You can order any of these books by calling: 1-800-888-4741

First of all you have to believe in yourself, and in your story. Don't listen to negative feedback.

ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS:

Do I have a story to tell?
Am I willing to sacrifice about $100.00?
Can I brush off rejection and keep on trying?
Do I believe in the story I want to write?

If you answered yes to all the above questions then what are you waiting for, get started!

This is what I did, step by step, to get my work published. 
The steps are very simple. But before you start you have to believe in yourself
and in your work. That is most important.

1. Begin to write. 
You will have to eventually put your work on a word processor so you can write directly on one to begin with,
 or do like I did, carry a notebook around for those times when inspiration calls and you get the urge to write. You can always
transfer your notebook stuff to the word processor.

2. Arrange your work in chapters.
Give chapters a name the have direct correlation to what the chapters are about.

OK now you've done steps 1 and 2; you wasted 2 or 3 notebooks and have
a document file taking up valuable computer space. Now what?
OK this is where you'll start spending money.

3. Go and buy 2 books (no, not mine, you already have those...RIGHT?).
Book 1: You'll need to find a literary agent, so unless you're rich and famous you'll
probably need one that works on commission. They will sell your book to the highest
bidder for a fee otherwise they don't get a fee, and you won't pay a fee.
COOL? I thought so.

Make sure the book you buy list details about the agents, such as: do they work on commission?
It should also list what kind of subject matter they work with. Make sure you stick to their rules
otherwise you'll be wasting money on stamps, envelopes and paper.
Here is why:
You'll need to write a query, usually the agents prefer a ONE page query that sells you
and your work to the agent. The query has to be neat, well written with a word processor,
and it should be the best piece of work you have ever written. The book you buy should give
examples of a query and give tips on how to write it and what it should consist of.

Book 2: Buy a book on writing book proposals.
This book will show you what documents to gather and how to put them together
in order to sell your book. Buy one that has complete example proposals so that you can really
get the idea of what you need to do.

4. Go buy legal size envelopes and lots of stamps.
Send your query (not the proposal, and not the actual manuscript) 
to every agent in the book that deals with the subject your book is about.
Make sure to personalize the query. A query that reads Dear Mr./Ms. Agent Name
will impress more than a To Whom It May Concern.

That's it!
All you have to do now is wait for the responses.

Be prepared to send complete copies of your manuscript to agents that request it.
If you want the requesting agent to return your work if they choose not to sell it
send a self addressed stamped envelope for them to do so in. It also helps if you write
them a note stating that you would like your work returned if they choose not to sell it.
Ditto with the proposal.

As with everything else in life, be aware of the dirt bags.
You shouldn't have to send any money (they work on commission - hello!),
you shouldn't have to send pictures of any kind (well unless it's a picture book),
and you certainly shouldn't have to make a trip anywhere to meet the agent.
If they like your work and want to sell it, they will send you a letter stating so
and will want to discuss a contract proposal.

Remember that it is imperative that everything you send
for review be neat, well written and well structured.
Get married to Spell Check and flirt continuously with
Grammar Check on your puter.

COOL?

GOOD LUCK!
Don't forget to send me an e-mail announcing your success.
I'll expect at least 35%.
(Ok maybe not, I'll settle with an autographed copy.)