Writing A Proposal

A proposal is a thoughtful, heartfelt presentation of yourself and the idea for your book, game or activity. This is your chance to "razzle" and "dazzle" the publisher with your unique idea and your inimitable personality—your whole package. Here are some tips for getting your proposal noticed when you submit it. Submissions to CCA and B require the following*:

• Your proposal should be printed in black ink on letter sized paper (8 .5" x 11")
• Use good quality paper — no slick "computer" paper
• Be sure your proposal appears fresh and new
• Do not submit bound proposals
• Always double space
• Use an easy-to-read font, at least 12 pts.
• Make sure it is grammatically correct and that all words are properly spelled
(*Note:  Any add-ons or extensions to The Elf on the Shelf® products are completely handled in-house and will not be accepted.)

• This should be the easiest part, but sometimes coming up with a title is a laborious process. Try to choose a title which sums up your project succinctly.  The title page should include your book, game or activity title, your name, address, phone number and email address.

• This should be a brief summary of your entire project.  Keep it short and interesting. It goes without saying: the sooner you grab the reader's attention the more likely the entire proposal will be read.   A boring proposal equals a boring submission in the mind of the publisher. Include information which explains why you wrote this book, or why you believe your book and our publishing company would be a great match. Include some information as to why you chose this subject or how the idea for your project came to you. Follow the same guidelines for a game or an activity.  How did you come up with your game?  Why is it special to you? Why is your activity fun?  Is it educational or just a good way to spend some quality family time? Make sure your instructions are easy to understand and that ALL necessary components are present.

• Explain who you are. What is your background?  What are your credentials? Don't be afraid to "toot your own horn" a little; just don't slip over the border and find yourself wandering around in the land of ego-mania.

• Who, realistically, does your project target?  How will the world perceive your product? Who will be dashing off to their nearest store to buy it?   Be specific.  A generality such as, "This is a book (game or activity) for children," is not enough information.  Something more like, "This is a book for girls ages 7-10 who are struggling with low self-esteem," would be better. Or, "This is a board game for children ages 3-8 that teaches colors." How do you see this product being introduced to the buying public? Do you see it as a series?  Do you think it should come with a companion piece, and what would that be (e.g., a bookmark, toy, stuffed animal or a car)? How do you envision the packaging?

• This section should list published titles which deal with the same theme or idea as your book, game or activity.  Just a smattering of these titles will do.  They may include new titles as well as classic ones.  Explain why your project is different.  Does it have a new approach? Does it reveal new information? What makes your product stand out from all of the rest? In short, how will your offering compare against those of the same genre or similar subjects? If your project is completely unique and new, pick something in the same genre for comparison.

• What ideas do you have to help promote your project?  (No, these ideas are not only the responsibility of the publisher.) What marketing tools will be used to sell it? These may include celebrity endorsements (does your second cousin's best friend know Miley Cyrus' mother, and would she use her influence to get an endorsement from her?), media of all types, or perhaps a contest or two.  What can you think of that will help create a publicity frenzy for your product?  Maybe the library would like a reading during story time. Maybe a mother's group would like a speaker for their next meeting. Show the publisher you are willing to think outside of the box and lend a hand in getting your product sold. (Note: Simply suggesting that Barnes and Noble could put your book/game or activity in their store window is not a marketing strategy.)

• Please send only copies of your work.  DO NOT SEND YOUR ORIGINALS!
• If your manuscript is short, go ahead and send the whole thing.  If you are writing a book with chapters, send a chapter outline along with one of your favorite chapters.
• If you are submitting a game or activity, be sure to include a completely functional prototype or excellent pictures of your submission with understandable instructions. Also include information such as: how does one begin to play, how many players are required, how does one win the game, etc.?

• Perhaps a recent photo of yourself
• Copies of articles you have written or press you have received
• Photos of people playing your game
• Any letters of praise or commendation about your abilities pertaining to this particular project
• All information that will build you up in a relevant way