I often tell new authors that one of the most important things they can do to prepare for a successful publishing experience is to study the publishing industry. So how does one go about this?
1: Read my book, Publish Your Book. I wrote it specifically to help authors understand the hugely competitive and complex field they are about to enter. While Publish Your Book covers publishing options and how to choose the right one, self-publishing, pay-to-publish companies, steps to writing a book proposal and book promotion, if you want more on some of these topics, read: Dan Poynter’s Self Publishing Manual; Mark Levine’s The Fine Print of Self Publishing and Brian Jud’s Beyond the Bookstore, for example.
2: Join publishers’ organizations. I recommend SPAWN, IBPA and SPAN, for example. Participate in their discussion groups, read the articles and check out the resources at their sites and read every newsletter.
3: Subscribe to magazines and newsletters related to publishing. (Read the “SPAWN Market Update” in the member area of the SPAWN Web site. Read the “IBPA Independent” and others.)
4: Search the Net. Spend time each week checking out the resources you’ve already discovered and searching for additional resources, articles, discussion groups and books. Use these materials and sites to gather additional information you need about the industry (your publishing options, how to choose and approach publishers/agents, what are your responsibilities as a published author, etc.).
What is the key to publishing success? It’s nothing new—it’s not a big secret. Just think back on the other successes you’ve experienced in your lifetime. What were they based on? If you’re candid, your list will probably include:
• Knowledge
• Information
• Research/study
• Experience
• Work/effort/energy
• Persistence
• Practice
• Skills/talent
Order Publish Your Book at Amazon in print, Kindle or audio. Also available at most other online and downtown bookstores and here: http://www.matilijapress.com