I know how difficult it can be to write your book proposal in a vacuum. When you’re working on your first book, who helps you edit? Who makes sure the proposal is on tip-top shape before it lands in the inbox of a potential agent?
Well, I can. My targeted book proposal editing service is an affordable, fast way to get feedback on the part of your proposal you need the most help on.
📝 Personalized feedback on 5 pages of your book proposal
🤓 Perspective from a published nonfiction author
✅ Actionable advice for improvement
🤗 Empathetic feedback from someone who’s been in your shoes
A book proposal is a huge document. With sample chapters and the rest, it usually clocks in around 50 pages. (Psst: If you need a template, here ya go.)
Let’s focus on the part you need the most help with. My Targeted Book Proposal Edit offers detailed feedback on up to five pages of your proposal.
Send me the chunk that’s not quite there yet, and I’ll give it a thorough shakedown. Maybe you’re not sure about your prologue, or you’re struggling with the marketing section. Whatever’s got you stuck, we’ll focus on that.
✨ A one-page edit letter that gives both overall feedback and detailed suggestions for improvement
🗺️ A clear path to improving the five pages you sent me
💪 The confidence to move forward with your book proposal
Hi, I’m Mike De Socio.
When I was writing my book proposal, I had no idea where to turn for help. My colleagues and mentors didn’t have the time to give me detailed feedback, and I couldn’t afford to hire an editor for the whole thing.
I mostly relied on myself to refine the proposal before sending it out to agents—and I’m lucky that it worked out (I got an agent and published that book in 2024).
But getting here wasn’t easy, and I wish I had more help. That’s what I’m offering to you: With over a decade of experience in writing, journalism and publishing, I’m here to give your book proposal the boost it needs.
Let’s start with the five most important pages. The idea here is to keep you focused on the biggest area of potential improvement, and keep the service affordable. (Editing all 50 pages would be … a lot more expensive. But if that’s not an issue for you, let me know!)
Maybe. My expertise is in nonfiction books specifically. That said, some parts of the process overlap with fiction. Send me a note with your specific needs, and I’ll let you know if I can help.
I believe in helping writers tell inclusive, empathetic and accessible stories. I approach this work in a supportive, collaborative style that centers your needs. I’m especially keen on helping LGBTQ+ storytellers, and supporting work that illuminates injustices or solutions to social problems.
I offer some free and lower-cost resources, too, which you can check out here.
There’s no reason to work in isolation. With the right support, you can level up your book proposal before you send it out to agents.
Let me help you get there.
Maybe a personalized book proposal edit isn’t quite what you’re looking for. Not to worry: There are other ways I can help. I also offer mix-and-match resources for specific parts of the book-writing journey.
Need a template to get your book proposal started? Copy mine. This a comprehensive, step-by-step book proposal guide.
Here’s a menu of strategies you can use to keep up your book progress.
Or: Reality checks on the good, the bad and the magic of book publication.
A step-by-step process, a query letter template and my best tips.