Episodes

  • How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Book? | Episode 20

    How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Book? | Episode 20
    Jan 20 2026
    On this episode of the Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “How much does it cost to publish a book?” In traditional publishing, the answer is, “nothing.” You don’t pay a publisher; they pay you. If someone is asking you to spend tens of thousands of dollars to publish your book, that’s typically hybrid publishing, which is pay-to-play. You’re paying for editing, design, production, distribution, and other services … and those costs can add up. Especially since hybrid publishing often comes with expensive upsells, such as marketing packages. And it does not offer the same reach, credibility, and long-term positioning as traditional publishing. Debra believes that an author is better off investing in services that make their manuscript better - and their book proposal saleable - so they get a traditional book deal. In traditional publishing, you are not paying to be published. You are doing the work upfront to make sure your book proposal is strategic, market-ready, and compelling—and that your manuscript is professional, polished, and positioned for success. Tune in to learn more. *** Book Proposal Expert Debra Eckerling is the author of "Your Goal Guide" and "52 Secrets for Goal‑Setting and Goal‑Getting." Have a question about book proposals? Email Deb@TheBookProposalExpert.com. You might hear your question answered on a future episode! Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    4 mins
  • When Should I Gather Media for My Book Proposal? | Episode 19

    When Should I Gather Media for My Book Proposal? | Episode 19
    Jan 13 2026
    On this episode of the Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “When should I gather media for my book proposal?” The short answer is: yesterday. As soon as you start working on a nonfiction book, you need to begin building your visibility through media. One of the best things about working on a book proposal is that you can work on multiple sections in tandem. While you are figuring out the concept and the actual content of your book you can be working on the context section: your author platform, marketing ideas, and more. Media is a huge part of your author platform. In this episode you’ll discover why gathering media should begin early in your proposal process, how and why media fits into your author platform and proposal strategy, ways to get started, and why traditional media still matters. “You” are a big part of what sells your book. But you need to be out there and visible to show it *** Book Proposal Expert Debra Eckerling is the author of "Your Goal Guide" and "52 Secrets for Goal‑Setting and Goal‑Getting." Have a question about book proposals? Email Deb@TheBookProposalExpert.com - you might hear your question answered on a future episode! Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    4 mins
  • How Do I Restart a Stalled Book Proposal? | Episode 18

    How Do I Restart a Stalled Book Proposal? | Episode 18
    Jan 6 2026
    On this episode of the Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “How do I restart a stalled book proposal?” Whether your proposal got set aside after a break, was deprioritized under other work, or just felt stalled, it’s okay: things happen, life happens, and sometimes a project is simply “not yet.” Instead of being frustrated that it’s not finished, be proud that you’re ready to jump back in. Debra walks you through how to reconnect with your existing work without pressure, using directed journaling to surface clarity, and revisiting key sections (like your overview) with fresh eyes. She also shares practical tips like setting a regular writing schedule, tracking progress, and remaining in action with deadlines. Listen to the full episode to discover how to reignite your excitement and get back into the habit of working on your proposal. *** Book Proposal Expert Debra Eckerling is the author of "Your Goal Guide" and "52 Secrets for Goal‑Setting and Goal‑Getting." Have a question about book proposals? Email Deb@TheBookProposalExpert.com. Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    5 mins
  • Should I Submit My Book Proposal in December? | Episode 17

    Should I Submit My Book Proposal in December? | Episode 17
    Dec 2 2025
    On the episode of the Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “Should I submit my book proposal in December?” The short answer is no. That's also the long answer. Unless you get a specific request for you book proposal, wait until after the holidays to send it out. In the publishing world, especially when it comes to acquisitions, everything winds down between Thanksgiving and New Years. Everyone is extra busy with holiday obligations while they're trying to wrap up the work year, or they're just taking time off. Anything you send now will likely stay in a publisher's inbox for at least a month, and it could even get lost in there, buried beneath new submissions that come in the beginning of January. There are plenty of things you can do in December to build up your book proposal, including building up your author platform and scheduling more speaking and press. You can also attend holiday parties, so you meet new people and expand your network. It is in your best interest to wait until the second week in January before sending a proposal out to agents or publishers. They’ll be back in the swing of things - relaxed, refreshed, and excited to read your proposal. For more on Book Proposals, read Debra’s articles on WritersDigest.com. *** Debra Eckerling is a book proposal specialist, goal strategist, and author of “Your Goal Guide” and “52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting.” Have a question about book proposals, email Deb@TheBookProposalExpert.com. Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    3 mins
  • What Do I Put in My Author Bio? | Episode 16

    What Do I Put in My Author Bio? | Episode 16
    Nov 25 2025
    On the episode of the Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “What do I put in my author bio?” You need three versions of your bio for your book proposal. Two or three lines in the query letter, a short paragraph in the proposal’s overview, and a one- or two-page author bio with photo at the beginning of the promotion section. Whether or not your book is related to your day job or career, your author bio is all about leaning into your experience and expertise as it relates to the book you are writing. Start with the most relevant information - related to the topic, back it up with how people have been impacted by your knowledge/methodology/story. Also include any writing experience and basic info on your platform: website, social and traditional media, and appearances as a speaker. Conclude with some personal tidbits to make you more relatable. Add your personality and have fun with it! The more human you can make your bio, the more you put your best, most educated and enthusiastic foot forward on your subject, the better it will be for your book! For more on Book Proposals, read Debra’s articles on WritersDigest.com. *** Debra Eckerling is a book proposal specialist, goal strategist, and author of “Your Goal Guide” and “52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting.” Have a question about book proposals, email Deb@TheBookProposalExpert.com. Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    5 mins
  • How Do I Format My Book Proposal? | Episode 15

    How Do I Format My Book Proposal? | Episode 15
    Nov 18 2025
    On the episode of the Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “How do I format my book proposal?” One of the keys to writing a saleable book proposal is you need to make it as easy to read as possible. That means using an actual word processing program - like Word or Pages - rather than the cloud, and creating a Table of Contents, so whoever is reading it can easily navigate through the different sections. Debra also talks about formatting the text, preferred fonts and size, and adding hyperlinks, as well as the rule about photos and other graphics. For more on the Do’s and Don’ts of Book Proposal Formatting, read Debra’s article on WritersDigest.com. *** Debra Eckerling is a goal strategist, book proposal specialist, and author of “Your Goal Guide” and “52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting.” Have a question about book proposals, email Deb@TheDEBMethod.com. Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    4 mins
  • How Do I Know If I Am Ready to Write My Book Proposal? | Episode 14

    How Do I Know If I Am Ready to Write My Book Proposal? | Episode 14
    Nov 11 2025
    On the episode of The Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “How do I know if I am ready to write my book proposal?” You can actually get started on your proposal at any time. However when you are really ready to dive in, these are the three things you must have: a unique marketable idea, expertise in the subject, and a desire to write the book. Addressing the last thing first, Debra reminds listeners that they need to be the one who wants to write this book. If you're writing a book because people say, “You're such an expert, you need to write a book,” that alone will not get it done. You will likely find yourself procrastinating, stressed, and possibly less productive on other things. You may come to a point when you're ready to write it, but if it's not yet, just keep a notebook with notes on your book idea for when that time comes. The other two things - a unique marketable idea and expertise - are the essence of the overview. Once you really “own” your expertise and are invested in your take on the topic, you are ready to really get to work on your book proposal. More on the overview in episode 4 and what ducks to put in a row in episode 13. *** Debra Eckerling is a book proposal specialist, goal strategist, and author of “Your Goal Guide” and “52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting.” Have a question about book proposals, email Deb@TheDEBMethod.com. Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    4 mins
  • What’s the Most Important Part of the Book Proposal? | Episode 13

    What’s the Most Important Part of the Book Proposal? | Episode 13
    Nov 4 2025
    On the episode of The Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “What’s the most important part of the book proposal?” Although every element of your book proposal is essential, there are three sections that will help you hone in on your book concept and positioning. The Overview, Audience, and Book Comps. In the Overview, you express what the book is, what makes it unique, and what you are the best and only person who can write it. The Audience section is research-based. It’s where you share information about your demographics - individuals and groups - along with stats that prove there’s a large enough audience interest in your book. Your Book Comps - five traditionally published titles with high rankings and good reviews - is more proof of concept. These books sold, and yours is similar but different, so it will too. Before you get too deep into the weeds of your book proposal, make sure you have a solid foundation (the Overview), Audience data, and a compelling case for the saleability of your book (Comps). More on the overview in episode 4. More on audience and comps in future episodes. *** Debra Eckerling is a goal strategist, book proposal specialist, and author of “Your Goal Guide” and “52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting.” Have a question about book proposals, email Deb@TheDEBMethod.com. Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    4 mins