The One Page Sell Sheet is like a mini resume. The sell sheet gives the agent or publisher pertinent information while enticing them to read on. It is not to be confused with the sell sheet sent to bookstores to promote your book or the one sheet presented to agents and publishers at a conference.
The use of fancy fonts and colors is not recommended on your One Page Sell Sheet.
Your headshot and photo of the cover of the book (if available) should be the only photos included on this page.
Always adhere to the submission guidelines which can be found at the agency or publishers website.
Grab the attention of the agent or publisher by including the following.
The first line: The title, genre, and word count
Title: Don’t underestimate the importance of your title. Yes, the publisher may change it, but the title draws the reader in and it eludes to the genre and content of the book.
Genre: Is your book fiction or non-fiction. List any sub-categories. An extended list of subcategories can be found on Amazon.
Word Count: Most writing programs keep the word count for you. If not, the rule of thumb to obtain a word count is to multiply the number of pages by 300.
Tagline–
A one-line pitch of your book. This is optional for fiction at some agencies. It’s also called a catchphrase. The tagline should be brief, catchy, and true to the story.
Back book cover paragraph-
Is not the synopsis. It is about 200 words that will hook the reader and convince them they need to buy your book. Read the back covers of the best sellers in your genre to get an idea. Think of your back cover paragraph as a sales pitch. If your book is part of a series, mention it here.
Abbreviated bio with author photo-
Keep the bio brief. Annotate how many years you’ve been writing along with some recent publications. The proposal has another section to expound on your bio. Please use a recent photo. I’ve been surprised when I met an author in person and they look nothing like the headshot on their proposal.
Remember, it’s one page.
Also remember, you can do this!
You accomplished something many people aspire to do. You wrote a book.
Creating your one sheet is nothing compared to all the time and energy you invest in your characters, research, and editing.
If you have any questions, I’m here for you. No question is silly or insignificant.
Contact me at editor@thewriteproposal.com.
Cherrilynn Bisbano is an award-winning writer and the founder of The Write Proposal book proposal services. Cherrilynn spent two years as Managing editor of Serious Writer’s, Almost an Author, Top 100 writing websites. She is managing editor of Stand Firm-Reasons column.
She hosts Genre Chat where she’s privileged to interview expert writers. Cherrilynn co-hosts Fulfilled Prophecy Friday with well-known prophecy speaker Jake McCandless.
She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. She’s published in many online magazines and contributes to Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers blog. Contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul- Miracles, Breaking the Chains and Heart Reno books.
Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard; earning the John Levitow Military leadership award. She lives with her sixteen-year-old son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 19 years, Michael, Sr.