Instead of writing that full-length book, you may benefit from first pitching your idea to an editor.
Writing a full-length book is often called a mistake of new writers. Experienced writers know that they can often get a better book deal if they first write a book proposal, and then write the book based on the proposal. If you are choosing to self-publish, you may not need a proposal. However, if you looking for a traditional publisher, a book proposal could be well worth your while.
A book proposal is a proposed description of what your book will be about. It is used as a pre-marketing tool for your book because you send it out to editors and agents often before your book is written. Based on feedback from the book proposal and the humans involved in the process, you make changes to the outline of the book. The last step actually involves writing the book.
Most non-fiction books that are published by traditional publishers are written only after the Senior Editor has approved a proposal. While it may seem unnatural and fake to write a book in this order - that is, sell it and THEN write it - it is important to first establish a need and want for your book in the marketplace. Without that, you don't have sales, you don't have income, and you don't have an offer to write a second book.
Think of it this way - you wouldn't build a house without blueprints? Writing a book isn't any different. You create a list of what you want to include in your book, put it into a logical sequence, and write each chapter accordingly. Showing an editor that you can do this also shows him or her that you are organized enough to follow through with the rest of a project.
The easiest way to tell if you need a book proposal is to simply ask. Most publishers include a list of submission guidelines on their website, or you can call or email to find out. Writing a book proposal may seem like a detour on your way to a finished product, but it can save you a lot of work in the long run, and may even bring you a tasty financial advance.
