AHA Session
Saturday, January 10, 2026: 1:30 PM-4:30 PM
Waldorf Room (Hilton Chicago, Third Floor)
Chair:
David M. Perry, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Panel:
John Ghazvinian, Scholars to Storytellers
Eric Schmidt, Basic Books
Lauren Sharp, Aevitas Creative Management
Anne Trubek, Belt Publishing
Eric Schmidt, Basic Books
Lauren Sharp, Aevitas Creative Management
Anne Trubek, Belt Publishing
Learn how to write a book proposal for a trade press from experienced authors, editors, and an agent and take the opportunity to discuss your ideas in small groups.
No charge; because space is limited, free advance registration is required.
Session Abstract
In order to find an agent or sell your book (or book idea) to a trade press, you need to write a proposal that effectively pitches your core idea, places your idea in a market where it can succeed, appealingly summarizes the content, and explains why you are the right person to write this book. It’s a specialized kind of writing that takes practice and usually mentorship to learn. This trade proposal workshop will include a panel of two authors, two editors, and an agent. The panelists will present on the various components of the proposal, tips and tricks, what agents and editors want, and more. The presentation will be followed by an opportunity to discuss your ideas in small groups.
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