Non-Fiction Proposal Question

[JT Woody]

For those of you who have written and submitted non-fiction proposals.... I'm just wondering what comes next?
I am a fiction writer. All of the work I submit is FINISHED before i submit/query.

I got a "call for submission" to my email from someone who is a non-fiction editor from a lit journal that has published 3 of my pieces, and this person (come to find out) is an active member inn a professional organization that i belong to for my job.
the call for submissions is library related. she is publishing a book with the professional organization (who puts out A LOT of professional development publications). I have until the end of the month to submit a 500word proposal to be featured in this publication.

so i googled how to write a non-fiction proposal... but now im thinking ahead to what happens if, by a stroke of luck, the proposal is accepted? I'm having a hard time working backward (writing a proposal for something that hasnt been written yet).

I feel kind of stuck. like, I cant see past the submission stage... because, with fiction, there really isnt anything past the submission stage

 

[JT Woody]

@CatrionaGrace , i just thought about you! would you have any insight, advice, or suggestions (as someone who has published both nonfiction and fiction)?

 

[Set2Stun]

Think of this as a "thesis statement," one of those academic things you're familiar with. "In this work/paper I intend to discuss/prove etc. etc."

You can do this with an idea that hasn't been written yet, and then just write it if they dig the idea.

 

[CatrionaGrace]

@CatrionaGrace , i just thought about you! would you have any insight, advice, or suggestions (as someone who has published both nonfiction and fiction)?

My non-fiction credits are mostly in periodicals. The most important aspect of proposing non-fiction articles is to religiously follow publication guidelines for submissions. Personally, I love making the proposal first and writing the article later. Saves a lot of time, and time is money.

The following are notes I took from a conference workshop given by the editor of a wildlife magazine.

Editor wants to see a clear target subject and angle; she's interested in lesser known species or aspects of a topic. Include potential sources, seasonality of the topic, estimated word count, art considerations (it's nice to offer a full package of article and photos), and suggestions for sidebars.

I keep written queries brief and to the point: open with an intriguing statement about the proposed topic, briefly explain the angle I intend to take, mention availabilty of sidebars and photos, state my credentials for writing about the subject, and add pertinent publishing credits. Professional journals, for example, are not likely to care about one's sonnet or speculative fiction that were published in an obscure literary journal. They will be interested to know one wrote a thesis on the proposed subject.

In meeting with editors in person at a writers conference, I pitch a particular idea, but have on hand a list of other projects I can offer them if they're interested, as well as copies of articles I've written in the field. I mention having these things available, but do not produce them without being asked.

Hope some of that helps.