After finally ending a two-week hiatus on my blog/Internet reading, I have many things to share in the coming days.

First, for aspiring (and established) book authors, I highly recommend the following post from self-published author Mark Hurst, which is one of the best point-by-point explanations I've seen of how the book business works (and it certainly puts your expectations in line). I do disagree with him that publishers are making significantly more money than the authors, but other than that, it hits the nail on the head.

A snippet:

When you approach publishers with an idea, your main job - practically your only job - is to explain very clearly why the book is going to sell. (Here it really helps if your last name is Clinton.) If you're not a known author or celebrity who can guarantee some sales, then it's best to come in with a clearly defined, market-tested book idea... not to say a knockoff of a bestselling concept or a me-too book on a hot trend, heavens no, we'd never do that, just maybe something "inspired by" a successful book.

Read the full post here.