SECOND EDITION
The publishing industry has shifted 180° in the decade plus Deatri has worked in it as a developmental editor and author. The traditional route is no longer the only way to become a legitimate published author, and self-publishing is no longer a dirty little secret. As an author, should you travel the traditional or self-published route? Become A Successful Author does not tell you to pick one over the other or pit one against the other. Become A Successful Author gives you steps to capitalize on the strengths of both to build a strong brand readers can't get enough of.
What is branding? How do you grow a large, loyal reader base? How do you break into traditional publishing? How do you publish your backlist? How do you format a book? How do you find your target audience? How do you market your books? It's all in there and a whole lot more.
With the advances in technology, anyone can be a published author, but not all authors are successful. Keep your focus: Increase quality, credibility and visibility of your brand. Become a successful author.
Chapter One: In The Beginning
Branding
Chapter Two: Learn The Craft
Read, Read, Read and Read Some More
Writing Conferences/Events
Writing Organizations
Mentor
Critique Groups
Constructive and Destructive Criticism
Continuing Education
Writing Coach
Chapter Three: Manuscript Draft
Get to Writing
Concept To Draft
Concept To Rumination To Draft
Concept to Outline to Draft
Ramifications
Writer's Block
Handwritten, Audio, Word Processor
First Draft Complete
Second Draft
First Showing
Feedback
Chapter Four: Types of Editors
Choosing An Editor
Developmental Editors
Copy Editors
Proofreaders
Chapter Five: Developmental Editing
The Basics
Transitions
Repetition
Opening Hook
Characterization
Continuity
Point Of View (POV)
Dialogue
Plot
Setting
Show Versus Tell
Pacing
Conflict
Technique
Scenes and Chapters
Research
Internet
Library
Museums
Documentaries and Educational Shows
Subject-Matter Experts (SME)
Artistic License
Reaction To Edits
Edits Complete
Chapter Six: Submission Packet
The Submission Process
Query Letter
Taking On the Synopsis
Arrival Mistakes
Submission Mistakes
Chapter Seven: Agents, Publishing Houses
Agents
Publishing Houses
ePublishers and Independent Publishers
Chapter Eight: Self-Publishing
Chapter Nine: Cover
Cover Considerations
Populated Covers
Cover Images
Back Cover
The Spine
Chapter Ten: Interior Content
Formatting
eBook Formatting
Print Book Formatting
Chapter Eleven: eBook Conversion Programs
eBook Submission
Chapter Twelve: Print Book Submission
Chapter Thirteen: Price and Stuff
Book Price
Royalties
Copyright
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
Bar Code
Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN)
Chapter Fourteen: Marketing & Promotion
Target Audience
Author Website
Website Statistics
Blog
Mailing List
Grow Your Mailing List
Types of Mailing Lists
Network
Online Group
Author Central
Appearances
Interviews
Book Signings
Book Discussions
Event Announcements
Social Media
Death By Social Media
Negativity
Reviews
Paying For Reviews
Review Publications
Review Teams/Sites
Book Clubs/Reader Groups
Individuals
Bad Reviews And Review Issues
Should You Conduct Book Reviews?
Endorsements
Amazon Tagging
Book Trailer™
Business Cards
Advertising Space
$0.99 eBooks
Conferences and Reader/Writer Events
Six Weeks
Chapter Fifteen: Tasks and Goals
Conclusion
