Meta Description: Want to pitch your book to agents or publishers? Use these free book proposal templates to craft a professional, compelling pitch that gets results.

Hey, aspiring authors!
If you’re dreaming of landing a traditional publishing deal, a killer book proposal is your first step. It’s your chance to show agents and publishers why your book is worth their time (and money). But crafting a great proposal can feel daunting—especially if you’ve never done it before.

That’s where book proposal templates come in. These handy guides walk you through every section of a professional proposal, helping you stay organized and focused. Let’s explore the best free templates and how to use them to turn your idea into a pitch that sells.

Why Do You Need a Book Proposal?

A book proposal isn’t just a summary of your book—it’s your sales pitch. Here’s why it matters:

  • For Nonfiction: It’s often required to pitch the book before it’s fully written.
  • For Fiction: It showcases your manuscript’s marketability, even if the book is complete.
  • It Shows You’re Serious: A polished proposal demonstrates your professionalism and dedication.

What to Include in a Book Proposal

A strong book proposal typically includes these key sections:

  1. Overview: A one-page summary of your book and why it matters.
  2. Target Audience: Who will buy your book, and why?
  3. Competitive Analysis: How your book compares to others in the market.
  4. Marketing Plan: Your strategy for promoting and selling your book.
  5. Author Bio: Why you’re the perfect person to write this book.
  6. Chapter Outline: A breakdown of each chapter’s content (for nonfiction).
  7. Sample Chapters: Provide one or two chapters to showcase your writing style.

Best Free Book Proposal Templates

1. Reedsy Book Proposal Template

Reedsy offers a detailed template tailored for both nonfiction and fiction authors.

  • Best for: Authors pitching to agents and publishers.
  • Why it’s great: Clear, step-by-step guidance for each section.
  • Get it here: Reedsy Book Proposal Template

2. Jane Friedman’s Nonfiction Proposal Template

Publishing expert Jane Friedman provides a comprehensive template for nonfiction authors.

  • Best for: Nonfiction writers pitching unfinished manuscripts.
  • Why it’s great: Focuses on marketability and author platform.
  • Get it here: Jane Friedman Book Proposal Guide

3. DIY MFA Book Proposal Template

DIY MFA’s template helps you craft a professional proposal with ease.

  • Best for: Authors who need a flexible, easy-to-customize format.
  • Why it’s great: Simplifies the process for first-time authors.
  • Get it here: DIY MFA Templates

4. The Writer’s Digest Proposal Template

Writer’s Digest offers a classic template used by industry professionals.

  • Best for: Authors aiming for traditional publishing deals.
  • Why it’s great: Includes examples of successful proposals.
  • Get it here: Writer’s Digest Templates

5. Canva Proposal Templates

For a more visual, design-friendly proposal, Canva has customizable templates.

  • Best for: Authors who want to add a polished, creative touch.
  • Why it’s great: Perfect for adding charts, visuals, or branding elements.
  • Get it here: Canva Proposal Templates

How to Use These Templates

  1. Pick the Right Template: Choose one that matches your book’s genre and your goals.
  2. Fill in the Details: Use the template as a guide to structure your proposal.
  3. Focus on Your Hook: Highlight what makes your book unique and marketable.
  4. Customize for Each Pitch: Tailor your proposal to fit the agent or publisher’s preferences.
  5. Proofread Thoroughly: Double-check for errors or inconsistencies before submitting.

Pro Tips for Crafting a Winning Proposal

  • Know Your Market: Research similar books and explain how yours stands out.
  • Highlight Your Platform: Publishers love authors with a strong online presence or audience.
  • Be Concise: Keep each section focused and relevant—agents don’t have time to read fluff.
  • Include Testimonials: If you have endorsements or reviews, add them to boost credibility.
  • Add Visuals: Use charts, images, or infographics to enhance your proposal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Ignoring Guidelines: Always follow the submission guidelines of the agent or publisher.
  2. Focusing Only on the Book: Publishers want to know how you’ll help market your book.
  3. Being Too Vague: Use specific, actionable details to back up your claims.
  4. Skipping the Competitive Analysis: Show you understand your book’s place in the market.

Final Thoughts: Pitch Your Book Like a Pro

A strong book proposal can open doors to agents, publishers, and ultimately, readers. With these free templates, you’ll have everything you need to craft a compelling pitch that stands out.

Download Free Book Proposal Templates Here

Now go turn your book idea into the pitch of a lifetime. You’ve got this!