ABSTRACT

Back in 2000, blogs were new, and social media was limited to forwarded email chains, so being published meant old media: books, magazine articles, and newspaper op-eds. This chapter focuses on when to publish, where to publish, and what to expect from the publication process. The electronic age has made it easier than ever to reach general audiences, and that is mostly a good thing. It has also transformed traditional media, which increasingly has to compete with free and easily accessed content. The chapter further talks about how to get smaller pieces published in order to create a portfolio and an identity as a writer, and how to parlay these publications into a book contract. Waiting until writer have a contract from a well-respected publisher who sells books on his/her subject is a good move. Their book will be professionally edited and copyedited, with a marketing department to help decide on his/her cover art and to promote sales.