Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches & Proposals (edit title)

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1: The Perfect Pitch: Ten Steps to a Winning Proposal
Step 1: Research the Market
Step 2: Research the Competition
Step 3: Follow the Guidelines
Step 4: Prepare Your Manuscript Properly
Step 5: Send an SASE
Step 6: Follow Up Appropriately
Step 7: Be Professional
Step 8: Expect and Accept Rejection
Step 9: Hone Your Skills
Step 10: Keep Trying
Chapter 1 Resources
References
Useful Web Sites
More Basic Writing Sites

Section 1: Querying Periodicals

Chapter 2: Writing the (Almost) Perfect Query
Why Query?
Benefits for All
Essentials of an Effective Query
Format
Clips
Response Time

Chapter 3: Query Letters that Worked
Figure 1: Query to Byline
Figure 2: Query to Traditional Quiltworks
Figure 3: Query to Inklings
Figure 4: Query to Entrepreneur Magazine
Figure 5: Query to Cats Magazine
Figure 6: Query to Inklings
Figure 7: Query to Fine Gardening
Figure 8: Query to Inkspot

Chapter 4: Queries that Break the Rules
E-mail Queries
Quick-Pitch Queries
Multiple-Pitch Queries

Chapter 5: Newspaper Queries (by Amy Chavez)
How to Read the Masthead
Making Contact
Op-Ed, Travel, and Feature Articles
Three Ways to Make Your Query Irresistible
Your Local Paper Route
Section 1 Resources
General
Writer's Guidelines
Magazine and Newspaper Lists
Publications That List Markets

Section 2: Columns and Syndication

Chapter 6: Selling a Column
Choosing a Market
Columns and Credentials
The Basic Column Proposal

Chapter 7: Self-Syndicating Your Column
Choose a Topic
Select Your Markets
Define Your Terms
Prepare Your Package
Follow Up and Move On
How I Became a Syndicated Columnist (by Debbie Farmer)

Chapter 8: How to Become a Syndicated Columnist (by Amy Chavez)
How to Make Your Column Idea Stand Out
How to Approach a Syndicate

Chapter 9: How to Become an International Columnist (by Amy Chavez)
Target a Newspaper
Find a Hot Column Topic
Propose Your Column
Sell Reprints
Online Support
Section 2 Resources
References
Syndicates
Newspapers

Section 3: Selling a Nonfiction Book

Chapter 10: Preparing a Nonfiction Book Proposal
Finding the Right Publisher
Essentials of a Proposal
The Overview
Chapter-by-Chapter Summary
Author Bio
Supporting Materials
When to "Pitch" Instead of "Propose"

Chapter 11: Two Sample Nonfiction Proposals
Proposal for writing.com (by Moira Allen)
Proposal for New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats (by Amy Shojai)

Chapter 12: Pitching to International Book Publishers (by Huw Francis)
Where in the World Should You Look for a Publisher?
Target Markets
Marketing
Submitting Your Proposal
Section 3 Resources
Book Publishers
Electronic Publishers
Market Reference Books

Section 4: The Fiction Proposal

Chapter 13: A Novel Proposal
Submitting Your Novel: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Query
The Novel Synopsis
The Proposal Package

Chapter 14: Seeking an Agent
What an Agent Offers a Writer
What an Agent Expects of You
What to Watch Out for When Seeking an Agent
How to Locate an Agent
Approaching an Agent
Writing the Agent Query (by Tara K. Harper)
Pitching Your Novel at a Conference
A Final Word: On Simultaneous Queries

Chapter 15: The Fiction Query Letter (by Lynn Flewelling)
The Writer's Calling Card
A Fe Additional Basics

Chapter 16: Sample Novel Synopsis ( by Sharon Ihle)

Chapter 17: Anatomy of a Synopsis (by Rebecca Vinyard)
The Setup
Plot Pints and Conflict
The Action
Climax and Resolution

Chapter 18: Display Sites: An Alternative to the Query/Synopsis Process? (by A.C. Crispin and Victoria Strauss)
What Display Sits Offer
Do they Work?
Perils and Pitfalls
Do Agents and Publisher Visit?
Questions to Ask Before Using a Display Site

Chapter 19: E-publishing, Subsidy Publishing and Self-Publishing: Viable Alternatives?
Electronic Publishing
Self-Publishing versus Subsidy Publishing: Know the Difference!
Why Not Self-Publish First, Then Seek a Publisher?
Section 4 Resources
Agents
Book Publishers
Display Sites
Electronic Publishers
Scam Warnings
Subsidy, Electronic, and Self-Publishing
Other Useful Sites
Market Reference Books

Section 5: Other Opportunities

Chapter 20: Speaking and Teaching
Why Speak?
Writer's Conferences
Speaking Locally
Teaching a Class

Chapter 21: Chat Your Way to Sales (by Mary Janice Davidson)
Finding Chat Opportunities
Proposing a Chat
Preparing for Your Chat

Chapter 22: Writing for the Business World
Understanding the Market
Making Contact
Bidding on a Job

Chapter 23: Grants for Writers (by Kelleen Zubick and Maryo Ewell)
Sources
Types of Support
Crafting Successful Applications
Preparing Application-Specific Materials
When to Give Up
Section 5 Resources
Business and Technical Writing
Speaking and Teaching Opportunities
Online Classes
Grants and Proposals

A Final Word: Capitalizing on Success

Contributor Bios

Index