Generally speaking, you need an agent (though there are literary lawyers and others out there who would disagree with me.) I've had four agents, some fine, one useless, and one downright criminal (though eminently likeable.)

Here are some tips I can pass along that will help your search for this important part of your team.

*Make sure you're selling something marketable. It could be you're only person out there who wants to read about your Aunt Tillie's days as a pickle packer. Before you approach an agent, find out what problem your book solves and who it will appeal to. Research similar titles on Amazon.com and look for gaps in marketplace. Go to bookstores and see what's hot (and what's not.) What's not is on remainder shelf; what's hot is placed up front and center, with massive piles of book in sight. Give an agent a good reason UP FRONT to get excited (before they even read your mss)

*Make sure your book idea or manuscript is in top shape. There is no substitute for excellence… it helps! You've got to have an awesome concept, and an even better title.

*Make your book proposal as professional possible. (Book proposals are only for non-fiction books, those other than novels.) You'll want to include a lot more than just what book's about. You'll need to include any market research you've done on who'd buy book, ideas for unusual places books could be sold, or ways to tie it in with 'special sales' (that's pub-speak for big wholesale orders) to certain industries, or connections with your workshops, speaking gigs, web site, etc.. You'll also want to include an impressive bio, merchandising ideas, a sketch of competitive marketplace and publicity ideas. (If this sounds daunting, worry not. See my blurb at bottom.)

*Establish your credibility. If you're writing fiction, let them know you've either had unique life experiences that will make your book especially interesting to media. (If you're writing about your white water rafting exploits, did you have a great experience related to this you could spin on air?) If you're writing non-fiction, are you a PhD or do you have a masters, or lots of great professional experience? It's tougher to sell a great book written by someone who's got no credentials in field to back them up … but it can be done.

*Hook up with a star. Can you get a celebrity endorsement, or a testimonial or foreword from a highly placed industry star? This will help an agent feel they can sell your work.

*Find niche no one has explored. They're out there, even in your chosen field. This is especially true for non-fiction, though niches apply to both genres. The best niche comes from your own passions and interests… what's really You?

Think you can't write a book that will sell? You aren't a natural writer? In fact, you don't really like to write?

Putting a book together can be daunting. But no, you don't need to hire a ghostwriter. You don't need to do research.

Your readers simply want answers to their challenges and questions. Do that and you will write an easy-to-read, well organized, and compelling book with 1/2 normal edits.

Save time, frustration and still get your book out within a month or so when you use my "Fast-Forward Writing Techniques."

Fast-Forward Writing Steps

1. Write down your working title.

This gives you momentum in writing process and keeps you on track with focus so you don't write two books in one. In your title, include your audience if possible and what main benefit they will receive too.

2. Write down your book's thesis. (what is number one question your book will answer?)

Know that each chapter and information in them must support this. In a book "Write your eBook or Other Short Book Fast," chapters like "The Essential 9 Hot-Selling Points for your Book" and "Yes, Your Book Has Significance" support its title.

3. Make a list of all questions and topics your book will cover.

In a book about beating procrastination, author including questions like these: Where are you now with procrastination? Why do you procrastinate? What are consequences of your procrastination? Where do you want to be (goals)? Topics also include 15 procrastination solutions with examples in workbook style.

4. Categorize above list.

Add questions that pertain to that chapter, and rename your files with a working chapter title. Now you are ready to write on a topic when you feel like it. You don't have to write chapter one first.

5. Pose one question at a time to be your chapter's middle.

The middle of your chapter is meat. You may pose a question, then answer it with stories, tips, how-to's, inspiration in other forms. It may have pictures, author's note, sidebar with pertinent information. Add your own ideas.