Host & Guest
Guest
Debra Eckerling
Host
Kathleen Kaiser &
Adanna Moriarty
About This Episode
On How Book Proposals Land Publishing Deals
What do literary agents look for in a book proposal? Do nonfiction authors need a finished manuscript before approaching publishers? And how important are comp titles and author platforms when it comes to landing a traditional publishing deal?
In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, Kathleen Kaiser and Adanna Moriarty welcome book proposal expert Debra Eckerling to demystify the proposal process. Debra shares her Three C’s framework—Concept, Context, and Content—and explains why a book proposal is far more than a publishing requirement. It’s a sales and marketing document that helps agents, publishers, and editorial boards evaluate both the book and the author.
The conversation explores what makes a nonfiction book marketable, how authors can strengthen their platforms, why comp titles are critical to positioning a book, and the opportunities available to writers pursuing traditional publishing. Debra also shares insights from her own publishing journey and discusses the growing category of “memoir-plus” books that combine personal stories with actionable guidance.
Key Takeaways
- A successful book proposal is built around Concept, Context, and Content.
- The overview, audience analysis, and comp titles are among the most important sections of a proposal.
- Most nonfiction books do not need to be completed before they are pitched to agents or publishers.
- Comp titles help prove market demand while demonstrating how your book fills a unique need.
- Publishers evaluate the author as much as the book itself.
- An author platform includes both online visibility and real-world credibility.
- Time spent waiting on submissions can be used to strengthen your platform and visibility.
- Memoir-plus books often have broader market appeal because they combine storytelling with practical takeaways
Resources
Looking for help with book proposals, traditional publishing, or positioning your nonfiction book for success? Explore these resources from Debra Eckerling and Writers & Publishers Network.
Free Book Proposal Resources
Book Proposal Expert Resource Library:
https://thebookproposalexpert.com/resources
Listen to Debra’s Podcasts
Connect with Debra
📧 Deb@TheBookProposalExpert.com
Write On Online Community:
https://facebook.com/groups/writeononline
Books Mentioned
“Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning, and Achieving Your Goals”
“52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting”
“Depression Hates a Moving Target by Nita Sweeney”
The Three C’s Framework
- Concept
- Context
- Content
Writers & Publishers Network
Learn more about upcoming webinars, events, and educational resources:
https://writersandpublishersnetwork.com
About our guest
Debra Eckerling
Debra Eckerling is The Book Proposal Expert. An award-winning author and speaker, she works with thought leaders to turn their ideas into impactful nonfiction book proposals that get the attention of agents and publishers. She helps them clarify their vision, elevate their platforms, and navigate the publishing world. Debra is the creator of The DEB Method for goal-setting simplified and the author of “Your Goal Guide” and “52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting.” She hosts GoalChat, Taste Buds with Deb, and the Book Proposal Podcast, and has spoken for TEDx, Innovation Women, Writer’s Digest, the Women’s National Book Association, Wellcoaches, the LA County Bar Association, and more. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com and connect with Debra on Linkedin.
Learn the effective and stress-free method for setting your goals—and achieving them—with this practical success guide.
All too often, setting a goal can feel like setting ourselves up for failure. But with the right tools, setting and tackling goals can be easy. In Your Goal Guide, Debra Eckerling teaches readers how to approach goals—whether in their personal or professional lives—and achieve what they set out to do.
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Debra Eckerling’s Your Goal Guide offers:
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Everyone wants to work less, earn more, and achieve a perfect work-life balance, but what if the secret to success isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution? 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting offers you the tools to create your own path to success by learning from the experiences of others.
Everyone strives for success, but the path isn’t always clear. Debra Eckerling, award-winning author of Your Goal Guide and creator of the DEB METHOD® for goal-setting simplified, brings together insights from top executives, entrepreneurs, authors, actors, chefs and other thought leaders. This book provides practical strategies for anyone looking to enhance their focus and productivity, develop management in leadership skills, and set professional and personal goals that align with the goal of life fulfillment.
Your comprehensive guide to new year goal-setting, achieving career and workplace goals, and mastering work-life balance. Whether you’re aiming to expand your thought leadership advantage, improve your communication and networking, or find effective examples of goals to inspire your journey, 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting equips you with the knowledge and motivation you need to succeed.
Inside, you’ll find:
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If you liked Build the Life You Want, Goals, or The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Guided Journal, you’ll love 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting.
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