Even if you plan to self-publish, writing a book proposal is an essential step, Jennifer Lawler writes. It can help collect your thoughts and analyze your market: "A book proposal lets you explore whether you want to commit to writing a book. If you get bogged down and lose interest as you work on the chapter outline, no harm done, you can file it and forget it. Or maybe you realize that you really do want to write the book. The proposal can help guide you on the way."
June 22, 2013