How to Write a Successful Book Proposal about Photography

I'm celebrating a milestone—20 years since the release of my book Digital Art Photography for Dummies (Wiley, 2005).

Back in 2005, I got lucky—but also strategic. I pitched agents with a strong idea and sample images. One believed in the vision. That connection led to a publishing deal with Wiley and a sweet $11,000 advance.

Now, two decades later, I’m sharing exactly how I did it—and how you can craft a compelling photography book proposal that gets noticed by agents and publishers.

Affiliated links below.

Here’s how to write your photography book proposal, with an example of a completed book deal with a big publisher.

I’m celebrating 20 years since my book Digital Art Photography for Dummies (Wiley, 2005) came out.

I was lucky. In 2005, I wrote agents with my ideas and sent them with images. After finding one, he set me up with a book deal. I received an 11,000 dollar advance. Sweet.

I had been selling my photos of mid-century modern architecture, mostly motel …