Many people may have the desire to become an author. They may express interest in writing a book at one point or another during the course of their life, but then never choose to follow through with their idea. Instead, they daydream about it, and continue on with their everyday lives. Becoming an author may not be easy, but it can be a rewarding experience. Authors write books, and not just fiction books, but nonfiction as well, sometimes including instructional, self-help and biographical books. http://www.bookwritinghelp.com/

If you've always had a book you wanted to write, but weren't sure how to go about becoming an author, it may be a good idea to read a few books on writing before you dive in. Once you've got your manuscript written, there are many options you can take to get your book published. There are companies that specialize in self publishing which is where an author pays to have the book created and markets the title themselves.http://reviews.cnet.com/self-publishing/ Being published through an established publishing house may be more difficult and requires the author or a designated agent to write queries and other letters of interest to sell the story to the publisher.http://www.caderbooks.com/pubfaq.html Either way, the first step to becoming an author is to write a book.

• It is not necessary to find representation, but it is a good idea. An agent can help you shop your completed manuscript around to publishing houses that specialize in your area of expertise. During the process, an agent will not charge you anything for their services, but once your manuscript is sold, they will take a cut of the profits.http://www.agentquery.com/writer_hq.aspx

• Even if you forgo using an agent to publish your manuscript, you will still have to work with a publishing house once your book has been sold. The process includes many different steps. The book will go through several different edits, but many other areas of book development need to be completed before your title can be released. The cover art will have to be created, book manufacturing and printing will have to take place, and the book will also have to be promoted correctly in order to raise awareness and drive sales.http://www.bookcoverdesigner.com/

• One of the key steps in establishing yourself as an author is promotion. You need to get your book out to the general public, and that's going to take a lot of promotion. Generally, publishing houses will allot some money toward the promotion of your book, but the smaller the publishing house, the less money they have to promote your book. Plan to do a lot of your own promotion work.http://www.bookmarket.com/

1. Take out ads in relative magazines
2. Buy adspace on related websites
3. Offer to speak at conferences.
4. Do book signings.

• Many authors establish themselves during book tours. Book tours can lead an author to book stores across the country for signings, and may require them to speak at functions. Universities will often pay authors to come and read and speak, so don't snub a good opportunity if it comes your way. The more people you speak to, the more people who will be interested in your books.

Authors spend a great deal of their time writing, but they also need to get out there and promote their work to become successful. Once you've got a publishing deal, you'll need to work with the publisher on minor details and begin efforts to promote your book. Consider doing a book tour, and take on speaking opportunities whenever they are offered.