
But what is it that makes a proposal work? Usually nothing in the proposal itself. The most perfectly written proposal is nothing but a dinner salad before the meal. What matters is the writing sample you send, the sample chapters from your proposed work. If you want to catch the publisher’s eye write good chapters. Many book acquirers will initially skip the proposal altogether and get straight to the writing. Why eat the rabbit food when the steak is served?

“What difference does it make if you live in a picturesque little outhouse surrounded by 300 feeble minded goats and your faithful dog? The question is: Can you write?”
Your presentation matters some. Your polish has value. But ultimately you must prove that you can write.