What things should I know if I want a book published?

Question

How do the New York Times best-selling authors get started? What kinds of things are involved besides writing that an aspiring author should know about in the publishing world? Is it more like a hobby or more like a business/political venture?

Answer 1

No, it is nothing like a hobby. It is like any other business. You have to spend money to make money. You write a book. You pay an editor to get it into great shape for you. Then you start shopping for an agent. When you find one, they will ask you for a book proposal. It is a very specific document they will use to sell your book to publishers. The better your book proposal, the more likely your agent is to start a bidding war for your manuscript and up your advance and possibly get a bonus tossed in. Your editor is a great source of assistance in writing the proposal. They know how to write proposals that sell books.

I have starred a lot of great Q and A here in my profile regarding writing and publishing. Feel free to use them. Print some out and study them. Some people are making their own notebooks from the starred posts. There are lots of great answers. If you add me as fan you get notices of new starred Q and A. They are helpful since others ask questions you haven't thought of.
Pax- C

Answer 2

I think it gets dangerously close to business/politics, which is why if you have a published sample to show, especially, you should get an agent. And copyright.
At any rate get the bibles: 'Writer's Market' of the year and 'Book of Editors, Publishers and Agents'. I got the second to look for an agent, but I slacked off when my writing did. I haven't published lately either, so...

Been feeling pretty relaxed, in the moment, that kinda' thing...

Answer 3

Hi Andre, these sites will answer your questions, Good Luck.

Literary Agency Seeking

http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/

http://www.nicholassparks.com/WritersCorner/Index.html

http://www.tobyeadyassociates.co.uk/

http://guerrilla.clarylopez.com/

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Answer 4

It is a hard tough job even if you love it. It is far from a hobby. Takes a lot of work every week. There is some good reading on internet. Good luck.