Podcast Summary

Strategy Hour | Online Marketing for Business Growth
Host: Abagail Pumphrey
Episode 987: Behind the Scenes: Writing a Non-Fiction Book Proposal
Date: September 9, 2025

Main Theme & Purpose

In this episode, Abagail Pumphrey offers a candid, step-by-step look into her journey writing a non-fiction book proposal for traditional publishing. She shares practical insights about what goes into a proposal, the emotional and creative challenges of the process, and advice for aspiring authors—especially those who may be daunted by the idea that “everything has already been said.” The episode blends strategic guidance with personal reflection, making it valuable both for those considering writing a book and for anyone curious about the creative process.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Traditional Publishing? (03:50)

• Abagail chose the traditional publishing path despite advice to self-publish, drawn by the challenge and long-term relevance she hopes her book will have.
• Quote:

  “Feels like a bit of a gamble, but I really, truly have no doubts in my mind, like with 100% certainty that this book will come to be.” (04:50)

2. The Book Proposal Process—Overview & Key Components (06:30)

• Book proposals for non-fiction function as sales documents for unwritten manuscripts.

• Abagail explains:

  • Working title and concept (the “premise” or Amazon description style blurb)
  • The hook (“Why you? Why now?”)
  • Author’s background and platform (followers, reach, connections)
  • Ideal reader/audience and marketability
  • Marketing plan (where most people go shallow, but Abagail details how to stand out)
  • Comparable titles and how your book is different
  • Chapter-by-chapter annotated outline
  • Sample chapters/material (~6,000–8,000 words)

• Quote:

  “They want to see not only proof that a concept similar to yours has performed well and sold well in the marketplace, but they also want to see how you're different or how you're filling a void.” (08:22)

3. The Value of a Book Coach (07:45)

• Hired a book coach (Jeff Goins) for accountability and expert feedback.

• Finds the forced progress beneficial, even if uncomfortable.

• Quote:

  “There is something about knowing that someone else is expecting to see you make progress and review your work that makes you show up and makes you figure it out.” (07:55)

4. The Reality of the Market and Room for New Voices (09:40)

• The perceived saturation of certain topics is often an illusion—many subjects are underrepresented in books versus online/social media spaces.

• Encourages listeners not to let fears of marketplace saturation stop them from pitching their ideas.

• Quote:

  “You would be shocked how few books exist that represent the kinds of things that you stand for or want to say in the world.” (10:20)

5. Practical Details of Proposal Sections (11:45)

• She walks through what publishers expect in each section:

  • The hook should answer “why this book, why now?”
  • Background is needed even if you’re a first-time author.
  • Marketing plans should differentiate you, not just list social posts/podcasts.
  • Platform and connections do matter, but being unique and showing execution confidence can compensate for a smaller following.
  • The annotated outline should show depth; editors want to see book-worthy substance, not an expanded blog post.
  • Sample writing needs to balance depth with “cliffhanger” introduction; taking feedback means adapting initial plans.

• Quote:

  “You have to prove some level of depth. Like this couldn't all be summed up in a few thousand words.” (15:20)

  “My book coach wants to see somewhere between 6 and 8,000 words total included in the proposal... originally he had me shoot for like 3,000 words a chapter… then basically told me to make cuts.” (16:00)

6. The Emotional and Creative Challenges of Writing (20:08)

• Writing on demand vs. writing when inspired is much harder than anticipated. Structured deadlines versus being led by creativity are a source of tension.

• Abagail shares how advice from a TikTok commenter helped—when stuck, seek inspiration, or use stream-of-consciousness writing (often on her phone, not at her desk).

• Most of her best writing is done spontaneously, not at her desk—capturing ideas wherever and whenever inspiration strikes.

• Quote:

  “Easily 80 to 90% of my best work is written on my phone and nowhere near a computer.” (23:00)

7. The Role of Emotion in the Creative Process (24:15)

• She recounts how writing about friendship made her cry, emphasizing that powerful ideas and writing often emerge from letting herself feel deeply, not from forced output.

• Quote:

  “You can't push that out of you. You have to feel it. It has to come freely and flow from you.” (27:40)

8. Transforming Personal Reflection into Creative Fuel (25:54)

• Journaling and stream-of-consciousness writing not only offer self-insight but often seed content she wants to share with the world.

• The best work arises from slowing down, being present, and connecting with one’s own authentic thoughts.

• Quote:

  “When you start to notice, you know, the rustle of the leaves or the birds chirping or the distant sound of children's laughter, like those are the moments your best work will come to you.” (28:50)

9. Letting Projects Evolve (30:32)

• Her understanding of her book’s audience changed during the writing process—it’s now broader, for anyone struggling with societal definitions of success, not just entrepreneurs.

• Encourages listeners to let their projects evolve and not rigidly cling to their initial plans.

• Quote:

  “Don’t go in with a plan and be unwilling to change the plan. I think you have to go in with a plan and be willing to let it live a life of its own and grow and evolve and see where it takes you. I think that will produce your best work.” (32:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On certainty and resilience:

  “Feels like a bit of a gamble, but I really, truly have no doubts in my mind, like with 100% certainty that this book will come to be.” (04:50)

• On the illusion of marketplace saturation:

  “There needs to be more writers. There needs to be more people sharing their idea with the world… if part of your reason for not pursuing writing a book has been because you think there's already so much out there… I do not think that's true.” (10:08)

• On authentic creativity:

  “You can't force it. You can't keep, you know, typing into chat GPT your goal and letting it spit something out… I think your best work comes from you.” (27:40)

• On changing direction:

  “The part I didn’t expect is that even though I feel like I had a solid concept and even a solid, like outline, when I started actually writing… I realized who the book is for is different than I expected.” (31:29)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Traditional vs. Self-Publishing Decision: 03:50–05:20
• What’s in a Nonfiction Proposal: 06:30–12:30
• Hiring a Book Coach: 07:45–08:40
• On Market Saturation Myths: 09:40–10:35
• Annotated Outline & Sample Chapter Details: 13:50–16:30
• Creative Blocks, Inspiration & Writing Habits: 20:09–28:10
• Letting a Project’s Direction Evolve: 30:32–32:50

Audience Engagement & Closing

• Abagail invites listeners to DM her on Instagram (@Abigailsays) with specific questions on the book writing process or other business topics.
• Reassures all listeners, writers or not, that their best work comes from their authentic selves, not from rigid plans or outside templates.

For more content, free resources, and show notes, visit bossproject.com/podcast