Creating a One-Sheet
When you verbally pitching your book idea to editors, you will probably have only 15 minutes to sell them on your idea. Thus I suggest you leave something in their hands so they will remember you after the conference is over. Editors and agents will have talked to many people, and you want to stand out. You can accomplish this with a “One Sheet.” Also, there may be some editors you cannot get an appointment with. You can find a moment when they are free and hand them your “One Sheet.”
A “One-Sheet” is one sheet of paper to hand out to editors that shows a book proposal project— thus the name. I would suggest printing it on your letterhead stationery so it will look professional. It should be single-spaced and done in block format.
It basically includes the same things that a cover/query letter would include and should basically answer five questions:
1. Why are you qualified to write this book?
2. What is it about (told in one paragraph)?
3. Who is your audience?
4. Why will this book be marketable?
5. What is your marketing plan?