The next step is to scrutinize your primary idea carefully.

Consider your idea and look at this list of questions. See if you can answer "Yes" to all of them:

• Am I enthusiastic enough about this subject and my ideas about it to sell this proposal to an agent and an editor – and to readers?

• Will I retain my enthusiasm through the months it will take me to complete the book?

• Is there a market for my book? (I've checked Amazon.com and bookshops for competing titles. I'm convinced there is a market for my book.)

• I can find people with expert knowledge to interview as I write my book.

• Does my book provide solutions to problems?

If you can answer YES to most of these questions, you're set. Great! We're going to start work on your proposal.