About getting published...
If your usling a publisher in the United States the book is going to have to be at least 80,000 words to be considered anything less is considered a short story unless its a childrens book(which would be a good idea and a money maker for ages 10-17). Self-publishing is a good way to start for a new author that is how I did my first book (fiction- a vampyre novel called Cross-Vampyre Hunter) and the publisher I used was first rate. However self-publishing costs money. My first book was published by AuthorHouse and if you tell them I told you about them they'll cut you a pretty good deal. Their webiste is www.authorhouse.com. In the U.S. once you write it down its considered copyrighted, but you can do it yourself cheaply or your publisher should do it and enter it into the library of congress so you get an LC number and an ISBN. PR is the big problem with self-publishing, usually you have to do that on your own. In your area it should sell very well, and a book signing is a great way to get things going. Also at a book signing bring a few sample items form your book that the readers can identify with as a visual helps them and readers seem to love that stuff. Also a bookmark (homemade) by you is a great way to get them interested, it can be as simple as the cover title on one side and the back with your pic and bio, or a hand made leather or natural type. I know this helped me out greatly when I did mine.
Since I have three books published if there is anything I can do to help you out let me know.
Beo,
P.S. A few little notes. Never give up your copyright to a publisher, they may want to offer you a fat check for the rights but then they can do what they want with your book and you have to get permission to do a second or sequel, and second edit the book yourself, if a publisher wants to edit the book and you give them permission they will change what they don't like and can fit it to fit what they want. Thus some of your own writing disappears and their writers re-write what they want losing your words and thoughts in your book. Just some things to think about.
