Going Pro

Going Pro: One Author’s Advice on Getting Published with Small and Electronic Presses is a concise guide that offers advice on all aspects of writing for publication. From finding the time to write to finding beta readers, from navigating all the elements of a successful submissions packet to understanding a publishing contract to marketing your newly published book -- here I offer the best advice I can on getting your first story from a file on your computer to an e-book released by a small or electronic press.

Topics covered include: polishing your manuscript, finding the right publisher, working with an editor, writing blurbs, and promoting your book. I give detailed explanations of submission guidelines, contracts, rights and copyrights, cover art, and marketing plans. I also offer advice on what to do when things don’t go quite as you plan, whether it’s a bad review or a pirate site, or your publisher folds.

It can be intimidating when you’re just starting out and trying to get published. I know, I’ve been there, too. So if you’re interested in getting your stories published with a small press or e-book publisher, let me help you through the process!

JMS Books | Universal Book Link

EXCERPT
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Part 1: Your Manuscript
    Chapter 1: Finding Time to Write
    Chapter 2: Feedback
    Chapter 3: Sharing Your Work
    Chapter 4: Back Up!
    Chapter 5: Using a Pseudonym

    Part 2: Getting Published
    Chapter 6: Publishing with a Small Press
    Chapter 7: Do You Need an Agent?
    Chapter 8: Finding the Right Market
    Chapter 9: Submission Guidelines
    Chapter 10: Cover Letter
    Chapter 11: Query Letter
    Chapter 12: Blurb
    Chapter 13: Excerpt
    Chapter 14: Synopsis
    Chapter 15: Full Manuscript
    Chapter 16: Marketing Plan
    Chapter 17: Understanding Publishing Terms
    Chapter 18: E-Mailing Your Submission
    Chapter 19: Follow-up
    Chapter 20: Rejection Letters
    Chapter 21: Acceptance Letters

    Part 3: Contracts
    Chapter 22: Assigning Your Rights
    Chapter 23: Exclusive Vs. Nonexclusive Rights
    Chapter 24: Copyright
    Chapter 25: Things to Look For in a Contract
    Chapter 26: Before You Sign

    Part 4: Before Your Book Is Published
    Chapter 27: Tax Documentation
    Chapter 28: Author Bio
    Chapter 29: The Dreaded Blurb Form
    Chapter 30: Cover Art
    Chapter 31: Working with an Editor

    Part 5: Promotion
    Chapter 32: What Your Publisher Does
    Chapter 33: WWW Dot You
    Chapter 34: Social Networking
    Chapter 35: Blogging
    Chapter 36: Ads
    Chapter 37: Reviews
    Chapter 38: Conventions

    Part 6: When Things Sour
    Chapter 38: Bad Reviews
    Chapter 39: Piracy
    Chapter 40: You Aren’t Getting Paid
    Chapter 41: Your Publisher Folds

    Part 7: Keep Writing
    Chapter 42: Keep Your Name Out There
    Chapter 43: The Pros and Cons of Branching Out