Steven Hutson

Do you know 50 editors who handle your genre? If not, you probably need an agent. #pubtip

Your writing is probably not as good as you think it is. Your mother's praise doesn't count (unless she's Nan Graham). #pubtip

Agents and editors get hundreds of submissions each month, but can only accept one or two. Be different. #pubtip

Your high school english teacher is probably not the best choice to edit your book. #pubtip

Your book won't succeed, just because it exists. Start your marketing, months before release. #pubtip

Your self-pub vendor is not a publisher. You are the publisher, and they're a printing service. Get used to it. #pubtip

Self-pub has flooded the market with millions (yes!) of lousy books. Makes it harder (not easier) to succeed. Admit it. #pubtip

"Total control" in a self-pub deal is not a good thing for the inexperienced. #pubtip

Forget the notion of your self-pub getting picked up by Random House. You've been misled. Just give your best work. #pubtip

Your agent and publisher are not responsible for the success of your book. You are. #pubtip

Self-pub is not sexy and new. Stop saying it is. It's as old as Moses. #pubtip

Your book is not a "fiction novel." #pubtip

Your target audience is NOT "Dean Koontz fans." #pubtip

"Dear Agent" and "Dear Editor" don't work here. #pubtip

The words "compelling, action-packed, and inspiring" do not belong anywhere in your pitch. Just tell us about your story. #pubtip

Don't tell me that God told you to pitch your book to me. I didn't get that memo. #pubtip

A copyright notice on your ms is a sure sign of an amateur. Many editors and producers will stop reading, right there. #pubtip

Don't tell an editor that your book is the next BOURNE IDENTITY. They've heard it a thousand times before. #pubtip

Don't tell an editor that the audience for your mystery novel is mystery fans. #pubtip

Don't tell an agent that your story is completely original. It's not. #pubtip