Getting from mss to Books

It's no secret that I lurk around a mailing list primarily for publishers -- the PUBLISH-L newsletter from Google Groups. I learn so much about all areas of book production, distribution and selling as well as book design, layout, covers and technology. One member, small publisher Marion Gropen, invited us to participate in her blog post entitled, "Things Newbies Say". I might have saved this reference for a Saturday Silly, except I know it's only funny to insiders.

I'm suggesting everyone who harbors a desire to have a book published, from secret sin to burning issue, read Marion's post and follow along with the comments. Though you may blush to find your own faux pas exposed, you'll come away with a better understanding of how book publishing operates. And why your assumptions don't work, why your demands are impossible, or maybe just what you're doing wrong in trying to sell a manuscript.

Don't be mad, be educated. The rest of you can laugh along with me.