What should your book proposal include? The publisher will probably require a table of contents with a summary of each chapter, an introduction, and at least one sample chapter demonstrating the quality of your research. Beyond these three essentials, the requirements vary from one publisher to the next. Read the submission guidelines on the publisher's website.

If you have already introduced yourself to an acquiring editor or series editor, let them know that you are ready to submit a book proposal and that, unless they have other instructions, you will follow the publisher’s submission guidelines. This is the right moment to ask any questions you may have about the review process.

If you haven’t met the acquiring editors and series editors for your potential publishers, now is a good time to introduce yourself both by email and at conferences. Demonstrate that you are familiar with the publisher and recently published books. Point out why you believe your book is a good fit – and particularly why you’re excited about working with them.

Follow the publisher’s guidelines and submit your proposal.

Most publishers do not require exclusive review for a book proposal. Therefore, you can submit your proposal to three or four publishers at the same time. However, in your cover letter to each one, you should mention that you are sending the proposal to multiple publishers. For your first-choice publisher, you can add that, if requested, you are willing to grant exclusive review for three months.