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Trade Book Prospectus

Submitting a Book Proposal to HK's Trade Book Division

We receive hundreds of inquiries, proposals, and manuscripts each year. In order to effectively evaluate a potential manuscript we need a carefully prepared proposal from you.

You'll find instructions for preparing the proposal on this page, but first you should know what will happen to your proposal after you send it to us.

  1. The proposal is reviewed to determine if the information is complete and within HK Trade's editorial scope. The focus of that scope is sports and fitness, with emphasis on instruction for training and performance.


  2. If a proposal fits our editorial mission, it is then reviewed internally by the acquisitions editor and possibly by other members of our staff. It may also be sent to one or two external reviewers. Throughout this review process we consider your proposal to be copyrighted matter and respect your ownership of the expressed content.


  3. If the review is favorable, the acquisitions editor completes a financial analysis and marketing plan for the project. The acquisitions editor may request additional information or minor revisions in the proposal from you before moving forward.


  4. The acquisitions editor then presents your proposal, the financial analysis, and the marketing plan to our Acquisition Committee. This committee typically consists of the CEO, VP of Operations, VP of Marketing and Sales, HK Trade Division Director, and Acquisitions Editor.


  5. Based on the review of this committee, we decide whether or not we can successfully publish your proposed book. If the project is accepted, the acquisitions editor will provide feedback regarding any changes requested by the committee. Terms of an agreement will also be established at that time.

This entire review process typically takes one or two months, but may take more time depending on the size of the project, number of proposals being reviewed at that time, the extent of any changes requested by the acquisitions editor prior to the meeting, and the availability of committee members to meet. In advance we express our appreciation of your understanding, cooperation, and patience throughout this process.

Writing a book is a major undertaking. HK Trade strives to help our authors write the best book possible while making the process an enjoyable and rewarding experience. We also strive to produce an attractive, well-designed book and to market it extensively. From your first contact with us in developing this book proposal through the years of offering your book to the public, we promise to do our very best to serve you well.

Preparing your Proposal

Some publishers require a complete or nearly complete manuscript before considering a work for publication. HK Trade does not demand that of its prospective authors, but we do require a complete proposal containing very specific and detailed information. Please prepare and submit each of the items that follow:

Author and Title

  • Name and address of each author
  • Telephone numbers (office/home) and when it is best to call
  • Fax number
  • Date of the proposal
  • Working title of the proposed book

Manuscript Specifications

  • Estimated number of typed doublespaced manuscript pages based on 300 words per page, excluding illustrations and tables. (Three 8.5 x 11 manuscript pages equal two 6 x 9 typeset pages and two 8.5 x 11 manuscript pages equals one 8.5 x 11 typeset page.)
  • Estimated number of photos
  • Estimated number of line drawings
  • Estimated number of tables
  • Estimated date you will submit the first complete draft of the manuscript

Contents

Prepare a comprehensive table of contents for the proposed book, indicating the chapter titles using descriptive language. If appropriate, group the chapters into parts, with numbers and titles. For each chapter: provide a paragraph or two describing the topics to be emphasized, in the sequence in which you plan to present them. We also request one or two sample chapters for the proposed work. And, if possible, submit a copy of one of your previously published works that is most similar to the book you plan to publish.

Preface

Please prepare a doublespaced, typewritten statement of 2 to 6 pages which describes the proposed book. Write your statement to the readers of the book and make it as interesting and informative as possible. The preface should address the following:

  • A clear statement of purpose (who the book is written for, the need for it, and how your book meets this need)
  • The scope of the book (both the breadth and depth of content)
  • An explanation of how and why the book is organized as it is
  • The benefits of the book to the reader
  • Any unique features of the book

Audience

You want the book to be as widely read as possible, and so do we. Thus, we need your assistance in carefully identifying the various audiences that you think will be interested in reading your book. Please be as specific and realistic as possible.

Competition

Identify the author, title, publisher, date of publication, and price (if you know it) of any book which may compete with your proposed book. After each title identified, provide a brief description of how your book will differ from this book.

Author Qualifications

Please state your qualifications for writing your book. Do not consider this statement as being boastful. The credibility and qualifications of the author are vital in our decision about publishing any proposed book. Attach a resume for each author, emphasizing the educational, professional, and practical experiences related to the content and market for the book.