In a recent LinkedIn post, Laurie Ruettimann offers a candid look into the often opaque world of book publishing by sharing a draft of her book proposal. Ruettimann, a prominent voice in business and career development, aims to demystify the process for aspiring authors by providing a real-world example of a proposal created for a major literary agency and a Big Five publisher.
The decision not to submit the proposal was a deliberate, professional one, made in consultation with her literary agent. However, Ruettimann emphasizes the educational value of sharing this draft, noting the scarcity of authentic examples available online.
“But I’m sharing the draft proposal because people ask what a real book proposal looks like, and most examples online aren’t real.”
Understanding the Anatomy of a Book Proposal
Ruettimann’s post highlights that the shared document is indeed a draft, underscoring the iterative nature of creative work. By making this draft public, she intends to illuminate key components and strategies involved in proposal writing.
As Laurie Ruettimann points out, the proposal serves as a crucial blueprint for potential publishers, demonstrating the viability and market appeal of a book concept. She suggests that potential authors can learn significantly from observing its structure.
Key Takeaways from the Draft Proposal
According to Ruettimann, prospective authors can glean valuable insights into several critical areas:
- Structure: Understanding how a proposal is organized to present a cohesive and compelling case for the book.
- Repetition: Learning why strategic repetition of key themes and ideas is important for reinforcing the book’s message and marketability.
- Agent’s Perspective: Gaining insight into how literary agents evaluate proposals, including what they look for in terms of content, author platform, and market potential.
Ruettimann frames this sharing as a service to her audience, acknowledging that many online resources lack the authenticity of a document prepared for industry professionals. She states,
“If you want to see how proposals are structured, why repetition matters, and how agents actually read, it’s all there.”
Beyond the Proposal: A Glimpse into the Author’s World
The draft proposal, while a professional document, also offers a personal glimpse into Ruettimann’s creative process. She humorously notes the inclusion of characters and elements that add a personal touch.
In Ruettimann’s view, sharing this behind-the-scenes material demystifies not only the proposal itself but also the broader journey of authorship. It provides a tangible example that goes beyond theoretical advice.
“It’s definitely a draft.”
She further elaborates on the context of the proposal’s creation, explaining that it was prepared for a significant industry audience. Ruettimann reassures her readers that while the proposal was not submitted, this decision was a considered one.
“Yes, this is a real book proposal, written for a major literary agency and a Big Five publisher. It wasn’t submitted. That choice was professional and deliberate by my literary agent, and I’m not mad about it.”
By sharing this draft, Laurie Ruettimann empowers aspiring writers with a practical, real-world example, offering a unique educational opportunity to understand the foundational steps of bringing a book to market.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Laurie Ruettimann on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on January 10, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →