So, 2011 is the year you plan to turn your words into a published book.

If that’s on the agenda as part of your New Year’s resolutions, it’s absolutely possible if you’re not just ready but also committed to turning this dream into reality.

Part of your plan is to include several items on your agenda that both first-time and long-time authors perform consistently.

If you see yourself doing the following tasks, you’ll soon find your book available on store shelves, online, and at events where you autograph copies to fans who’ve waited for your book to arrive.

1. Start and commit to writing a blog. This element of writing is open to you through a self-hosted, paid option or through a free source such as Blogger.com and WordPress.com. Add an entry at least twice weekly.

Quick Note: This blog has experienced a short-term transition, and in case you’re thinking I don’t practice what I preach, I maintained other blog sites at:

• GiftBasketBusiness.com/blog
• SoloBusinessMarkeitng.com/blog
• GiftBasketBook.com
• GiftBasketsNewsletter.com/blog
• AskTheGiftBasketExpert.com/blog
• GiftBasketRadio.com

2. Read every day. There arenewspapers, magazines, books, and other publications to invest 20 minutes of time reading each day whether done online or through the text version.

3. Write a letter to the editor. If a newspaper or magazine article encourages you to share your views, send the editor your thoughts in the manner explained within that publication (Email or direct mail is usually preferred). Such views include a counter opinion or another side of the issue.

4. Consult spell check and grammar check before you press “send.” No spelling and grammar check device is flawless, but both can help you share ideas and information in a manner that makes you look good during the initial presentation.

5. Review books in the 808 section of your local library. This is the area where the writing books are housed. Depending on your library’s collection, you’ll find grammar, get published, and similar books written by authors sharing their experience.

Now it’s time to plan your calendar, first deciding your deadline for sending book proposals to publishing houses and putting the objectives to action to get the contract and bring your book to the public.

Which of these five plans will you launch first?

GetPublishedHowTo will be up and running again very shortly. I’ve recently moved it into a new account and will upload all the past data shortly.

Thank you for your patience.

Publishers want a track record.

They need to see that you’re committed to the writing process on a consistent basis, and the most-efficient way to share your words online is by blogging about your proposed book topic.

In the early 1990s, before the Internet became mainstream, I created my version of a book for distribution to a niche audience. It was 40 pages, printed on off-white paper, bound between a clear (front) and black (back) cover, and connected with a spiral comb.

The publication sold briskly because I focused on a subject that wasn’t widely known.

When my publisher requested to see previous writings, I sent the book to her. Looking back it was terribly written, but without it and the journalism courses I enrolled in years later at New York University, my proposal may never have been accepted.

Today, maintaining a blog is the best outlet to convince publishers that you are the person they want to write a soon-to-be-popular book. Here’s why.

1. Followers grow slowly and steadily; that’s what publishers want to see.

2. Each blog category expands and builds your commitment to and passion for the subject.

3. Feedback and comments provide material that creates dynamic chapters.

4. Your insights elevate you to expert status.

5. Publishers will realize your “bankability” and green light the book.

Some bloggers who didn’t submit proposals to publishers have been invited to write books due to their online presence. They happened to be writing about the right topic at the right time.

My suggestion is that you create a blog that focuses squarely on the topic (no side issues about family and non-subject problems), check your spelling before publishing each post, and build your followers by visiting competitive spaces.

As you start (or continue) your blog, what’s the question that comes to mind about the additional steps you’ll take before signing a book contract?

Knowing how to submit your book proposal makes it easier for a publisher to contact you to accept or reject the submission.

Although you don’t want to receive a rejection, that’s part of the process (as is getting accepted).

Submitting your work correctly, the first time, informs you sooner than later if a publisher is willing to turn your proposal into a book.

What’s the right way to submit a proposal? Here are your three choices.

Fiction

Non-Fiction

or

Also required is a self-addressed, stamped envelope either large enough for the publisher to return your entire proposal or a business-sized envelope to receive a one-page response.

There’s more information about what goes into a winning book proposal in this post.

When you don’t know what to submit, it’s easy to make missteps, and that can hurt your chances when you want to make the right impression the first time you make contact.

Follow this blueprint, and send your proposal or query in the method that results in a quick response.