Six Rules of Publishing

The First Rule of Publishing:

The Money Flows To The Author. If you’re signing something that doesn’t bring money to you either immediately or at least eventually, you are doing it wrong. You don’t pay to get published.

The Second Rule of Publishing:

Never sign a contract without having someone who knows the business look at it. Any publisher who pressures you to sign a contract now, who doesn't want you to have an agent or a lawyer look things over—they are people you want to stay far away from.

The Third Rule of Publishing:

Do your research. If the publisher or agent you are considering working with is legitimate, they should be able to give you a list of people they have worked with before, or a website with a list of clients/projects.

The Fourth Rule of Publishing:

Make Friends. Other authors are not your competition. They are your friends. If they forget it, stay clear. But don't make enemies of the other soldiers in the trenches so long as they don't have a weapon pointed at you.

The Fifth Rule of Publishing:

Write. Make your excuses as loudly as you want. Moan. Complain. And then sit down and get it done.

The Sixth Rule of Publishing:

Write what only you can write. Don't try to imitate. Don't follow trends. No one knows who is going to find that inexplicable success. You can't force it. You can only take satisfaction in doing what you do and knowing it is your best. So write your best.