Six Steps to a Publishing Contract

Finding a publisher is not as difficult as some might think. It boils down to approaching the process in a smart and efficient manner, and making it difficult for the publisher to say "No". Here are some quick steps to follow that will increase the likelihood of a contract:

1. Follow publisher's guidelines: Almost every publisher's website will include a page called "authors guidelines" or something similar. Here is a sample link to ours: http://www.nextdecade.com/authors_guidelines.shtml

2. Make sure that your cover letter contains ZERO typos. Remember what you are trying to accomplish. Nothing says "amateur" louder than an unprofessional cover letter.

3. Summarize your credentials in your cover letter. Tell the publisher why someone would want to read what you have written.

4. Devote an entire page to a specific marketing plan. Don't use fluff words like, "this would be a perfect book for review in XYZ Magazine, or "I'll try to get speaking engagements". Include a marketing budget. Your job is not over when your manuscript is completed. In fact, it's just starting.

5. Include a competitive analysis. Every title has competition. Take some time to visit Amazon and do the analysis, so the publisher doesn't have to.

6. Take the time to follow up with a phone call after a few weeks. You may get some helpful feedback, and the publisher will appreciate the effort.

Remember, book publishers are in the business of publishing books. A great submission targeted to the right publishers can result in multiple contract offers.

Stop Selling and Start Helping

While we have all experienced some recent difficult financial times, my economic background tells me the worst is over. But while we may all (0ver time) recover financially, the emotional road back may not be so easy. Many business and personal relationships have been compromised, if not destroyed.

Relationships need to be built around trust, not commerce. And trust takes time to develop.

My advice to all authors, entrepreneurs, business owners and marketers is to stop selling and start helping. Rather than peddling your goods, identify needs and find ways to fill voids in people's lives. Stand behind your product, support your customers, and most importantly, keep your word.

Welcome to my blog

Good morning all aspiring nonfiction authors, published authors and entrepreneurs.

Today I will begin blogging about book publishing and affordable publicity for authors and entrepreneurs. Occasionally, I will blog about other topics of interest to me (and hopefully my audience).

Just as a little background, I have an MBA in Marketing and 20 years of experience as a nonfiction book publisher, author and publicist. You can read more about me and my company at www.nextdecade.com

Thanks for stopping by. Barbara