While each publisher and agent has their own requirements for you to follow when submitting your work for consideration, there are rules that apply universally and will often result in rejections when not followed. Learn the guidelines for mailing and emailing queries, what your rights are and how to protect your work, and the definitions of common terminology that publishers and agents may use when requesting submissions..

A platform generally refers to an author’s visibility and reach to a target audience: who is aware of your work, where does your work appear, and how many people see it. Examine the six components that make up most platforms, and review the requirements for various genres of writing..

Take an in-depth look at the world of writing and getting published: the history of the business, the competition in the modern market, and the major and minor players in the industry. Clear up some common misconceptions about what it takes to become a published writer and get an overview of what to expect if you pursue a career as a writer..

While most aspiring writers are thrilled to get to this point in the publication process, it’s also important to know what will be expected of you once a publisher agrees to move forward. Learn the several phases you’ll go through with the publisher, including editorial development, design and production, sales and marketing planning, the book launch, and post-launch PR and publicity..

Once you’ve nailed a query letter, you will need to provide a synopsis. Condensing your entire story into a one-page overview while still keeping it compelling and intriguing is not easy. Get valuable tips on what a synopsis should and should not contain, and learn what your synopsis needs to focus on and accomplish to be successful..

Many agents and editors rely on their experience and instinct and can tell within the first page whether or not a manuscript is worth reading further. Discuss the two rough categories of red flags: narrative or structural problems and surface-level errors that can lead to a make-or-break decision before the second page. You’ll also get invaluable tips on creating a strong opening, including the pivotal first sentence..

Author websites, blogs, newsletters and emails, and social media will be your responsibility, and these marketing tools are often required by your publisher. Get tips on creating successful marketing tactics to help publicize your work and keep your publisher happy..

Understanding where your fiction book falls in the general categories of literature is an essential step to getting published, as there is a plethora of genre-specific publishing houses. Differentiate between the various categories of fiction writing, including defining commercial and literary fiction, and examine the various types of children’s books..

With the advent of submission conveniences offered by the Internet, today's authors face unprecedented competition in the writing market. Adding to that the publishing market is in a constant state of flux, making publishers wary about taking on new authors. Further, a plethora of options for publication make navigating the increasingly complex publishing industry harder than ever. So, how does an aspiring author get published? Learning the ropes,...

Get a comprehensive, eye-opening, and illuminating survey of the entire writing process, as well as a full breakdown of how dozens of best-selling authors have implemented best practices in their own writing. As an aspiring author, you will gain a wealth of tools that will not only improve your ability to write, but will also increase your enjoyment of the craft.