The Book Proposal Lab
A 10-Week Intensive to Create a Proposal That Sells
June 16 - August 21, 2026 | Registration is now open.
“This course is amazing. I’ve taken dozens of classes over the years, including an MFA, and Laura’s insights are masterful.”
Overview
If you want a nonfiction book deal, you don’t start with the manuscript. You start with the proposal.
In this 10-week small-cohort intensive, you will build a complete, professional, agent-ready book proposal, designed to clearly position your idea in the marketplace and make a compelling case for why you are the person to write it.
Each week includes live instruction, structured assignments, co-working hours, and real-world examples—including my actual book proposals for We Are The Luckiest and Push Off From Here. You’ll also hear directly from my literary agent and editor at Random House about what actually makes them say yes.
This course is limited to 20 writers. 5 spots remain.
Session Dates: June 16 - August 21, 2026
Registration is now open.
By the end of 10 weeks, you will have…
A clear, differentiated book concept
A defined target audience
A sharp competitive analysis
A strong author platform strategy
A compelling overview
A high-level chapter outline & summaries
Strategic clarity on next steps with agents and submissions
This course is for nonfiction writers ready to move from idea to professional execution.
What students say…
Laura's truth-telling, compassion, masterful teaching, and workshop design slowly overcame my overwhelm, and I have clarity about my book at last.
— Cindy Yarborough, Student“I cannot imagine a better guide than Laura: a brilliant author, wise teacher, rad human, and generous champion for fellow writers ready to roll up their sleeves.”
— Jennifer Bridgman, Student“I cannot stress enough how invaluable this course was in moving my book proposal from an idea living in my head into words on pages. Laura is a master teacher—she makes the opaque proposal writing and publishing processes crystal clear.”
— Shelby Clark, StudentCurriculum
10 Weeks
We clarify your core idea and shape it into something marketable. You’ll define your hook, identify the arc of your book, and sharpen your angle so your book stands out in a crowded landscape. By the end of this phase, you’ll know exactly what you’re selling and why it matters.
Weeks 1-3
Concept + Positioning
Here we build the foundation of your proposal. You’ll draft your author bio and articulate why you are the right person to write this book, develop your marketing and promotion plan, and identify the best comparable titles (comps) for your book. You will also have an in-depth session with Laura’s literary agent, Jamie Carr, at The Book Group.
Weeks 4-6
Authority + Marketing
All the prior coursework leads to this: the Overview section of your proposal—the big pitch. You’ll draft and workshop this section over two weeks, and outline the chapter summaries for your book. You will also have an in-depth session with a veteran editor to provide inside access to the publisher’s view.
Weeks 7-9
The Overview + Architecture
In our final week, you’ll assemble the complete proposal and learn what happens next, including querying agents.
Integration + Pitching Strategy
Week 10
You will receive…
Copies of the book proposals for Laura’s bestselling debut, We Are The Luckiest, and Push Of from Here, which resulted in a 6-way auction and a big five, two-book publishing deal
Live session with Laura’s literary agent and editor at Random House
2.5 hours of live instruction and workshopping each week (all recorded for later viewing)
Clear, structured worksheets for each section of your proposal
Insider, behind-the-curtain scoop on all things book writing, selling, editing, and publishing
How it Works
This program runs as a live, small-cohort experience.
Each week includes:
Live teaching and discussion sessions each Tuesday from 1-2 pm ET. Recordings are available for those who cannot make it live.
Open Q&A on publishing, agents, editors, and positioning
Live proposal reviews and group feedback
Weekly office hours each Friday from 12-1:30 pm ET for live workshopping, support, and Q&A.
You will receive structured worksheets and materials, as well as access to both of my actual book proposals, but the core value is live access, feedback, and momentum.
What Makes This Different
This is not just a curriculum. It is access.
You will:
Hear my candid, insider perspective on how pitching and publishing actually work
Ask specific questions about your project and next steps
Share work for live editing and real-time feedback
Learn by watching other proposals being shaped and refined
Get strategic guidance on approaching agents and positioning your work
Hear directly from my literary agent and editor at Random House
Writers with a clear nonfiction idea they’re ready to develop
Memoirists, narrative nonfiction writers, and prescriptive authors
Professionals, experts, and thought leaders ready to turn experience into a book
Writers seeking traditional publishing
Who This is For
Who This is Not For
Writers still searching for a book idea
Fiction writers
Anyone looking for a casual or low-commitment experience
Session Dates: June 16 - August 18, 2026
Course Enrollment
$3,250, payable in-full or in two payments of $1,625.
Note: Enrollment is intentionally limited to 20 writers to ensure meaningful discussion, individualized attention, and a high level of connection inside the room.
Investment
“This course is a gift to any writer ready to take their work seriously. I can’t recommend it highly enough.”
About Laura
Laura McKowen is the bestselling author of We Are The Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life (over 150,000 copies sold) and Push Off From Here: Nine Essential Truths to Get You Through Sobriety (and Everything Else), which was acquired in a six-way auction by a Big Five publisher. She is the founder of The Luckiest Club and writes the Substack newsletter Love Story, ranked among the top publications in the Literature category worldwide.
Before becoming an author and entrepreneur, Laura spent 15 years in digital marketing and advertising, representing some of the world’s largest brands. She has led thousands of students through courses, workshops, and retreats—and understands both the craft of storytelling and the strategy required to position and sell a book in today’s marketplace.
Your Questions, Answered
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Refunds are available, minus a $200 deposit, within 14 days of the course start.
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Live instructional calls are from 1-2 pm ET every Tuesday during the course. Office hours and coworking sessions are from 12-1:30 pm ET every Friday.
Tuesday calls and the office hours portion of Friday calls will be recorded.
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Yes, Laura will be teaching every live call.
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There will be multiple opportunities to ask specific questions and submit parts of your proposal for feedback during live calls. Laura will not have the capacity to read & provide feedback on your full proposal.
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This course is focused on preparing an excellent book proposal. While this is a huge step in securing representation, it does not guarantee it.
You will learn strategies for getting an agent, and hear directly from Laura’s literary agent on what they look for in a proposal/author and what makes them say ‘yes’ vs. ‘no’.
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You will have access to the recorded live calls and class materials for 6 months after the course ends.
If you have additional questions about the course, please email Laura.