I love it when one of my posts or articles strikes a chord with an author. It is heartening when my message is timely—when someone reads it on the brink of making a major publishing decision, for example.
Over the years, I’ve met numerous authors who acted before gathering the information they needed. As soon as they finished their manuscript, they typed “publisher” or “how to get published,” or “book publishers,” etc. at the Google prompt and quickly located a service that would take over their project.
Is that what you really want—a company that makes it easy for you to become a published author? Or would you rather learn how to become a successful published author? What is the difference?
From my viewpoint—which is far-reaching, considering I’ve been involved with SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) for sixteen years, I’ve been working with other authors for the past fifteen years and I’ve been writing for publication for nearly forty years with thirty-four books to my credit—there is a vast difference.
• A successful author has an understanding of the publishing industry, her options, the possible consequences of her choices and her responsibilities as a published author.
• A successful author takes time to study the publishing industry before getting involved.
• A successful author writes a book that is wanted/needed in the marketplace.
• A successful author devises a plan for her project based on her study of the industry, her business and promotional skills and abilities and her desire for the future of her book.
• A successful author takes steps to build on her platform.
• A successful author steps outside her comfort zone in order to compete for consumer interest/sales.
In other words, a successful author maintains the same sense of intimacy with her book project throughout the publishing and marketing process as she did the writing process.
If you need help putting together your book proposal, recognizing and adding to your platform, marketing your book or even self-editing your book, sign up for the appropriate online course at: http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm
Is your book ready to turn over to a qualified book editor? Check my credentials and client testimonials at http://www.patriciafry.com
Contact me at: PLFry620@yahoo.com.