Authorship is not a science. There is no formula for producing a bestselling book. However, many authors turn to publishing consultants hoping for explicit instructions.
Often, they want to know, which publishing option to choose, which publisher, whether to get an agent, should they produce a book including all of their stories or publish them in separate books, etc.
These are not questions for a consultant. These are things you need to figure out based on knowledge and research. This is why I always, always suggest that you study the publishing industry at some point BEFORE you publish your book. The best time to read books like my latest one, Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author is before you start writing your book. Keep it at your elbow throughout the writing process, refer to it often during the editing process and while preparing for publication. And then use it for book promotion strategies and resources.
This book is designed to empower the author to make the best choices for his or her particular project. At some point, you’ll understand that the best publisher or publishing process for someone else’s book may not be the best one for yours.
Authors have a lot of decisions to make on behalf of their book projects. Wouldn’t you rather make educated decisions than emotional ones? You’ll experience greater success as an author if you understand something about the publishing industry and the full impact of your responsibilities as a published author before you get involved.
A huge majority of authors make serious mistakes when producing a book. For example:
• They write the book they want to write without regard for their audience.
• They don’t realize how important it is to hire a good book editor.
• They sign with the first pay-to-publish company who shows an interest.
• They publish a book without any regard for promotion.
• They don’t understand the huge responsibility of book promotion.
Ultimately, they don’t have a clue as to why their book failed. Most of them will be among the nearly 80 percent of authors who fail, and all because they didn’t think it was necessary to study the publishing industry. They weren’t aware of the possible consequences of their choices and they didn’t know about their responsibilities as a published author.
If you are thinking about writing a book, you’re in the process of writing one or you have one ready to publish, don’t go out in search of a consultant hoping that he/she can chart your course for you. Don’t try to make tough decisions on your own. Take the time NOW to read books, newsletters and articles on publishing and attend writers’ group meetings and conferences. Be proactive. Learn how the publishing industry works so you can more intelligently and successfully navigate the shark-infested waters. And I suggest starting with my all-inclusive book, which I wrote just for you—Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author. Available at amazon.com and most other online and downtown bookstores as well as at my website: http://www.matilijapress.com
Sign up today for my FREE ebooklet, 50 Reasons Why You Should Write That Book. http://www.patriciafry.com