Guest Post: From Writer to Published Author in 7 Simple Steps – Patricia Fry

Do you write for pleasure? Have you ever thought about publishing your work? How do you know when it is time to shift from writer to published author?

For most writers it’s when they feel as though they have something to share—they want to be read. If you’re ready, here are some steps that might help you transition from closet writer to published author.

1: Write something that is wanted/needed by a specific audience—avid readers of romance or adventure novels, people who are seeking help with a particular problem, folks eager to learn something new or those who devour young adult fantasies, for example.

2: Check your competition. Is your book up to par—does it have everything it needs to qualify as a good book for preschool children or readers of romance? Is there a need for another book on cooking with herbs? What makes your self-help book for children of alcoholics different than what’s already on the market?

3: Study the publishing industry. You may not relish the idea of going back to school and learning about something as large and complex as publishing. In order to succeed as a published author on even a small scale, you need to know something about publishing. What are your publishing options? What are the possible consequences of your choices? What are your responsibilities as a published author? Skip this step and you will be in over your head.

4: Write a book proposal. You may need a book proposal in order to get a foot in the door with the publisher you want. But the main reason for writing a book proposal is for you. A book proposal will tell you whether you have a book at all—whether it is a valid project.

5: Hire a good book editor. This step could make the difference between you landing a publishing contract or not and whether your book will be read and enjoyed or not.

6: Establish and build on your platform. Publishers want to know that an author has a platform—a way of attracting potential customers and connections that will help sell books. Whether you choose to go with a traditional royalty publisher or not, you need a platform. Think about it. If you were to publish a book today, how many people would buy it? If you’ve been hiding away in your writing room for years secretly writing, how would anyone know about you and why would they buy your book? Authors, today, need a following—a way of attracting readers.

7: Plan your marketing strategy. In today’s highly competitive publishing climate, it is crucial that you think about marketing and promotion even before producing a book. And promotion is ongoing for as long as you hope to sell copies of your book.

Publishing is not an extension of your writing. It is not a natural course that writers can take using the same mindset and skills they use when writing. Publishing is a business—a fiercely competitive business—and, when you decide to enter into this world, in order to succeed, you must start thinking like a businessman/woman.

Follow these seven steps and you will experience a greater level of success. Where are you on this list? Do you need help?

Patricia Fry has been writing for publication for over 35 years. She has 34 books to her credit—most of them related to publishing and book promotion. Her latest book is Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author. http://www.matilijapress.com/promoteyourbook.html. Order Patricia’s FREE ebook, “50 Reasons Why You SHOULD Write That Book” at http://www.patriciafry.com. Visit her publishing blog daily: www.matilijapress.com/publishingblog.

Image: write your book