Five Ways to Become a Dream Author

Interpersonal relationships are at the heart of how authors work with book editors and literary agents. Every communication builds a relationship. Almost immediately I can sense when an author feels entitled or is pushy.  Inside I’m asking if this attitude will transfer to my publishing colleagues.

As an acquisitions editor, I am often the first connection between an author and our publishing house. Every day I’m actively looking for great books (and authors) to publish. While the negative interaction will be lasting, you can also make a positive impact on this publishing professional with your submission.

Here’s five traits to standout and meet the needs:

 First, deliver an appropriate proposal with solid writing and great storytelling. Not every pitch is right for every editor or agent. Before you hit send, make sure your work is in the best possible shape for submission. As an editor, I have a number of behind-the-scenes actions I do with each submission to get them into our internal system.  I’ve had a number of authors who submit, then including some excuse will send a revised submission (which makes a negative first impression and increased work for me). Don’t submit to the same editor or agent multiple times. Once should do it.

 Second, understand and know how to reach your target reader. However you publish, you will need to handle the bulk of the marketing. Every writer can learn this skill but it will take focused effort. The more connections you have when you approach an editor, the better. Every book has a specific target audience and is not for “everyone.” Narrow your market so you are gearing for a specific age or type of reader, then send your submission to editors who publish other books for this audience.

 Third, meet your deadlines with your manuscript—even if self-imposed. Authors are notoriously late and being late throws off many things inside the publishing house. If you meet or exceed your deadline, you will stand out. Throughout my many years as an editor, I have heard every excuse about why the author needs an extension. As an author, I have stayed up all night and written to meet a deadline and then that morning I went to a full-time job outside my home. Part of being a professional is to meet the deadline.

 Fourth, craft a complete and engaging book proposal (pitch). Use my free checklist to make sure you cover every part: http//terrylinks.com/bookcheck. If your submission is missing elements, it will add to the editor’s work and correspondence plus delay getting your submission to move forward internally toward a decision and possible contract. Editors and agents are looking for quality and complete submissions.

 Fifth and finally, always be growing and trying new efforts to reach new readers and sell more books. Some of your efforts will fail but you will learn from the journey (as all of us do). Here’s a free resource for you to learn and grow. Formerly on Dragon’s Den (the Canadian forerunner of Shark Tank), Dave Chilton is the creator of a nonfiction book marketing course and has sold millions of books. Watch some of his videos for free at: http://bit.ly/chiltonmethod Chilton attributes part of his success to continued experimentation.

 As a writer, you can follow a similar path and following these insights will turn you into a desirable or dream author.                                                 

W. Terry Whalin, a writer and acquisitions editor lives in Colorado. A former magazine editor and former literary agent, Terry is an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing. He has written more than 60 nonfiction books including Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams and Billy Graham. Get Terry’s recent book, 10 Publishing Myths for only $10, free shipping and bonuses worth over $200. Jim Cox, Editor-in-Chief at Midwest Book Review wrote, “If you only have time to read one ‘how to’ guide to getting published, whether it be traditional publishing or self-publishing, “Book Proposals That Sell” is that one DIY instructional book.” At the book website, get a free book proposal checklist. Get his free Ebook, Platform Building Ideas for Every Author. His website is located at: www.terrywhalin.com. Connect with Terry on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.