I'll take a chance and ask...

[OneGrassRoot]

what may seem like a completely idiotic question.

Does anyone have any thoughts or feedback regarding the feasibility of contacting a publisher regarding a book series concept? I have an idea for a non-fiction book series, a rather off-color series, and wondered if anyone here has had any experience perhaps with smaller publishing houses which might entertain the submission of a concept rather than an actual manuscript. Any thoughts?

Thanks :)

[hvn_nbr_2]

1. What I've heard in "how to get published" seminars

Generally, for nonfiction, most publishers prefer to receive a book proposal rather than a completed manuscript.

If you have plans for sequels, follow-ons, or a series, that can be a plus for you. They like to know that if the first one is successful, there's more where that came from.

[OneGrassRoot]

2. Thank you! Sorry so late.....

in seeing this and replying, but did want to say I appreciate it. Good to know! :)

[jayctravis]

3. Writers do this all the time...it's called a "proposal"

You can do a search for "book proposal" and see the exact mechanics, but it's basically a query letter to a publisher asking if they would be interested in buying this sort of work and if they wish you to follow up with a manuscript.

I'm not as familiar with books as screenplays, but I think established writers will do proposals before the book to see what they need to write.

[petgoat]

4. Michael Larson wrote a book about non-fiction proposals

http://www.larsen-pomada.com/main1.html

He's a literary agent.