How to get published

People invariably ask me what they need to do to get a book published. The first thing I do is gaze at them longingly. I mean, was it really almost ten years ago that I WAS that person? So here is my list, and it is about as thorough as you will find in all the writing self-help books and other places.

HOW TO GET PUBLISHED

Find the time to write.
We all find time to do the things we want to do. If writing is a priority for you, you will find that giving up time to do other things will be worthwhile. It's okay to write to a specific reader too, figure out who your reader is and focus your writing toward that reader.

Don't stop writing.
Once you get started you are committed. Quit listening to other voices telling you that you can't do this. DO IT ANYWAY. Don't listen to that voice telling you that you need to edit it before continuing. You DON'T. Keep going and get finished. Don't stop. FINISH LINE is your focal point. Yes, THE END.

Fix your flawed work.
Edit, delete, scrap, revise and then let someone tear it up for you. Sometimes what they say will be good, and sometimes it may be dross. But SOMEONE else's eyes are critical. And once you have written, and rewritten, and been critiqued and rewritten again at least three times, then you likely will have a worthy piece. If not, rinse and repeat.

Find a real audience.
Who publishes your type of story? Write a query letter, and send that baby out. Or do your due diligence and investigate indie publishing and self-publishing. In today's world, you can do it all or none of it. The choice is yours.

Do it over and over until you are dead.
Or rich and famous. Whichever comes first.

That's it. How do you like the fact that I saved you millions of dollars in conference fees, book costs, and oh yeah, shrink charges? 'Cuz we all know that trying to get published will make you crazy.

If you have any questions, leave a comment. Or if you want my undivided attention, visit me in person.

For everyone in the Memphis TN vicinity, I'll be in town March 20-21.

Friday, March 20 - Mid South Con, Memphis Hilton
I will be on panels at 7:30 and 9:00 PM
Details at http://www.midsouthcon.org

Saturday, March 21 - Mid South Con, Memphis Hilton
Panels at 9:00 AM and PRO ROW signing books at 11:00 AM
Panel at 6:00 PM
Details at http://www.midsouthcon.org

Sunday, March 22 - Mid South Con, Memphis Hilton
1:00 PM panel on podcasting
Details at http://www.midsouthcon.org

Feel free to spread the word and come see me. The Pro Row will be full of great authors. How cool is that? Naturally, in addition to my wit and wisdom, I'll be giving away some free cool stuff.

Hope to see some of you there.
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Kim Smith is the author of the bestselling book, TEN TIPS FOR GETTING THAT BOOK WRITTEN. You can find Kim or her popular podcast, Writer Groupie, at http://www.kimsmithauthor.com