- 1). Check "Writer's Market" -- either the current print version or WritersMarket.com -- for a list of publishers and agents and what type of material they currently need. Add to this MLA-recommended sources such as "Literary Market Place" (the current print version or Literarymarketplace.com) or "Books in Print." Contact the list of publishers and ask them for their guidelines, since these may vary.
- 2). Format your proposal so that it is a maximum of 10 double-spaced pages. Use white 8 1/2" by 11" paper, and type on one side in Arial or Times New Roman. Place your last name and date on the left side of the page and the page number on the upper right.
- 3). Set your margins according to MLA rules: leave 1 inch on all sides. Indent five spaces or 1/2 inch from the left. Have one space after a period or the punctuation that concludes the sentence.
- 4). Submit a cover letter identifying yourself and establishing your credibility as an authority or expert on what you are proposing to write about.
- 5). Write an overview telling what your proposed book will be about and why it is important. Describe the approach you plan to use. Mention the audience you have in mind. Be clear and concise.
- 6). Present a table of contents with a list of topics to be covered. MLA guidelines ask you to tell if there are items such as illustrations or tables, or if the material will be available on CD. Submit a brief synopsis of each chapter as well as a sample chapter. Mention the length of your proposal and when it might be ready.
- 7). Add your resume and qualifications. Focus on your writing career. Include a list of writing credits as well as educational background. Be sure to mention any other experience with the topic proposed. Use the third person (he, she, it) in your writing.
- 8). Proofread, proofread, proofread. Become familiar with MLA rules for grammar, spelling and punctuation and be sure to follow these.
- 9). Send materials by regular U.S. Postal Service with a self-addressed stamped envelope included for return of materials, if necessary. MLA asks that you avoid electronic submissions. If you don't hear from the editor in one month, then the MLA says you may contact the editor. You will probably either get a request to submit the entire manuscript or a notice that your proposal is not appropriate for their list.