With dramatic changes in publishing, it's a wild and exciting time to be an author. But how do authors, both new and experienced, choose what's best for their books, and how can they best promote them? While there's lots of advice out there, much is unsound and untested, especially when it comes to making a reasoned decision on how and where to publish. Enter Deb Vanasse, a successful author who pulls no punches in this practical guide to book production, promotion, and living the writer's life, no matter how you publish. Author of fifteen books with six different presses, Vanasse sorts through the noise to help authors reach an informed understanding of how best to publish and-of equal importance-how to make sure their books get noticed. In this comprehensive handbook, readers will learn how to map out a publishing strategy in either traditional or self-publishing, or a hybrid of both. They'll discover proven techniques for promoting their work, and they'll learn to navigate life as a writer, managing the frustrations and celebrating the joys. Whether you pursue traditional publishing, publish on your own, or craft a hybrid approach, What Every Author Should Know offers solid, practical help for writers who care about their books. "An excellent resource for writers who are serious about their work. I wish I had read it before I ventured into the publishing world. It might have saved me a lot of grief." Stephanie Cole, author of Compass North "As a writer who is trying to weigh the pros and cons between traditional and self-publishing, I learned SO much practical, experienced-based information." Twylla Alexander