Goodreads asked Hugo Negron:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Hugo Negron Realize that writing is only half the battle! Developing a plot, defining characters, instilling life in them, and populating the world they inhabit is a lengthy, challenging, imaginative, and fun process on its own, but once its over, and you've finished off that final chapter, sitting back to enjoy the effort, you suddenly realize it's just the first step.

If you are looking for an audience to share your work, the next (and bigger step) is, how do you target your intended market? Is your book polished enough to stand on its own? Have you had it reviewed and edited by a professional editor? What about illustrations or artists? Do you plan to self-publish or hope to publish with an established publisher? How will you advertise, brand, promote? What will your budget be for your reach-out efforts? What sales goals/milestones are you looking to reach? How much time can you afford, especially if you have a job, family, or other financial considerations? Do you feel comfortable going to fairs, doing readings, interviewing, networking, and otherwise putting yourself "out there" to promote your work?

If that's your goal, it's not just about being called an author and writing a book, but creating a brand and marketing yourself and your book as a product. Lots of people love to write, but lots of people hate to sell. Regardless of what path you take - self-publish or established publisher - the onus will be on you.

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