Difference Between Query and Overview of a Book Proposal

rosepetal720

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Most agents I've looked at ask for a query and a book proposal, and everything I've read about book proposals say you need to include an overview.

What is the difference between the query and the overview? If I send a query, do I still need to include an overview in my proposal? I feel like I'll just be saying the same thing twice.
 

Chris P

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It's been a while since I looked into non-fic proposals, but from my understanding a book proposal outlines the major topics covered, conclusions drawn, intended audience, etc. It can be a few to several pages long. When I was shopping a non-fic proposal around, many publishers wanted a sample chapter or two.

The query, however, is more like a cover letter in which you get the reader's attention enough to read the proposal. For non-fic this is in a different style than those for fiction.

I'm not sure how things might have changed in the 6 or so years since I've last (unsuccessfully) shopped an idea around. Hopefully some more experienced folks will be around shortly to chime in.
 

Siri Kirpal

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You need both the query and the overview in the proposal. Both should have the housekeeping details (wordcount, genre, date of completion), unless the agency requests that those go in a separate book details section. The query for non-fiction is indeed more like a cover letter (don't bother going into Query Letter Hell with one), but should also have a bit of whatever your flair is. The overview needs to read more like a synopsis.

Hope this helps.

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Siri Kirpal