I am in proposal hell

[TrixieBelden]

Ive had this proposal written for about a year. But Im starting to doubt it. Please take a look at it in the share your work section and let me know the thoughts you have please.

[Eeman]

Hi, Ruralwriter,

For some reason, I have trouble posting in the SYW forum, so I will share some comments here.

First of all, I think that the topic of your book (women on death row) is really interesting, and I would definitely read the finished product. I say this despite the fact that I am not really into reading about crime. There is just something about the topic, though, that makes one want to know more about the lives of women who reach this point -- I guess because there are so few women in this situation.

The fact that you have letters from the women is a big plus, and you obviously have done a lot of research into their lives and the crimes they committed.

In all honesty, though, I am really confused about your personal story and how it relates to the book you are writing. I have read the sample chapters you posted and feel that your personal story is greatly detracting from what could be a very strongly written book about the lives of women on death row.

I have not been following every thread on your project, so I don't know all the details related to this particular point, but it seems to me that you have been through some traumatic events in the past and are perhaps seeking to heal emotionally through this book. It is your book, and there is nothing wrong with that, but I wonder if you could take a different approach so that your story is not so intertwined with the stories of the women you are writing about. For example, what if you simply confined your story to one "what inspired me to write this book" chapter at the beginning - or even at the end? That way, the reader would come to understand what drives you and still benefit from the real meat of the book.

Another thing is (and I mean this sincerely) that I am not sure what the point of your book is. What should the reader walk away with at the end? Is the point just to share and let readers draw their own conclusions about women on death row? Or, are we supposed to feel a particular emotion (such as pity) or moved to action (for example, on behalf of abused women)?

Whatever path you take, it is still a book I would read, and I think the fact that so many people on this forum have shown interest is a very good sign that the book can be a success. I just think you need to settle on the focus of the book, which may take some additional time and thought.

[Little Red Barn]

Ive had this proposal written for about a year. But Im starting to doubt it. Please take a look at it in the share your work section and let me know the thoughts you have please.
Hey rural, I hear ya!!! Its these flippn' proposals that nail and you so know they can be this kiss of death for non-fiction.

You are going to have to start thinking marketability, promo, and target audience big time, I believe that's the bottom line. At least as far as I've gathered. Now I haven't been over to SYW, but I'm banging my head over this as well. :)
Ok I went over there, really good--

[Sophia2]

SWOT analysis is good to do for your own marketing strategy.

Strengths

Weakenesses

Opportunities

Threats

Like the title although I rarely read fiction.

Sophia2

[Sophia2]

We had a saying in advertising if you can't be clever keep it simple.