The Secret Rules of Publishing: What Every First Time Author Needs to Know

7 SECRETS TO GET A TOP LITERARY AGENT, MAJOR NATIONAL MEDIA, AND GET PUBLISHED

2011-05-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

You’re about to learn what most first-time authors will never know…

The 7 PUBLISHING SECRETS TO GET A TOP LITERARY AGENT, MAJOR NATIONAL MEDIA, AND GET PUBLISHED IN RECORD TIME!

Publishing Secret #1: De-Code the Publishing Industry

You’ll learn how to:

How to appear like a seasoned pro, even if you’re a total beginner
Discover your book’s bestselling niche brand to increase sales & major media
Understand exactly what you need to do to sell your book to agents, publishers, and bookstores
Impress literary agents and publishers on the first try
Make the publishing industry work for you
Get a bigger book advance
Decide between traditional publishing and self publishing to make the right decision and make the most money
And much more…!

Yes, I want to get published!

CLICK HERE to purchase Publishing Secret #1: De-Code the Publishing Industry! Only $67

CLICK HERE to purchase all 7 of the Publishing Secrets and save!

*All 7 Publishing Secrets are downloadable MP3 Audio files and come with a 30-day money back guarantee. By purchasing you agree to our privacy policy and terms and conditions.

Publishing Secret #2: Discover Your Book’s Bestselling Concept… before you write it!

You’ll learn how to:

Discover your bestselling book concept that connects to millions of readers (yes, which means a bigger book advance!)
Create a book title can get you on national talk shows
Build killer sound bites into your book that are media friendly
“Phenomenize” your book, which is what all publishers want
Create your own good luck with major book sales
Bring your book to its highest sales potential
Expertly position your book in the marketplace based your bestselling idea
And much more…!

Yes, I want to get published!

CLICK HERE to purchase Publishing Secret #2: Discover Your Book’s Bestselling Concept… before you write it! Only $67

CLICK HERE to purchase all 7 of the Publishing Secrets and save!

*All 7 Publishing Secrets are downloadable MP3 Audio files and come with a 30-day money back guarantee. By purchasing you agree to our privacy policy and terms and conditions.

Publishing Secret #3: Create a Bestselling Table of Contents (TOC) & Extended Book Outline

You’ll learn how to:

Accelerate your writing process that can save you years of rewrites
How to write a book that is media ready for major publicity (and a bigger book advance!)
Eliminate writer’s block and write brilliantly even when you’re not “feeling like it”
Create memorable “million dollar moments” in your book that will get you book-to-film attention from Hollywood
Solve of all your plot issues upfront before you write your book
Create an exceptionally written book … because you can solely focus on craft after you outline it
Expertly organize any book at a publishable level
Strategize writing your book to save even more time
And much more…!

Yes, I want to get published!

CLICK HERE to purchase Publishing Secret #3: Create a Bestselling Table of Contents (TOC) & Extended Book Outline! Only $67

CLICK HERE to purchase all 7 of the Publishing Secrets and save!

*All 7 Publishing Secrets are downloadable MP3 Audio files and come with a 30-day money back guarantee. By purchasing you agree to our privacy policy and terms and conditions.

Publishing Secret #4: Learn How to Write a Bestseller!

You’ll learn how to:

Identify what all the mega book brands and bestselling authors have in common that created their success (and how you can apply these same techniques to your own book!)
Write a classic that is destined for multiple editions and a long shelf life
Write a page turner that no agent, publisher or reader can put down until they finish your book
Identify what all timeless characters have in common to make your own characters unforgettable
Expertly weave illustrative stories into non-fiction to make it an entertaining read
And much more…!

Yes, I want to get published!

CLICK HERE to purchase Publishing Secret #4: Learn How to Write a Bestseller! Only $67

CLICK HERE to purchase all 7 of the Publishing Secrets and save!

*All 7 Publishing Secrets are downloadable MP3 Audio files and come with a 30-day money back guarantee. By purchasing you agree to our privacy policy and terms and conditions.

Publishing Secret #5: De-Code the Media & the Entertainment Industries

You’ll learn how to:

Expertly pitch your book to the media
Position yourself as an author/expert in the media to A-list reporters
Put a media kit together for (almost!) zero cost
Avoid media myth traps that cost authors a fortune and what to do instead
Get booked on major national media and… get asked back!
Use the title of your book to get major A-list media
And much more…!

Yes, I want to get published!

CLICK HERE to purchase Publishing Secret #5: De-Code the Media & the Entertainment Industries! Only $67

CLICK HERE to purchase all 7 of the Publishing Secrets and save!

*All 7 Publishing Secrets are downloadable MP3 Audio files and come with a 30-day money back guarantee. By purchasing you agree to our privacy policy and terms and conditions.

Publishing Secret #6: Make Your Query Letter and/or Book Proposal Irresistible

You’ll learn how to:

Write a killer query letter that makes agents & publishers see dollar signs
Build an author platform that will impress the publishing industry
Get powerful book endorsements from celebrities and heads of national organizations
Write “slam dunk sign me now” brilliant book proposals
Create the perfect one-sentence pitch for your book
And much more…!

Yes, I want to get published!

CLICK HERE to purchase Publishing Secret #6: Make Your Query Letter and/or Book Proposal Irresistible! Only $67

CLICK HERE to purchase all 7 of the Publishing Secrets and save!

*All 7 Publishing Secrets are downloadable MP3 Audio files and come with a 30-day money back guarantee. By purchasing you agree to our privacy policy and terms and conditions.

Publishing Secret #7: Develop a Targeted Submission Plan

You’ll learn how to:

Anticipate exactly what literary agents want to read in your query letter
Submit to over 90 literary agents in a week
Use a template system of submitting to agents that saves you time and appears completely personal for each agent
Match your book to exactly the right agents
Leverage the power of submitting query letters by email to get immediate responses
Manage immediate agent responses to get even more offers of representation
Review your author/agent contract to make sure it is written in your favor
And much more…!

Yes, I want to get published!

CLICK HERE to purchase Publishing Secret #7: Develop a Targeted Submission Plan! Only $67

CLICK HERE to purchase all 7 of the Publishing Secrets and save!

*All 7 Publishing Secrets are downloadable MP3 Audio files and come with a 30-day money back guarantee. By purchasing you agree to our privacy policy and terms and conditions.

I'm Published!'s Bestseller Program

2010-07-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

The Bestseller Program
with Donna Sozio

Do you want a Literary Agent, Book Deal, TV/Film Option & major Media Attention?

Do you want to MAKE MONEY as an Author?

If you answered YES… then this for you!

Learn the ONE THING that 99% of First-Time Authors will never know. If you want to SELL YOUR BOOK, Get MAJOR MEDIA and MAKE MONEY, you need to know this!

To become a successful author you must begin writing with the end in mind. Yes, that means you must know your media campaign, book marketing strategy, sound bites, who your audience is and your book’s bestselling concept before you begin writing!

Why?

In today’s book market that is what it takes to become a successful first-time author. Which is exactly why I designed this program: to teach you everything you need to know to begin writing your book “with the (bestselling!) end in mind”.

This program is designed for you to literally walk away with everything you need to SELL YOUR BOOK including a killer query letter, an expert book marketing plan, A-list media strategy, hot press release, bestselling book title… and much more. You need to know this because even when working with a top publisher authors are often left to do the majority of their publicity.

Why learn from me? I do things a certain way that gets consistent results including: multiple book deals, major ongoing national media (such as The Tyra Banks Show, Early Show, MSN homepage…), TV and film options, and top literary representation. I received multiple offers from agents multiple times, sold my first book to a major publisher in just weeks, and sold the film rights to my second book before it was even finished. I’m represented by a top agency, Paradigm, and Fremantle is a producer on my reality show. My clients have received major book deals, won the Border’s Books James Patterson Competition, become Amazon.com bestsellers and finalists in the Indie Excellence Awards.

The BESTSELLER PROGRAM:
Part 1: Turn your Book into a Bestseller!
9 A.M. – 4 P.M Saturday July 24th or Saturday July 31st
Part 2: How to Sell Your Book, Get Major Media & Make Money from Writing!
9 A.M. – 4 P.M. Sunday July 25th or Sunday August 1st

Part 1: Turn your Book into a Bestseller!
In Saturday’s jam-packed session, you’ll learn:
*What all the mega book brands and bestselling authors have in common that created their success (and how you can apply these same techniques to your own book!)

*How to build killer sound bites into your book that the media will pick up

*What it takes to create a classic that is destined for multiple editions and a long shelf life

*How to write a book that is media ready for major publicity (and a bigger book advance!)

*An accelerated writing process that can save you years of rewrites

*How to create a bestselling Title and Table of Contents that will make your book fly off the shelf

*Your unique writing voice that connects with your audience in a meaningful way and creates massive word of mouth advertising

* Techniques to get past writer’s block and write brilliantly even when you’re not “feeling like it”

*How to create memorable million dollar moments in your book that will get you book-to-film attention from Hollywood

You’ll walk away with:
*A bestselling Book Concept that connects to millions of readers (yes, which means a bigger book advance!)

*A Book Title that excites the media and can get you on the top talk shows

*A bestselling Table of Contents that delivers on your book’s bestselling concepts

*A mind-blowing Book Outline the delivers a solution to a large audience and entertains them at the same time

*The wisdom, experience and knowledge that takes most first-time authors a decade to learn!

Part 2: How to Sell Your Book, Get Major Media & Make Money from Writing!
In Sunday’s jam-packed session, you’ll learn:

*How to write a killer query letter & book proposal that gets a publisher to see dollar signs – even if it’s for your second or third book!

*A simple way to submit to over 90 literary agents in a week

*How to build an amazing platform that will impress the publishing industry

*How to expertly pitch to Literary Agents, Publishers, TV producers, magazine editors and more!

*How to position yourself as an expert in the media to A-list reporters

*What authors really need to know about social media for a successful campaign

*What is in a media kit and how to put it together for (almost!) zero cost

*The Media Myth Traps that cost authors a fortune and what to do instead

*How to create the perfect media niche for you and your book

*How to expertly talk to reporters so they'll put you on their list of experts to call

*How to protect yourself as a first time author

*How to get booked on major national media and… get asked back!

*What you need to know about publicists that can save you thousands

*How to get powerful book endorsements

*How to do book signings right and turn them into a hot press event

*How to get speaking gigs and create a brand of high end products around your book

*What every author’s website needs to have if you want to make money

You’ll walk away with:
*A “slam-dunk-sign-me-now” Query Letter for agents and publishers

*An outline for a brilliant Book Proposal

*A sizzling Press Release

*A killer one-sentence Pitch that perfectly answers the question, “What’s your book about?”

*Your book’s bestselling Niche Brand

*A professional Media Strategy including a personalized Media Calendar for your book

*A Website Strategy, checklist and sample copy to promote your book online (Especially to the media!)

*Sample Press Story Segments

*Sample Media Interview Questions

*Media Segments ready pitch to TV producers and magazine editors

*Extensive Media Training so you’ll appear like a seasoned pro on TV and radio interviews.

*The wisdom, experience and knowledge that takes most first-time authors a decade to learn!

PRICING & SCHEDULE:
You may sign up for one of both parts of the program. You may also mix and match the dates. For example you may, attend Part 1 on July 24th and Part 2 a week later on August 1st. It’s up to you.

$250/per day or $450 for both days

Maximum 8 people per day…. sign up early!

The location is in Marina del Rey, CA 90292
The exact address will be emailed to the participants after registering.

TO REGISTER:
Please email me the dates you are attending to donnasozio@gmail.com and I will send you the payment link.

If you want to get published, this is for you!

2009-11-05T19:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Future Authors,

If you’re ready to turn your dream of getting published into a reality then read on… because this is for you!

Whether you’ve written a romance novel, memoir, a thriller, a children’s book or non-fiction or maybe you’re still working on your manuscript, it doesn’t matter. If you follow my simple system, you’ll dramatically boost your chances of getting a Literary Agent and getting your manuscript Published.

What I am leading to is this… The writers who attract Literary Agents and Get Published are the ones who know how to sell their manuscript. You may have the “Next Big Thing” saved on a Word doc in your computer but unless you know the secret formula to getting a Literary Agent and getting published, it will probably stay there.

My system includes everything you need to know about how to get a Literary Agent and get your Book Published. I tell you what no one else will. You’ll tap into my hard-won wisdom so you can be the success you were meant to be. Following my system will get you noticed in the literary world. I will guide you every step of the way and help you avoid the pitfalls 99% of all first-time authors make.

“Donna Sozio has all the tools that takes the guesswork out of writing, structuring your book and making it the best it can be. Don't wait another minute! She'll make publishing your book go from a dream to a reality!”

-Samantha Brett, Australia's #1 Relationship Columnist, author and TV Host

***

In my downloadable audio series The Secret Rules of Publishing: Your Fast-track System to Publishing Success you’ll get:

· 7 one-hour audio classes that will identify your book’s bestselling concept, teach you how to write a killer query letter, connect with top agents, get published and much more
· Access to the private I’m Published! online group where I will personally answer you publishing questions and give expert media tips.
· A personal review of your query letter to literary agents
· Exclusive interviews with top experts in the literary world
· And that’s just the beginning…

***

“If you’re serious, and I do mean SERIOUS about wanting to get your book published, then this book is a MUST READ. I don’t say that about very many things online, but this is one of them. I would venture to say that this will someday be looked at as the book publishing bible. It is THAT good.”
– review of The Secret Rules of Publishing by PublishingBook.info

Here’s a Sneak Peak of my exclusive 7-week course The Secret Rules of Publishing: Your Fast-track System to Publishing Success:

· Audio #1: Publishing 101: An A-Z crash course into the publishing industry so you can appear like a seasoned pro, even if you’re a total beginner!
· Audio #2: Discover your Bestselling Concept: Bring your book to its highest commercial potential and connect with the largest audience possible!
· Audio #3: Building Your Book & Accelerated Writing, Part I: How to write a bestselling outline… that will save you months of rewrites!
· Audio #4: Building Your Book & Accelerated Writing, Part II: Conceptualized content strategies for maximum media attention… and a bigger book advance!
· Audio #5: Craft & Style: How to find your voice and write your book in a unique tone and style that can make it an instant bestseller!
· Audio #6: Literary Agents & Publishers: How to successfully bring your book to market, get a literary agent and get published!
· Audio #7: Media & Book Promotion: How to Get Major A-list Publicity, for free! Even if you self-publish!

You will receive a digital recording of each one… so you can listen to them at your convenience and replay them as often as you like.

Order now and get the "Early Bird" special of only US $497. (After 5/16/10 the price goes up to $597.) Either way, it's a super deal. I recently saw a writers program offering much less and asking for a whopping six thousand dollars!

Also the first 15 people who order the series will receive a F.R.E.E. One-hour Publishing Consulting Session with me privately on the phone (a $250 value).

If you’re serious about getting published, get started now and turn your dream into a reality.

CLICK HERE to purchase this extraordinary Fast-track System to Publishing Success!

See you on Book TV,
Donna

P.S. Feel free to email me at donnasozio@gmail.com with any questions.

Donna Sozio
Author / Publishing & Publicity Success Coach
http://www.ImPublished.com/
www.DonnaSozio.com/pitchingsuccess

Submitting to Literary Agents?

2008-12-29T15:34:00.000-08:00

Submitting to Literary Agents?

by Donna Sozio

http://www.impublished.com/

The "Auto-Reject" Submission Letter Button - Don’t Press It!

We can be so afraid of rejection that we press the Self-Sabotage Button in our brains. We may think thoughts like, “If I don’t give my best then my best can’t get rejected.”That’s nothing but a Mental Escape Hatch from the natural fear that we experience as writers. It tries to convince us that if we reject literary agents first by not giving them our best then they can’t reject us. The trick is to catch ourselves when we are doing it. While submitting, make sure you haven’t set your Mental Escape Hatch on default.

Are You A First Time Author? Don't Do This!

2008-12-29T15:27:00.000-08:00

Are You A First Time Author? Don't Do This!

by Donna Sozio

http://www.impublished.com/

Submitting but Not Expecting to Win

Hand over my heart, this is the most detrimental mistake a writer can make. You typically see this when writers say, “Yeah, I submitted but I don’t expect much. You know, they’re a big agency and...”

The truth in publishing is what you see is exactly what you get. If you can see yourself as a successful author with a literary agent and a book deal, you will have one. You only need to take the steps to get you there.

When it comes to getting published, your mindset determines your success just as much as your work itself. The good news about mindset is it’s totally within your control. A positive mindset is always working for you. It is always in your corner. And it does more work for you than you can imagine. No matter what your situation looks like a positive mindset will always pull you through.

If you play the publishing game without expecting to win, you won’t because expectation rules outcome. Simply by changing your expectations, you can change your results.

As writers, we all have our Achilles heel. When I feel myself slipping into self-doubt or not expecting to win, I put the brakes on those thoughts by thinking of the author who inspires me the most. I ask myself, “What would she do?” How would he handle this situation?

Imagine for a moment that it’s Super Bowl Sunday just minutes before the game. No team runs onto the field without properly psyching up first. Each player has to feel the win before they can perform to their highest ability.

This is your big game. The Literary Super Bowl. Ask yourself, “Will I allow myself to win?”

If the answer is a Yes! (I have a feeling it is) you’re ready for the next chapter where you’ll learn how to redefine the submission process and make it work for you.

An excerpt from Donna Sozio’s The Secret Rules of Publishing: What Every First Time Author Needs to Know To learn more visit: http://www.impublished.com/

Are There Bad Literary Agents?

2008-12-22T09:54:00.000-08:00

Are There Bad Literary Agents?
By: Donna Sozio
http://www.impublished.com/

While getting submission packages ready to submit to literary agents a lingering question on most writers’ minds is, “Are there bad literary agents?”

The answer is yes and you should know about them.

Traditionally a literary agent represents a writer and makes money from the commission they receive from the sale and sales of your book. That’s it.

Beware of any agent who tries to sell you editorial, consulting or packaging services. If they do, that is the point when they stop being agents. Instead they have just become editors, consultants, or packagers who use the promise of publishing to sell their services.

Also be wary of agents sliding in fees such as a reading fee. Nominal photocopying fees are for the most part okay. Yet, start asking questions if any copying fee is over $50.00. Also, make sure you only have to pay after your book has been sold.

Sometimes first-time writers feel somewhat shy asking questions, especially, financial questions. You may feel like they are the mighty literary agent. And you are the lowly writer, which is – by the way - complete bunk.

It’s important to know this because the lowly first-time writer mentality is exactly the fodder unscrupulous agents feed on. If you are dealing with a legit agent you will never jeopardize your writing career by initiating an intelligent conversation about money. It will only help you gain esteem and impress your future agent with your business savvy.

It’s a rule of thumb that the unscrupulous go after the desperate. For which there is a simple solution. Don’t be desperate. Then no one can take advantage of you.

Yet, if you find yourself in a situation where: 1. You thought you submitted to a literary agency, 2. You get accepted or they want to work with you, 3. But you must first shell out a $2500 editorial fee to get you ready to submit to publishers. Don’t be afraid to: 1. Talk money, 2. Ask questions, 3. Ask for references.

This is why: Once an agent starts asking for money – instead of making you money – you are now a customer and they need to prove the worth of their products. Especially, since editing services don’t come cheap. Also, how do you measure results? Exactly when does “getting you ready” for publishing mean green light go?

In past literary agent searches, I have been offered a few editing services in lieu of representation. One of the offers didn’t even have my name at the top of their reply email. This was a sure tip-off that the email was computer generated. It read like one of those automated sales messages with important information left on my voice mail. Not to mention they also asked for a quick two grand.

If you are ever in doubt about what to do in this situation, remember that as an author, you’re The Catch. You are the one with the powerful saleable idea. They are lucky to have you. You shouldn’t feel lucky that you have them.

Ask yourself this question: Is this literary agent acting in my best interest or are they using my deep burning desire to get published to sell me editorial services? If the answer is the latter, then yes, they are a bad agent.

What do you do if you find yourself in this situation?

First, always follow your instincts. If you smell a rat, you smell a rat. It’s that simple.
Yet, if you still want to inquire further, go ahead. You are under no obligation. You are free to email or call them to gather more information without making a commitment. Remember, at this point, they have become a seller of “services” and you are the valued customer.
In the end, make sure they are offering you representation for your book not preparation.

On a final note, I want to add that out of over 140 submissions to literary agents, I was offered only two editorial or “preparation” services when I submitted my work for representation. Yes, there are bad agents out there. But don’t let them give the thousands of wonderful hardworking literary agents out there a bad name.

To learn everything you need to know about reputable and not-so-reputable literary agents visit: http://www.impublished.com/.

The True Meaning of a Successful Writer

2008-12-22T09:51:00.000-08:00

The True Meaning of a Successful Writer
By Donna Sozio
www.ImPublished.com

It amuses me how I’m always asked the same question, “So, when did you decide to become a writer?”

What strikes me as funny is the person asking the question assumes that I became a writer by choice. The reality is that becoming a writer felt more like something happened to me rather than something I decided to do. An unknown force -commonly referred to as an idea - woke me up in the middle of the night and changed my life forever.

Then came the inevitable question, “Do you have a literary agent?”

Back when the answer was no, I remember a strange look of hidden indignation and pity move across their faces that said, “Poor writer… all dream but no agent.” I looked forward to when I could proudly say, “I have a literary agent!” I thought it would vindicate me as a successful writer in other people’s eyes. And then I wouldn’t have to deal with The Look.

Well, now that I do have a literary agent, I’m still not a party pleaser. Inevitably, someone always asks, “Who is your agent?” When I say his name, most people shake their heads and say, “I've never heard of him.” Then comes The Look.

This made me ask myself two important questions. First, is my literary agent not a real agent just because someone I met hasn’t heard of him? No. Nor does having a literary agent make me a successful writer. What it means is that I should never look outside of myself for approval of my work. Literary agents (and prying busybodies) included.

The second question I asked myself is: Then what is the true meaning of a successful writer? It didn’t take long before I came to a few conclusions.

Few writers actually finish what they start. If you’ve made a commitment to your book to finish it and share it with the world then you are a successful writer. The true meaning of a successful writer is someone who follows through on the ideas they get in the middle of the night - or in the shower - and finishes them. When you’ve committed to making the leap from writing in the comfort and privacy of your home to sharing your talent with the world – you are a successful writer.

Once you begin to think of yourself as a successful writer… others will too. Including your future literary agent and publisher.

To learn more about how to get a literary agent and get published visit: http://www.impublished.com/.

Make Your Submission Package for Literary Agents Irresistible

2008-12-22T09:46:00.000-08:00

Make Your Submission Package for Literary Agents Irresistible
By: Donna Sozio
www.ImPublished.com

While preparing to submit to literary agents most writers make the same mistakes following the typical submission advice, which always boils down to three same things:

1. Research
2. Submit
3. Wait

Yet, what you are really told to do is…

1. Read through hundreds of lengthy submission guidelines. 2. Surrender your work to someone you’ve never met before who may or may not even read what you’ve written. 3. Then wait for months to see if they like it.

Honestly, a squirrel might have better luck learning to ride a bicycle than first-time authors have getting a literary agent using the “typical” model for submissions. It almost seems cruel. You just poured your heart and soul into finishing your book. That in itself was a lot of hard work. But you’re not done.

Next, you’re supposed to just know how to put together the perfect submission package for literary agents. No wonder the phrase "frustrated writer" is cliché. Especially since there are hundreds of agencies to research and it seems like no one is accepting unsolicited submissions. I wasn’t surprised when a writer friend said that looking for a literary agent felt like her head was on a chopping block. I know when I first started; it felt like I was bushwhacking through a dense jungle. I felt overwhelmed, frustrated and lost.

Perhaps, that’s how you feel too. Overwhelmed? Frustrated? Lost?

The good news is that you don’t have to feel like Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution to get published. There are three simple ways to make your submission package for literary agents irresistible.

First, you must have a slam-dunk-sign-me-now intriguing concept embedded in your book title. Don’t think of your title solely as form because it is pure function. And its function is to sizzle.

Bestselling titles are evocative. They grab your readers’ attention. They serve as an immediate indicator to your reader what to expect in the story. Someone who is looking for a feel good fuzzy story isn’t going to reach for “M” is for Malice. They should also make a good sound bite. Your title doesn’t just name your book – it sets up your bestselling concept and acts as a selling piece to your future literary agent and publisher.

The title of your book is one of the first things your future agent will see. An engaging seductive title will be enough to make any literary agent at least read the first page of your proposal or query letter. And if you’ve done your job, they’ll keep on reading until they get you on the phone and make you an offer!

The second way to make a submission package for literary agents irresistible is to clearly define the universal bestselling concept in your book.

When someone asks you what your book is about, what do you say? Do you have a clear, concise and engaging two or three sentence description? Or does it take ten minutes to describe “Well, there’s this guy and he just lost his house because…and then there’s this woman who works at the diner… and they… Oh wait, I forgot about the guy’s brother who…”

Every writer needs a clearly defined concept that not only explains but also sells your book in a millisecond. To get a literary agent, you must hook their attention in the first sentence of your query letter. Or you’re cooked.

The third way to woo and wow a literary agent is to present a strong author platform. Although platforms previously only applied to non-fiction, today they can work for fiction writers as well. This is because authors are responsible for attracting readers just as much (or more so) than your publishing house.

So, what is a platform? Your author platform is network of support and supporters you have already built that will translate into book sales. Your platform tells literary agents just how you plan to sell your book in concrete terms. Do you already have a built-in following? Are you already in the public eye? What press have you already generated for yourself and your book? Do you already have a substantial email list? What celebrity status in your field have you already achieved?

Whether you are writing nonfiction or fiction the powerful combination of a seductive selling title, universal bestselling concept, and a powerful author platform can be enough to get any literary agent to at least ask to read your manuscript, if not offer you representation, on your first try!

To learn everything you need to know how to make a submission package for literary agents irresistible visit: http://www.impublished.com/.

3 Simple Secrets to Create an Instant Bestseller

2008-12-22T09:39:00.000-08:00

3 Simple Secrets to Create an Instant Bestseller
By: Donna Sozio
www.ImPublished.com

Before you even begin writing your book there are three steps you must take if you want your book to hit the literary scene as The Next Big Thing.

The First Step to create an instant bestseller is to ask yourself: Does my book hit a universal nerve? If the answer is yes, you must be able to define exactly what that universal nerve is. Then your book should provide either a solution or at least a temporary escape from the universal nerve you just stepped on. That way you not only identify your book's audience but also demonstrate your connection to them. Which gives your future publisher a very strong reason to buy your book.

Although there is something inherently romantic about obscurity, there must be an element in your book that connects with at least half of humanity for you to create an instant bestseller. I’m not kidding. Take The Da Vinci Code, for example. This book was about an incredibly obscure sect within the Roman Catholic Church. Yet, the Da Vinci Code sold over 60 million copies.

The Da Vinci Code’s success wasn’t due to its award winning writing. This book became an instant bestseller because it hit a universal nerve. The story appealed to every person on the face of the earth who has ever questioned religion. The author, Dan Brown, would have made a huge mistake if he positioned his book to appeal only to the group about whom he was actually writing. Which is to say the potential audience of your book is much wider than just your subject.

If in doubt, think of it this way. The larger your audience, the larger your book advance. Even if your book is about something obscure, you must position its appeal as universal. Only then will literary agents and publishers recognize it as instant bestseller material.

If your book doesn’t hit a universal nerve, don’t write another sentence until you follow this Second Step to instant bestseller success. Ask yourself this question: Why am I writing my book? The answer will help you discover your audience and assist you in discovering which universal nerve you will hit.

Most people write books for one of two reasons. Either they are processing something in their inner world through the situations and the characters they dream up in the context of their book. Or they are have a burning desire to tell the outside world all the wonderful insights they have gained after successfully processing their inner world.

Both impetuses are equally fabulous and you can create instant bestseller material using either approach. You only need to successfully match the universal nerve you hit to the demographic that it will impact. Once you learn how to do this, you have just learned how to create an instant bestseller!

The Third Step is to boil down all of this information in a succinct and engaging query letter to successfully woo, wow, and entertain a literary agent so they can recognize immediately that your book is an instant bestseller. This is done by distilling your bestselling concept into a slam-dunk-sign-me-now pitch that entertains instead of explains.

For a literary agent to recognize your book as instant bestseller material, your query letter must be a mini-me of your book. For example, if you’re writing humor, a literary agent should be laughing after the first line. Or if you wrote a wistful memoir about unrequited love, it’s your job to romance your future literary agent and put them in the mood to read your manuscript.

Creating an instant bestseller can be simple. You only need to know what to do and how to do it. By following the first three steps above, you are well on your way to instant bestseller success. Most writers write without knowing why they are writing. Then they submit without knowing what they are submitting. But not you. The three steps above help get you clear on the potential of your book. Which means the message will be clear that your book is an instant bestseller to your future literary agent and publisher as well.

To learn more about how to create an instant bestseller visit: http://www.impublished.com/.

Guiltless Editing - Really!

2008-03-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Guiltless Editing

1. For every manuscript create a separate "TIDBIT" file.

2. While writing or editing, instead of deleting text, simply move what needs to go to your TIDBIT file for later use.

It's a useful mind trick.
When you aren't afraid to "lose" anything, you can dump the junk.
This gets you closer to your final draft and a publication date!

If You're a First-Time Author - Don't Do This!

2008-03-17T10:02:00.000-07:00

The 3 Most Common Mistakes
First-Time Authors Make without Even Realizing It

www.ImPublished.com

1. Not Connecting With a Large Audience

Although there is something inherently romantic about obscurity, there must be an element in your book that connects with at least half of humanity for it to be successful. I’m not kidding. Take The Da Vinci Code, for example. This book was about an incredibly obscure sect within the Roman Catholic Church. Yet, the Da Vinci Code has sold over 60 million copies.

Its success wasn’t due to its award winning writing. This book became wildly popular because it hit a universal nerve. Its story appealed to every person on the face of the earth who has ever questioned religious doctrine. Although hitting this universal nerve made it commercial fiction, the book was just as compelling as it was thought provoking.

Dan Brown would have made a huge mistake when looking for an agent if he positioned his book to appeal only to the group about whom he was actually writing about. Which is to say that the potential audience of your book is wider than just your subject. When you unearth your book’s universal elements… especially those that hit an universal nerve, you’ve got a potential bestseller.

If in doubt, think of it this way. The larger your audience, the larger your book advance. Even if your book is about something obscure, you must position its appeal as universal in your submission.

2. An Expectation That the Publishing Industry Owe Us Something

Literary agents and publishers ask a lot of us. They want us to do the work up front without even the promise of a penny. They expect an idea that is fully cooked, in a book that is already written, edited and ready to roll. On top of that, they want a well thought out typo-free book proposal and/or query letter. These days, it may feel like you have to attach a Hollywood star to your book to get signed by an agent. (Which, by the way, isn’t a half bad idea.)

Well, that’s just what I call “The Deal,” even if it seems like a raw one. Agents expect your best work up front and on spec because it’s the only way they can judge the quality of your work.

Say you’re developing some prime real estate property. Would you hire a contractor to build your house just because he had some great ideas? I hope not. Most likely, you’d want to see an example of his finished work before you signed a contract. Perhaps, you also want a list of references.

The same goes for literary agents and writers. An agent or publishers needs to see your finished product before they sign you. Simply to see what you can build. Once you have a successful track record, the rules change. Then if you play your cards right, you won’t write on spec anymore.

3. Hiding Your Book’s Bestelling Concept

Many writers have the goods but they hide their own mega blockbuster idea. They inadvertently down play it down under too much confusing background information. Or they don’t express it in a succinct to the point engaging way.

When a proposal is foggy, it’s hard for an agent to see what is in front of him. Although literary agents and editors may enjoy collecting old books, they aren’t archeologists. They don’t excavate your query letter or book proposal looking for treasure. If your bestselling concept doesn’t pop out and bite them on the nose, the fate of your submission is doomed to join the Slush Pile.

It’s safe to assume that literary agents and editors have very poor vision. In fact, their vision is so bad that it’s your job to make them see the value of your work. You can’t count on an agent to just know that your book is a bestseller without at least a little illumination.

Humility may be a virtue but not when you’re selling your book. Don’t be humble about your saleable concept that connects with half of humanity. Don’t explain when you can entertain. Instead, take what I call the Newly Engaged approach. Turn the spotlight on your diamond. Only then can you expect a crowd of admirers.

*** The above was an excerpt from Donna Sozio's eCourse The Secret Rules of Publishing: What Every First-Time Author Needs to Know. All Rights Reserved.*** www.DonnaSozio.com/Publisher

The Secret Rules of Publishing

2008-02-29T18:01:00.000-08:00

Hi! I'm Donna Sozio, and I'm a writer too. I've lived all over the world -- in the U.S., Saipan, Japan, the French Alps and Thailand. When I moved to L.A. I found that my creative juices flow the best in the California sun.

During my career, I've worked as a copywriter for Yahoo!, Sunset Magazine, and Lexus, and have written extensively on surf-skate-snow sports for such publications as Onboard, Snowboard UK, Wahine, and Surf Life for Women. I enjoyed that work, but only recently did I really find my voice. And it was only then that everything fell into place.

Two years ago my book, Never Trust a Man in Alligator Loafers, was just an idea in my mind. The seed of that idea woke me in the middle of the night. But I had to breathe life into that seed and nourish it, to take it from that dream stage to reality. Now I have a literary agent, a book deal with a major publisher, a publicist, a movie option, and a publication date with Citadel Press.

Bringing my book to fruition started when I created an action plan for myself. But before I could even do that, I had to dig deep and ask, did I have anything worth saying? Was I willing to do whatever it takes to say it? What would it take to get people to listen?

This is a great exercise. I'd recommend it even if you're not writing a book. It took me a lot of time and effort to finally understand that my creative voice, my schtick, is to use humor, parody, satire even cheek? --- to pay my rent on the planet. Through my combined works in media, publishing and fashion, I want to help people develop the inner muscle they need to believe that everything is possible. And then the courage to act on that dream. Because achievement is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.

Every word I share with you in my newest book, The Secret Rules of Publishing, has been successfully road-tested by me. In this step-by-step guide, I offer fresh information for writers, so that after you read it, you won't need to wander in the barren desert of unfulfilled dreams as I did! When I applied the principles outlined in this guide, I got an agent in three weeks and sold my book. With hard work and positive, dedicated focus, you can make it happen just as I did. And I'll show you how!

So get focused, Buy the Guide and Get Published! And remember, I'm on your side! See you on Book TV!

Love, Donna