Book Proposal Podcast

Debra Eckerling
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Your nonfiction book proposal is the roadmap you need to get your book idea out of your head, onto the page, and into the right hands. More than that, it helps you find clarity, develop strategy, and get the results you want: a saleable, marketable book. In the Book Proposal Podcast, host and book proposal consultant Debra Eckerling simplifies the process with short, practical episodes focused entirely on proposals. From pinpointing the right idea and building your platform to planning your promo and choosing comps, Debra answers real questions to help you create a proposal that sells your book—and you. Whether you’re aiming for traditional, hybrid, or indie publishing, you’ll get actionable advice to turn your concept into a plan.

  1. How Much Detail Should My Book Proposal Include?

    6D AGO

    How Much Detail Should My Book Proposal Include?

    On this episode of the Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “How much detail should my book proposal include?” While it’s easy to assume that more information will make a proposal stronger. In reality, however, too much detail can work against you. A book proposal is not the book — its job is to sell the book. That means the goal is clarity, not completion. In this episode, Debra walks you through three core sections of a book proposal — concept, context, and content — and explains how important it is to find the right balance between too much and not enough. She says it’s only okay to draft a long proposal at first - get everything out of your head and onto the page - and then refine it so only the most essential, compelling pieces remain. If you think you’re overexplaining, overloading, or oversharing in your proposal, you probably are. This episode will help you trust your instincts, sharpen your focus, and create a proposal that gets decision-makers excited about your book. *** Book Proposal Expert Debra Eckerling is the author of "Your Goal Guide" and "52 Secrets for Goal‑Setting and Goal‑Getting." Have a question about book proposals? Email Deb@TheBookProposalExpert.com. You might hear your question answered on a future episode! Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    5 min
  2. What Role Does Networking Play in the Book Proposal Process?

    FEB 3

    What Role Does Networking Play in the Book Proposal Process?

    On this episode of the Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “What role does networking play in the book proposal process?” When people hear the word networking, they often think of awkward events, forced small talk, or salesy conversations. That’s not what networking means. Networking is actually relationship development. And relationships matter, both while you’re writing your book proposal and as you work toward getting a book deal. Networking factors into your proposal in several ways. It increases visibility, which shows up in your author platform through speaking gigs, social and traditional media, and involvement in online and in-person communities. It creates opportunities from podcast interviews, media coverage, and speaking engagements to introductions to resources, event organizers, and even agents and publishers. Most importantly, networking shows that you’re taking action as an authority in your space. Every meaningful connection can strengthen your book proposal, support your platform, and help you reach decision-makers.  No matter where you are in the book proposal process, networking isn’t optional. It’s an essential part of the publishing journey. *** Book Proposal Expert Debra Eckerling is the author of "Your Goal Guide" and "52 Secrets for Goal‑Setting and Goal‑Getting." Have a question about book proposals? Email Deb@TheBookProposalExpert.com. You might hear your question answered on a future episode! Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    4 min
  3. How Does Public Speaking Strengthen My Book Proposal?

    JAN 27

    How Does Public Speaking Strengthen My Book Proposal?

    On this episode of the Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “How does public speaking strengthen my book proposal?”  If you’re working on a nonfiction book proposal, public speaking isn’t just something you do after the book is published — it’s an asset that strengthens your proposal right now. Debra explains how speaking engagements provide proof of concept, build your author platform, and create valuable assets like photos, video clips, testimonials, and media coverage that agents and publishers care about.  Your book proposal is a living document. Every talk and media moment adds value to your platform section, so add in new items with links whenever you have them, whether it’s for your first or next book proposal. If you’re writing a nonfiction book proposal, public speaking can be one of your most powerful—and often underutilized—assets. And it should be part of your proposal strategy from the beginning. *** Book Proposal Expert Debra Eckerling is the author of "Your Goal Guide" and "52 Secrets for Goal‑Setting and Goal‑Getting." Have a question about book proposals? Email Deb@TheBookProposalExpert.com. You might hear your question answered on a future episode! Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    4 min
  4. How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Book?

    JAN 20

    How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Book?

    On this episode of the Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “How much does it cost to publish a book?”  In traditional publishing, the answer is, “nothing.” You don’t pay a publisher; they pay you.  If someone is asking you to spend tens of thousands of dollars to publish your book, that’s typically hybrid publishing, which is pay-to-play. You’re paying for editing, design, production, distribution, and other services … and those costs can add up. Especially since hybrid publishing often comes with expensive upsells, such as marketing packages. And it does not offer the same reach, credibility, and long-term positioning as traditional publishing. Debra believes that an author is better off investing in services that make their manuscript better - and their book proposal saleable - so they get a traditional book deal. In traditional publishing, you are not paying to be published. You are doing the work upfront to make sure your book proposal is strategic, market-ready, and compelling—and that your manuscript is professional, polished, and positioned for success. Tune in to learn more. *** Book Proposal Expert Debra Eckerling is the author of "Your Goal Guide" and "52 Secrets for Goal‑Setting and Goal‑Getting." Have a question about book proposals? Email Deb@TheBookProposalExpert.com. You might hear your question answered on a future episode! Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    4 min
  5. When Should I Gather Media for My Book Proposal?

    JAN 13

    When Should I Gather Media for My Book Proposal?

    On this episode of the Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “When should I gather media for my book proposal?” The short answer is: yesterday. As soon as you start working on a nonfiction book, you need to begin building your visibility through media. One of the best things about working on a book proposal is that you can work on multiple sections in tandem. While you are figuring out the concept and the actual content of your book you can be working on the context section: your author platform, marketing ideas, and more. Media is a huge part of your author platform. In this episode you’ll discover why gathering media should begin early in your proposal process, how and why media fits into your author platform and proposal strategy, ways to get started, and why traditional media still matters. “You” are a big part of what sells your book. But you need to be out there and visible to show it *** Book Proposal Expert Debra Eckerling is the author of "Your Goal Guide" and "52 Secrets for Goal‑Setting and Goal‑Getting." Have a question about book proposals? Email Deb@TheBookProposalExpert.com - you might hear your question answered on a future episode! Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    4 min
  6. How Do I Restart a Stalled Book Proposal?

    JAN 6

    How Do I Restart a Stalled Book Proposal?

    On this episode of the Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “How do I restart a stalled book proposal?” Whether your proposal got set aside after a break, was deprioritized under other work, or just felt stalled, it’s okay: things happen, life happens, and sometimes a project is simply “not yet.” Instead of being frustrated that it’s not finished, be proud that you’re ready to jump back in. Debra walks you through how to reconnect with your existing work without pressure, using directed journaling to surface clarity, and revisiting key sections (like your overview) with fresh eyes. She also shares practical tips like setting a regular writing schedule, tracking progress, and remaining in action with deadlines.  Listen to the full episode to discover how to reignite your excitement and get back into the habit of working on your proposal. *** Book Proposal Expert Debra Eckerling is the author of "Your Goal Guide" and "52 Secrets for Goal‑Setting and Goal‑Getting." Have a question about book proposals? Email Deb@TheBookProposalExpert.com. Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    5 min
  7. Should I Submit My Book Proposal in December?

    12/02/2025

    Should I Submit My Book Proposal in December?

    On the episode of the Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “Should I submit my book proposal in December?” The short answer is no. That's also the long answer. Unless you get a specific request for you book proposal, wait until after the holidays to send it out. In the publishing world, especially when it comes to acquisitions, everything winds down between Thanksgiving and New Years. Everyone is extra busy with holiday obligations while they're trying to wrap up the work year, or they're just taking time off. Anything you send now will likely stay in a publisher's inbox for at least a month, and it could even get lost in there, buried beneath new submissions that come in the beginning of January.  There are plenty of things you can do in December to build up your book proposal, including building up your author platform and scheduling more speaking and press. You can also attend holiday parties, so you meet new people and expand your network. It is in your best interest to wait until the second week in January before sending a proposal out to agents or publishers. They’ll be back in the swing of things - relaxed, refreshed, and excited to read your proposal. For more on Book Proposals, read Debra’s articles on WritersDigest.com. *** Debra Eckerling is a book proposal specialist, goal strategist, and author of “Your Goal Guide” and “52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting.”  Have a question about book proposals, email Deb@TheBookProposalExpert.com. Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    3 min
  8. What Do I Put in My Author Bio?

    11/25/2025

    What Do I Put in My Author Bio?

    On the episode of the Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “What do I put in my author bio?” You need three versions of your bio for your book proposal. Two or three lines in the query letter, a short paragraph in the proposal’s overview, and a one- or two-page author bio with photo at the beginning of the promotion section. Whether or not your book is related to your day job or career, your author bio is all about leaning into your experience and expertise as it relates to the book you are writing. Start with the most relevant information - related to the topic, back it up with how people have been impacted by your knowledge/methodology/story. Also include any writing experience and basic info on your platform: website, social and traditional media, and appearances as a speaker. Conclude with some personal tidbits to make you more relatable. Add your personality and have fun with it! The more human you can make your bio, the more you put your best, most educated and enthusiastic foot forward on your subject, the better it will be for your book! For more on Book Proposals, read Debra’s articles on WritersDigest.com. *** Debra Eckerling is a book proposal specialist, goal strategist, and author of “Your Goal Guide” and “52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting.”  Have a question about book proposals, email Deb@TheBookProposalExpert.com. Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    5 min
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About

Your nonfiction book proposal is the roadmap you need to get your book idea out of your head, onto the page, and into the right hands. More than that, it helps you find clarity, develop strategy, and get the results you want: a saleable, marketable book. In the Book Proposal Podcast, host and book proposal consultant Debra Eckerling simplifies the process with short, practical episodes focused entirely on proposals. From pinpointing the right idea and building your platform to planning your promo and choosing comps, Debra answers real questions to help you create a proposal that sells your book—and you. Whether you’re aiming for traditional, hybrid, or indie publishing, you’ll get actionable advice to turn your concept into a plan.

Information

  • Creator
    Debra Eckerling
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Copyright
    © 2025-present
  • Show Website
    Book Proposal Podcast