Are you working on a book? Do you hope to get it published? When should you emerge from your writing room and start seeking the information you\u2019ll need in order to make the best decisions on behalf of your project? <\/p>\n
I tell authors that they should start learning about the publishing industry as soon as they decide to write a book for publication. Those of you who have been reading my books, articles and this blog, have probably \u201cread\u201d me say, \u201cPublishing is not an extension of your writing.\u201d In other words, you cannot expect to enter into the world of publishing with the same knowledge, mindset, tools and skills as you used in the writing process. Writing is a craft and publishing is a highly competitive business. Writing is a solitary activity. When you shift over to the publishing side, you\u2019ll be required to don hats of many different colors and shapes in order to handle the tasks involved. You\u2019ll likely become involved in research while writing your book. To understand the world of publishing so that you can successfully navigate the raging waters and avoid the sharks, also requires heads-up research. Some authors must learn how to write good copy, good dialog, clear instructions, etc. There\u2019s much to learn about the very different and very complex publishing field, as well. <\/p>\n
You may not want to stretch and grow and learn about publishing while you\u2019re in the process of writing your book, but this is the best time to begin your study of the publishing industry. Why? I meet way too many authors with finished books who are so eager to get published that they dive into the unknown world of publishing without nearly enough knowledge. Most of them fail. Why?<\/p>\n
\u2022\tThey don\u2019t know all of their publishing options. <\/p>\n
\u2022\tThey don\u2019t understand the possible consequences of their choices.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tThey don\u2019t accept that the author is responsible for promoting his\/her book.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tAnd they certainly don\u2019t fully grasp the magnitude of book promotion in today\u2019s competitive publishing climate.<\/p>\n
So what do I suggest? What is the best way to ensure publishing success? My responses are based on three decades of experience within the publishing industry, my involvement with an international networking organization for authors for sixteen years and my interactions with hundreds of authors every year:<\/p>\n
Start studying the publishing industry even before you start writing the book. The direction of your book could change as you gather the information, comprehension and level of awareness
\nyou need. And this can be a good thing. The book you want to write might not be the book that is wanted or needed. If there is no audience for this book, how will you find a publisher? How will you sell copies of it? Who will you promote it to?<\/p>\n
An author, in order to be successful, must develop a business head as well as a writer\u2019s heart. And those who don\u2019t, typically won\u2019t flourish. <\/p>\n
Start now reading books about the publishing industry, subscribing to and reading newsletters and magazines related to publishing and book promotion and attending authors\u2019 groups and appropriate lectures related to aspects of publishing and book promotion.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t go into publishing without the necessary knowledge. You won\u2019t survive.<\/p>\n
For more about the world of publishing and how you can succeed within it, read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book<\/em>. It\u2019s discounted at my site: http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Also order my newest book, Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Autho<\/strong>r<\/em>. http:\/\/amzn.to\/oe56Ia<\/a> or http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a> <\/p>\n Download my FREE ebooklet and find out if you are ready to become an author: 50 Reasons Why You Should Write That Book<\/em>. http:\/\/www.patriciafry.com<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Are you working on a book? Do you hope to get it published? When should you emerge from your writing room and start seeking the information you\u2019ll need in order to make the best decisions on behalf of your project? I tell authors that they should start learning about the publishing industry as soon as […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[5,3],"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