Chapter: This chapter of your nonfiction book is your calling card. Three students will have the chance to workshop their sample chapters during this class and receive feedback.  

Week 3  
Why This Book: What is this book about, what made you so obsessed that you have to write it, why does the world need this book, and why are you the only person who can write it? This is the overview of your book, which is often encapsulated in your sample chapter. In this final class we will also work on a one-page query letter for pitching your book to agents or editors.