How do you become a published writer?Remember a writer always writes. This may seem elementary however the biggest obstacle in the publishing business is meeting deadlines. Recently I read a insider comment on how they love deadlines. They especially loved the "whooshing sound they made as they passed by".
As a short recap on the topic, contact a few publishers and do your research. Write a book proposal, update your personal biography, and make it a priority to perfect your marketing pitch.
In this recap it is assumed you have already started a project, and will continue to do so despite rejections. Some will argue it is best to contact publishers before you start your intended work, but this goes against reason especially if you intend to pursue all publishing options. Even if you receive a rejection, ask yourself would it be better to have a completed project to market to others, or have an idea that got rejected? At least with a project nearly completed you can continue to submit to others. So just continue to write your book.
Write a book proposal, update your personal biography, and make it a priority to perfect your marketing pitch.
Send a letter with a short outline to a publisher. Explain your project as concisely as you can. Identify your audience you are aiming at and state why you believe your book would have appeal. Keep all this very short, as most publishers are deluged with requests for publication. Ask if the publisher would like you to send in a chapter, or send it with your outline. Be mindful this contact may lead to a working relationship, so be polite and make sure everything you send is well written.
It was mentioned earlier the most important lesson is to write, and often. Deadlines fly by so quickly so attempt to set a writing deadline. If paid for your efforts this will typically set more importance and keep you to a end date for publishing.
The next important lesson is your project's marketing potential.
The next level to getting published. Lets consider a couple of months from now you have all the content of your book complete. You have sent out some leads and are feeling very confident and assured you are on track to having your goals accomplished. You receive a call unexpectedly. It is a busy publisher on the line from your top pick of publishing options. The caller says "I am so glad I got you on the phone today." They inquire "Can you tell me briefly what is your book about?" You stammer, the big idea is there, but you have so many concepts and important things to mention, your reply leaves the caller confused.
Listen, when someone says ".....briefly" they mean keep it brief and just the facts. The key to having a book published, especially by a major publishing firm is will your book have the meat behind it to market well and ultimately receive great sells.
Subsequently, you would be better served front loading your process with spending a great deal of time practicing your marketing pitch of what your book is about and fine tuning your outline points when your write your book proposal to assure you have appeal in the target audience. Do your research to see what is selling already. In doing so you are conveying to perspective publishers you have done your homework, you may be ready to push forward, and more importantly you establish early a good working relationship so important in today's marketplace.
In future entries to this topic we will talk more about "your process" and how important the relationships are in publishing. But for now, at least early into your process, perfect your material, get feedback about your target audience, and ensure the publishers you contact have an interest in your intended demographics.
Be patient and be prepared for disappointments in the early stages.
Send a letter with a short outline to a publisher. Explain your project as concisely as you can. Identify your audience you are aiming at and state why you believe your book would have appeal. Keep all this very short, as most publishers are deluged with requests for publication. Ask if the publisher would like you to send in a chapter, or send it with your outline. Be mindful this contact may lead to a working relationship, so be polite and make sure everything you send is well written.
It was mentioned earlier the most important lesson is to write, and often. Deadlines fly by so quickly so attempt to set a writing deadline. If paid for your efforts this will typically set more importance and keep you to a end date for publishing.
The next important lesson is your project's marketing potential.
The next level to getting published. Lets consider a couple of months from now you have all the content of your book complete. You have sent out some leads and are feeling very confident and assured you are on track to having your goals accomplished. You receive a call unexpectedly. It is a busy publisher on the line from your top pick of publishing options. The caller says "I am so glad I got you on the phone today." They inquire "Can you tell me briefly what is your book about?" You stammer, the big idea is there, but you have so many concepts and important things to mention, your reply leaves the caller confused.
Listen, when someone says ".....briefly" they mean keep it brief and just the facts. The key to having a book published, especially by a major publishing firm is will your book have the meat behind it to market well and ultimately receive great sells.
Subsequently, you would be better served front loading your process with spending a great deal of time practicing your marketing pitch of what your book is about and fine tuning your outline points when your write your book proposal to assure you have appeal in the target audience. Do your research to see what is selling already. In doing so you are conveying to perspective publishers you have done your homework, you may be ready to push forward, and more importantly you establish early a good working relationship so important in today's marketplace.
In future entries to this topic we will talk more about "your process" and how important the relationships are in publishing. But for now, at least early into your process, perfect your material, get feedback about your target audience, and ensure the publishers you contact have an interest in your intended demographics.
Be patient and be prepared for disappointments in the early stages.
