On this page, I'm going to tell you all the things to be wary of in the world of publishing. Advice of this kind is always free from me, there are many people in this industry who will promise you the world and just take your money.

I don't read full manuscripts nor will I ever make you any promises of fame, fortune or even publication. You must understand up front that you are up against some very tough competition. You must be persistent, strong and tough to make it and though I can give you a little edge, there are many factors involved in success. There is you, your book, your publisher, the marketer and sometimes even dumb luck. This isn't a market that can be manipulated cheaply, nor would I want it to be - that would be akin to censorship - which I am against.

That being said, I want to give you some rules of thumb and some warnings about people you shouldn't deal with and situations you shouldn't put yourself in. And I will charge you for a course about a lot of the industry knowledge I have, but I will always give you advice to keep you safe for free and I encourage you to send me e-mails when you find a scam or if you think you're being scammed and I will post and research and advise you as best as I am able and as often time allows - all at no charge.

There are plenty of people out there who will take your money and give you nothing I return. I know this is your dream. I know how much you want this. So do they. I will give you advice and let you decide how much you want to take and to chart your own stars and I won't ever tell you any of this will be easy. I won't give you false hope, and I will do my best to keep others from doing it. 

Rule 1 - There are no guarentees in this business. Anyone who promises to get you published, or to make you rich or famous is lying. Walk away or get it in writing.

Rule 2 - Avoid of any Publisher that charges reading fees, postage fees or any other kind of fees including editorial fees. As the writer, your job is to pay for sending the manuscript in and then some marketing fees once it's published. The Publisher pays for the editor's time, the printing fees etc. There are some companies in the world that will rave about your book but tell you it needs a little touch up, which they will provide for a small fee. Then more at a slightly larger fee and so on. Lots of novice writers have given hundreds of thousands of dollars to these companies. There are - on the links page, articles of specific publishers and scams you shold be wary of.

Rule 3 - Agents can likewise be shady. It is difficult to find a reputable agent other then by word of mouth. Unless you have a personal recommendation from someone you trust - find out who else they represent, do your research. Don't just rely on their website - google them and read what other people say. Always get a lawyer look over the contracts they offer you - you can probably get a $50.00 consultation from a good lawyer if you go through Legal aid or the Bar Association.

Rule 4- Vanity presses are for people doing geneologies. It is expensive to self publish. These are just printers who make small numbers of books for people who want to see their name in print. They are not disreputable for the most part bacause they do what they promise - but that isn't much. You will also need an ISBN if you want anyone to sell your book. They call it Vanity press for a reason - Because it's so you can see your name in print.


Rule 5- Be wary of Print on Demand and people hawking it. Again, this is a pretty reputable business which does what it says it will. However, there is a feeling in the Bookselling industry that Print-on-demand is inferior to large publishers. Since there is no editor, the quality of the text, grammer and content is often below par, the cover art is terrible and it's non-returnable. This is not to say the authors are inferior in any way, just that they lack the guidence a good editor would give them. Both parts are needed since the writer specializing the creative part, and the editor understands form and is an "uninvolved" third party who can offer a different perspective which is generally helpful in making the book better. Most Print on Demand agencies are now offering the option of making the book returnable for a fee - and you should ALWAYS make sure your book is returnable. No book store will buy it if it isn't. More on this will be explained in the newsletters.  Just make sure that if you go Print on Demand - you have exhausted all other avenues of getting your book published first.


A few do's.

Rule 1 - Join a writer's association. Most types of writing have a group, like the Science-Fiction Writer's of America or the Romance Writer's of America. The benefits are endless. Often they sponser anthologies for members to get published, have forums and conventions where you can make MAJOR connections and offer classes, tips etc. It's worth the price of admission.

Rule 2- Make friends at bookstores. Especially indies. I will go over this indepth in the course - but let me say, these people are invaluable. They can read your book and their word carries weight with Publishers and Agents. They can help you with a writers group, recommend agents, introduce you to BIG authors. They are invaluable to you.

Rule 3- Be polite to everyone. This is a very incesteous industry and everyone knows everyone and they talk about, well, you. And you never know exactly who your talking to. He could be some guy who has a tiny little book store in Minnesota. And his father could be the Editor in Chief of Harper Collins. Even if not, be sure he will tell his Random House rep if you make a jerk of yourself in his store. And the rep will tell the editors. Remember, Publishers are looking for people who are marketable - and a jerk won't even sell in his home town.

Rule 4 - Go to gatherings. Get Writer's Digest and find the Conventions, forums etc. If you want to get published you have to know people. There will be reputable editors, agents, published writers and people like you - just starting out who will rev you up, give you good advice and help you get where you want to go.  They will teach you tricks of the craft and discuss the state of the industry. This is the edge you need in this very competitive market. I will include some links to some of the best in all the genre's I can find.


Here are a few things to get you started. If you need more in depth advice, either sign up for my course or contact me @ hutchcoguide@yahoo.com. I have reasonable rates for e-mail corrospondence and I will teach you everything I know. I can't promise you will get published. I can't promise your book will be a best seller. I can, however, show you how the industry works and give you many suggestions of things I've seen work. The rest is up to you. I sell coaching services and I understand that many of you aren't rich. Don't be afraid to ask.