About W. Terry
Whalin
W. Terry Whalin has been a book acquisitions editor for over five years. The acquisitions editor is the first
person to read the submissions to a publishing house then champions the author's project in front of a room of
publishing executives. Terry knows the inside scoop on what publishers want in a book proposal.
As a writer, Terry has published more than 60 books with traditional publishers such as Zondervan, St. Martins
Press, Tyndale and others. A traditional publisher pays you to write the book. Twice in his career, he has
written book proposals which received a six-figure advance. One of these proposals is included in Book
Proposals That Sell. A popular speaker at conferences, Terry often teaches about book proposals.
What Others Say About Terry's Teaching on book proposals
"With practical know-how and tons of proven tips, this book is
like that wise friend who’s been in the business, knows what works and why. Step-by-step, Terry Whalin
guides and inspires both beginners and even experienced writers to doing better, successful,
meaningful work."
--Jeanette Thomason, former Editorial Director Waterbrook/
Random House
"Traditional publishing is shrouded with mystery. Terry Whalin
peels back the curtain to give authors an inside look at what a writer needs to provide a publisher.
Following his advice will give you the edge you need to create a slam dunk proposal!"
--Michael S. Hyatt, former Chairman of Thomas Nelson
Publishers & founder of Platform University
"Terry Whalin has written an informative book to help people
navigate the treacherous waters of getting published. An indispensable tool for new
authors."
--Scott Waxman, Literary Agent and Co-Founder of Waxman
Leavell Literary Agency, New York
"With years of experience as an author and an editor, Terry Whalin
has written a book that can help any writer. Book Proposals That Sell offers great advice on building the nonfiction proposal and also
explains the inner workings of the editor's and publication board's role in acquiring a new book.
Novelists, too, will find this background information very helpful. All authors need to understand the
uphill battle they face in selling a book before they can be fully prepared to submit their absolute
best proposal or manuscript. Whalin's book lays out what they'll face--and then shows them how to win
the battle."
--Brandilyn Collins, best-selling novelist
"As a successful author and acquisitions editor, Terry Whalin
knows why some proposals bring publishers to attention and why others put publishers to sleep. Heed
his advice and your next proposal just may be your break-through."
--Dan Benson, former Editorial Director,
NavPress
"Many beginning book writers complain that it’s harder to write the
proposal than the book itself. Until they know how, that’s probably true. Terry Whalin knows the secrets
of good book proposals. As a writer, he’s composed many book proposals; as an editor, he’s read hundreds
of them."
--Cecil Murphey, writer, co-writer, or ghostwriter of more than 100 books
including 90 Minutes in Heaven.
"In the often bewildering world of book publishing, aspiring authors need
more than desire, creative skill, and something worthwhile to say. They also need a road map. My friend Terry
Whalin offers a map even Rand-McNally couldn’t top. If you have any inclination toward getting a book
published, you’ll do well by studying this book first."
--Larry Libby, Senior Editor, Multnomah Publishers
"If every proposal I received followed the rules
of Book Proposals That Sell, my job would be a lot easier! Whalin has produced an indispensable
tool that is both practical and powerful."
--Kyle Duncan, Publisherl, David C. Cook
"A tremendous book with crisp, concise and insightful advice that make
this an invaluable resource for every writer! Ignore his counsel at your peril."
--Steve Laube, Literary Agent and President, The Steve Laube
Agency
"How does one get a foot in the editorial door? Publishers want to see a
clear, direct, and well organized book proposal. Without one, most will not get a second chance to make a
good first impression."
--Leonard G. Goss, Book Editor, www.goodeditors.com
"Writers who are serious about getting published need more than
talent. They need the inside scoop on what really goes on in publishing. Terry Whalin offers insider
information for writers at every level in Book Proposals That Sell. This book is bursting with real life examples and bottom-line advise
to create professional proposals that will make editors sit up and take notice."
--Vicki Caruana, teacher and author of the
best-selling Apples & Chalkdust.
Terry Whalin has written scores of book proposals. And, as an
acquisitions editor at two publishing houses, he’s read his fair share of proposals. Now he shares his
wealth of knowledge in succinct chapters brimming with pointers.
--Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent, Books &
Such
This is a valuable step-by-step guide to doing a book proposal. It
tells would-be authors what agents and editors look for in book proposals, with advice on how you can
tailor your book proposal for the market at which you’re aiming.
--Timothy Harper, editor, the ASJA Guide to Freelance Writing
As an agent, I’ve read Terry’s nonfiction proposals and have always
been impressed. He knows how to put together a winning presentation to capture a potential editor’s
attention and get a decision. In Book Proposals That Sell, Terry combines his compassion for writers with his considerable
publishing experience to create a must-have book for anyone preparing a nonfiction proposal.
--Claudia Cross, Literary Agent, Folio
Literary Management,
New York City
Selling a book may be one of the most intimidating challenges you will
ever face. However, an intimate knowledge of the process helps make it easier. Terry Whalin offers his
broad knowledge of this business—from both sides of the editor’s desk—make him the perfect resource for
helping you develop a proposal that sells.
--Sally E. Stuart, Founder, Christian Writer’s Market Guide
A well-written book proposal gains attention, piques interest, and
provides the information an editor--and later the publicity department--needs to convince not only his
editorial staff but the whole publishing team. Terry Whalin provides the know-how to add sales appeal to
any book proposal.
--Les Stobbe, Literary Agent