You’ve been waiting by the mailbox and you finally receive the letter you’ve been waiting for. Your book is going to be published!

But your journey doesn’t end there. On the contrary. It’s just beginning. There are appearances to be made, books to sign and television programs to be a guest on.

In fact, many publishers want to know your promotional plan of attack before they even look at your manuscript. How you market yourself and your book is downright vital to success in these competitive publishing days.

The art of self-promotion can be overwhelming. Many people don’t even have the first clue as to where to get started on their own publicity campaign.

The Kindly, Caring Literary Agent is probably extinct. Today’s agents are more likely to treat you like a paychecks than like the sensitive creative person you are. You won’t get your hand held when you’re blue. You won’t have your manuscript lovingly edited. Even worse than this cold, business-like treatment, you’re unlikely to get your works placed with a publisher by an agent today if you are a budding author.

Today: 40% wont read manuscripts by unpublished authors (those who do usually charge) 80% won’t handle professional books over 90% won’t handle regional books, satire, reference or technical works only 2% have a special interest in literature or quality fiction.

Who doesn’t love the story of “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling? As a single mother on welfare, she wrote a book that made her into a multimillionaire.

Yes. She wrote a book, made millions and was instantly famous.

How’s that for living the dream?

A study by Michigan-based publisher Jenkins Group showed as many as 80 percent of Americans want to write a book. Sadly, though, you aren’t likely to become the next Rowling. Sorry. Just ask any publisher if you want affirmation of that statement.

But if you have the goal of writing a book and getting it published, your odds are fairly decent, according to Emily Watts, senior development and communications editor at Deseret Book in Salt Lake City.

You just need to realize it will take work, persistence and the ability to accept rejection.

A bookseller prescribes 10 rules to stay on the good side of your town’s bookstore

1. If you have a book coming out with a major publisher, and you happen to live in town, stop by and introduce yourself. We’re both going to look bad when your book is reviewed and we’ve never heard of either it or you. All you need to do is come say hi. We’re friendly. Also: don’t tattle to our rep about our not having your book. Booksellers, like elephants, never forget.
2. Do not call or stop by more than once a week asking how your book is selling. Your enthusiasm comes across as incessant nagging if you check in with us hourly. If we need more copies of your book, we’ll call you. And if, when you call us, we can immediately identify you by you merely saying, “Hiiiiiii, it’s me again,” this does not mean we have formed a bond; it means you are stalking us.