Writing is a craft. Writing is something that can be learned. If you are publishing a book then you want to present the best writing possible. The odds that you were born with flawless writing skills are slim. It is in your best interests to hone your writing craft before publishing a book. Your first published book is akin to a first impression. Therefore, your first published book should be the best writing you can produce, not riddled with errors and poor writing.

There are several ways to improve your writing. The first of which is to write, writer, write. Working on your writing skills by simply writing will help you to find your voice. However, you need the opinion and guidance of an outside eye. When publishing a book it is a smart idea to spend time in writing classes. Your writing instructor can provide the well educated outside perspective that you need. Plus, you can also listen to varying perspectives of your classmates. These classmates are potential readers and can be used a trial run for your material.

Publishing a book can be time consuming, but your writing classes don’t have to be. Writing classes today come in a variety of formats from in-person meetings to distance learning courses. You can find a writing class that suits your schedule and preferences.

Do you like to work alone? Then a distance learning one-on-one distance learning course may be for you. If you need help with publishing a book for children then the Institute of Children’s Literature (www. institutechildrenslit.com) has an excellent distance learning course. If you need assistance in publishing a book for adults then the Long Ridge Writers Group (www.thelongridgewritersgroup.com) will suit your needs. Distance learning course work through email and snail mail. You are given a month to complete assignments and a month is allotted for your instructor to evaluate your assignment. These writing courses are top notch in that they teach you about writing and publishing a book from soup to nuts.

There are also respectable writing courses you can take solely online. Check out Gotham Writer’s Workshop (www.writingclasses.com). These writing classes are based out of New York City. The classes are affordable and well worth the time and money.

Another option is attend writing classes and seminars through local colleges and universities. These seminars range from weekend workshops to semester long classes. Stop by a college near you for more information.

Publishing a book is more about printing the words on paper. Sign up for a writing class, seminar, or workshop today!

Have you noticed that certain books in the book store have stickers on them to signify that the book has won an award? Book stores also prominently display books that have won awards. The purpose of this placement is that book stores know that readers are more likely to purchase a book that has won an award. Many times it doesn’t matter what award the book has won, but that it has won something.

If you are publishing a book then you should consider submitting your book to award competitions. There are plenty of book contests that can give your book the recognition it deserves. Award competitions occur through writing magazines, publishing companies, universities, and trade associations.

How do you find out about these award competitions? You can search the internet for award competitions, but this may take hours. An exceptional resource for this information is www.writersmarket.com. For a minimal fee the website will provide an organized listing of award competitions. The listing will specify whether an award competition is free to enter or if there is a fee. Writersmarket.com is run by Writer’s Digest Books.

If you are in the self publishing industry then definitely submit your book to the Self-Published Competition through Writer’s Digest. Writer’s Digest is a well respected magazine that is read by writers and publishing professionals all over the world. Winning a self-published award can not only bring in prize money, but give you massive exposure. If you win, your author profile, book information, and an excerpt from your book will run in an issue of Writer’s Digest. This exposure can lead to increased book sales and interest.

If you are a publishing a book then your budget may be tight. Therefore, enter free award competitions and limit the number of fee-based award competitions. Also check out the validity of the competition. Make sure that you are entering a competition by a well known magazine, college, or association. Unfortunately there are award scams out there so don’t be a victim.

The Self-Published awards competition is a great place to start. Check out www.writersdigest.com/contests/self_published_winners05.asp today to learn about past winners and how you can enter next year.

How many times have you read through a computer manual and felt confused? Was the information presented in a hard-to-read format? Have you felt that you improve the computer manual tenfold? If so, then publishing a book in the educational market may be for you. The educational market does not only include textbooks and educational materials you find in the school system. Publishing a book in the educational market encompasses any type of training whether it is computer training or how to build the home of your dreams.

Publishing a book in the educational market is not a new concept, but there is always room for more training guides. For example, the Idiot’s Guide series has fared extremely well. These guides cover everything from computers to cooking. Therefore, the market for these types of books is strong.

How can you tell if your idea for an educational book is worthy of publishing? First, research the current books in the market. You may have a brilliant idea for using EBay, but the book publishing market has been recently flooded with EBay material. On the other hand, perhaps you have invented a new product or created new software. In this case, the training manual doesn’t exist. Publishing a book on your new product is not only worthy, but necessary.

While it may be easier to break in with educational material for new products, educational publishers and schools are always on the search for innovative books. For example, the process of learning has changed greatly in schools. The days of reading books alone are long gone. Children and teenagers are very technologically savvy. Educators are looking for ways to incorporate technology into learning. Hands-on learning has also become a hot market. If you like to create puzzles, games, and hands-on experiments that can be used in learning then publishing a book on this topic is a great idea.

Another option is to publish an educational book for older readers to help them understand new technology. The key is to find an underserved population and publish a book that suits their educational needs.

Publishing a book can be a long process, especially when you are in the midst of writing your book. Writers are solitary bunch, but at times need the comfort and support of a writing community. Writing communities are beneficial in that they can help you write, edit, and publish a book.

What activities does a writing community provide? Writing communities involve writer forums and message boards, writing conference, critique groups, writing classes, and publishing and marketing tips. You will be amazed to find that writers are a helpful lot that want each other to succeed and publish their book.

What writing communities are available? Writing communities often stem from writing organizations including the National Writers Union (www.nwu.org), Authors Guild (www.authorsgild.org), and the Society of Children’s Book Writer’s and Illustrators (www.scbwi.org) just to name a few. There are associations geared towards journalists and technical writers as well. You can find writing associations through Internet search engines.

Do writing communities cost money? Many writing associations do cost money to join which may be a concern when publishing a book. However, the fees are minimal and will be returned tenfold in the tips and advice you will learn. Writing associations tend to send newsletters that are exceptional at providing market information, publishing contacts, and to connect with other writers.

How do you join a writing community? It depends. If it is your first time publishing a book then you will need to find a community that accepts unpublished authors. Membership guidelines are provided at the website of each writing community. Free writing communities are available and will accept all members, but the information and contacts you find in these communities may not be as valuable.

The Internet has made writing communities even more valuable when you are publishing a book. You can learn a great deal about publishing a book through online forums and message boards. You can also announce any good news you have regarding your book. These forums and message boards cover so many writing and publishing topics. If you can’t find an answer to your question then just post a new discussion in the forum.

If you are thinking of publishing a nonfiction book then you must present the information in a factual manner. Facts don’t need to be boring, but they need to be accurate. Therefore, the contents of your book should be based on solid research. When publishing a book you should utilize research from a variety of sources to ensure validity of your content. The last thing you want when publishing a book is to find that your facts are faulty and could lead to not only publishing failure, but legal action.

What resources should you use when researching your book? The answer to this question depends on your nonfiction topic. If you are writing about the Civil War then you should begin at the library because books about this topic have been published extensively in the past. However, if you are thinking of publishing a book about a new technological breakthrough then you may have to consult experts in the field instead.

To cover all the bases we will look at the accepted resources for research when publishing a book which include: libraries, the Internet, the Government, and Businesses. When you research in a library you can start with your local library. Also seek out libraries on college campuses in your area as well as specialized libraries. Before your trip to the library you can sift through their catalog online. However, speaking with a librarian will yield more resources. Librarians can find books, CDs, DVDs, and other material that relate to your topic. They can also connect you with bigger libraries through an interlibrary loan program. Librarians are there to help you, so don’t be shy!

Next you can compile research from the Internet. Be very cautious with Internet information. It is difficult to determine the validity of research from websites created by individuals. Therefore, search for information from trusted associations such as the National Institute of Health. Use search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and Ask.com to find information regarding your topic.

You can conduct research when publishing a book through businesses. Trade associations often publish business information listings from which you can contact businesses. For example, you can contact a Real Estate Association to find information on Realtors in your area if you wish to publish a book on real estate.

You can also find research through the federal government. A great deal of this research is online. Check out www.census.gov, www.access.gpo.gov, and www.ntis.gov for further information.

When publishing a book it is critical that you double, if not triple, check your facts. Conduct thorough research to provide readers with the best and most accurate information possible.

If you have self published your book then you are also responsible for the marketing of your book. A great way to market a book is through book signings. Book signings enable you to come face-to-face with readers and create new contacts.

It is more difficult to set up a book signing at a chain book store, such as Barnes & Noble, if your book has been self published. The reason is that traditional publishers have contacts with these chain book stores and also have the marketing dollars to spend to set up book placement in their stores. It is possible to set up a book signing to market your book, it just takes more patience and persistence.

First, understand that your self published book is not automatically placed in a chain book store such as Barnes & Noble. Barnes & Noble does contain guidelines for submitting your book for consideration. However, self published books are not often accepted because traditional publishers have the clout and money that you do not. Don’t let that stop you though because you may have personal contacts within the chain book store that can help you out greatly.

Let’s say that you do not have any contacts at a chain book store such as Barnes & Noble. How can you set up a book signing to market your book? Spend time in the book store in question and become friendly with the book store staff, business manager, and community events coordinator.

Explain that your book has been self published and you would like to participate in a book signing. Usually book signings for an author from a traditional publishing house consists of one author signing books. When you are self published you may have to have a “group” book signing. This type of book signing usually entails four to six authors that market their book at the same time.

Working in a group like this actually can make marketing your book easier and more successful. When book store patrons walk in the door they are more likely to check out a book signing with several authors then one author. Plus, you can network with fellow authors for more marketing contacts.

When you participate in a book signing you will need to bring your own books. A chain book store will not usually buy any of your books ahead of time. Instead you give them the ISBN number of your book and how many books you have brought. You tally up the remaining amount of books at the end of the book signing to determine how many books you have sold. You would then receive a check from the book store chain within a few weeks. It is important to note that most book store chains also take a percentage of the price.

Also set up book signings with independent book stores. Independent stores are often more willing to help you promote your books.

Marketing a book is one task that is ongoing and can cost you money. However, marketing a book does not always have to drain your bank account. There are several ways to market a book that cost nothing, except your time and effort. Take advantage of the following ways in which you can market a book for free.

Market your book through your local newspaper. If you are from a small town then you know the pride citizens take in the success of their fellow citizens. Use this pride to your advantage. Contact your local newspaper to set up an interview and to promote and market ventures you have already undertaken for your book. Many local papers love human interest stories and would jump at the chance to interview you.

You can contact your local newspaper by telephone or send them a press release regarding your book. Make sure that you mention any achievements you earned while you grew up in your home town or any way in which your home town affected your writing success.

Market your book through reviews. You can have your book reviewed in your local newspaper, at online retailers, and through associations you belong to. A review of your book could accompany an interview in your local newspaper. Ask friends and contacts to review your book on online retailers such as Amazon.com. Do you belong to any associations such as the alumni association for your college? These associations often send newsletters that review books written by alumni.

Market your book through word of mouth. Tell everyone and anyone that will listen about your book. Always have books ready to sell in the trunk of your car. Speak to anyone that will listen. It may seem forward, but you never know unless you ask and the worst they can say is “no”.

Word of mouth also includes sending email announcements about your book and promotional events to your email list. Encourage email recipients to forward the information to anyone they know that might be interested.

Use these free publicity methods to strengthen your marketing plans. Your pocket book will thank you.

If you are marketing a book then you need to understand the importance of networking. Many authors love to write, but find it hard to network. Therefore, they may focus on writing and hope that their book succeeds on its own. The simple fact is that if you ignore networking to market a book then your book sales will suffer. Every author should become comfortable with networking if you want to be successful.

Networking is a marketing activity that is constantly evolving. Networking involves word-of- mouth, print, video, audio, and other forms of technology. Networking to market a book can be as simple as speaking to friends and colleagues about your book to setting up interviews on national television programs. The extent of your networking depends on your motivation to succeed and your perseverance.

Start networking from the ground up by marketing your book to your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. These contacts are familiar with you, your work, and are most likely to want to see you succeed. Send copies of your book to these contacts and ask them to spread the word, write online reviews, and generate interest in your book. Rack your brain for any media contacts in your home town that could lead to local interviews and book signings. Your local area may be small, but a local friend or colleague may have access to a big time media contact.

Marketing a book through networking also means spreading information about your book to a global audience. You can target potential readers and contacts by attending writing conferences, trade shows, and book fairs. Seek out any stores or companies that would be interested in your book. For example, you can contact pet stores, veterinarians, and veterinarian associations that may be interested in a book you have written regarding a new product or system for canines.

Another way to market your book through networking is to become informed about what other authors are doing. Read Publishers Weekly (www.publishersweekly.com), as it highlights the marketing efforts of several publishers and authors. You can find contact information for these authors through the publisher’s website. Contact these authors requesting that they review your book. If the author has a website, you can also request that you set up a reciprocal link with their website.

Let your finger tips do the walking when it comes to networking. You can connect with authors and publishers on the Internet. Publishersmarketplace.com is a popular website that enables authors, publishers, and media outlets to connect. Invest the time and money in these networking resources because if you don’t, no one else will.

There’s no doubt about it…

In times of change - we all need a little something extra to help us achieve more.

Those who have that little extra something, achieve greatness in any economy.

Those who don’t have it, success seems to slip through their fingers even when the economy is booming.

Here’s what I’m speaking about:

There’s an unknown author who said “In absence of clearly defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily acts of trivia.”

That’s the secret.

Staying focused, rather than performing daily acts of trivia.

Here’s a fact: The average person only performs 20-70 minutes of goal-focused activities every work day.

The rest of his or her day is spent doing daily acts of trivia (acts which do not bring them closer to their goal.)

Last year I interviewed a friend (mega-successful author Vic Johnson), and during that interview he shared with me, and over 500 others who came to here that interview, an exercise that changed how I start each day.

Simply stated, he said as soon as you get to work, before you do anything else, dedicate the first 2 hours of your workday to goal related tasks.

Don’t check your messages, don’t check your email, don’t chat with co-workers, don’t clean your desk - focus only on tasks that will generate money and bring you closer to your goal.

There’s more, but if you just make that one change - I promise you a more abundant future.

Wanna know what else Vic shared? (Wanna get it all for FREE ? )

Well he spent much of the last 12 months putting his secrets into a new video series.

And he’s agree to give you the entire video series for free if you’ll take 60 seconds to answer just four questions about your goal setting experience.

This series will sell upwards of $200 when released on DVD later this year.

-> the questions are at http://www.2009Goals.com

The reason he’s willing to give this to you for free is because he wants to make
sure that he hasn’t left anything out that needs to be said.

Jump over now while it’s hot on your mind and answer the four questions at http://www.2009Goals.com and get access to your free videos and special report.

Here’s to an amazing year together,

Chris

P.S. Fair Warning:  Just so you know — this is one of those times if you snooze you lose. As soon as Vic has completed his survey hell be pulling the complimentary video down to prepare for his DVD release. Don’t miss out on this — take 60 seconds to answer the survey NOW at http://www.2009Goals.com