Some hopeful authors want a detailed blueprint showing them how to publish their books. They want a guide to follow from start to finish\u2014from approaching a publisher to distributing boxes and boxes of books. There are actually many guides for new authors, but not the kind most authors desire.<\/p>\n
Authors want to know:
\n\u2022\tWhat publisher should I contact?
\n\u2022\tDo I need an agent?
\n\u2022\tHow do you write a query letter?
\n\u2022\tWhat goes into a book proposal?
\n\u2022\tHow much does it cost to self-publish?
\n\u2022\tHow much money can I make on this book?<\/p>\n
And they want specific, etched-in-stone answers. <\/p>\n
Wouldn\u2019t it be nice to have someone give you templates for your query letter and book proposal, precise figures for producing your particular book, the name of an agent and\/or publisher who will delight in working with you and tell you exactly how much you will earn for your efforts? <\/p>\n
The truth is that publishing is a rather ambiguous, unformulated activity. While, of course, there are parameters, rules, policies, recommended strategies, guidelines and such, each publishing project is different. Each one requires specific consideration, heads-up research, attention to detail and tons of creativity. <\/p>\n
That\u2019s why I stress the importance of education for the author who contemplates publishing. In order to make the best decisions for you and your book, you must take responsibility for your project. Here\u2019s the best blueprint I, or anyone else, can offer you:<\/p>\n
1: Educate yourself about today\u2019s publishing industry. Read books, articles and publications produced by the experts in this field: Patricia Fry, Dan Poynter, Brian Jud, Penny Sansevieri and Marilyn Ross, for example. First of all, you need to understand that publishing is not an extension of your writing. Publishing is a business and you must approach it as such. Learn how the publishing industry operates; become aware of the high level of competition and become familiar with your options, the possible consequences of your choices and your responsibilities as a published author. And then apply what you learn to your particular project.<\/p>\n
Miss this step and you\u2019ll be standing on the outside looking in. <\/p>\n
2: Write a book proposal. Here\u2019s another area of mystery for most new authors. They don\u2019t understand the premise of a book proposal. They don\u2019t want to understand it and they certainly don\u2019t want to write one if they can get away with it. Many authors, once they come to realize that they must write a book proposal, will start searching for an easy way out. They attend lectures, read books, hire experts and devour articles on the subject in hopes of finding the magic potion for creating a successful book proposal. But a book proposal is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. <\/p>\n
While you\u2019re studying written material, reviewing examples of book proposals and\/or working with a professional, you must also keep an open mind, be willing to learn and strive to develop an effective book proposal specific to your book and your situation. A book proposal is, after all, a business plan for your book. Who needs a book proposal?<\/p>\n
You need a book proposal if:
\n\u2022\tyou are thinking about writing a nonfiction book for publication.
\n\u2022\tyou are writing or have written a nonfiction book for publication.
\n\u2022\tyou are seeking an agent or publisher for your nonfiction book.
\n\u2022\tyour publisher asks for one.<\/p>\n
An effective book proposal will tell you whether you have a book at all\u2014whether it is a viable product. You\u2019ll learn what you need to know about your audience and your competition. Think about it, you wouldn\u2019t start any other type of business without first:<\/p>\n
\u2022\tknowing plenty about your field.
\n\u2022\tchecking your competition.
\n\u2022\tfinding out if there is a need\/desire for this type of business in this location.
\n\u2022\tknowing something about your customers.
\n\u2022\tbecoming familiar with your vendors, sales reps, distributors, etc.
\n\u2022\tunderstanding how to market yourself and your products.<\/p>\n
For a FREE ebook that can help you determine if you are ready to enter into the publishing industry, go to: http:\/\/www.patriciafry.com<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Some hopeful authors want a detailed blueprint showing them how to publish their books. They want a guide to follow from start to finish\u2014from approaching a publisher to distributing boxes and boxes of books. There are actually many guides for new authors, but not the kind most authors desire. Authors want to know: \u2022 What […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t