Hi Anne,
I have a friend who recently was featured by chance in The New York Times. Her business boomed and Nightline called her to appear on the show. She asked me if I would be interested in coming up with a book that would coincide with her recent success. The important thing in her mind is the timeliness of such a book. She is anxious to start shopping the idea around.
Her questions are:
- If a celebrity approaches a publishing house with an idea, do they have writers that they assign such projects to?
- Do publishers sign contracts for partially completed work? (I’m assuming no unless a famous author they have experience with)
Thanks,A
Beth
Hi Beth,
As I understand it a book like this is most often called an issue book. And timing is critical as you know. The sooner the better. If I were here I might start by calling the reporter at The New York Times and the producer or whomever at Nightline and just ask how she turns the exposure they gave her into a book. Or maybe even more to the point ask if they have either an agent or an editor they would suggest she talk with about her business and a book.
People are more often willing to help than we expect.
Yes, publishers have writers but that doesn’t mean she can’t suggest you. I’ve recently been ‘ptiched’ to an agent and am now working on the book – it’s still at the spec stage though. As an unknown writer you’ll share in the advance, but there probably won’t be money before a book proposal has sold.
As far as partially completed work. I’m not sure what you mean. A book proposal would seem to be in order and that typically has one to three chapters, plus a detailed table of contents (I actually sell an ebook on book proposals that’s worked for a number of people.) So in that sense publisher will look at partial work. A formal book proposal is probably the best approach unless someone knows the editor well enough to say “you really need to look at this.”
I’m thinking your friend might need an agent first. It’s hard to know. Have your friend start working her own contacts while you’re working yours.
Good luck!
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Hi Anne,
I’ve been receiving your emails for a while now, and enjoying your blog. It helps give encouragement to me as a freelance writer down here in Oz.
Nice blog.
Kathy
Glad to have readers from the other side of the world. Spent about 10 days in Brisbane ages ago and loved it.