Book Proposal
January 7, 2009 4:26 PM Subscribe
I've been working on a book proposal for about 2 weeks. I'd already done all of the research on the subject - since May - so collecting the reference material wasn't a problem. And, the agent, although annoyed that I didn't have a proposal to send on the heels of the query, set a template for building the proposal.
That template was priceless because it structured my ideas and information. I had templates from other sources but her's was just reassuring in some way. Probably because she was interested enough to send it. Another agent called, and another emailed. So, now, the proposal is finished and I have three agents that want to see it. But I'm on edge that they won't like it. I've written all my life and suddenly, I'm feeling like my words, the words in the language I love, aren 't enough of something ... smart enough, funny enough, plain-spoken enough. There aren't enough facts. There are too many facts. There aren't enough stories. There are too many stories. I almost don't even want to send it. Of course I will. But where is this pressure coming from?
That template was priceless because it structured my ideas and information. I had templates from other sources but her's was just reassuring in some way. Probably because she was interested enough to send it. Another agent called, and another emailed. So, now, the proposal is finished and I have three agents that want to see it. But I'm on edge that they won't like it. I've written all my life and suddenly, I'm feeling like my words, the words in the language I love, aren 't enough of something ... smart enough, funny enough, plain-spoken enough. There aren't enough facts. There are too many facts. There aren't enough stories. There are too many stories. I almost don't even want to send it. Of course I will. But where is this pressure coming from?
This post was deleted for the following reason: I'm sorry you're having trouble and yet this isn't the sort of question AskMe can really help you with -- jessamyn
But where is this pressure coming from?
Insecurity, but AskMe probably can't help you with that.
posted by dhammond at 4:37 PM on January 7, 2009
Insecurity, but AskMe probably can't help you with that.
posted by dhammond at 4:37 PM on January 7, 2009
I just went through sort of the same process, and the only pressure was coming from me, really. My agent did all the dressing up of the work. I just had to give him the synopsis and first two chapters. Of course, I wanted my proposal to be accepted, and I wanted it to be awesome. I was a nervous wreck until I remembered that I had done my best and that the editor would probably have her own feedback even if I did somehow manage to convince myself it was perfect (and I never would have. Neither will you. Accept this and move on). So, remind yourself that you're doing your best, and remember that nothing you're doing is set in stone. And just send it, already. Getting it out the door will be a huge relief for you.
posted by katillathehun at 5:01 PM on January 7, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by katillathehun at 5:01 PM on January 7, 2009 [1 favorite]
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Seriously, you care a lot, and a lot is at stake for you. To me, this kind of self-doubt is entirely rational and reasonable, so long as you do in fact send it.
posted by Clyde Mnestra at 4:34 PM on January 7, 2009 [1 favorite]