On this episode of The Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “What’s the difference between a pitch and a book proposal?”

A pitch is a brief summary of your book - and it is also incorporated into your book proposal - but it is just one element that you need to sell your book. You typically share your book pitch in a query email or submission, within a conversation, or through a pitch event. You are pitching what your idea is, what makes it unique and why this book needs to be out in the world. 

Your book proposal is much more than the pitch. You are creating a sales and marketing document that makes the case for your book. In addition to the elements of the overview, which is the essence of your pitch, you need to include how and why your book will sell, who will buy it, what your platform is, and your marketing plan, along with your detailed outline and sample chapters. A pitch may get you in the door, it drums up interest. However if you do not have a book proposal to back up your idea, it’s not going anywhere.

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Debra Eckerling is a goal strategist, book proposal specialist, and author of “Your Goal Guide” and “52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting.” 

Have a question about book proposals, email Deb@TheDEBMethod.com. Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at BookProposalPodcast.com.

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