Lewis O'Sullivan Publishing

A five-minute publishing diagnostic

The acquisitions
meeting test.

Would a publisher understand, believe in and know how to sell your book? Answer seven questions to test the foundations of your commercial non-fiction idea.

01 · The promise

Can you explain what the reader will gain in one clear sentence?

A subject is not yet a proposition. The strongest books promise a specific change in what the reader understands, can do or sees differently.

02 · The reader

Do you know exactly who needs this book?

“Everyone” is rarely a usable publishing audience. A defined primary reader helps determine the argument, examples, tone and route to market.

03 · The moment

Is there a compelling reason for this book to exist now?

Timeliness is not limited to news. A change in technology, regulation, behaviour, evidence or public understanding can create the moment for a book.

04 · The distinction

Can you show how the book differs from its closest competitors?

Publishers want evidence that you understand the existing shelf and can name the space your book will occupy.

05 · The authority

Are you the right person to write it?

Authority may come from professional expertise, original research, lived experience, privileged access or a distinctive combination of these.

06 · The journey

Does the structure take the reader somewhere?

A strong contents page is an argument or journey, not simply a list of everything the author knows.

07 · The evidence

Can you demonstrate that readers are already interested?

A following can help, but it is not the only evidence. Clients, talks, teaching, communities, media, newsletters and direct demand can all show a reachable readership.

Your result

0out of 14

Your most useful next steps

    Discuss my book with Lewis

    This is a practical diagnostic, not a prediction of whether a particular publisher will acquire a book. Publishing decisions also depend on fit, timing, list strategy and execution.