Due to working in such proximity to Terry Brooks, a man people generally respect as a writer who understands the craft from his 30 years of writing, I often get asked the question how does one become published. I have listened to Terry speak about the craft at events and on his website for almost a decade now, and people tend to believe some of that has rubbed off on me.

And perhaps some of it has, to the point I caught the writing bug and had to do something about it.

But Terry isn't the only person I have listened to over the years for writing advice and how to go about getting published, nor is he the only authority on the subject. In fact, I learned more about the publishing business and made more contacts to it not from a writer, but through a bookstore.

I worked for Barnes & Noble Booksellers for six years while I was in school. During the first year of that stint I was promoted quickly to a department manager. It was a fun time. I love books and more importantly, the people who read them. As the years passed, I worked hard to learn all facets of the store, which was one of the largest in the company, and I worked with all departments, including the Community Relations Manager. I didn't know it at the time, but that was the best education I could receive on how the publishing industry works. Seeing the business from the retail side first allowed me to see many of the various publishers, what kind of books they publish, the tactics a major bookstore chain uses to sell its product, etc. It really was eye-opening.

During the same time, I worked alongside the CRM and learned about publicists and what their job entailed. I even made friends with some of them. I have never been shy about talking to people and picking their brains for information. I developed several strong relationships with people I still have yet to meet in person but who have helped shape who I am today.

And the last great thing about working in a bookstore as part of your writing education is the fact you get to meet authors. When a writer goes out on tour, they don't only do the events they are planned for; they also do drop-by signings where they just swing by the store really quick and sign the store's stock. That for me was the perfect time to approach the writer and begin relationships with them: In fact, my friendships with Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, Jacqueline Carey, Robin Hobb, and Terry Brooks all grew from this simple meeting. They have the wealth of knowledge, and that coupled with the knowledge I had absorbed in the bookstore really has given me a huge advantage while I approach publishers with my own book.

The publishing business is a business where who you know and respect and embrace can truly pay off. Much of life is like this, but in publishing you must grab the reins and make it your own. Opportunities are rare, and the knowledge one has acquired can mean the difference between getting a book deal and not.

If it is your dream to become published, take it from me: Work in a bookstore, even part time if you have to, and learn what it means to be on the retail side of the business. If you put yourself out there and ask management for opportunities, you may meet many influential people who can help pave your way onward to a publishing deal.