I am writing a book. What are the steps to publishing and marketing succesfully? Any advice would be great.?

Answer 1

First, understand your ideal reader. Why would this person want your book instead of all the others that might be shelved near it in a library or bookstore? (Note that, with almost 200,000 new titles published every year in the US alone, there's ALWAYS competition for your book.)

When you understand why they need or want a book, and what yours does better than the rest to fill that need, then re-write the book to give the reader more of it, or to make it easier to get. (And yes, this applies to fiction, too. Don't reject it before you think it through coldly.)

Now you have something that your reader may really want. What else does your reader do? Where your reader hangs out in large numbers (this could be on-line, in print, or in person). Who is influential in these groups? How can you help the bigwigs or all the group members to find out how great your book is?

Now go back and re-write your book to make delivering the message or attracting attention in these groups easier. This isn't slick commercialism, this is suiting the book to the reader. Remember, you picked the ideal reader FIRST, based on what you think is central to your book.

Okay, so you have a good ms, and a good marketing plan. Now write a good query, proposal and an elevator speech. Use this to pitch agents.

You can self-publish, if you are a gambler, control freak and love business administration. Just run your numbers very carefully, and be certain you understand things like the standard terms of trade with bookstores, wholesalers and distributors. Become familiar with Ingram and its place in the supply chain. Read **at least** 3 or 4 books on book publishing, with emphasis on design, production, publicity and marketing.

Publishing is gambling, for high stakes. If you want to do it with your own money, then you had best know the odds and the players before you sit at the table.

Good luck.

Marion Gropen
Gropen Associates, Inc.
Financial and Management Solutions for Small Book Publishers
www.GropenAssoc.com

Answer 2

this is really a lnoger answaer that can be answered here. I would first suggest doing a google to find a publishers help website. I will give you a brief breakdonw though. Complete your manuscript. Do any re-writes. paying close attention to spelling and grammar. Then start sending submissions to publishers. It would also help to find a publishing agent to help you out . They will take a cut of any profits though. Be strong enough to take the rejection and patient enough to wait for someone that does not reject you. If it is a smaller book, with fewer pages and you have a little money to invest you can allways self publish. google how to self publish. Good luck to ya.

Answer 3

Don't attempt to write the whole book at once. Write the first chapters to garner interest. Jockey for an advance to finish it. Learn all you can about the publishing world and how it works...and then be original in presentation. Hope this helps...and good luck...from one writer to another.

Answer 4

I hope you will check out your local college and see what classes are offered in journalism. You will obtain invaluable information that you can use to write, publish and market your book. Lots of luck to you as well. Writers are really ingenious as far as I am concerned. (a lot of them anyway)

Answer 5

The buisness I work for self-publishes and it seriously cuts down on costs. We use www.lulu.com. They have very nice bindings and will work with your own artwork. Also, we market ourselves! Contact local newspapers and periodicals of the nature of your book. Make your own press releases and send them! Especially to your local newspaper/tv/public radio. Everyone loves to interview local authors. This has worked wonders for us and we could'nt have been happier with the results. Best of Luck to you!

Answer 6

I can send you to a place to get published. Just drop me a line off of my page and I'll give you the info.

Answer 7

check the writers' handbook at your library.