Moving from aspiring writer to published author is one of the biggest leaps in a writer's career.  And one of the most challenging.  It is estimated that as few as 10% of writers find a publisher or agent interested in representing their work, and that only 10% of those will be successful in having their book published and distributed.  If my maths is correct, that is only 1% of all writers reaching their ultimate goal!

That's the bad news.  Here is the good news:

Many writers fail not because of bad writing, but because they are let down by a lack of other skills to help them land a publishing contract.  Editors, agents and publishers need to consider many factors when they take on a new project, and writing quality is just one of them.  In order to get ahead of the game and boost your chances of success,  you need to make sure your book idea is well planned before you even put pen to paper.

Here are some starting pointers on how to strengthen your pitch to land a book deal.

Be timely.
Like any other industry, publishing has to make money to survive.  The book industry is a lucrative but fiercely competitive marketplace and publishers need to know that your book will bring in the bucks.  Think about your book idea carefully; is it a hot topic that people are interested in?  Keep in mind that what is popular now may not be in 12 months. 

If you are writing non-fiction scan significant dates and events coming up in the next two years to find topics that are likely to hit the headlines.  If you are writing fiction familiarize yourself with genres that is selling well or just emerging.

Be knowledgeable.
Make sure you are well versed in every element of your book.  Non-fiction authors know that they have to do extensive research to give their book a solid foundation, but fiction authors don't get let off the hook here.   Writing about the journey of a middle aged man from wall-street to homeless shelter and back again?  Conduct interviews, spend some time 'in the field' and get to know the real life versions of your protagonists.

You should also start to build 'proof' that you know your subject.  Write articles for websites and magazines,  promote yourself by sending our press releases and offering to be an interview subject for popular blogs on the topic.  Find ways to show why your name is a strong one to be associated with your book subject.

Be savvy.
Get to know the industry.  Many first time writers fail due to a narrow or incorrect notion of how the publishing industry works.  Subscribe to as many writer magazines and publishers' newsletters as you can and spend time reading the blogs of editors, agents and authors to glean some insider insight.  I often highlight some great blogs in my Writer Shout Out each Friday, so check the archives to find some top places to start swotting up.