
Nonfiction Book Proposal Mentoring Level Two
Advanced-level one-on-one virtual mentoring for writers who have some experience with and knowledge of the publishing industry (e.g., have attended classes, course, workshops, conferences) and are familiar with how to prepare a book proposal (or who have completed SoCal Presents Book Proposal Mentoring Level One) but who could benefit from a literary agent’s perspective and detailed critique. Nonfiction for adults only. No fiction or memoir.
Need Part One? Take the combined level one and two mentoring here.
Cost: $449
Open Registration: July 1-15 (or until we hit the maximum of 10 participants)
Level One Graduates may register at any time after completing the mentoring session.
If we get more than ten, they will be put on a waiting list.
How it Works:
Upon registration and payment, participants will submit to Stephanie a book proposal, including three sample chapters, that has been peer reviewed or professionally edited (or both).
Deadline to submit: August 9
Two weeks later, Stephanie will provide an in-depth critique and edit with notes on the submitted proposal. Then she will schedule a 15- to 20-minute one-on-one Zoom session with each participant, which could be a Q&A time or a practice pitch.
Optional Add-on: For an additional $100, participants can schedule a 15- to 20-minute one-on-one Zoom session with Stephanie, either before starting the mentoring session (to get feedback on preparing a polished proposal) or after the mentoring session
Comprehensive Two-Part Book Proposal Mentoring
Combination of Level One and Level Two
Cost: $699
Open Registration: July 1-15 (or until we hit the maximum of 10 participants)
How it Works:
Upon registration and payment, Stephanie will send you an annotated template with all the elements your proposal needs, along with insider tips on what to include and what not to. You will have two weeks to submit a book proposal to Stephanie. Deadline to submit: August 9
Stephanie will review your submission and schedule a 15-minute one-on-one Zoom session with you to provide personalized feedback on the proposal and the book idea’s marketability potential.
You will then submit to Stephanie a revised book proposal, including three sample chapters. Two weeks later, Stephanie will provide an in-depth critique and edit with notes on the submitted proposal. Then she will schedule a 15- to 20-minute one-on-one Zoom session with you, which could be a Q&A time or a practice pitch.
Optional Add-on: For an additional $100, you can schedule a 15- to 20-minute one-on-one Zoom session with Stephanie, either before starting the mentoring session (to get feedback on preparing a polished proposal) or after the mentoring session.
Bonus:
Registrants for the Comprehensive two-part mentoring session will receive a bundle of all three of Kathy Ide’s books for writers in print or digital format:
- Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors
- Capitalization Dictionary
- Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors
Print copies may be autographed upon request.
About Stephanie Alton

Stephanie Alton is a literary agent with The Blythe Daniel Agency and director of the agency’s blog network, BlogAbout. Several of the books she has collaborated on have been in the top 10 on the New York Times Best Seller List and rated #1 on Amazon. Stephanie has worked with authors and critiqued book proposals for several years. She coaches authors to help them transform their work and leads them to excel beyond what they envision. Stephanie also offers strategic platform-building techniques to aspiring writers and helps them shape their writing into what agents, publishers, and readers are looking for.