Writing, Publishing, and Marketing
Ready to publish? How Can You Know?
By Patrika Vaughn
acappub@aol.com
http://www.acappela.com
Patrika Vaughn, published author, editor, publisher, teacher and literary agent who is known as "The Author's Advocate." Through her website, www.acappela.com, she helps new authors achieve publishing success.
Ready to publish? How Can You Know?
Just as a painter may not always know when to put down the paintbrush and declare a painting finished, a writer may sometimes not know when it's time to publish. Too often writers err on the side of premature publishing. They are so anxious to see their work in print that they rush to publication, not allowing their book to reach full ripeness.
To help you avoid such folly, here's a checklist to help you decide.
Ask yourself the following:
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What makes my book scream to get published?
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What about it is unique ... what does it offer that no other does?
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How time-sensitive is it? How long will this book remain readalbe, how soon outdated?
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Will people want it as soon as they hear about it? Will they buy this book or wait for it to come to the library?
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Who is my competition? Is their work better than mine?
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If a reader could afford only one book in a year, would/should it be mine?
Honest answers to the above questions wil give you a good barometer to use in making your decision. Don't rush into publication. Your book should be a culmination of lots f thought, much research, and lots of editing -- not merely a desire to be published.
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