True Crime: proposal or finish book?

MarkEsq · Aug 19, 2008

I asked this a while back but I think the thread meandered a little: I'm still contemplating a true crime book, but am wondering how the query process works. Do I finish the book and then try to sell it (a la fiction process), or do I create a proposal and approach agents before writing it (a la nonfiction process)?

Thanks!

johnrobison · Aug 19, 2008

In my opinion, if you've never written a book before . . . write the book, make it the best you can, and offer it for sale. That shows the whole scope of the thing and it proves you can actually finish a book. I think a finished book is going to be more salable.

That said, many will disagree with me and say to sell on a proposal.

escritora · Aug 19, 2008

True crime is also an interest of mine and when the time comes I plan to write a proposal.

Horseshoes · Aug 20, 2008

Mark, I think it depends on your publishing credits... if you're well-repped, known to meet your contracts, you can sell on proposal. If you lack credits, then write the book.

True Crime: proposal or finish book?

MarkEsq

Clever title pending.

johnrobison

A Free Range Aspergian

escritora

.

Horseshoes

lisapreston.com