How to Publish Your First Book - Tips and Leads

Let's be honest, if you're a freelance writer chances are one of your ultimate goals is to publish a book. Mind you, not just any book, it's THE BOOK that will climb the bestseller list and earn you unimagined wealth and fame.

In reality though, if you're like me, this goal is still pretty much far into the future. In the meantime, as we conscientiously work our way towards this goal we try to make the best of what we have right now. How?

Helpful Tips:

1. Take your writing assignments or gigs seriously.
2. Avoid missing deadlines.
3. Don't turn in work that's haphazardly done.
4. Build a good working relationship with your editor or with whomever contracted you for a particular writing assignment.
5. Keep your eyes and ears open for book markets you can pitch to or send a query to.

Possible Leads:

For those thinking of publishing their first book, here are several book markets to consider:

Adams Media - Publishes originals and reprints; non-fiction topics include cooking, self-help and relationships. It is best to submit queries as unsolicited manuscripts are not returned.

Beacon Press - Publishes originals and reprints; topics include ethnicity, parenting and religion. You need to submit a query along with a SASE and your resume, outline and chapter samples.

Da Capo Press - Also publishes originals and reprints; non-fiction such as memoirs, politics, travel and history. You must submit a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) along with your proposal, outline of your manuscript and three sample chapters.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children - Publishes originals and reprints; fiction and non-fiction. For non-fiction, topics include art, music, sports and more. You need to submit a SASE along with an outline and sample chapters. For fiction, they publish board books, picture books and stories for young adults, to name a few. If you're submitting fiction, you must submit a SASE and the complete manuscript.

Paladin Press - Publishes originals and reprints in topics such as politics and government. You need to submit a query and a SASE which includes sample chapters and an outline.

Carefully read the writer's guidelines before you submit any queries or manuscripts. The book markets listed above accept submissions from first-time authors and/or those who don't have agents. As always, good luck!