by Marcus Brooks

Created on: January 04, 2009   Last Updated: January 05, 2009

Few things are more exciting than being a first-time, book author. Imagine taking a swim class for three weeks. You get your certification. And then, you're dropped into the Pacific Ocean for your first swim! You have to survive on whatever you learned. The task is a hard trek to undertake. But, publish your first best-seller! The feeling of accomplishment is virtually unmatched.

In 2009, I am undertaking the task of publishing a best-seller. The odds of my success are too long to calculate with 10 tons of measuring tape. There are authors with a dozen books with only one being a best-seller. There are authors who never publish a best-seller throughout their career. The fear is real and evident. Fear can make a writer do several, stupid things.

THE STUPIDS

1) Some writers can procastinate too long on their project. They cloud their brains with self-defeating prophecies. "Who would want to read my book?" "It will never sell!" "The market's too difficult!" "I don't belong in this industry!" These are excuses that take away a writer's confidence.

2) Writers may be too hasty in getting their book out. They don't plan their "financials". Some get duped into paying self-publishing companies exhorbitant amounts (in the thousands) to create, to publish, to market and to distribute. Some don't pay enough. They go to a basic, publishing company and do no marketing. Their book is out, but no one knows about it.

3) Writers may spend too much time editing and re-editing. They do too much correcting mistakes and making changes.

4) Writers don't make corrections on their first book. They put out sloppy, author copies. Writers have little respect on publishing their best product for readers.

5) Writers spend too much time hunting and paying for literary agents. Literary agents are helpful. However, they are only helpful if they can spend quality time with you and protect your interests. The highest paid agents aren't the best ones to pick.

These are so of the many mistakes first-time writers do. Here are some ways to make publishing a best-seller enjoyable for first-time writing "virgins" and current writers.

THE SMARTS

1) Consider all of the publishing options. Self-publishing is the way to get a book out fast. There are self-publishing houses that will create your book, advertise your book and sell it online $2500 dollars. However, for only $400, there is a self-publishing house that will create your book and furnish 20 or more author copies. But, you must take care of your advertising,

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