Another way to study the publishing industry—to get up to speed with the field you are entering when you publish a book—I suggest getting out and mingling with other authors. You will hear success stories and horror stories. You will meet authors with many varied experiences. Some experiences you will want to copy and others you will avoid.
So where do you go to meet other authors? Start online. Yes, just remain seated in your office chair and turn on your computer. There are numerous online discussion groups and bulletin boards where authors communicate with one another. SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) is an online networking organization for anyone interested in or involved in publishing. I am the executive director. Among other things, we have an online discussion group where you can meet other authors, ask questions, share your experiences, etc. Learn more here:
http://www.spawn.org
SPAN (Small Publishers Association of North America) and IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association) are also solid organizations to join. Then there are children’s book writers organizations, mystery writers groups and so forth. Use Google to find those that resonate with you.
There are many writers groups that meet face-to-face, as well. Most of them invite speakers to talk about aspects of writing and publishing as well as book promotion. Find groups in your area through your local libraries and/or bookstores. Check the calendar section of your newspaper. Do an Internet search.
Attend writers’ conferences. Most are gearing more toward the publishing aspects of writing these days. But you’ll need to study their promo before signing up so you know you are getting the opportunities you seek. Here are a few directories of writer’s conferences.
http://www.writing.shawguides.com
http://www.allconferences.com
http://www.newpages.com/writing-conferences
The other part to this message is participation. Locate appropriate groups and other learning opportunities. Study what they offer to make sure they are right for you. Attend and participate.
For more on this topic, read, “Publish Your Book” and “Talk Up Your Book” by Patricia Fry. Both available at Amazon.com and most other online and downtown bookstores. Or order them from the author’s website: http://www.matilijapress.com
I started my online book proposal course this week. It is not too late to catch up. Learn more and sign up here: http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookproposal.htm It’s an excellent way to get one-on-one attention by a publishing professional.