Write A Book Proposal Membership Site

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

Contact Us

About W. Terry Whalin