If you want a book, the best one I've read (and over time, I've read more than my fair share) is "Business Plans that Win $$$": http://www.amazon.com/dp/0060913

If you want a book, the best one I've read (and over time, I've read more than my fair share) is "Business Plans that Win $$$": http://www.amazon.com/dp/0060913916/ http://www.amazon.com/dp/0060913916/ It looks old and outdated and cheesy. But while it is from 1987, the differentiating principles are the same ones that you hear echoed by pg, 37signals, Sequoia, etc. Sound business principles (the kind that an investor who has not drunk of the kool-aid, yet, should possess and be looking for) have not changed in those years. The book pushes you to answer the same hard questions that a good investor will, and position your plan in the best possible light.