Tips For Getting Published by Dr. Joshua Coleman

June 06, 2007 12:33 AM EDT (Updated: June 06, 2007 01:43 AM EDT)

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GETTING PUBLISHED: 7 Things to Remember

Hi All,

I’m an author with 2 published books and a third one coming out this summer with HarperCollins titled, WHEN PARENTS HURT: Compassionate Strategies When You and Your Grown Child Don’t Get Along.” I’ve also had my work published in newspapers and magazines.

Here are some thoughts on getting published:

ESTABLISH A PLATFORM: Whether you’re a novelist or a non-fiction writer, publishers want to know that you have an audience. If you don’t, there are ways to build a platform.

BE CONTROVERSIAL, SURPRISING, OR SHOCKING: Look at the titles of newspaper and magazine articles to see what’s getting published and how headlines are phrased.

TELL A PERSONAL STORY: Personal stories are useful if they are unique or are tied to something that everyone has to struggle with.

GET AN AGENT: Look at the endorsement page of the books that are most similar to yours- people always thank their agents. Get the agent’s name, google him or her, and send a query letter. You can find agents, publishers and other resources at Literary Marketplace(www.literarymarketplace.com). Make sure the agent likes work similar to yours.

BE A PERPETUAL STUDENT: Always work on your craft every day and continually educate yourself about the ever-changing publishing world. Take classes in writing and marketing. Get feedback from people other than friends or family.

TIE INTO BREAKING NEWS: The media are always looking for ways to develop stories around breaking news. Work to establish yourself as a good “go-to” person for the media.

DON’T GET DISCOURAGED: Churchill said, “Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.” Every writer’s success is preceded by a long line of rejections. Keep writing and keep sending out your work.

Dr. Joshua Coleman offers consultation to writers who are trying to get published. Consultation includes: building a platform, writing a proposal, getting an agent, developing your topic, negotiating an advance, and working with the media. Dr. Coleman is an internationally known expert in parenting, couples, families, and relationships. A frequent guest on the Today Show, he has also appeared on ABC 20/20, Good Morning America, the BBC, and numerous news programs for FOX, ABC, and NBC television. Dr. Coleman's advice has been featured in The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, Psychology Today, The London Times, and many other publications. He is a Senior Fellow with the Council on Contemporary Families and has a private practice in San Francisco and Oakland, California.