How I did it: I wrote my first two chapters and my last one to have ready for anyone who asked for them after a query letter.  I thought about something I'd want to read but hadn't seen written about yet.  Then I wrote query letters and waited.

My last chapter changed dramatically and I had to ask for a deadline extention, but the publisher was willing to work with me to make sure they got the best book I could write.    

Lessons & tips:

• Write what you know but make it something that people haven't heard much about.
• Be prepared to hear a lot of nos.
• If it's your first book, be prepared to do it for the foot in the door and not the money.
• Look for new or small presses who may not get as many queries
• Set a deadline for yourself that is sooner than the publisher's deadline.
• Understand there is a long time spent in editing and plan your release date accordingly.

Resources: The internet to do the loads of research.  I researched my topic and publishers.

Nov 29, 2008, 05:51AM PST | 1 comment | 1 cheer