I've finished my book, what now?
1. Put the manuscript away for at least a couple of weeks. Then, read it again with a critical eye to what works and what needs to be fixed. Liberal use of the delete key is helpful for many writers. Eliminate unnecessary or redundant information. Add or retain what is necessary for the reader to engage with and understand the story.

2. If your grammar or spelling is less than perfect, enlist help to clean up your manuscript. Computerized spell-checks and grammar checkers won't correct all errors.

3. Don't rely on friends or relatives for objective appraisals of your work. If you need outside help to tighten your plot or better shape your characters or do a general analysis of the book's marketability, consider hiring a freelance editor or a book doctor. Seek recommendations through writer's groups or magazines or the creative writing department at your local university.

4. Be able to describe your book in 25 words or less. This is a good way to focus on the heart of what you've produced and do a more effective job targeting the marketplace. The capsule description will serve you well later on when you're ready to promote your work.

5. Know where you fit in the market. What successful works are similar to yours? In what special way (tone, slant, new information, etc.) is your work different? Agents and publishers judge manuscripts in terms of the size and type of audience they are likely to attract.

6. Be prepared to state why you are the right author for this book. Are you an expert in the field? Have you had a special or unique experience? Do you have a particular vision or approach that sets you apart? This is especially important for non-fiction.

7. Establish goals for your work. Are you publishing to recount a personal or imagined story? Are you trying to express a proven theory or philosophy? Do you want to disseminate important information? Again, this is particularly true for non-fiction.

8. Present your work professionally. Manuscripts should be double-spaced on one side of plain white paper (20 pound bond or better) and delivered unbound. You can put a rubber band around the pages and place them in a manuscript box. It helps to include your name, the title, and the page number on every page. Don't include cover art or anything else intended to draw attention to the work. That will mark you with a scarlet A for amateur. Similar rules apply if you.re submitting electronically. Your work should be presented in a clean, simple, professional way and left to speak for itself without gimmickry or fanfare.

If you have other questions or suggestions about getting your work published, e-mail me at jkelman@jkelman.com.