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How to Sell Your Memoir: 12 Steps to a Perfect Book Proposal
How to Sell Your 12 Steps to a Perfect Book Proposal offers memoirists an easy-to-follow formula to create a winning book proposal that will attract agents and editors. Brooke Warner is a former acquiring editor and current publisher who breaks the nonfiction proposal into three editorial components and three marketing components. This ebook includes a section about platform—and an explanation of why memoirists need one and how they can build one—as well as real samples from authors who have sold their memoirs to traditional publishers off their proposals. Find easy-to-follow templates and smart tips for navigating agents and publishers, along with best practices memoirists can’t afford not to know!
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2013
20 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 19, 2025
This book has a lot of good advice, but it’s short. Also, the section on author platform is not going to help most people, because anyone who has as much of a platform as the two examples in this book totally does not need this book. I don’t think that the vast majority of people who want to sell a memoir will read this book and say, “Yes, I can do that!” Not with the platform requirements. That’s fine, it’s the age of self-publishing anyway.
December 1, 2013
With a memoir well on its way to completion, I've been muddling over what a writer does once the manuscript is complete, when you believe it's really ready for the hands of a publisher.
When the opportunity arose to review Brooke Warner's newly released book, How to Sell Your Memoir: 12 Steps to a Perfect Book Proposal, I signed on to help spread the word about it. Little did I know that a majority of my questions would be answered while I read the book.
Warner succinctly and with clarity provides a step-by-step guide to what a memoirist needs to do in order to place his/her manuscript on the correct pathway to publication. Leaving nothing to chance, she provides tips set apart in such a way that it is easy to thumb back through the book and easily spot them.
Additionally, Warner provides other best practices information with each chapter. These are extremely well written and easily understood. Samples of each phase are provided, including query letter, components of proposal, marketing research, etc.
Sprinkled along the way are resources Warner believes beneficial to the writer new to the marketing and publishing aspects of book publishing.
Her writing and format are both good examples of what agents and publishers will likely be looking for.
Considering the short length, 88 pages of text and tips, Warner answers all of my questions to date and has demystified the issues of platform, query letters, book proposals and more.
My Recommendation:
I cannot recommend this book strongly enough for people writing memoir who may be reaching that point where issues surrounding marketing and publishing begin to come into focus. This is by far one of the best examples of a "how to" book which clearly maps out the process for you.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. No other compensation was involved, and the opinions expressed are my own.
When the opportunity arose to review Brooke Warner's newly released book, How to Sell Your Memoir: 12 Steps to a Perfect Book Proposal, I signed on to help spread the word about it. Little did I know that a majority of my questions would be answered while I read the book.
Warner succinctly and with clarity provides a step-by-step guide to what a memoirist needs to do in order to place his/her manuscript on the correct pathway to publication. Leaving nothing to chance, she provides tips set apart in such a way that it is easy to thumb back through the book and easily spot them.
Additionally, Warner provides other best practices information with each chapter. These are extremely well written and easily understood. Samples of each phase are provided, including query letter, components of proposal, marketing research, etc.
Sprinkled along the way are resources Warner believes beneficial to the writer new to the marketing and publishing aspects of book publishing.
Her writing and format are both good examples of what agents and publishers will likely be looking for.
Considering the short length, 88 pages of text and tips, Warner answers all of my questions to date and has demystified the issues of platform, query letters, book proposals and more.
My Recommendation:
I cannot recommend this book strongly enough for people writing memoir who may be reaching that point where issues surrounding marketing and publishing begin to come into focus. This is by far one of the best examples of a "how to" book which clearly maps out the process for you.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. No other compensation was involved, and the opinions expressed are my own.
November 15, 2013
This book is a must read for anyone thinking of publishing a book. The information is clear, concise and valid, making it accessible for any genre of book. I took Brooke's class on outline at the San Miguel de Allende writers conference and was at once struck by her authority and professionalism. Her expertise shines through in her book.With her many years as an acquiring editor, Brooke gives step by step advice on how to prepare a query package. She writes about "sweat equity" and how to appear professional at this crucial pre-publishing phase. Though this book doesn't guarantee publication, it definitely gives one a leg up,a fighting chance so to speak.I can't even imagine not following her guidance, when I have this goldmine at my fingertips.
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September 16, 2018
This book works. I followed all the steps, hired Brooke to read my proposal, and it led to a book contract for my memoir, THE HONEY BUS: A Memoir of Loss, Courage and A Girl Saved By Bees (April 2019 Park Row/HarperCollins). I recommend this wise guide to all my writer friends and writing students.
July 4, 2019
I purchased this book after hearing the glowing review Meredith May, author of the recently published memoir “The Honey Bus”, gave on the Write-Minded podcast co-hosted by Brooke Warner. May said this guide was instrumental in helping her secure her publishing deal, and I can see why. This guide offers very in-depth, specific, actionable items necessary to completing a memoir proposal. Warner explains the concepts and sections required, then dives in with specific examples from actual book proposals. This is a fantastic resource I’ll be referring to frequently as I work on my own proposals.
January 17, 2014
Brooke Warner of She Writes Press got paid to read memoirs to determine whether or not they got published in her previous job at Seal Press. So she has read tons of memoirs and she is just the right person to write this book. Peppered alongside the text in “How to Sell Your Memoir” are important tid bits or info she doesn’t want the reader to miss. Like how important a book proposal is.
She starts out with a Q & A, works up to your platform and then steps you through your book proposal, even giving you samples of memoirs and the chapter summaries.
In the marketing and publicity step, Brooke Warner explores how it may take up to 20 pages to make it shine. To deliver even more bang for your buck you can out source this to someone else for research, to maintain absolutely everything that can or should help with marketing. And then she gives an example of that!! Just time after time delivering more than you bargain for.
In her book, “How to Sell Your Memoir,” Brooke Warner makes how to write a book proposal so clear it seems like anyone can do it. Then she talks about your target audience and again gives examples. She also goes into titles and how to write one for your book. And then ties it all together with how to write that query letter, get your book proposal proof read and shop your book. Warner gives places to look if you don’t have a clue.
And as if that is not enough, there is a glossary and special proposal from her.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has finished a rough draft of their manuscript, their memoir, polished the first few chapters and is seeking traditional publishing for their memoir. This book, “How to Sell Your Memoir,” is so chock full of information that I wouldn’t try and sell your memoir without it. I highly recommend you read this if you have a memoir to sell or if you are writing a memoir.
She starts out with a Q & A, works up to your platform and then steps you through your book proposal, even giving you samples of memoirs and the chapter summaries.
In the marketing and publicity step, Brooke Warner explores how it may take up to 20 pages to make it shine. To deliver even more bang for your buck you can out source this to someone else for research, to maintain absolutely everything that can or should help with marketing. And then she gives an example of that!! Just time after time delivering more than you bargain for.
In her book, “How to Sell Your Memoir,” Brooke Warner makes how to write a book proposal so clear it seems like anyone can do it. Then she talks about your target audience and again gives examples. She also goes into titles and how to write one for your book. And then ties it all together with how to write that query letter, get your book proposal proof read and shop your book. Warner gives places to look if you don’t have a clue.
And as if that is not enough, there is a glossary and special proposal from her.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has finished a rough draft of their manuscript, their memoir, polished the first few chapters and is seeking traditional publishing for their memoir. This book, “How to Sell Your Memoir,” is so chock full of information that I wouldn’t try and sell your memoir without it. I highly recommend you read this if you have a memoir to sell or if you are writing a memoir.
February 25, 2015
I heard Brooke Warner and other panelists speak at the San Francisco Writers Conference about the importance of a strong book proposal. They noted that each book proposal is unique, but at the same time, if one is writing a memoir, then there are some guidelines to consider for this genre (as it is true for most other genres as well).
How to Sell Your Memoir books breaks down what is a potentially overwhelming topic into actionable steps with clear instructions of why the step is important, what to include, what to focus on. The books contains suggestions big (each of these 12 steps) and small (start each chapter on its own page). She provides examples to emulate, turning theory into practice. This book was my constant companion during the proposal writing process and I appreciated that Brooke encapsulated her deep expertise and knowledge of the publishing industry into digestible and actionable steps.
How to Sell Your Memoir books breaks down what is a potentially overwhelming topic into actionable steps with clear instructions of why the step is important, what to include, what to focus on. The books contains suggestions big (each of these 12 steps) and small (start each chapter on its own page). She provides examples to emulate, turning theory into practice. This book was my constant companion during the proposal writing process and I appreciated that Brooke encapsulated her deep expertise and knowledge of the publishing industry into digestible and actionable steps.
December 27, 2013
A must read for all aspiring writers who want to take that brave & bold step to getting their work to the point of publication! This easy to read step by step guide is filled with excellent tips, best practices and invaluable "How To" illustrations. With gratitude to ms? Warner for sharing her expertise & enthusiasm for the world of writing, writers, editing, editors, publishers & publishing!
July 14, 2015
This book really helped a lot in writing my first book proposal as it gives a very clear road map of the process and what to include. The book also gives an option to have Brooke evaluate your proposal at a discounted rate which I took advantage of. The feedback was very helpful. I am so glad I bought the book and the evaluation...I feel like it gives my proposal a fighting chance.
November 12, 2015
Super book from an expert. The author makes a strong argument for the benefits of a proposal and offers thorough, clear steps to create one. Great examples throughout, as well as insider tips and encouragement to not be daunted by the process. I was pretty clueless going into this book and feel very prepared coming out. Talk about bang for the buck, this is one worth-it book!
May 21, 2018
3.5 stars
This eBook is a great guide to the proposal. I'd already written mine, but wanted some tips to whip what I'd dumped out onto the page into shape. Warner provides a step by step guide and some good examples. Knocking it down half a star because I wanted more examples from literary memoirs, which are harder to sell.
This eBook is a great guide to the proposal. I'd already written mine, but wanted some tips to whip what I'd dumped out onto the page into shape. Warner provides a step by step guide and some good examples. Knocking it down half a star because I wanted more examples from literary memoirs, which are harder to sell.
March 6, 2017
This is much better than many books in this category--especially valuable are the examples of the chapter-by-chapter outlines and describing platform. Valuable.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews