Saturday, June 21st, 2025

Live Seminar Via Zoom

Starts at 1PM EST/ 12PM CST/10AM PST

Any questions about this class? Use the Chat Button (lower left) to talk with us.

*A recording of this seminar will be made available to enrollees.

Led by an industry-leading literary agent at Trident Media Group, Mark Owen Gottlieb.

A well-crafted book proposal is the key to securing a literary agent and landing a publishing deal.

In this workshop, you'll learn how to structure a compelling nonfiction book proposal that highlights your book’s marketability, audience, and unique selling points.

We’ll break down the essential components—hook, overview, competitive analysis, chapter outline, and author platform—while exploring what agents and publishers look for in a winning pitch.

Whether you're refining an existing proposal or starting from scratch, this session will equip you with the tools to make your book stand out in the competitive publishing landscape.

Mark Owen Gottlieb is a highly-ranked literary agent in overall deals and other categories. He is actively building his client list of authors using that same initiative and insight for identifying talented writers. Mark Gottlieb is excited to work directly with authors, helping to manage and grow their careers with all of the unique resources available at book publishing’s leading literary agency, Trident Media Group. At Trident Media Group, Mark Gottlieb has represented numerous New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors. He has optioned and sold books to film and TV production companies. He previously ran the agency’s audiobook department and worked in foreign rights. Mark Gottlieb is actively seeking submissions in all categories and genres and looking forward to bringing new and established authors to the curious minds of their future readers.

COURSE TAKEAWAYS:

How to Captivate Readers and Agents From the Start: Learn to craft an irresistible hook and clear overview that immediately conveys why your nonfiction book idea is timely, relevant, and impossible to ignore.

Building a Strong Market Case for Your Book: Explore techniques for conducting a thoughtful competitive analysis and articulating your book’s unique position, ensuring agents and publishers see its commercial potential.

Structuring an Engaging Chapter Outline: Discover how to create an outline that not only organizes your content in a logical manner but also showcases the forward momentum and depth of your story or argument.

Harnessing the Power of Your Author Platform: Understand how to present your credentials, professional network, and following to demonstrate your ability to drive interest and sales in today’s competitive market.

Refining Your Proposal for Publication Success: Gain practical insights into polishing every element—style, voice, clarity, and marketability—so your pitch stands out and resonates with agents and publishers.

AUTHOR TESTIMONIALS:

“To find someone in the publishing world these days who possesses such style and grace…a throwback. Crown moldings and brass door knocker in a world of prefab housing. —Lesley Kagen, New York Times bestselling author

“He is professional, knowledgeable, and deeply cares about the careers of his clients. …I'm lucky to have Mark in my corner!” —Alan Hlad, USA Today bestselling author

“My writing career never would have advanced as fast or as far without Mark's help.” —James Breakwell, bestselling author

“He goes above and beyond his work expectations by cultivating caring relationships with his clients, always expressing empathy and patience. He is kind, supportive and knows what he's doing.” —Ruby Karp, author of Earth Hates Me

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS:

"I wanted to thank you for your time this weekend for the Hook and Query writing seminar. It's hard to know from reading articles alone what a query letter or pitch should look like." -Jed H., Workshop Student

"It was my absolute pleasure to meet you virtually on Saturday! Thank you for the wealth of detailed information and on-the-spot, yet carefully crafted critiques you shared with each of us— the experience is treasured, and invaluable." -Mica K., Workshop Student

"Saturday’s class opened my eyes to the mistakes of my query submissions, which boil down to two crucial elements: word count & comps. Soliciting a bloated manuscript with no comps outside of a couple of 20+ year-old movie references advertised a novice understanding of the publishing industry, making me a rightful candidate for the rejection pile." -William W., Workshop Student

"Thank you, Mark, for this wonderful workshop!" -Diane G., Workshop Student

“You gave me enough writing technique and marketing information to feel like I can get started with confidence. Thank you!” — Workshop Student

“Thank you for being so diligent, so focused and so professional in your approach to the class. I found the whole experience exceeded my most optimistic expectations.” — Workshop Student

ONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:

This Workshop will meet via Zoom on Saturday, June 21st, 2025

Session 1 will be 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM EST

15-minute Break Between Sessions

Session 2 will be 1:55 PM – 3:00 PM EST

*Recordings of all sessions will be made available to everyone who enrolls.

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.

• Mark Owen Gottlieb | Live via Zoom
• Saturday, June 21st, 2025
• Seminar is fully ONLINE and meets via Zoom