Writing is an intensely personal endeavor even if one chooses to walk down a path toward publication. It’s a monumental task to write a book, and chances are you’re only going to finish if you really love what you’re writing. Thus, you must please yourself first.

At the same time, if you’re hoping to reach large audiences and particularly if you’re pursuing traditional publishing, there are market realities to contend with. It’s not enough to simply crank out a book, blast it out, and let magical publishing pixies take care of the rest.

Publishing is a business and demands to be treated as such.

So how do you walk this tightrope? How do you follow your own vision but still end up with a book that might be commercially viable?

I’m here to help with some do’s and don’ts.