Let me first start off with this: You have been contemplating and daydreaming about writing an instant celebrity novel.  All you can see are stars and many autographs.  Well guess what....WRONG.  Becoming an author in todays world requires alot of hard work.  Even years ago when famous author's such as Mark Twain , Ernest Hemingway, Hans Christian Anderson didn't have instant fame.  Writing a novel, novella, poems, or what ever you love to write about has to take time and with that comes the understanding that getting your work published is the hardest task you can accomplish.  That is why I have chosen to give those who will listen a little advice on what I have experienced. These are only my experiences and if someone would have shed some light on my endeavour then I would not have struggled so hard.

   The first thing you want to make sure that you do is be happy writing what you want people to read.  Every aspect of yourself will form around whether or not you had fun writing your story.  People will ask you many questions about your work and a lot of media will do the same.  When you are comfortable with what you write, you exude a sense of confidence that other people are drawn to.

   Before you decide where to publish, you need to decide whether or not you want a literary agent.A literary agent is someone who markets your book and negotiates your contract in exchange for a commission on your books advances and royalties.  There is one thing that you need to know if you decide to go with a literary agent, NEVER PAY FOR AN AGENT.  They should never charge any kind of fees at all.  They take your work based on there standard and whether or not they think your work is marketable.  Once they decide your work is what they are looking for they take a percentage of what you make on your work. That is how they get paid.

   Once you finish your work and you are ready to send it in to a publishing company, be sure to research just how many publishing companies are available to you.  When you are researching you will want to look to see if the publisher is a (1) commercial publisher-which purchases the right to publish a manuscript and pays the author a royalty on sales. Here there is no cost to the author. (2) vanity publisher- prints & binds an authors work.  Cost include the publishers profit so vanity publishing is more expensive than if you published yourself.  Vanity publisher do not screen for quality, they will publish anything as long as you pay for it. (3) subsidy publisher- charges an author to print & bind, but a portion of that cost goes towards editing, distribution, warehousing, and marketing. Your book is the property of the publisher and royalties are paid to you. (4) self-publishing- is where the author takes care of all the cost.  This means you handle all the cost from publication to distribution.  All you have to do is find a company that says they provide the services that you need.  Be sure to shop around. This option is less than vanity publishing and can also yield a better quality product because you are in control. Here you own your book and you the writer keep all the proceeds from sales.  Then after you choose your choice and IF you have to sign a contract make sure you read it over several times and understand it fully before you sign and submit it. Taking the time to understand everything is the only way to ensure you have the upper hand on your work.

   When you have decided which route is better for you and you have come to the editing portion of your book be sure to have a full edit.  Accept no acceptions and take no shortcuts.  Your work will be viewed by tens, hundreds, and possibly millions of people and each person who reads your work can either be understanding or highly critical.  So remember edit, edit, edit.

    Now that you have gotten over some little hills, so to speak, we come to marketing.  This step is the most difficult step in my opinion.  Unless you have a full marketing system included in your book publishing package then you really need to understand this.  Besides morals and unprofessional tactics there is no limit as to how you market.  I have used television, placed adds in stores, had calenders made, placed ads in newspapers, call media to present yourself and ask for an interview, and many others.  Talk to anyone who has the potential to give you exposure.  Do not be shy and above all be creative.  I am in the process of having a logo put on the rear window of my vehicle, this way every place that I go my book gets exposure.  And remember, everything that you purchase or pay for that goes toward the advertisement of your book is tax deductible as a business expense.  You will need to discuss this one with a tax consultant, they can better prepare you for that portion of your book.  Remember anything that will give you exposure gives you a potential for buyers.

   You have finally crossed some major hurdles and your up for your big day.  You have an interview and your siting in the waiting room.  Don't worry about how you will do!  This only makes you too nervous for the interview and you end up doing poorly.  Make sure you write down a list of questions that you feel comfortable with and ask the person who is interviewing you if they are willing to use those questions.  If they are then you don't have to worry.  If they would prefer to ask you there questions then tell them you would like to know what their questions are so you can answer them properly without worry.  Usually the majority of the media wants you to do well because it makes them look professional and they want you to be comfortable as well.  When you have successfully booked a signing with a bookstore you want to go prepared.  Have business cards made up that include your theme, a picture of your book, and information on how you can be reached (in a way that is comfortable to you. I wouldn't suggest anything personal like your phone or address unless it's for businesses).  Perhaps you have a web-site, this is a perfect way to advertise.  Set a few cards out with your book and be sure to give them to everyone.  Another way is to make bookmarks, these are very easy to make with a computer and printer.  Microsoft Word makes great bookmarks, all you need to do is type search: Paper Bookmark Templets.  Give these out to everyone as well.  When you get to the bookstore ask the CRM (Community Relations Manager, or Manager) if you can place a few books at the register.  This gives customers a heads up that your signing books.  Also ask if they mind that you stand at the door and greet customers, possibly hand them a business card and tell them you are ___________(the name of the bookstores) featured author for today and you are signing books at____________(the location in the store).  The customers see that you are enthusiastic and upbeat therefore are more likely to stop by and take an interest in your work.  If you are unable to leave your table for some reason, maybe your seated too far from the door,  either take along a friend who can do that for your or ask the CRM or manager if they can make periodic announcements that you are at the store. 

   Last and definately not least, HAVE A GREAT TIME.  You are a PUBLISHED AUTHOR.  This title was hard work so act like your a celebrity.  It takes a great person to sit for many hours, days, and even years to create a work of art that is worthy of publication for all to enjoy.  Relish your accomplishments.