Writer's Quiz - What's your IQ?

I get asked questions all of the time about writing, publishing, and marketing, and these questions keep coming up. So today I decided to put the most frequently asked questions here. Take the short quiz and see how you do.

1. When writing a picture book, an author must send their illustrations to the publisher along with the text. True or False?

2. One great thing about a traditional publisher is that they will do all of the marketing for you. True or False?

3. Great editing is just as important as writing a great story. True or False?

4. If you're an artist as well as an author, save some money by doing your own book cover and/or illustrations. True or False?

5. Market the heck out of your book after it comes out. True or False?

6. Book stores are the best places to sell your book. True or False?

7. It's a good idea to write in different book genres. True or False?

8. Getting your book in libraries is easy. True or False?

Have your answers? Take a peek below the books.

Photo by Susan Q Yin on Unsplash

1. False. Never send artwork with your manuscript unless the publisher asks for it. They have their own illustrators on staff. If you're not going the traditional route, ask before you send them.

2. False. Traditional publishers may have you on their website or in their catalog, but most of the marketing will be up to you.

3. True. But a great story is also paramount. If your book is well-edited but your story is poorly written, you will not sell it either.

4. False. If you are just starting out, find a professional to do the artwork. Don't invite your mother or your brother to do your artwork unless they have extensive experience. People do judge a book by its cover. If you can't afford a professional, see what you can find in the way of stock photos that usually come at a cheaper price.

5. False. Market the heck out of your book before it comes out, and continue to market it after it comes out. The first thing you need? A website with a blog.

6. False. Books stores are okay. The best places to sell your books are where readers are less likely to expect them. Consider craft fairs, children's toy stores, and hair salons.

7. True. At least from my point of view. I write in different genres and have various types of readers. Writing in one genre would limit sales as well as connections to different readers. 

8. False. Getting your books in libraries is tough. Have your friends and family make calls to your local library requesting your book - they won't put your book in the library just because you, the author, ask them to do it. Try libraries in small towns. They are much more open to having your book on their shelves, especially if it's self-published.

How did you do? 

7-8 correct. You know your stuff. You could teach a class.

5-6 correct. You're learning the ropes. Lean on an experienced writer friend to make sure you are jumping through all of the hoops.

3-4 correct. Check out some writer's books. Take some notes. 

0-2 correct. Just today you thought, "Hey, maybe I should be a writer!" Now, take the next step above.