Articles for Aspiring Authors
11 Questions You Need to Answer Before You Attempt to Become an Author - free report for aspiring authors by Michael J. Dowling
Successful Queries - Chuck Sambuchino, author of the 2010 Guide to Literary Agents posts actual queries that succeeded in getting writers signed with agents, along with comments from the agents.
How to Get Started Writing Your Book by Melinda Copp
Ten Factors to Consider When Writing Book Proposals by Dennis E. Hensley
How I Got Published by Emily Bennington
Six Things I Learned About Publishing a Book That Very Few Books Will Tell You by Nataly Kelly
Publishing Is Broken, We're Drowning In Indie Books - And That's A Good Thing - excellent article by David Vinjamuri on Forbes.com explains the history of the traditional vs. self-publishing debate and forecasts where the industry is headed.
What Every Self-Publisher Ought to Know about Editing by Joel Friedlander
The Advantages of Print-on-Demand Book Printing by Dana Lynn Smith
Is Self-Publishing an Impediment to Landing a Publishing Contract? by Stephanie Gunning
How To Find A Literary Agent (When You’ve Self-Published) by Laura Cross
7 Habits of The Successfully Published by Roger C. Parker
Part 1 – Planning
Part 2 – Discipline
Part 3 – Efficiency
Part 4 – Leverage
Part 5 – Empathy
Part 6 – Modelers
Part 7 – Inspiration
How Do I Find an Agent? by Gary Smailes
How To Write A Query Letter by Gary Smailes
How To Write A Successful Book Proposal by Gary Smailes
How-to Information for Self-Publishers
Comprehensive training program on self-publishing:
The Self-Publishing Roadmap, from publishing and marketing expert Joel Friedlander includes video instruction, audio, and downloads, all designed to teach authors how to publish and promote their printed books and ebooks.
Study these books to get an understanding of the publishing industry:
Dan Poynter's Self-Publishing Manual
The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing: Everything You Need to Know to Write, Publish, Promote and Sell Your Own Book by Marilyn Ross and Sue Collier
The Indie Author Guide: Self-Publishing Strategies Anyone Can Use by April Hamilton
POD for Profit by Aaron Shepard
If you are considering working with a subsidy publisher (aka "self-publishing company"), first read The Fine Print of Self-Publishing by Mark Levine.
Working With Agents and Publishers
If you're interested in landing a contract with a traditional publisher, you need to learn about working with agents and preparing effective book proposals. In fact, more than 90 percent of nonfiction books are sold through a book proposal and sample chapters.
One of the best tools for learning about how to create a killer proposal is Terry Whalin's Write A Book Proposal program.
Other good resources include:
The Complete Guide to Hiring a Literary Agent by Laura Cross
Bestselling Book Proposals by Rick Frishman and Robyn Freedman Spizman
The Publisher's Bookstore features dozens of additional books on writing and publishing topics.
Publishing Resources
ISBNs, Bar Codes and Books in Print
Copyright and Library of Congress Numbers
Legal Write Publications - Blog and reference guides about copyright, literary law, and publishing contracts. Free report on copyright issues that affect authors and publishers.
Authors and Publishers Organizations
In addition to these organizations, seek out writers and publishers groups in your own area.
Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)
Small Publishers Association of North America (SPAN)
Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network (SPAWN)
Association of Independent Authors (AiA)
International Association of Aspiring Authors
Romance Writers of America (RWA)
Erotica Readers and Writers Association
International Thriller Writers
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA)
Military Writers Society of America
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
Children's Writers' Coaching Club
Other Resource Pages for Authors and Publishers
Ghostwriters, Editors, Coaches and Consultants
Author Blogs and Websites
Library and Educational Sales
Social Media Marketing
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