Cutting to the chase: persistence, patience and....drum roll....professionalism. I'm often asked "I wrote a story, how can I get a book publishing contract?" or "I submitted my book, now what?" I won't go into the more obvious - for instance, there are many reference books, both print and digital, for publishing house lists and information on how to submit a manuscript or artwork. There is also no set method for getting the attention of an editor or publishing house to publish your work.

But every day that you are busy with your writing or artwork, choose persistence. Persistence is super helpful in both the creative process and in the administrative end of submitting. If your story lacks -if even a little something- be persistent and find the perfect word or twist the plot another way. One of the fabulous illustrators I collaborate with, Ann Pilicer, often has me put eyes on her art because she's persistent in having it look the best it can. So, be persistent, not hard on yourself.

The other persistency is with submissions. Check your emails, your files, and be persistent with those interested in your work. Stay up to date and don't give up if someone negatively criticizes your submission because it's possible someone else will find it's exactly what they're looking for. This is what happened with my rhyming story (and now book), FRIENDS COME IN DIFFERENT SIZES. The theme happened to be what the editors were searching for. It involved good timing, but wouldn't have come to fruition if I wasn't persistent. I didn't give up after many submissions, and re-editing it.

Patience is a tough one for most of us on some level in life. In the book business, it comes with the territory. Hang in there and don't set yourself up with deadlines from publishers. That's out of your control. Instead, use a deadline on your impatience...like right now. Think about creative ways and other outlets to get involved in while practicing patience.

Professionalism is usually not mentioned much and in my experience, is key. Make sure when you submit, you follow the publisher's rules on submissions. Keep your correspondence as professional as possible. If your work doesn't feel perfect or you have not had a honest critique, keep re-working it. That's called being professional with yourself. Why not have high standards for something creative you want to share with the world?

Friends Come in all Sizes