{"id":1615,"date":"2011-12-22T05:48:31","date_gmt":"2011-12-22T13:48:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/publishingblog\/?p=1615"},"modified":"2011-12-22T05:48:31","modified_gmt":"2011-12-22T13:48:31","slug":"how-to-shift-from-creative-writer-to-savvy-author","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/publishingblog\/?p=1615","title":{"rendered":"How to Shift From Creative Writer to Savvy Author"},"content":{"rendered":"

I\u2019ve been commissioned to write another book. The publisher for Promote Your Book<\/em> (August 2011) AND Publish Your Book<\/em> (scheduled for February of 2012) has issued me a contract for a third book. Due date for the completed manuscript is February 29, 2012. That\u2019s three books accepted in 2011.<\/p>\n

I will tell you more about the book with time. I will reveal that it is related to book promotion. <\/p>\n

How is it that my books are getting accepted by a publisher in a time of such intense competition? When authors receive rejection after rejection from publishers, how is it that I (and, of course hundreds of others) are landing publishing contracts? One secret\u2014that isn\u2019t really a secret, if you\u2019d just pay attention to the experts and your sense of logic\u2014is writing the right book for the right audience. Know who your audience is, what they need\/desire, and write the book they want.<\/p>\n

Another key to getting published is choosing the right publisher. Many hopeful authors go helter skelter using a scattershot method of locating publishers with little regard to what the publisher typically produces. The publisher I\u2019m currently working with is a niche publisher, which is a good fit because my books are niche books. They publish books on the business side of art, writing and so forth. And I write books in that category. There are hundreds of niche publishers and small to medium size publishers seeking good projects in all topics and genres. <\/p>\n

And remember that not every publisher produces books for young adults, children, etc.
\nSome publishers specialize in mysteries\/suspense, nonfiction only, children\u2019s books, local history, historical novels set in certain periods, etc. <\/p>\n

Another thing many new authors don\u2019t seem to consider is their approach to the publisher. I\u2019ve read many, many query letters and book proposals. I can see why some of them are tossed out, discarded, rejected almost immediately time and time again. Your approach to a publisher or an agent, especially in this time of such fierce competition, is crucial to your chances of landing a contract. I recommend that you have a professional look over your query letter and\/or book proposal before you send it out to even one publisher. You may be missing important elements, such as your marketing plan, your platform, your target audience, etc. Your story description may be confusing and incomplete, for example. <\/p>\n

Most authors enter into the world of publishing with the same mindset they used in writing the book and, generally, this tactic is going to lead to your book\u2019s failure. You can (and should) use your creative side during the writing phase of your project. But, in order to succeed as a published author, you really must adopt a mindset that\u2019s more about business when you are ready to approach publishers and agents.<\/p>\n

Do yourself a favor in 2012. If you are close to finishing your novel or nonfiction book, contact me for assistance in writing your query letter and\/or book proposal. Let me help you make the transition from creative writer to savvy author.<\/p>\n

PLFry620@yahoo.com
\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a>
\n http:\/\/www.patriciafry.com<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I\u2019ve been commissioned to write another book. The publisher for Promote Your Book (August 2011) AND Publish Your Book (scheduled for February of 2012) has issued me a contract for a third book. Due date for the completed manuscript is February 29, 2012. That\u2019s three books accepted in 2011. I will tell you more about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[16,3],"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