Member since October 2021
Debra Eckerling is an engaging speaker who helps audiences of entrepreneurs, experts, and executives understand the publishing process and what it takes to create a winning book proposal. She gives them the clarity, strategy, and confidence to shape their ideas and experience into the right book, navigate their publishing options, and create a proposal that gets noticed by agents and publishers.
Known as The Book Proposal Expert, Debra guides aspiring authors through the process of deciding what they want to say, who they want to reach, and how to position their books for the publishing world. Through workshops and interactive sessions, she shares her signature Three Cs framework — Concept, Context, and Content — showing audiences how to chose the right book to write, build their author platform, and create a book proposal that stands out and sells.
Debra is also the creator of the DEB METHOD® for goal-setting simplified. DEB stands for Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path. These hands-on workshops are designed to help people set the foundation for their goals, and includes helping them clarify their priorities, explore possibilities, and get ready to take action.
Debra is the award-winning author of "Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals" (IPPY Silver Medal, Self Help) and "52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting: How to Stay Focused, Grow Your Network and Get More Done in Less Time" and co-author of "Active Grandparenting" with Kristen Coffield (Skyhorse, October 20, 2026). She is a contributor to Writer’s Digest, Pipeline Artists, and Lioness Magazine; host of GoalChat, The Book Proposal Podcast, and Taste Buds with Deb (Best Anchor/Host at the LA Press Club’s Southern California Journalism Awards); writes Book Proposals Simplified on Substack; and serves as Networking Ambassador for the Women’s National Book Association – San Francisco Chapter.
Debra has spoken on stages including TEDx, Innovation Women, Lioness, VON, TechMunch, Wellcoaches, and the LA County Bar Association’s Lawyer Well-Being Project.
Whether she's speaking to a room full of executives, entrepreneurs, authors, or creatives, Debra's
presentations are practical, interactive, and filled with actionable takeaways that audiences can use to move their ideas, projects, and goals forward. She is available for keynotes, breakout sessions, and workshops on the topics of book proposals, demystifying publishing, goal-setting, productivity, and networking.
Empowering leaders to share their experience and expertise through writing a nonfiction book.
We're here for a reason. We want to leave a legacy. We want to help others. We need to share our stories with those who need to read them.
Agents and publishers are looking for books they can sell; it's your job to showcase your concept, context (platform, marketing, demographic ), and content through a book proposal that sells your idea and you!
When I asked my friend Kristen Coffield, pioneer of the Active Grandparenting™ movement, “Where’s your book? If you don’t write it, someone else will,” her response was simple: “Do you want to write it with me? We’ll write the proposal together and, when we get a book deal, we’ll write the book together, too.”
I replied, “You do realize I am single and child-free?”
She thought it was the perfect partnership. She knew her lane; I knew mine. She was right.
Kristen, a culinary nutritionist, had already built her niche. She posted an Instagram video of herself getting up from the floor while holding a grandchild — without using her hands — and talking about the importance of healthy aging for grandparents. It went viral. Inspired by her course and social media presence, we created a strategic book proposal that highlighted the concept, structure, audience, and why this book belonged in the marketplace.
About a month after our agent submitted the proposal, Active Grandparenting got a publishing deal. The book will be released in October, just over a year after we got the green light. This is why I believe so strongly in the power of the book proposal. It helps you figure out what your book is, what makes it unique, who it’s for, and why it deserves a place in the world.
My journey as The Book Proposal Expert started with a question from my publisher. After reading my proposal for "52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting," she told me it was stronger than many proposals she saw that took authors months to create. Then she asked, “Is this part of your business?”
I laughed and said, “It’s the Deb secret menu. Should it stop being a secret?” Yes.
I took my enthusiasm and love of publishing — along with my strategic brain and years of helping people turn ideas into action — and created Book Proposals Simplified. Today, I share the strategies behind successful book proposals with individuals, entrepreneurs, experts, and organizations — helping them shape their ideas, understand the publishing process, and turn their expertise into books that reach the right audiences.
There’s a lot of noise out there about publishing. People are selling courses, services, and publishing packages ... and telling you that self- and hybrid-publishing are the only options for getting your book into the world. Many thought leaders, consultants, experts, and speakers don’t even realize traditional publishing is an option.
Debra Eckerling, The Book Proposal Expert, gives you the straight scoop on traditional publishing, book proposals, and what it takes to turn your ideas into books that get the attention of agents and publishers.
She goes beyond the basics to show you what goes into getting a traditional book deal ... and why it's worth considering. This includes:
Writing a book is a big deal. Don’t sell yourself ... or your book idea ... short. Know what’s possible.
Audience: Entrepreneurs, executives, consultants, speakers, coaches, thought leaders, and other professionals with a book idea or expertise to share.
Learn more about the different publishing options, and why Deb advocates for traditional publishing: https://pipelineartists.com/breaking-through-the-publishing-hype-the-case-for-traditional-publishing/
Watch the virtual workshop Deb led for Lioness:https://youtu.be/4zihOR5mi4w?si=yhdOMJ99s0snfqsy
Did you know that most non-fiction books are sold with a book proposal? So many entrepreneurs and consultants have knowledge to share, but have no idea how to get started.
Whether you plan to e-publish/self-publish, go hybrid or traditional, a book proposal keeps you organized and focused, while setting you up for success. The Book Proposal Expert Debra Eckerling will share how to craft the perfect roadmap to reach your nonfiction book-writing goals.
During this session, attendees will discover:
Crafting a winning book proposal requires planning, research, and passion. When you understand the key components, you’ll be better equipped to write a book proposal that not only stands out, but sells.
Audience: Busy professionals who are already writing a nonfiction book and want a practical way to get their book proposal done while balancing everything else on their plate.
Watch the virtual workshop Deb led for Lioness: https://youtu.be/4zihOR5mi4w?si=yhdOMJ99s0snfqsy
Learn more about the different publishing options, and why Deb advocates for traditional publishing: https://pipelineartists.com/breaking-through-the-publishing-hype-the-case-for-traditional-publishing/
Before you write a book, you need a book proposal. This is essential no matter how you choose to publish.
Before you craft a book proposal, you need to make sure you’re writing the right book — one that leans into your expertise and differentiator, connects with the right audience, and is positioned to get attention from agents and publishers.
A book proposal is where you make the case for your book. It explains what the book is about, what makes it unique, why you are the right person to write it, who will read it, and why it deserves to be out in the world.
In this session, the Book Proposal Expert Debra Eckerling walks thought leaders through the key pieces they need to develop before getting started:
Figuring these elements out first saves you time and headspace, and keeps you from writing the wrong book.
Debra wraps the session with a bonus strategy. It's the one thing every author needs to do to get started: Title your book. Your title makes the book feel real, it’s the first step in turning your idea into a book.
Participants leave with greater clarity around their book concept and the foundation they need to create a stronger book proposal and, more importantly, a sellable book.
Audience: Executives, entrepreneurs, consultants, and thought leaders who are exploring a nonfiction book and want to start with the right idea.
Watch Deb's session on How to Write the Right Book at the Innovation Women Speaker-Friend-a-Thon: https://youtu.be/N5r3Mgxe_VI?si=rtHyh_7UHkFMZi78
Learn more: https://www.writersdigest.com/start-book-proposal-with-three-sections
The secret to success is there is no one secret.
Everyone has goals. Everyone has their own way of achieving them. What works for others may - or may not - work for you, but you never know until you take inspiration from others out for a spin.
In this session, Debra Eckerling uses 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting as a conversation starter for a fun and interactive session.
For her book, Debra interviewed 60 achievers in business, tech, food, entertainment, and other creative fields to get insight into what works for them, along with examples, anecdotes, and lessons learned along the way.
Done as a keynote, workshop, or through breakout rooms (or small groups for in-person), every session will be different.
Here’s how it works:
Depending on the length of the event, attendees will walk away with insights, inspired by 5 to 7 different recommendations from the book and real insights from others attendees.
Together, the group explores:
The result is an interactive conversation that gets people thinking, talking, and looking at their goals in a new - and more achievable - way.
Audience: Organizations, associations, conferences, leadership groups, and teams looking for an interactive keynote or workshop.
Learn more about the book: https://www.amazon.com/52-Secrets-Goal-Setting-Goal-Getting-Focused/dp/168481717X/
To get what you want, you need to know what you want. Setting the foundation for your goals is key.
Debra's signature talk guides people through The D*E*B Method, which is her system for Goal-Setting Simplified. DEB stands for Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path.
Led as a presentation, workshop, or small-group session, the audience will discover how to:
This session is designed to help busy professionals create a foundation for their goals, so they can set themselves up for personal and professional success.
Audience: Entrepreneurs, executives, leadership groups, organizations, and teams.
Watch How to Make this Your Best Year Ever: https://youtu.be/9XywNbAcb_0?si=F_GvikMXXHhVT-C-
To learn more about The DEB Method, check out "Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals:" https://www.amazon.com/Your-Goal-Guide-Planning-Achieving/dp/1642501506 and "52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting:" https://www.amazon.com/52-Secrets-Goal-Setting-Goal-Getting-Focused/dp/168481717X
In challenging times - when it feels like nothing is within your control - it's important to remember you have control over your actions, your goals, and your projects.
Debra's session on how to set, plan, and achieve goals that set you up for success, especially during challenging times, is perfect for organizations and teams, seeking to get off the hamster wheel and embrace progress.
Attendees will discover:
Align your personal ambitions with professional growth; make a plan that keeps in you in forward motion.
When Debra presented this virtually for the LA County Bar Association Lawyer Well-Being Project, there were 400 rsvps, 200 attendees in real time.
This session can be done as a presentation (30 - 60 minutes) or interactive session (60 - 90 minutes)..
Audience: Organizations, associations, corporate teams, nonprofits, and professionals
Check out "Goal-Setting in Challenging Times Transforms Hope into a Strategy," a 14-minute version that Deb created for the Social Sales Link library: https://socialsaleslink.com/settinggoals
Learn more about The DEB Method: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Goal-Guide-Planning-Achieving/dp/1642501506
Whether you are a creative, consultant, or executive - or even a job seeker - Directed Journaling is the perfect tool to help you make decisions, develop projects, and/or set and achieve your goals.
During this session, you will discover how to use Directed Journaling for:
Often, the best way to figure things out is to get them out of your head and onto the page. Directed Journaling helps you turn ideas and challenges into decisions and action.
Audience: Professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, consultants, executives, and teams.
Deb spoke about how to use Directed Journaling to Reach Your Goals for the International Association for Journal Writing: https://iajw.org/audiolibrary/directed-journaling-to-reach-your-goals/
You can't reach your goals on your own. You need your community of advocates, partners, and champions. But how do you balance developing that all important networking with everything else you need to do to build your business, career, visibility? Set networking goals!
During this session, audiences will discover:
Attendees leave with practical strategies they can put to work immediately to build stronger relationships and a more valuable network.
Audience: Authors, speakers, entrepreneurs, consultants, executives, and professional organizations.
Check out the DWEN - Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network - Empower Hour conversation on networking at online and in person events: https://dwen.com/en-us/make-the-most-of-events-you-attend-with-debra-eckerling/
Read some of Deb's articles on networking at WritersDigest.com:
https://www.writersdigest.com/7-ways-to-make-an-impression-at-in-person-events
https://www.writersdigest.com/5-online-networking-tips-for-authors
https://www.writersdigest.com/5-in-person-networking-tips-for-authors
The Book Proposals Simplified Community is for publishing-curious authors who want clarity, strategy, and community as they develop their nonfiction books. Members get two opportunities each month to learn and interact with Debra Eckerling, The Book
Get Started
For "52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting," Debra interviewed 60 achievers in business, tech, food, entertainment, and creative areas. It's a choose-your-own-adventure of actionable advice to help you create the life your deserve and desire.
Buy Now
Customized support to refine, strengthen, and develop your book proposal. Options include a one-hour “kitchen sink” strategy session, weekly guided development, done-with-you coaching, done-for-you proposals, and proposal reviews and makeovers.
Send Query
Most nonfiction books are sold via proposal. On this podcast The Book Proposal Expert Debra Eckerling answers questions about your author life and platform, book proposals, submissions, and traditional publishing.
Listen Now
Most books are sold via book proposal: a powerful tool that showcases what your book is, what makes it unique, and why it will sell. This interactive session demystifies publishing + helps you take those first strategic steps and map out what's next.
Learn MoreWhen I asked my friend Kristen Coffield, pioneer of the Active Grandparenting™ movement, “Where’s your book? If you don’t write it, someone else will,” her response was simple: “Do you want to write it with me? We’ll write the proposal together and, when we get a book deal, we’ll write the book together, too.”
I replied, “You do realize I am single and child-free?”
She thought it was the perfect partnership. She knew her lane; I knew mine. She was right.
Kristen, a culinary nutritionist, had already built her niche. She posted an Instagram video of herself getting up from the floor while holding a grandchild — without using her hands — and talking about the importance of healthy aging for grandparents. It went viral. Inspired by her course and social media presence, we created a strategic book proposal that highlighted the concept, structure, audience, and why this book belonged in the marketplace.
About a month after our agent submitted the proposal, Active Grandparenting got a publishing deal. The book will be released in October, just over a year after we got the green light. This is why I believe so strongly in the power of the book proposal. It helps you figure out what your book is, what makes it unique, who it’s for, and why it deserves a place in the world.
My journey as The Book Proposal Expert started with a question from my publisher. After reading my proposal for "52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting," she told me it was stronger than many proposals she saw that took authors months to create. Then she asked, “Is this part of your business?”
I laughed and said, “It’s the Deb secret menu. Should it stop being a secret?” Yes.
I took my enthusiasm and love of publishing — along with my strategic brain and years of helping people turn ideas into action — and created Book Proposals Simplified. Today, I share the strategies behind successful book proposals with individuals, entrepreneurs, experts, and organizations — helping them shape their ideas, understand the publishing process, and turn their expertise into books that reach the right audiences.
There’s a lot of noise out there about publishing. People are selling courses, services, and publishing packages ... and telling you that self- and hybrid-publishing are the only options for getting your book into the world. Many thought leaders, consultants, experts, and speakers don’t even realize traditional publishing is an option.
Debra Eckerling, The Book Proposal Expert, gives you the straight scoop on traditional publishing, book proposals, and what it takes to turn your ideas into books that get the attention of agents and publishers.
She goes beyond the basics to show you what goes into getting a traditional book deal ... and why it's worth considering. This includes:
Writing a book is a big deal. Don’t sell yourself ... or your book idea ... short. Know what’s possible.
Audience: Entrepreneurs, executives, consultants, speakers, coaches, thought leaders, and other professionals with a book idea or expertise to share.
Learn more about the different publishing options, and why Deb advocates for traditional publishing: https://pipelineartists.com/breaking-through-the-publishing-hype-the-case-for-traditional-publishing/
Watch the virtual workshop Deb led for Lioness:https://youtu.be/4zihOR5mi4w?si=yhdOMJ99s0snfqsy
Did you know that most non-fiction books are sold with a book proposal? So many entrepreneurs and consultants have knowledge to share, but have no idea how to get started.
Whether you plan to e-publish/self-publish, go hybrid or traditional, a book proposal keeps you organized and focused, while setting you up for success. The Book Proposal Expert Debra Eckerling will share how to craft the perfect roadmap to reach your nonfiction book-writing goals.
During this session, attendees will discover:
Crafting a winning book proposal requires planning, research, and passion. When you understand the key components, you’ll be better equipped to write a book proposal that not only stands out, but sells.
Audience: Busy professionals who are already writing a nonfiction book and want a practical way to get their book proposal done while balancing everything else on their plate.
Watch the virtual workshop Deb led for Lioness: https://youtu.be/4zihOR5mi4w?si=yhdOMJ99s0snfqsy
Learn more about the different publishing options, and why Deb advocates for traditional publishing: https://pipelineartists.com/breaking-through-the-publishing-hype-the-case-for-traditional-publishing/
Before you write a book, you need a book proposal. This is essential no matter how you choose to publish.
Before you craft a book proposal, you need to make sure you’re writing the right book — one that leans into your expertise and differentiator, connects with the right audience, and is positioned to get attention from agents and publishers.
A book proposal is where you make the case for your book. It explains what the book is about, what makes it unique, why you are the right person to write it, who will read it, and why it deserves to be out in the world.
In this session, the Book Proposal Expert Debra Eckerling walks thought leaders through the key pieces they need to develop before getting started:
Figuring these elements out first saves you time and headspace, and keeps you from writing the wrong book.
Debra wraps the session with a bonus strategy. It's the one thing every author needs to do to get started: Title your book. Your title makes the book feel real, it’s the first step in turning your idea into a book.
Participants leave with greater clarity around their book concept and the foundation they need to create a stronger book proposal and, more importantly, a sellable book.
Audience: Executives, entrepreneurs, consultants, and thought leaders who are exploring a nonfiction book and want to start with the right idea.
Watch Deb's session on How to Write the Right Book at the Innovation Women Speaker-Friend-a-Thon: https://youtu.be/N5r3Mgxe_VI?si=rtHyh_7UHkFMZi78
Learn more: https://www.writersdigest.com/start-book-proposal-with-three-sections
The secret to success is there is no one secret.
Everyone has goals. Everyone has their own way of achieving them. What works for others may - or may not - work for you, but you never know until you take inspiration from others out for a spin.
In this session, Debra Eckerling uses 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting as a conversation starter for a fun and interactive session.
For her book, Debra interviewed 60 achievers in business, tech, food, entertainment, and other creative fields to get insight into what works for them, along with examples, anecdotes, and lessons learned along the way.
Done as a keynote, workshop, or through breakout rooms (or small groups for in-person), every session will be different.
Here’s how it works:
Depending on the length of the event, attendees will walk away with insights, inspired by 5 to 7 different recommendations from the book and real insights from others attendees.
Together, the group explores:
The result is an interactive conversation that gets people thinking, talking, and looking at their goals in a new - and more achievable - way.
Audience: Organizations, associations, conferences, leadership groups, and teams looking for an interactive keynote or workshop.
Learn more about the book: https://www.amazon.com/52-Secrets-Goal-Setting-Goal-Getting-Focused/dp/168481717X/
To get what you want, you need to know what you want. Setting the foundation for your goals is key.
Debra's signature talk guides people through The D*E*B Method, which is her system for Goal-Setting Simplified. DEB stands for Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path.
Led as a presentation, workshop, or small-group session, the audience will discover how to:
This session is designed to help busy professionals create a foundation for their goals, so they can set themselves up for personal and professional success.
Audience: Entrepreneurs, executives, leadership groups, organizations, and teams.
Watch How to Make this Your Best Year Ever: https://youtu.be/9XywNbAcb_0?si=F_GvikMXXHhVT-C-
To learn more about The DEB Method, check out "Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals:" https://www.amazon.com/Your-Goal-Guide-Planning-Achieving/dp/1642501506 and "52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting:" https://www.amazon.com/52-Secrets-Goal-Setting-Goal-Getting-Focused/dp/168481717X
In challenging times - when it feels like nothing is within your control - it's important to remember you have control over your actions, your goals, and your projects.
Debra's session on how to set, plan, and achieve goals that set you up for success, especially during challenging times, is perfect for organizations and teams, seeking to get off the hamster wheel and embrace progress.
Attendees will discover:
Align your personal ambitions with professional growth; make a plan that keeps in you in forward motion.
When Debra presented this virtually for the LA County Bar Association Lawyer Well-Being Project, there were 400 rsvps, 200 attendees in real time.
This session can be done as a presentation (30 - 60 minutes) or interactive session (60 - 90 minutes)..
Audience: Organizations, associations, corporate teams, nonprofits, and professionals
Check out "Goal-Setting in Challenging Times Transforms Hope into a Strategy," a 14-minute version that Deb created for the Social Sales Link library: https://socialsaleslink.com/settinggoals
Learn more about The DEB Method: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Goal-Guide-Planning-Achieving/dp/1642501506
Whether you are a creative, consultant, or executive - or even a job seeker - Directed Journaling is the perfect tool to help you make decisions, develop projects, and/or set and achieve your goals.
During this session, you will discover how to use Directed Journaling for:
Often, the best way to figure things out is to get them out of your head and onto the page. Directed Journaling helps you turn ideas and challenges into decisions and action.
Audience: Professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, consultants, executives, and teams.
Deb spoke about how to use Directed Journaling to Reach Your Goals for the International Association for Journal Writing: https://iajw.org/audiolibrary/directed-journaling-to-reach-your-goals/
You can't reach your goals on your own. You need your community of advocates, partners, and champions. But how do you balance developing that all important networking with everything else you need to do to build your business, career, visibility? Set networking goals!
During this session, audiences will discover:
Attendees leave with practical strategies they can put to work immediately to build stronger relationships and a more valuable network.
Audience: Authors, speakers, entrepreneurs, consultants, executives, and professional organizations.
Check out the DWEN - Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network - Empower Hour conversation on networking at online and in person events: https://dwen.com/en-us/make-the-most-of-events-you-attend-with-debra-eckerling/
Read some of Deb's articles on networking at WritersDigest.com:
https://www.writersdigest.com/7-ways-to-make-an-impression-at-in-person-events
https://www.writersdigest.com/5-online-networking-tips-for-authors
https://www.writersdigest.com/5-in-person-networking-tips-for-authors
