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  • What Does a Memoir Book Proposal Look Like? | Episode 24

    What Does a Memoir Book Proposal Look Like? | Episode 24
    Feb 17 2026
    On this episode of the Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “What does a memoir book proposal look like?” Memoir proposals are nonfiction proposals. There’s also a genre called memoir plus, where the author is including extra advice, takeaways, action items to their narrative. That way, the reader not only learns from the author’s experience, they see how they can best apply their expertise. Unless you are known, Debra recommends positioning your book as a memoir plus, so it is in the “helping others category,” which makes it more marketable. As with any nonfiction book proposal, a memoir includes those three core sections: concept, context, and content. In this episode, Debra explains the nuances related to memoir: from clarifying your theme and transformation to outlining your narrative arc and showcasing your voice in your sample chapters. For memoir proposals, the goal isn’t simply to share what happened to you. It’s to demonstrate that your story has meaning, structure, and a clear audience — and you and your book are positioned to succeed . *** 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
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    5 Min.
  • How Much Detail Should My Book Proposal Include? | Episode 23

    How Much Detail Should My Book Proposal Include? | Episode 23
    Feb 10 2026
    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
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    5 Min.
  • What Role Does Networking Play in the Book Proposal Process? | Episode 22

    What Role Does Networking Play in the Book Proposal Process? | Episode 22
    Feb 3 2026
    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
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    4 Min.
  • How Does Public Speaking Strengthen My Book Proposal? | Episode 21

    How Does Public Speaking Strengthen My Book Proposal? | Episode 21
    Jan 27 2026
    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
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    4 Min.
  • How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Book? | Episode 20

    How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Book? | Episode 20
    Jan 20 2026
    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
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    4 Min.
  • When Should I Gather Media for My Book Proposal? | Episode 19

    When Should I Gather Media for My Book Proposal? | Episode 19
    Jan 13 2026
    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
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    4 Min.
  • How Do I Restart a Stalled Book Proposal? | Episode 18

    How Do I Restart a Stalled Book Proposal? | Episode 18
    Jan 6 2026
    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
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    5 Min.
  • Should I Submit My Book Proposal in December? | Episode 17

    Should I Submit My Book Proposal in December? | Episode 17
    Dec 2 2025
    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
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    3 Min.