If you want to write a book,

you need a compelling book proposal.

You've got a book idea. You're a great writer.

But you have to write a proposal?

You're willing to try, but where do you start?

Gifted writers end up with fabulous book ideas trapped inside while they try to piece together a book proposal on their own.

Many writers don't realize that the publishing industry makes decisions whether or not to publish a nonfiction book based on a business document known as a book proposal.

Inspired to share an idea or experience with the world, these writers thought they could simply finish the manuscript and send it off. When they heard the word "proposal" they froze, unsure how to start.

To creative people, a book proposal can sound corporate and complex. Trying to figure it out on their own, writers worry they aren't producing a compelling document capable of impressing decision-makers.

Some dive in with free templates found online and start plugging in content, but confusion or self-doubt overwhelms them and they set it aside for months, even years.

How many books never see the light of day because this step of creating a book proposal shuts the writer down?

But did you know that crafting a proposal serves the writer as much as it entices the publisher? It's true! The process of creating your proposal will pull that book out of you so it's clear and relevant—with a plan to reach its intended readers.

If frustrated, frozen writers had guidance, they could work through the document section by section and finish the thing.

If they had instructions and a template, they'd feel confident completing the proposal and be better prepared to pitch.

If they grasped the power of proposals, they'd see how crafting one helps them express their concept and develop the project.

If they had the process broken down into steps and paced out over several weeks, they could complete it in the midst of their busy days.

If they had a coach who understood irresistible book proposals, they'd lean on that guidance to take the first step, and the next—they'd complete it and be ready to pitch agents and editors.

What if they invested in their project—in their writing life—so they could have what they need at the click of a button?

Is that you?

What if you invested in your project, in your writing life, in yourself?

If crafting a proposal is the catalyst you need to articulate and organize your ideas, get that book out of you, and level up your career, wouldn't it be great if you had everything you need to craft your compelling book proposal?

It's here.

Now you can feel confident tackling this stage of your publishing journey!

Follow my comprehensive program that provides everything nonfiction writers need to start—and finish—their book proposal. It's called...

Your Compelling Book Proposal

This comprehensive training program walks you step by step through the process of crafting and completing your professional book proposal.

compelling book proposal program workbook curriculum

WithYour Compelling Book Proposal, you don't have to fiddle around with free templates, worried if you've got all the right elements in place. You can get started right away!

This comprehensive training program walks you step by step through the process of crafting and completing your professional book proposal.

If you've set aside your book idea for too long, I want you to pull it out and feel confident taking the next step of crafting a compelling proposal that fully expresses your concept and content.

Your book doesn't need to stay trapped inside you.

With Your Compelling Book Proposal...

➤ You'll get the guidance you're looking for so you can start—and finish—your nonfiction proposal. You'll work through it section by section.

➤ You'll have instructions and a template to feel confident completing the proposal and preparing to pitch.

➤ You'll move through the process step by step, paced out over several weeks, so you can complete it in the middle of life—if you need more time, it's not a problem because the material is yours to refer to as needed.

➤ You'll see how to position and present yourself as the ideal author for this book.

➤ You'll be led by a coach who understands how to craft irresistible book proposals, getting guidance to take the first step, and the next, to complete your proposal and prepare to pitch agents and editors.

➤ You can invest in your project—and in your writing life in general—to accelerate this step that's stalled out. With Your Compelling Book Proposal, you'll have what you need at the click of a button!

Twyla Franz

Author, Founder of The Uncommon Normal

Only a few months into querying and pitching, I signed with an extraordinary agent.

"Only a few months into querying and pitching, I signed with an extraordinary agent. He read through my proposal and said I obviously knew what I was doing—there was next to nothing to change before sending it out. Ann's proposal program was incredibly helpful at setting everything up and helping me figure out exactly what to say and where. Ann is brilliant and one of the most generous people I’ve ever met. I'm so grateful to have Ann in my corner, helping me put together a rock-solid proposal, sharing her wisdom through countless brainstorming sessions, and believing in me the whole way."

Choose from three levels of support. Check out the options below.

Your Compelling Book Proposal Core Training

When you sign up for any level of coaching training and support, you automatically gain access to the 7-module comprehensive proposal training. The Self-Paced option is exactly that: self-paced, moving through the core training. The Proposal Support option provides one-on-one access to Ann for six months via Voxer and six one-hour 1:1 coaching calls. The Premium Proposal Coaching with Ann includes all of that—the 7-module training + six-months of 1:1 support—along with 1,000 words of content review with each call and a full proposal review if completed in six months. See what's in the core training below:

Proven Proposal Template

This downloadable, editable proposal template has been used by writers to land contracts with agents and later, with publishers. You customize the template to reflect your project as you work through the course.

While I can't guarantee it'll work those same results for your book, I can assure you it has the proposal elements expected in the industry. When you make it your own, expressing your standout project in your unique voice, you can take the next steps toward pitching decision-makers. Clients have reported the proposal template alone make the materials worth the investment.

7 Modules of Training

You get access to the full curriculum inside a private portal where you access the template and work through the training.

Crafting a compelling proposal takes time and attention, so I've broken down several phases into separate modules, allowing you to focus. Through four distinct stages—Define, Develop, Validate, and Finalize—paced throughout seven modules, you'll move from idea to designed finish product with sample chapters, ready to pitch.

You don't have to figure it out on your own—I walk you through each section of the proposal, including research tips and ideas for mapping out a marketing plan.

Course Workbook

The course comes with a full course workbook with worksheets and checklists to keep you on track. As you move through the material, the course workbook helps ensure you've jotted every "t" and crossed every "i."

Whether you print it out or refer to it on your device, the workbook mirrors the content of each lesson. You can celebrate progress and the worksheets are labeled clearly to help you easily return to the material if you step away for a day or two.

Coaching Emails

From the moment you invest in this program, you'll receive regular emails that serve as coaching reminders to nudge you back into the training material.

These positive notes from your proposal coach arrive in your inbox once a week for eight weeks, each offering additional coaching insights and milestone goals to aim for.

Craft Your Book Proposal Today

Here’s what people are saying...

These writers have done the work to craft a compelling proposal, so they know what it takes.

Melissa Clark

Counselor, Speaker, Writer

The training material was top notch.

"You won't be disappointed if you are needing assistance with your book proposal. The training material was top notch. Ann goes above and beyond with the training course."

Cathy Leyland

Writer

Ann Kroeker's course will provide everything you need.

"Whether you need to write a book proposal or tweak the one you've already written, Ann Kroeker's course is thorough and will provide everything you need. She is a gracious and encouraging coach who will take you to the next level."

Eva Kubasiak

Writer, blogger

I can't imagine going through the process of writing my book proposal without her!

"Working with Ann Kroeker has been the single most valuable addition to my writing life. Not only are her courses packed with valuable information, but her heart for her clients—and her passion for helping them reach their writing goals—shines through in everything she does. I can't imagine going through the process of writing my book proposal without her!"

your compelling book proposal desk writer at work

Here's what you'll look forward to in the program

No matter what level of coaching you choose—Self-Paced, Proposal Support, or Premium Proposal Coaching with Ann—you get immediate access to the comprehensive 7-module core training, so you can get to work crafting your compelling book proposal. Here's what to expect...

Module 1: Define Book Concept & Audience

To craft this proposal, you'll need to determine your book's focus and slant. The seven lessons in this module work through steps to define your book's concept and identify its target reader. An overview of psychographics will help you hone in on who this book will best serve and how they'll be transformed by its message. You'll begin to find evidence to prove there's a market for a book like this. Finally, you'll receive a reminder that authors need to do their best to build a platform as they build the proposal.

Module 2: Develop - Book Content

Now that you've defined your book's concept and audience, you can develop its content. In this module, you'll work through eight lessons designed to map out its Table of Contents and summaries of what will be included in each chapter. You'll consider approaches to structure so you can land on what suits your project. You'll conduct initial research into comparable books in the same category to confirm interest and identify ways to differentiate yours. Already, your book is taking shape: you begin to write sample chapters and an overview that expresses more fully and precisely what your book intends to accomplish and how it will serve its readers.

Module 3: Develop - Overview Sections, Author Info, Influencers, Marketing

This module is packed with eleven lessons that work through a variety of elements in the proposal that reveal more about your book and its distinct purpose, reader benefits, and category. You'll also begin to position yourself in the best possible light so the decision-maker is convinced you're the ideal author of this book. You'll list potential endorsers and influencers, and learn where you can add a list of future book projects simmering inside you as well as alternative titles for this project. You'll wrap up this module with inspiration to develop a few marketing and promotion ideas while the book's purpose and content is top of mind.

Module 4: Validate - Platform

In Module 4, you'll look for all the places you reach and retain ideal readers, gathering the data to insert into this section. Lessons offer ideas for where to look for social media numbers, subscribers to your email list, other assets you may have built such as a podcast or YouTube channel, and areas of impact that may be unique to you, including speaking and areas of influence through leadership or connections.

Module 5: Validate - Marketing Plan

Every compelling book proposal includes a robust marketing plan specific to the book. The six lessons in this module provide loads of inspiration and ideas to get you thinking about what might work for your project. It also models an effective way to organize the marketing ideas to make it easy for decision-makers to skim and build enthusiasm for this book—even igniting the publishing house's marketing team's imagination for how to creatively collaborate with you, the author!

Module 6: Refine

In Module 6, you'll move back through the proposal to revisit, review, and refine the content. You'll ensure you have accurate information to best position and express your project while finding ways to insert your author voice. As you work through the 11 lessons in this module, you'll focus on both information—such as updated platform numbers and fresh marketing ideas—and layout, as you tend to the tedious work of formatting the document and make it look attractive.

Module 7: Finish

The three lessons in this module prepare for the final flourishes of light design to position you for the next phase of pitching agents and editors. You'll move through the full proposal one more time and enjoy a sendoff from Ann. We'll do so with joy because you'll have done it—you'll have crafted your compelling book proposal!

Bonus

You'll get even more when you invest in Your Compelling Book Proposal!

Every level of coaching support comes with the core training plus these bonuses!

Bonus 1

7 Steps to a Clear Book Idea

This bonus course is offered as part of the program for writers struggling to craft their book's big idea.

Similar to elements in the first module of the proposal training, this focused course goes into more detail and provides a different way to arrive at clarity. Moving through this material often solidifies the concept so the writer feels confident moving forward to develop the full project.

Bonus 2

1 Month FREE access to Your Platform Matters

Everyone who purchases Your Compelling Book Proposal gets 1 month FREE access to Ann Kroeker's membership program, Your Platform Matters (YPM). As you know, authors need a platform if they want to land a traditional publishing contract. Through YPM, I supply ongoing support to writers working to build an authentic, meaningful, growing platform that connects them with their ideal readers.

This one-month complimentary enrollment will give you access to the growing library of platform trainings and platform-related group coaching calls with Ann (2 calls/month). If you like it, you can continue at the regular price or step away and re-enroll at a later date.

Bonus 3

Sample Designs and a Growing Resource Library

As you move toward completing the program, you'll be wondering about how much design can go into the final proposal. As part of your bonuses, you'll receive two sample, partial book proposals to model flourishes suitable for the industry while inspiring your own creative design elements!

These sample designs are included in the program and are provided in Module 7: Finish.

In addition, you'll have access to a growing library of resources related to your publishing journey. As the industry shifts, Ann works to keep these links updated and adds to them over time.

About your proposal coach,

Ann Kroeker

Writing Coach Ann Kroeker leverages over 25 years of writing and editing experience in the publishing industry to equip her clients to reach their writing goals. A published author and coauthor, corporate and freelance writer, book editor, speaker, and poet, Ann has served on the editorial teams of two large online organizations and focuses on serving others in her role as a writing coach.

In her role as a writing coach, she celebrates client successes, such as acceptance into prestigious MFA programs, signed agent and book contracts, articles and essays placed in national publications, and the launch of their own freelance writing businesses. She coauthored On Being a Writer: 12 Simple Habits for a Writing Life that Lasts, and authored Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families and The Contemplative Mom.

Ann Kroeker headshot on stool blue shirt 2022

Here’s what people are saying about working with Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach

Kim Hyland

author of An Imperfect Woman

She might be a tiny bit magic

"If I were Cinderella, Ann Kroeker would be my fairy godmother. I cannot recommend her highly enough! Ann is an expert coach and a warm soul. And I think she might be a tiny bit magic."

Lori Ashley Taylor

author, Dragonfly: A Daughter's Emergence from Autism...a practical guide for parents

Ann's guidance on developing a book proposal facilitated a dream come true

"Ann's guidance on developing a book proposal facilitated a dream come true with the launch of my first book with a mainstream publisher. There is no doubt that her devotion toward my growth as an author provided the trajectory for success."

Mark Vroegop

pastor and author of Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy, 2020 Christian Book of the Year

If you are looking for help writing a book, she's amazing.

"So glad to deliver a copy of my book to my writing coach, Ann Kroeker. Four years ago, she said, 'You need to write this book.' Her skill and encouragement were vital to this project. If you are looking for help writing a book, she's amazing."

You have three options of support available at different price points:

Self-Paced Study

The Self-Paced option includes the comprehensive 7-module core training program, which walks you through developing your compelling book proposal.

The material includes the course workbook and your downloadable, editable proposal template along with clear explanations and demonstrations to help you find what you need and finish strong.

You'll also receive the bonus of "7 Steps to a Clear Book Idea" and one-month FREE access to Your Platform Matters membership program.

With this self-paced option, you'll work through it on your own. But for the first two months you'll receive email nudges from Ann as part of the program, to remind you to return to the course content.

Young Asian woman working and video conferencing with laptop computer. A happy woman with smiley face working from home. A cup of coffee on table. Work from home concept.

Proposal Support (adds six 1:1 Coaching Calls & Voxer access)

This option includes all the content in the comprehensive 7-module training program (including one-month free access to Your Platform Matters) and ADDS a one-on-one coaching component.

You get six one-hour 1:1 calls with Ann to ask questions, discuss your project, and receive personalized input.

These calls can be scheduled to reflect a pace that suits you, so if you're zipping through the material, you can schedule calls at a faster rate, meeting weekly or every other week. If you need more time, you can slow it down to once a month to create deadlines and milestones.

This coaching option gives you 365 days to schedule those six calls—six hours of one-on-one coaching in addition to the full training (you keep the recorded training indefinitely—for as long as it lives online).

Proposal Support also includes Voxer access to Ann for six months to ask quick questions for clarification.

And, you'll enjoy access to a private YCBP-only community space where you can read or share up-to-date industry news, ask questions of the group, and mingle with others on the publishing journey.

(Pro tip: to invest in six 1:1 calls separately would cost $750, so this is one of the best ways to get 1:1 access to Ann!)

Premium Proposal Coaching with Ann

This high-touch, high-impact option has limited openings and requires an application.

This option includes everything in the Proposal Support option—comprehensive 7-module training program + six one-hour 1:1 coaching calls—PLUS up to 1,000 words of review per call AND a FULL proposal review (if completed in six months).

Let's go over that again.

Premium Proposal Coaching includes six one-hour 1:1 coaching calls scheduled over the course of six months to strategize content and next steps.

Premium Proposal Coaching allows you to submit 1,000 words of content review prior to each of those calls, to keep you on track and get input online the way, including platform-building ideas specific to you and your brand.

Premium Proposal Coaching includes Voxer access to Ann for six months to ask quick questions for clarification.

Finally, Premium Proposal Coaching provides one review of the full proposal for clients who complete theirs within the six-month time frame.

FEATURES	SELF-STUDY PROPOSAL PROGRAM	PROPOSAL SUPPORT	PREMIUM PROPOSAL COACHING
7 modules of recorded training
Downloadable, editable, proven proposal template
Course workbook with checklists to keep you on track
Emails with weekly milestones to encourage you to finish
Access to private community space in Mighty Networks
BONUS: "7 Steps to a Clear Book Idea" course
BONUS: 2 sample proposal designs & Resource Library
BONUS: Complimentary access to Your Platform Matters membership program	one month (after one month, membership continues at full monthly fee)	one month (after one month, membership continues at full monthly fee)	six months (after six months, membership continues at full six-month fee)
6 one-hour 1:1 coaching calls with Ann		6 calls scheduled within six months	6 calls scheduled within six months
Access to Ann via Voxer for 1:1 input		six-month access	six-month access
30-minute intro call with Ann
Review of up to 1,000 words with each of the six calls
Personalized Marketing & Promotion planning session
Full proposal review (if completed within six months)
	Enroll in Self-Study for $297 (USD)	Enroll in Proposal Support for one payment $547 (USD) or 3 monthly payments of $195 (USD)	Apply for Premium Proposal Support

Note: I use Teachable to host my courses and process payments. When you click through to purchase, you'll see that my cart and checkout are inside Teachable where they handle secure payments where you can review your payment (your final cost will include U.S. sales tax or VAT tax where applicable). The purchase link url is connected with my Teachable school, annkroeker.teachable.com. After payment clears, you'll set up your Teachable account. They will send you an email with login info to access the content from that point forward, and you will receive onboarding emails and ongoing updates from me via email using ConvertKit.

Ready to dive in?

Join Your Compelling Book Proposal and start crafting that document!

The material is ready and waiting for you as soon as you join.

Choose the level of coaching support that best suits you and take the next step in your publishing journey.

Sara McElroy

Author of Women Who Walk and CEO of SaraJMcElroy.com

Working with Ann is a true joy, and any writer would be lucky to have her in their corner.

"Ann's support and guidance has been invaluable to me on my journey to securing a literary agent and a traditional publishing book deal. Not only does her writing and publishing expertise run deep, but she is profoundly adept at understanding the needs of her writers and meeting them where they are. To me, that is the mark of a great coach. Some days, I needed her thought partnership and brilliant ideas; on others, I just needed cheerleading and, occasionally, even some tough love (which was always delivered with her signature warmth, of course!). Working with Ann is a true joy, and any writer would be lucky to have her in their corner."

Instance 2

Proposal Training

A comprehensive program to work through at your own pace

297

Comprehensive instruction
7 modules of training
Proven proposal template
Course workbook
Weekly emails with coaching input
Two sample proposal designs

ENROLL Now

Please review Terms & Conditions HERE—your purchase indicates agreement

Popular

Proposal Support

The full proposal training program PLUS six 1:1 Coaching Calls & Voxer access to Ann

547

or 3 monthly payments of $195

The full 7-module proposal training
Access to Ann one-on-one via Voxer for six months
6 one-hour 1:1 coaching calls with Ann ($750 value!)
One-month free access to Ann's platform membership, YPM
Join any time to start the proposal training and meet with Ann. No wait!

ENROLL Now $547

ENROLL Now w/Payment Plan

Please review Terms & Conditions HERE—your purchase indicates agreement

Premium Proposal Coaching

The full proposal training program with proposal support PLUS 1,000 words of content review per call & full proposal review

2,470

or 6 monthly payments of $425

Comprehensive 7-module proposal training
Access to Ann one-on-one via Voxer for six months
30-minute 1:1 intro call
6 one-hour 1:1 coaching calls with Ann ($750 value!)
Content review of up to 1,000 words with each call
Full proposal review if completed within six months
6-month complimentary access to Ann's platform membership, YPM

APPLY Now

Limited availability; apply below

Your Compelling Book Proposal will serve you well, but it can't do it all...

The material and resources won't refer you to agents or publishers—Ann provides instruction and input such as articles, interviews, and website links, but will not introduce you to industry professionals or gatekeepers.
The Self-Paced option includes 7-module training—which is the same core training for every option—but the Self-Paced option does not provide the same level of support as Proposal Support or Premium Proposal Coaching, so be sure you choose the best option for you.
The Self-Paced Study will not focus in detail on your particular book concept—the training videos help you fine-tune your ideas and develop your proposal. For personalized input, you'll want to apply for Premium Proposal Coaching or interact with Ann at the Proposal Support option (personalized input is limited to verbal interaction, as content or project review is not included in Proposal Support).
Only Premium Proposal Coaching offers proposal review—the Self-Paced and Proposal Support options do not provide specific input from Ann on written content, and Proposal Support provides interaction on Zoom calls but no review of written content.
The program is not designed for novelists, who have different proposal, platform, and project development needs than authors of nonfiction.
The program is not designed for memoirists, who must complete their full manuscript before querying.
Your Compelling Book Proposal does not guarantee a book contract—you'll receive clear instruction on developing a proposal, but the program can't guarantee a successful outcome.
If you have no online presence, you will benefit from joining my membership program Your Platform Matters (YPM) first and devoting a few months to establishing and expanding your platform and before joining Your Compelling Book Proposal, to strengthen your platform numbers and reach more readers.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee for 30 Days

I've committed to creating the best possible proposal program for you, no matter what level of support you choose. My hope is you'll find this exceeds your expectations, but if you find that Your Compelling Book Proposal isn't a good fit, email me within 30 days and I'll issue a full refund.

Don’t let this opportunity pass!

Look at what past students have to say about this course

These writers have been through the material and can attest to its effectiveness—see what they have to say about Your Compelling Book Proposal!

Jaime Brinkmann

writer, blogger

Ann is one awesome coach.

"Ann is one awesome coach. I'm so glad she offered the class, her expertise, and her listening ear. I've been encouraged to move past hobby writer to working writer through this process. I will be starting the search for a publisher for my study and writing up a new proposal."

Laura Garry

writer, blogger

I would never be where I am in the writing journey without her.

"When introduced to Ann Kroeker through a writing conference, I had no idea the impact she would make on my life. In joining her book proposal course and her online writing networks, I have seen significant growth in myself and my writing. Ann's gift to generate ideas guides me forward, while her positivity and genuine excitement give me the confidence to try. I would never be where I am in the writing journey without her."

Rebecca S. Parkinson

writer, photographer, amateur naturalist

This course has been the best investment I’ve ever made in my writing.

"This class has helped me think through and clarify my message for the proposal. It pushed me to develop a website and start writing content for a blog. This course has been the best investment I’ve ever made in my writing."

Instance 2