Have you ever dreamt of penning the great American novel? Of writing your way through Europe on an assignment for your favorite travel magazine? Of writing your own memoirs or becoming the expert on call for a trade journal? Knowing how to sell what you write is as important as knowing how to write, and many promising writers waste the chance of a lifetime by breaking some of the cardinal rules of the publishing industry. Here are a few vital tips to help you get your foot in the door of your favorite publisher.

Do know your market. Find a specific market for what you write, and find out what a publisher or agent specifically wants from you. Some publishers may only want a query (a letter introducing you as an author and your manuscript), while others may want to see a full proposal with sample chapters. Visit an agent or publisher’s website for guidelines on what to submit and how to develop a proposal. Don’t waste your time and money sending manuscripts or proposals to publishers who don’t work with unpublished authors or to agents who don’t represent your type of writing (i.e. you write science fiction, but they only represent cook books.) Take the time to research publishers who are looking specifically for what you write, and you’ll greatly increase your chances of publication.

Do be professional. You wouldn’t show up to a job interview in your torn Super Bowl XXXII sweatshirt, so don’t send out your manuscript in less than perfect condition. Don’t badger editors or agents with phone calls, emails or presents. Remember, they see thousands of submissions a week, and what you may think is a cute way to get their attention is probably just annoying. Treat an editor or agent with the same professional respect you would show to a prospective employer, and be patient! It may be a few months before you receive a response to your submission.

Do take constructive criticism. If an editor or agent is kind enough to review your work and offer comments, for Pete’s sake, listen! He or she is a professional who knows the industry you’re trying to succeed in. Don’t take criticism personally or try to defend your work. Just listen and take advice to heart. Be willing to rewrite something a thousand times if need be. Your work will become better, and you’ll continue to evolve as a writer with each revision.

Do hone your skills. Continually striving to become a better writer is one of the most essential things you can do. Look for writers’ networks or clubs in your community where you can meet with other aspiring writers to give and receive advice and encouragement. If you can’t find any in your local area, look online. The Internet is a great place to meet up with other writers trying to improve their craft.

Do remember to network. In publishing, as in many artistic pursuits, it’s not always what you know, but who you know. Go to writers’ and publishers’ conferences for a chance to rub elbows with agents and editors who may be interested in your work. Join writers’ networks where you can meet already published authors for some free advice and perhaps a good word with a specific agent or publisher. Think about your audience – are you writing about becoming a firefighter or the lives or WWII veterans or how to build the best jeep for off-road enthusiasts? Find out where these people hang out and if they have regular meetings, and try to attend. The best way to make your name known as a writer is to network, network, network.

Don’t give up. Persistence is the key to succeeding in publishing. Many well established writers had to endure hundreds (sometimes thousands) of rejections before anyone would give them a chance. Keep trying, and don’t be thin-skinned about rejection. While your work may not match one publisher’s needs, it may be perfect for another. In the words of Winston Churchill, “Never never never never never never give up.”

Don’t dive into an already saturated market. While historical romances or children’s stories about animals may be your forte, successfully breaking into an already flooded market is nearly impossible. Find a way to diversify yourself and your writing. What sets you apart as a writer? How can you market yourself and your work in a way that is unique and attention getting? Can you tweak your writing a little bit to appeal to another, less flooded, market? It’s important to have a specific audience in mind when writing anything. You must be able to identify to an agent or editor what specific market you’re writing for. Remember, you’ll hit a bull’s eye much easier using a rifle than a shotgun.

Don’t be hesitant to start small. Try writing a few articles for a local paper or smaller publication first. You’ll learn how to develop your voice as a writer while learning some of the ins and outs of the publishing industry. Plus, you’ll have examples of published works or “clips” to include in your resume or proposals in the future, which are a huge selling point with many publishers.

Don’t forget that you’re selling yourself. While your writing itself is what editors will look at first, many publishers want someone who can offer a whole package. Personality sells books as much as talent, sometimes. Show publishers that you’re willing and able to self-promote. Any media connections you have or well-known people you know can make you look more appealing to publishers.

Becoming a published writer is an exhilarating and amazing experience. While it does take perseverance, dedication, and a tremendous amount of work, the feeling you get when you see your words in print for the first time far outweighs the work you’ve put into your career. By following a few guidelines, you can save yourself a lot of time and effort in your pursuit of publication.