1. Tips on Writing an Effective Book
Proposal for a New Edition of an
Existing Book
Gary C. Schoenwolf, Ph.D.
University of Utah School of Medicine
Salt Lake City, Utah USA

2. New Editions Published from
Proposals that I Have Written
Fourth-Ninth Editions

3. New Editions Published from
Proposals that I Have Written
Fifth-Seventh Editions

4. New Editions Published from
Proposals that I Have Written
Fourth Edition
Fifth Edition underway

5. Topics to Cover
1. Convincing the publisher to publish a new edition of an
existing book, with you as author
2. Convincing the publisher to publish a new edition of a book
you’ve already authored

6. 1. How Do You Convince the Publisher
to Publish a New Edition of an Existing
Book, with You as Author?
Why do publishers exist?
To make a profit!

7. Scenario A:
If the book is selling sufficiently well, but the book is
becoming dated and the current author cannot do a
new edition, then the publisher will be looking for an
author to do a new edition
How do they find you?
Networking:
•With authors of books in your field
•With publishers
Develop your reputation in the field (as a researcher; as a
teacher; as a writer)

8. Scenario B:
If the book is not selling sufficiently well, is becoming dated,
and the current author cannot do a new edition, then the
publisher may merely let the book sell out (i.e., go out of
print)
•Demonstrate to the publisher that there is a market for
the book if appropriately revised
•Demonstrate to the publisher that you know how to
appropriately revise the book
•Demonstrate the publisher that you have the reputation to
generate interest in the book from your colleagues in the
field

9. There is a Market for the Book that Has
Not Been Realized in the Current Edition
•Intended readership (Audience): Existing market; new
markets to break into
•Competition: What do they lack that I will add? = Opportunity
(unmet needs); unique aspects that will be added

10. I Know How to Revise the Book
to Realize this Market
•Unique characteristics: unique aspects and strengths of
your revision; unique value not provided by the
competitors; unmet needs to meet

11. I Have a Reputation that Will Generate
Interest in the New Edition
My expertise and reputation: I am known in the field
because of my following qualifications

12. 2. How Do You Convince the Publisher to
Publish a New Edition of a Book You’ve
Already Authored?
It’s all about sales!

13. A Hard Sale if Sales are Not Strong Enough to be
Profitable (13th Slide)
•Demonstrate to the publisher that there is a market for the
book if appropriately revised
•Demonstrate to the publisher that you know how to
appropriately revise the book
•Demonstrate the publisher that you have the reputation to
generate interest in the book from your colleagues in the
field