I am so new at this I do not know where to begin.

[Kathleen]

Hi! I know I need a copywrite to protect my words. But with so much literary advise I am confused. What I want to accompish is to publish this book. It is a spiritual book and it is a true story. I need advise on how to market this book, without getting taken by some people that are very good at that. I have read I need a literary agent??? What I am asking from all of you. After I send it for copywrite, where do I go next?? I want to share this book with everyone, because what happened is a miracle. Something that could happen to you, to your neighbor, your cousin. The reason for its publication, is everytime I would share this incredible story, they would tell me, you need to write a book...so I did. Can you help me. I will compile your advise and move on very slowly. Thank you in advance, for I know from experience that people who have been there, do understand... Namaste....Kathleen

[Stacey Cochran]

Hi Kathleen,

Welcome to the forum. It sounds like the next best step would be to read up on how to write a one-page query letter to a literary agent. There are many great sample query letters online and in reference books.

http://www.agentquery.com/writer_hq.aspx

http://www.nicholassparks.com/WritersCorner/Query.html

You might start with those two links and feel free to search the internet for others.

It might be good to know that you only need a literary agent if you're planning to publish your book with a traditional publisher. If you're planning to self-publish your book, you'll not need an agent.

Stacey

[Kathleen]

Thank you so much for the information: I will read up on the query letter to an agent. I have one more question for you. With all the information you have gotten. What is the best road to take regarding publication and success. My reasons for publication is not my own notirioty, but to put out to he universe this wonderful story. With that said, should I try to have it published by a publisher. Or would self publication, better serve my purpose for this wonderful book. Thank you, Kathleen

[Stacey Cochran]

If I could map a bestselling book based on everything I've seen in the past 15 years in this business, it would go like this.

Previously unpublished author writes a non-fiction story so completely heartrending that readers literally cry over it and can't wait to tell their friends about it. The story itself probably took three years to write, and the author has a tremendous savvy for marketing her story to national media outlets like the Today Show, Christian Science Monitor, USA Today, NPR, etc.

The author decides to self-publish the book and the self-published book generates so much word of mouth that it creates a feeding frenzy among major traditional publishers like Harper-Collins, RandomHouse, and Warner Books, and the author signs with an A-list literary agent straight out of Harvard who nabs a seven-figure deal for the book.

Three months before publication, Steven Speilberg announces that he wants to make a movie of the book and is willing to put his own money behind the project and will accept no compromise other than to direct the picture himself, casting Tom Hanks, Morgan Freeman, and Julia Roberts in the lead roles. The film goes on to win seven Oscars, and public schools around the country adopt the novel into their core curriculum.

This is fun!

[Kathleen]

Dear Stacey; I want to thank you for your wonderful reply. I totally believe that you are part of the bigger picture of the publication of this book. The journey this book has taken has been exactly three years. I have been constanly led by a power greater then myself. I fought writing this book for so long, until I could nolonger fight this inner energy. When writing this memoir, the words flowed out of my mind and my heart on to the pages with the utmost honesty, clarity and authenticity. What I have recieved from you is that after this memoir is copywritten, I will self publish it. And then with the powers that be , the rest will follow. I will keep your name in my address book, for when this wonderful thing happens, I certainly will want to meet you, for you were part of this journey. Kathy

[Kathleen]

Dear Stacey: Your comment was so helpful and I truly meant it when I said you were suppose to show up in my life, exactly at this time. I have two additional questions> Question 1. The only editing my manuscript has is the word perfect at the time it was written. I am sending this orginal raw manuscript, in for copywrite. After it is protected by copywrite, how do I find someone to help me spell check it, grammarize it, and edit it so it is acceptable for publication? Question two: If I choose to self publish, how to a choose someone to help me self publish it. example Internet, Booksurge, etc. You have selfpublished, how did you make your decision. Thanks so much, Kathleen

[Carol Denbow]

Hi Kathleen,
I'm new here so I hope you don't mind my early "pop in" comments, I just couldn't resist!
Before you pay to copyright your work (yes, it's "copyright," not "copywrite," "to copy the rights")
Most writers worry that they should officially copyright their work, but since the 1976 Copyright Act the need has changed.

The new copyright act states, “copyright protection now subsists from the time the work is created in fixed form. The copyright in the work of authorship immediately becomes the property of the author who created the work. Only the author or those deriving their rights through the author can rightfully claim copyright.” Basically, this means that from the moment you put your original thoughts on paper, they are intrinsically copyrighted and nothing else needs to be done.

Hope this helps ease some of the stress and work of publishing!
Best wishes,
Carol
http://www.freewebs.com/authorsbox

[Stacey Cochran]

Excellent points, Kathleen. This is a key concept to grasp about U.S. copyright laws, and you've explained it very well. Thanks.

[Editor In Chic]

If you are looking for self-publishing companies to publish your book, I know of a few companies that practically holds court to everything a book needs from getting you your copyright, book cover design customization, layout consultation, copyediting and even marketing – at affordable costs. Xlibris is one of those companies that cater to practically all book requirements.

It’s a convenience that you don’t have to approach the copyright office yourself. You just have to sit back and relax! You don’t have to drive all the way to their office and fall in line. And through us, you don’t have to provide them 2 copies of the book in order for them to process the copyright for your book. Providing those 2 copies would be pretty expensive you know.

The good thing about self-publishing companies is that they have programs that will already cover the part where your book will be copyrighted.

You can actually get free information about self-publishing here: