When attempting to publish a novel, it's important to keep in mind the point of view your story is experienced from. Point of view in narrative writing is commonly third or first person - second person point of view is typically reserved for instructional (non-narrative) books and experimental novels.

First person is experienced from within a character or narrator. Readers generally get the first-hand thoughts and emotions of this storyteller or set of storytellers in particular.http://www.learner.org/interactives/literature/read/pov2.html Third person commonly takes on a "worldly" tone, where characters, themes, plots and settings are observed from an outside perspective.http://www.learner.org/interactives/literature/read/pov2.html

Both third and first person can be subject to limited, objective and omniscient styles. A limited point of view only allows the reader to gain insight on the thoughts and actions of one or a few characters or events in the story. Objective point of view refers to a neutral stance on the elements of the story. The storyteller does not offer a personal bias one way or the other about the unfolding events. Omniscient point of view allows the narrator to know all of the thoughts, actions and events that occur within the novel.http://www.learner.org/interactives/literature/read/pov2.html

The first thing to do is to choose exactly which point of view you would like your book to be told from. Stories are obviously not limited to one point of view throughout, however, transitioning to entirely new points of view in the same story can confuse and even lose readers. If you do decide to have more than one point of view, make it clear to the reader that the perspective has changed and have the transition be as smooth as possible. When done skillfully, point of view can even help distinguish story themes and metaphors.http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/understanding-point-of-view-in-literature.html

As an example, you might find that your story is more suited to third person omniscient rather then first person limited in the course of your writing. Before you get too deep into your novel, try your story idea from the variety of different perspectives available. Once you choose the one that fits, attempt to implement it into other story elements such as theme and even story structure like epilogue and prologue. An epilogue, for example, is an interesting and plausible point to entirely change the view of a novel.http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/understanding-point-of-view-in-literature.html

After you have an established point of view, look it over carefully. Certain aspects of your novel might benefit from another perspective to add mystery or reveal specific truths about your story and its characters. This can be a tricky process and, if not done with careful attention, the novel may end up alienating the reader. Try to shift the point of view at what you might deem appropriate moments in the story - the aftermath of a sudden, major plot event, for instance, can warrant the use of a different perspective. The change needs to retain the rhythm the reader is used to while introducing a new way to look at the story.http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/understanding-point-of-view-in-literature.html