Ask the Business Coach Joyce K. Reynolds is an expert Business Coach who works with CEOs, Sr. Execs, entrepreneurs and countless others providing knowledge, solutions, motivation and support that assist her clientele in successfully meeting workplace challenges. Find out more about Joyce's coaching practice. Writing a Book Question: I have played with the issue of writing a book and I was wondering if you could give me some insight on what is involved and how I go about getting started (other than writing it:). Jaxx Answer: The first thing you’ll want to be sure of is that you really have something to write about – sought- after information, useful or unique expertise or a terrific story to tell – that can be developed and aimed at a targeted market segment. Understand that your chances of getting published increase if you are an expert in a particular field, have special credentials or an advanced degree in your subject matter. While it would be helpful to know if you’re considering fiction vs. nonfiction, some basics apply to both. Start by selecting a working title and writing a synopsis. Develop a chapter-by-chapter outline. For non-fiction, write at least three sample chapters. Fiction agents and publishers require the entire book. Once your creative work is done, you will be ready to submit proposals to agents and/or publishers with a potent cover letter which is called a query. One of the best books on the subject of the how to properly put together a query package is "How to Write a Book Proposal" by Michael Larsen. Securing a literary agent is an ideal starting point. So, if you happen to know any authors who fit your book’s category, don’t be shy about asking them for advice – even an introduction to their agent or their agent’s readers. Either way, the focus should be on getting an agent that can and will take your book to the right editors or publishers. While it is most desirable to be introduced by a well-known book publisher via an agent, if you don’t have connections that will allow for this, you’ll want to consider seeking out a boutique publisher or, perhaps, even consider self-publishing. For a wealth of information and resources on this topic, pick up a copy of the most recent Writer's Market. Therein you will find lists of book publishers and literary agents, sample query letters, even sample book outlines. Also check out this fun and useful site - http://suspense.net/buzz/binky.htm - which contains a collection of lists, articles and worksheets assembled to be of help to aspiring authors. Finally, keep in mind that agents, publishers and the public all want an on-going stream of excellent books. If your subject is well-chosen, your writing excellent, passionate and timely and you are dedicated to reaching a reading audience – you’ll get published. Also see: • Ask Joyce your workplace questions • More questions • One-on-one business coaching Disclaimer: The information in this column is intended to provide the reader with general ideas or concepts to be used as part of a broader base of knowledge they collect to determine their own best course of action and solutions most suitable for solving their workplace challenges. The information in this column is not guaranteed to be the appropriate solution for each individual.