“If you want to change your life,” Harry Beckwith wrote in The Invisible Touch, “write a book.” But, writing a book can also be tremendously frustrating and unrewarding.

Following are 11 biggest reasons most first-time authors fail to receive rewards they are due.

1.Unrealistic expectations

Don’t expect to get rich off your book, even if it’s a success by publishing standards. The vast majority of books fail to earn out their advance.

Instead, develop a personal marketing plan to leverage your career off your book. Instead of trying to make money on book itself, use your book to open doors, promote your credibility, and build relationships with readers.

2.Writing without a contract

Never write a book without a signed contract. Instead, prepare a polished proposal and two sample chapters.

Publishers are increasingly selective titles they accept. Often, less than 1 in 20 titles proposed are published. Writing a book that isn’t accepted is not a good use of your time.

3.No agent

You must be represented by a literary agent. Publishers rarely accept unsolicited book proposals. Unsolicited proposals are frequently returned unread or are simply discarded.

The right agent will know exactly which publishers might be interested in your book. Agents can also negotiate terms more effectively than you.

4.Weak titles

Titles sell books. The title of your book is like headline of an advertisement. The title represents your one and only chance to attract attention of acquisition editors or bookstore readers.

Successful titles stress benefits readers will gain from your book. Successful titles arouse curiosity and offer solutions. They often include consonants and alliteration (repeated ”hard” sounds like G, K, P or T).

5.Title versus series

Focus on a series of books rather than an individual title. Publishers want concepts that can be expanded into a series rather than individual titles.

6.Going it alone

Successful careers involve a nurturing support group of readers and peers.

1) Define Your Audience -- Who are you publishing for? Clients (customers) – present, past and prospective? Employees? Your audience will define your content.

2) Set Objectives -- Create a solid foundation for your newsletter by writing down what you want to achieve.

3) Plan Content -- What interests your audience? Build your newsletter around whatever that is. Plan content at least half a year at a time. You can make changes along way.

4) Establish a Budget -- Newsletters can be cost effective, but they’re not FREE. When you set a budget, consider start-up as well as ongoing, per-issue costs.