Book Proposal Contents

Start each numbered element below on its own page and place the element name (without the number) as the title of the page. Place a header or footer with page number on each page except for the first. Use 12-point simple serif type, such as Times Roman, and double space.

1. COVER PAGE
   
   
   • Book title
   • Your name (don't preface with "by")
   • Your address, phone, email, fax
   • Copyright © year your name
   
   
2. SYNOPSIS/OVERVIEW
   Synopsis for fiction; Overview for nonfiction
   
   This section should be no more than two pages in length. It may be your one-page book description or an expansion of that description. Be sure to note the book category (i.e., bible study, Jewish thought, gender studies, folklore, young adult fiction, etc.). Please consult the JPS website submissions page for a complete list of publishing categories.
   
   Fiction: The synopsis describes the plot, characters, settings, time frame, etc., more or less in chronological order.
   
   Nonfiction: Open with a paragraph on the premise (thesis, main points, argument) of the book. Then proceed to tie the premise to your discussion and analysis. Go on to establish a connection between the book and yourself, the author, and close by returning to your premise.
   
   If applicable, add information on approximate number and type of photographs, artwork, maps, charts, etc. that you will be including with your manuscript.
   
   
3. AUTHOR BIO
   
   This section should be no more than one page in length. Focus your bio on those elements that relate to your book, its topic (for fiction, its plot, characters, setting), your qualifications for writing the book, and your visibility as an author. Please include your resume or vita with your proposal.
   
   
4. KEY SELLING POINTS
   
   List the features of your book that will be most appealing to readers and that will therefore make your book marketable. Aim for about 5 key points illustrated by one phrase or sentence each. Think in terms of key features that will make your book most appealing to a wide audience or, alternatively, to a strong specialized audience.
   
   For example:
   
   [title of book] will:
   
   
   • show…
   • bring…
   • be the first…
   • explore…
   • examine…
   
   
   
5. CONTENTS
   
   Prepare an annotated table of contents that describes each chapter, as follows:
   
   Preface (optional)
   
   Introduction
   
   Chapter 1: [title of chapter]
   Brief (one paragraph) description of chapter; use subheads if applicable
   
   (Proceed through all the chapters to the end; include description of back matter such as appendixes, index, glossaries, and the like)
   
   Note: If you plan to include chapters or parts of chapters previously published elsewhere (i.e., in another book, a journal, or in electronic format, you must be able to secure rights in all languages, editions, and formats (including electronic formats), or the chapters must be revised extensively enough to be considered new work. Chapters restricted by another publisher's copyright cannot be considered for publication. (This does not apply to "fair use" quotations.)
   
   
6. FORMAT
   
   
   • Describe the book's format (boxed text, below-the-line commentary, etc.)
   • Length of manuscript (double-spaced, typed pages in 12 pt. font)
   • Projected number of notes and length of bibliography
   • Indicate if there is to be art (illustrations, photographs, etc.) and detail features (black and white or color) and number.
   • Indicate if there are to be foreign language elements, and how extensive they will be (i.e., occasional words or phrases, facsimiles of entire foreign language documents, transliterations with heavy diacritical marks, etc.)
   • If your manuscript is not yet complete, please indicate its anticipated date of completion.
   
   
   
7. MARKET
   
   Describe the readers most likely to buy your book. Mention any magazines or organizations whose readers or members are potential buyers. Contact those agencies to request circulation and membership numbers and note them here.
   
   Describe any access you might have to special sales opportunities (outside of bookstore and library sales) that would help promote your book; publishers will be drawn to authors who can boost marketing and sales of their books.
   
   
8. COMPETITION
   
   This is your opportunity to show the editor how knowledgeable you are about the literature on your subject/in your genre, how well your proposed book stacks up against the competition, and why it will compete well in the marketplace.
   
   
9. PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY
   
   Editors are most impressed with authors who can help promote their book. Note any media (radio, TV, magazine, newsletter) connections you have; note, too, your ability to obtain cover endorsements and/or a foreword from writers or scholars who are well-known in their field. Also mention any experience you have in public speaking and your availability to travel to promote your book when it is published.
   
   
10. SAMPLE CHAPTER(S)
    
    One sample chapter may be sufficient along with the initial proposal, unless the editor asks for more material. It is preferable to send in two or three chapters, to show the variety and extent of the book. If possible, include the Introduction or Preface in addition to the sample chapter(s).
    
    
11. LIST OF EXPERT READERS
    
    Provide a list of possible expert readers, with names, titles, addresses, and phone numbers, and note their qualifications and previous association with you, if any.
    
    
12. EDITED VOLUMES
    
    If your work is an edited volume, indicate which chapters are reprinted and which are original, and include the affiliations of the contributors. If you plan to include chapters previously published elsewhere (i.e., in another book, a journal, or in electronic format), you must be able to secure rights in all languages, editions, and formats including electronic formats.
    
    

Acquisitions Editor
The Jewish Publication Society
2100 Arch Street, 2nd floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103

If an editor decides that your project holds promise for our list, he or she may seek two or more outside reviews, in addition to an in-house review by the senior editorial and publishing staff. To allow for careful consideration of a project, we give our readers six to eight weeks, on average, to complete their evaluation. The review process typically takes three to four months, depending on, among other things, the nature of the project and the availability of reviewers.

When reviews are received, the sponsoring editor may ask for the author's response. If the editor determines that the project is a strong candidate for publication by The Jewish Publication Society, he or she will prepare a presentation for review by the Society's Editorial Committee. The Editorial Committee meets twice each year. The Committee's recommendations are presented to the JPS Board of Trustees for formal approval within one month from the Committee's review. You will be notified shortly after the meeting regarding the committee's decision, and again regarding the Board vote. We make every effort to ensure that editorial decisions are made in a timely manner.

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