When should you curb Proposal content?

tombookpub said:

I've read Jenna's helpful advice on creating Non-Fiction proposals. My concern relates to whether one should hold back on providing a great amount of detail in the proposal on a "hot" subject. It seems to me that, by providing sample chapter text and chapter descriptions, the publisher could politely reject your proposal - while forwarding it on to a writer who could run with your idea. I heard it happening to others where a fave writer (of the editor) will actually work on a book based on a proposal received by the editor. And, of course, the proposal submitter has no real recourse. Thoughts?

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My thoughts are most editors are probably way too busy to steal your ideas. The more detail you provide the better able an editor will be to decide if your work is what they want to publish. From the moment you put your words on paper they are copyright protected also, so I wouldn't be concerned. If you do not include enough information, you may risk attracting their attention and a possible book deal. That's just my opinion though, others? Take care and good luck!

Tombookpub--Yes, you need to be specific and comprehensive with your proposal. The risk you run with an editor taking your idea is almost nil.

Yes, withholding key aspects of your project from the editor will insulate you from the miniscule possibility It will also insulate you from getting your work published. Let's say you do strip it of the things you think are worth stealing, the stuff that make it interesting and compelling. What does that leave you with? Probably not enough to get the interest of the editor at all.

The idea and the angle of a work is important, yes. But they're of little value without the execution --the author's own unique skills, voice, and expertise. Ideas by themselves are pretty much useless.