Next program takes place on the final 4 Sundays in January, 2021!
(January 10, 17, 24, and 31)

Do you have an idea for a non-fiction book or memoir, and dream about being the next Joan Didion or Malcolm Gladwell?

Are you passionate about business, self-help, spirituality, biography, memoir, cooking, history, or your profession? Then let us help you get your story out into the world!

In this 4-day coaching program you will work intensively with Literary Agent Sam Hiyate to develop your idea for a non-fiction book into a book proposal that you can sell to a publisher.

Sell your book proposal before your book

A book proposal is a detailed outline—like a business plan—of your book and why it matters.

To sell fiction to a publisher, you need a finished draft. But with non-fiction, you can sell the book idea first, then write the book (much like pitching magazine articles.)

By the end of this 4-day program, you will have the skills and knowledge to produce a book proposal that you can take to a literary agent, or directly to a publisher.

Here’s what you get

Over 4 days, in each 2-hour online session, Literary Agent Sam Hiyate will share his principles for each day’s subject (developed over 30 years in publishing), and then illustrate those principles through examples and questions from your own projects.

By the end of the program you’ll understand all of the elements required to write your book proposal. And, once you add your sample materials, you’ll even have a solid draft finished and ready to go. 

Who is this program for?

• Anyone with an interesting life story to tell through memoir.
• Professionals with unique knowledge or experiences to share with the world.
• Writers who are passionate about subjects like business, self-help, spirituality, biography, cooking, or history.
• Leaders who want to publish a book that will generate more leads or sales.
• Writers who plan to self-publish, but still want to learn how to structure, position, and market their book, and build their audience.

Who is this program NOT for?

• Fiction writers
• Writers who mainly want to improve their writing craft

Program Outline, January 10th - 31st, 2020

*** Note: You can purchase the program as a whole, or just one or more day(s).*** 

Sunday, January 10, 2020, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Eastern Time

• Why the business case for your book matters
• The 80/20 rule applied to your proposal
• Audience and Market: Determine market position via powerful comparables
• Homework for Day 2: Write or find standalone samples to pitch before the proposal

Day 2: Sample Materials and Proof of Concept
Sunday, January 17, 2020, 12:00 PM to 2:00PM Eastern Time

• Leveraging tested materials
• Proof of audience engagement: examples of articles to book
• Which sample materials should I write?
• Homework for Day 3: Develop a sample TOC or outline

Day 3: Getting the Story & Structure Right
Sunday, January 24, 2020, 12:00 PM to 2:00PM Eastern Time

• Narrative, prescriptive or something else?
• Story 101 and chapter summaries
• Comparables and Stories
• Homework for Day 4: Refine your bio and Platform description

Day 4: Selling With Your Platform & Bio 
Sunday, January 31, 2020, 12:00 PM to 2:00PM Eastern Time

• Why you're the best author for this book
• Why you want to build a platform (if you don't already have one)
• Putting all the proposal pieces together and final Q&A

Optional: Proposal Review (a one-on-one meeting) where Sam will review your draft book proposal.

Bonus Content

Enrol in this program and you’ll also get:

• A free seat in Sam Hiyate’s [How to Write and Sell Your Book] online workshop.
• 10% off Sam Hiyate’s 12-Week Intensive Writer Coaching Program.
  
• 10% off our [How to Query] online workshop with Literary Agent Noah Ballard.

About Sam Hiyate

This workshop is led by Sam Hiyate, literary agent and President of The Rights Factory, an international literary agency based in Toronto.

In his 30-year publishing career he has launched the careers of numerous New York Times & Globe and Mail bestselling authors. 

Sam has published bestselling authors including: 

• Jennifer Close (Girls in White Dresses, The Smart One, The Hopefuls)
• David Gilmour (CBC's Gilmour on the Arts, Lost Between Houses, The Film Club)
• Mariko Tamaki (Skim, Emiko Superstar, This One Summer)
• Andrew Kaufman (All My Friends Are Superheroes, The Tiny Wife)
• Margot Berwin (Hothouse Flower, Nine Plants of Desire)
• Lee Matthew Goldberg (The Mentor, Slow Down)
• Rupinder Gill (On the Outside Looking Indian)

He teaches creative writing at the University of Toronto, and publishing at Ryerson University.

What writers are saying

"I can’t remember a more enjoyable and informative presentation. Sam's stories from the world of publishing vividly illustrated his points. His ability to focus on each person’s work and rearrange elements showed directorial genius… I am very glad I attended and look forward to querying Sam when I am further along in [my writing]”
– Tim Christian, Victoria

"I had a wonderful time with Sam yesterday. Could you please extend my appreciation to him for his time and all his invaluable advice? I cannot thank you and Sam enough for organizing this unique opportunity for new novelists such as myself. I hope to have another meeting with him in the future." 
– Yale Wang, Toronto

“What I love about working with Sam is that it gives me a greater understanding of the industry. You can try to study creative writing in a class, but it's hard to learn what will set you apart until you work with someone who sells books for a living! If your goal is to eventually publish, I think Sam's advice and support is invaluable. He has added tremendous value to my near-finished manuscript.”
– Amy Dixon, Toronto 

Questions about the program?

Please contact us.