The road to becoming a published author can be a winding one. This Harlem chick is probably about as optimistic as one could be like—ever in life. Mentally, the glass is USUALLY half full for me, and I hope that you will maintain a positive outlook as well.  There are obviously going to be some obstacles  in the way, so don’t let me sell you the Brooklyn Bridge before you know what you’re getting yourself into. 

 One of the first things that you’ll have to decide once you’re done with your manuscript (book), is whether you want to go the route of traditional publishing, or do the self publishing thing. If you choose traditional publishing, then that means that you will be looking for a literary agent or an editor. Just know that neither will make time to read your entire book. Well, not just yet anyway.

 You’ll first have to craft what’s called a query letter, which is basically a one page letter spelling out who you are, and what your book is about. Oh, and it has to be really,really, really, GREAT, because agents and editors can receive hundreds of
submissions within just a weeks time.  Think about what compels you to read  and
or buy a book description wise. This is exactly what the Book Peeps want, and
believe it or not, they want you to be the next greatest writer of of our time.
This is your chance to SHINE bright like a diamond. 

Unfortunately, getting
rejection letters is just a part of the game until you find a agent/editor fit
that is right for you and your work. As difficult as it may be, try not to take the no’s too
personal. If a literary agent or editor is kind enough to provide you with constructive criticism,
then use it as a tool to better what you’ve written. Here’s a newsflash. A writer doesn’t always know EVERYTHING just because we are in love with what we’ve written.

 For more on query letters,
check out this gem of a writing source. 

 Here’s the flip side. You can self publish. As a writer, it’s  nice to have
options, and in this technological age, it’s very simple to do.  With a few point and clicks, you can be well on your way to
seeing your work made widely available on the web or have your own printed books in inventory. Can a Sistah provide you with a little
advice though? Be professional at all times. Present everything that you do like
a business.  Getting your books done via the cheaper route might sound oh-so-appealing, but you should know that
sometimes you have to spend money to make some. 

I went all out as a new author;
bought galleys, sell cards, hired a pro to do my author website all kinds of ish. You certainly don’t have to do exactly what I did. What I’m trying to stress
here is that it paid off for me. I got  the attention of 3 literary agents and
scored a two book deal with a major publisher. There’s another aspect of
following this method that you should know about. It’s going to take a lot of
time. You’ll only get out what you put in. Give up early and it ’s a wrap HOMIE.
One of the best books that I ever read was how to get happily published by Dan Poynter. Think of it as a literary how-to bible because it’ll provide you a solid foundation of what to expect and also, what is expected of you as an author/self publisher. Trust,  It
walked me through every step.If you’re interested in copping one of the best books out on the market, here’s the link.  Until next time.

Sidebar : Please forgive me for not getting these posts out as regularly as I wanted to have them go out. Your girl is juggling a few projects all at once. But just keep coming back. Know that I’ve still got your back and I’ll still keep the entries worth the visit. Just remember to pass on what I share to any aspiring writers that you know. Keep it moving, and keep it in the circle.

I’m out.

Hunter Hayes