My guest today is author and editor Linda Yezak. Her newest novel Ride to the Altar, the final book in the Circle Bar Ranch series is available. I’m so excited, I’ve already preordered it. I’ve asked her to stop by while on her blog tour to talk about the publishing biz both self-publishing and traditional  She’s a wealth of information so I’m posting part two on Thursday. There’s an exciting giveway too. Look for the specifics later in the post.

Take it away Linda.

Got your book written? That’s great! Edited? Even better. Now, what are you going to do?

We authors have so many choices these days, but we have to weigh our options carefully. First thing we have to determine, however, is what our goals are.

Common Goals

To get rich/famous quickly: This goal is usually based on the misconception that wealth follows publication. On rare occasion, it does. But for 99% of us, it doesn’t. If this is what you’re hoping for, here are a few tips that might up your chances:

• Write a nonfiction book on a topic in which you are an expert. Even in self-publication, those who sell the most are those who have something to offer. In traditional publication, though, having something to offer isn’t always enough. You have to already have a name for yourself. Prove to the gatekeepers that you have a following, and you’re likely to get a big-name publisher’s trademark on your book’s spine.
• Prepare to spend money on a publicist. If you don’t already have a big name and your goal is to become rich and famous, you’ll need exposure. A publicist can help you with that. Depending on who you are and who publishes your work, you may not see a lot of promo dollars being tossed out on your behalf. Chances are, you’ll have to make that investment yourself. It takes money to make money, so be prepared.
• Also be prepared to validate your claim that you have something new and useful. If your publicist does a great job for you, you’ll have plenty of exposure—TV, radio, speaking engagements. You’ll have to prove that #1, you’re an expert, #2 you have something different to offer, and #3 your viewership needs what you have to offer.
• There are all sorts of cyber-means of attaining the same results, albeit a bit slower, and there are all sorts of experts to teach you how. SEOs, funneling, etc. are things you can learn, often at a price but not always. The best time to learn how to do this is right now—whether you’re finished writing or not.

To snag a big-name publisher: These days, this one is only marginally more attainable than becoming rich and famous overnight. If you think about it, it makes sense. There are only so many well established publishers in existence, and with the advent of the computer, there are exponentially more wannabe authors waiting in the wings for their turn. Gaining a huge publisher on the first go-’round isn’t easy, and the first step in the process is to gain an agent. Try these tips (all based upon the idea that you have already studied the craft, written something amazing, and submitted it to critique partners and freelance editors):

• Find an agent that specializes in your genre. Often you can discover this through the acknowledgment page of books in your genre. Writers Digest also features different agents.
• Join professional organizations in your genre. Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, Mystery Writers of America—and tons more. Every genre has an organization, and each organization provides an opportunity to network with the professionals in your field. ACFW, for instance, holds agent and publisher panels, during which these pros introduce themselves, what they’re looking for, what they expect from you.
• Study the agent’s website so you can learn exactly how to present your manuscript. Agents have preferences as to how they are to be approached. Make sure you’ve studied their guidelines, then follow them carefully.
• Also, make sure your genre is one that agent represents. No point sending a horror novel to someone who specializes in sweet romance. Agents are only as good as their connections.

Stay tuned for part Two on Thursday. Linda tell us about your giveaway. There are two chances to enter. Today and Thursday. How cool is that.

I’m offering a giveaway package during the blog tour. When the two-week tour is over, all those who commented throughout the tour will be eligible for the drawing for the prize. It includes a signed print version of the series, a 16-ounce Christian cowboy mug, a horseshoe picture frame, a Ph. 4:13 stretch bracelet, a cute set of magnetic page markers, and a Texas Rubiks cube.  Visit the next blog on the tour tomorrow for an additional chance to win.  Cecilia Pulliams: https://ceciliamariepulliam.blogspot.com/ 

More about Linda:

Linda W. Yezak lives with her husband and their funky feline, PB, in a forest in deep East Texas, where tall tales abound and exaggeration is an art form. She has a deep and abiding love for her Lord, her family, and salted caramel. And coffee—with a caramel creamer. Author of award-winning books and short stories, she didn’t begin writing professionally until she turned fifty. Taking on a new career every half century is a good thing.

Website: http://lindawyezak.com

Newsletter: http://dld.bz/CoffeewithLinda

Facebook: Author Page

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lyezak/

Twitter: @LindaYezak

Amazon Page: http://dld.bz/LWYAmazonPage

Goodreads: Linda W Yezak

What a great prize package.

Be sure to comment below to be entered in the drawing. Comments on social media where I’ll post this blog won’t count. And don’t forget to follow her tour and enter on those sites as well. You’ll get a chance to win and learn a lot more from Linda too.

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