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"I am here to live our loud"
~Emile Zola

Here are some sample things to keep in mind as you stroll into the world of publishing your work:

Make it real
Take your idea, and turn it into a physical book with a cover, art and a table of contents. Make it look as much like what you've seen in your imagination as possible. Lay out the design, add some writing. Give life to your book. Does it not have a life of its own anyway?

In the beginning
Choose safe, gentle souls who are willing to not criticize, but support you in this state of your publishing journey. Share your book with them. Let them be thrilled with you. Listen and hear what they are saying to you. Do not dismiss their compliments or encouragement.

Read
Study and read everything about publishing you can find. The library has a lot of resources. Bookstores are good places to check out the newer books. Start to pay attention to who publishes books you like and admire. Read books that inspire you to continue writing. Read anything that helps you to stay close to your vision, encourages you, makes you laugh, makes you cry and feeds your soul.

Start a list
Start keeping track of publishers you like. Ask questions. Call a publisher you like and ask for submission guidelines or who you could talk to, to get this information. Be gently persistent and wildly curious. Check the current year's Writer's Guide for more submission information. They also have current editors and phone numbers.

Remember this:
The only reason publishers exist is because of authors.