<\/p>\n
Do you write for pleasure? Have you ever thought\u2014even for a fleeting moment\u2014about publishing your work? How do you know when it is time to shift from writer to published author?<\/p>\n
You may dream of having your writing published. However, you\u2019re not sure how to make the transition from closet pleasure writer to published author. Here are some steps that might help you move more successfully toward your publishing goals:<\/p>\n
1: Write something that is wanted\/needed by a specific audience<\/b>\u2014avid readers of romance or adventure novels, people who are seeking help with a problem or issue, folks eager to learn something new or those who devour young adult fantasies, for example<\/p>\n
2: Check your competition<\/b>. Is your book up to par\u2014does it have everything it needs to qualify as a good book for preschool children? Is there a need for another book on cooking with herbs? What makes your self-help book for children of alcoholics different than what\u2019s already on the market?<\/p>\n
3: Study the publishing industry<\/b>. You may not relish the idea of going back to school and learning about something as large and complex as publishing, when all you want to do is quietly produce your book and be on your way to stardom. In order to succeed as a published author on even a small scale, however, you need to know something about how the world of publishing works. What are your publishing options? What are the possible consequences of your choices? What are your responsibilities as a published author? Skip this step and you will be in over your head without a life preserver.<\/p>\n
4: Write a book proposal<\/b>. You may need a book proposal in order to get a foot in the door with the publisher you want. But the main reason for writing a book proposal is for you. A book proposal will tell you whether you have a book at all\u2014whether it is a valid project. It will help you to determine if you have an audience for this book, who they are, how many there are and how you will reach them. Without this knowledge, you could become one of the 78 percent of authors who fail each year. (Some experts say the number is now more like 90 percent.)<\/p>\n
5: Hire a good book editor<\/b>. This step could make the difference between a publishing contract and multiple rejections. An editor can keep you from sending a flawed book out into the world of readers. If you\u2019re not sure whether you need an editor, I can answer that question for you without even looking at your manuscript. Every author needs an editor. So factor this expense into your budget. It\u2019s a necessity if you desire a successful publishing experience.<\/p>\n
6: Establish and build on your platform<\/b>. Publishers want to know that an author has a platform\u2014a way of attracting potential customers and connections that will help sell books. Even if you choose to self-publish, you still need a platform. Think about it. If you were to publish a book today, how many people would buy it? If you\u2019ve been hiding away in your writing room for years, how would anyone know about you and why would they buy your book? As an author, you need a following\u2014a way of attracting readers.<\/p>\n
7: Plan your marketing strategy<\/b>. In today\u2019s highly competitive publishing climate, it is crucial that you think about marketing and promotion even before producing a book. And promotion is ongoing for as long as you hope to sell copies of your book. Examine your skills and propensity for various promotional activities. This would be a good time to sharpen and add to your skills. But you also need to know what it takes to promote a book\u2014most new authors do not. As you study the publishing industry (number 3 on this list), you\u2019ll begin to understand why the author must develop a marketing plan and what book promotion entails. The time to plan your strategy is before you decide to publish.<\/p>\n
Publishing is not an extension of your writing. It is not a natural course that writers can take using the same mindset and skills they use when writing. Publishing is a business\u2014a fiercely competitive business\u2014and, when you decide to enter into this world, in order to succeed, you must start thinking like a businessman\/woman.<\/p>\n
Follow these seven steps and you will experience a greater level of success.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Do you write for pleasure? Have you ever thought\u2014even for a fleeting moment\u2014about publishing your work? How do you know when it is time to shift from writer to published author? You may dream of having your writing published. However, you\u2019re not sure how to make the transition from closet pleasure writer to published […]<\/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