| Want to write a successful book? It all starts with | | | | see in the store. This is an indication that you've |
| planning your route to publication. You can | | | | got a viable idea which will interest publishers. |
| become a published author once you create a | | | | Here's an example if you're writing fiction. You're |
| realistic plan, based on which books are selling. | | | | writing a mystery novel with a photographer as |
| Writing a book is a process which can take | | | | the detective. This is potentially a "cosy" mystery, |
| months or years, and unfortunately once your | | | | and these also sell well, again it's a viable idea. |
| book's written, you have no guarantee of | | | | But what if your book idea is completely unique? |
| publication. However, with a little foresight and | | | | This is unlikely, but if that's the case, drop the |
| understanding of how book publishing works, you | | | | idea. Your book needs to fit into a known type |
| can shorten the odds. | | | | for publishers to be interested. Of course you can |
| Your Publisher Wants a Book Which Sells, So | | | | still write your book, and go the self-publication |
| Write One | | | | route, but traditional publishers want what sells. |
| Your route to publication starts with research. | | | | Continue Your Research While You're Writing Your |
| You must know what sells. | | | | Book |
| A tip: if you're shocked at this crass focus on | | | | Nonfiction books are sold via a proposal, so you |
| money, consider your prospective publishing | | | | don't need to complete your book before you try |
| house. They're totally focused on money - they | | | | to sell it. On the other hand, even though your |
| need to be, or they'll go broke. If you understand | | | | novel will attract publisher interest on the basis of |
| the need to know what sells, you're already far | | | | a partial (three chapters and an outline) you must |
| ahead of most writers. | | | | complete the novel to get a publishing contact. |
| Write a 25-word summary of what your book's | | | | While you're writing, keep researching. Your |
| about, and visit a bookstore. Your aim is to | | | | publisher will want to know how you intend |
| discover not only who publishes books of a similar | | | | marketing your book, so the more you know, the |
| type, but also who the published authors are, and | | | | more effective a marketing plan you can create. |
| how well the books sell (this is shown by how | | | | When you know what sells, you'll write a salable |
| much space is allocated to those books in the | | | | book, and you'll get published fast - enjoy the |
| bookstore.) | | | | writing, and before you know it, the next time |
| Here's an example. Let's say you want to write a | | | | you visit a bookstore your own book will be on |
| book on dog care. Dog books sell well, as you'll | | | | the shelves. |