For a guy that thinks exclusively in images, this blog sure is short on metaphor. Hell, I'm barely simile-bound. Once I start rolling with words it is like I'm compelled by the pulsing beat of my Mac to continue. (A simile!)

In metaphor speak, LinkedIn (a social networking site) is a fluffy invisible ladder into the best and brightest of the business world. It allows you to solidify your contacts and reach out to new people whom you share common associates. In many ways it is an adult MySpace, but that is really where the whole charm lies. MySpace always made my skin crawl because like walking back into grade school. But in the adult world the same chide remarks and hidden power plays still occur...they are simply more dignified. (Feel free to spam my profile too.)

Don't believe me? Listen to my favorite author, Guy Kawasaki, rave about the impressive LinkedIn stats: http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2007/01/ten_ways_to_use.html


Recently they launched a question and answer section where you can gain insight and network outside your area. I stumbled across the question below:
Can someone provide advice converting a fiction author from self-published to a mainstream publisher?


For anyone who might have the same question I've posted the answer here as well:

Great question, and the biggest one I'm sure most writers have on their minds. I think we can agree there is no "one right way" to become a formally published author, but this is as good as it is bad. Here are a few things I have learned from personal experience on how to get picked up in mainstream media:

- Be outlandishly original. Creativity is a major differentiator so make conscious decisions to take the road less traveled be it in storytelling, format, or promotion. My book was featured in a USA Today article simply because of a silly tradeshow promotion piece. These handouts cost about a dollar each but it got me in the door and I was able show that I was unique.

- Make the highest quality work a priority. Being prolific is equally important, but it doesn't matter if you can't keep readers. When you place your name on a piece it needs to have a polish above the rest.

- Start a blog (seriously). A writer's blood is their audience. Without an audience they can't survive. With a large audience they live forever. In order to attract readers share what you feel comfortable with the digital world.

- If all else fails, give it away. There are simply some things people will not pay for and in many cases a new author is one of them. Seth Godin has made a name for himself by being prolific, good, and constantly giving away his old books online. For those that have never heard of him, he immediately gains respect for gifting his hard work. When they read his book he immediately gains a follower.

- Promotion is as important as your book. Sorry, but this is true. Network online and kindly discuss your passion. Contact authors and review sites. Do interviews to anyone that will ask a question. Send hundreds of copies out to complete strangers. Get the book into peoples hands and get them excited about sharing it to all of their friends.

- Go to book shows. The contacts you meet there are truly priceless. I optioned the movie rights for my first book after my second trade show.

- Contact every publisher every time. The publishing system is backwards and it takes quite a bit of time to work one's way up the ladder. Use smaller publishing houses as stepping stools to gain traction with large houses. Rinse and repeat.

- Distribution is everything. If you are self-publishing you need to understand this. Not using a big distribution house is suicide and the fastest way to write yourself into a lonely corner. Read "The Self-Publishing Manual" by Dan Poynter for more in-depth info.

- Numbers and quotes are your ammo. The final word for the publishing game is books sold. If you can notch that amount higher each time a mainstream publisher would be insane not to pay attention. And quotes are a good plan B. Having a no-name book prominently touted in a large newspaper or magazine can mean instant success.

- Every effort you make is literally a few steps away from a succesful book, but we simply have no clue which one in a million it will be. Keep trying and never give up hope. If you want it hard enough nothing can stop you.