You are the author. You are in charge of writing and producing your book\u2014finding a publisher, hiring a publisher or becoming the publisher. You are the major decision-maker and, by the way, the marketing agent.<\/p>\n
What most authors don\u2019t understand is that authorship means taking on all of the responsibilities related to your book project just as the CEO of any recognized company would. The author is responsible for:
\n\u2022\tWriting a viable book for which there is an eager audience.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tProducing an error-free, well-written book.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tResearching publishing options and choosing the right one.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tTaking control of production\u2014which means you\u2019d better educate yourself about the industry.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tPromoting his or her book.<\/p>\n
Shun these responsibilities and your book will likely fail. Nearly 80 percent of books fail. Why? Because the author:
\n\u2022\tdid not study the publishing industry.
\n\u2022\twrote a book without regard for his audience.
\n\u2022\tfailed to hire a good book editor.
\n\u2022\tsigned with the first pay-to-publish company he found.
\n\u2022\tdeferred to others when it came to making decisions.
\n\u2022\tdidn\u2019t know that it was up to him\/her to promote the book.<\/p>\n
If you are writing a book for publication, start now taking it as seriously as you would any business venture. I generally recommend that authors\u2014early in the process\u2014study the publishing industry. A good book to give you a well-rounded understanding of the industry, your responsibilities as an author and tons of resources is my latest book, Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resource for the Enterprising Author.<\/em><\/p>\n