Get Published

Think your book is the next New York Times Bestseller? Ready to make your splash? Great you have the right attitude, but, not so fast. There are a few steps to take before you go down that road.

If you're a published author working with a publishing house, your book should be ready for prime time and promoted by the staff of your company. Your book is probably considered bookstore ready. You can now turn your efforts to marketing.

However, if you're a self-published author there are a few crucial questions to ask yourself:
1. Has my book been professionally edited?
2. Do I have a professional cover design?
3. Have I gotten favorable feedback from outside my immediate circle of family and close friends?
 
If the answer to any of the above questions is no, and you are set on self-publishing the book, you need to do all three things before approaching any bookstore, anywhere. Without a doubt, professional editing and cover design are absolutely required. You cannot sell a book successfully with poor grammar or amateur design. These are the nonnegotiable terms of book store selling. Consumers won't tolerate it, and in fact, can hurt your reputation as an author if you put out a less-than-professional product.



If you've already done the first 2, then you can confidently have your book reviewed by a publishing industry expert. I know your mom or spouse might like the book, but have you gotten outside validation that your book is ready for prime time? There are many publishing execs that can provide you with a in-depth (and honest) review of your book's potential in the world of bookstores.

Take your time and shop around, there are plenty of people willing to review your book and give it their insider opinion. When you're looking for someone to review the bookstore potential, keep a several things in mind:

• Ask for 2 or 3 references. Find out who the person has worked with in the past.
• Ask for a list of the books this person has reviewed in the past. Do they specialize in your genre? Have they had any books go on to become a commercial success?
• Exactly what type of feedback will you get - a one hour phone call? A typed up summary? Unlimited email correspondence?
• Whatever you pay for and whatever they promise - get it in writing!