From the preface: It feels a little strange to be writing a book about writing before I've successfully established myself as a professional writer. (Some people might even call it chutzpah. Or hubris. Some people are jerks.) In my defense, this is not one of those “how to be awesome just like me”-type guides. One; because I am modest like that, and two; because as far as I know there are no cheat codes or short-cuts when it comes to writing. To be a writer, you need talent, luck, and a tendency towards masochism. Anyone who says otherwise is selling something (probably a self-help book, cough cough). What this book does contain is a collection of essays about what has worked for me, personally, as a self-published author, which I have organized by subject. I do not claim to be perfect, and I would not dare presume to call myself a great writer, but since most of my readers do seem to enjoy my writing I'd like to think that means I'm at least somewhat qualified to discuss the topic. Prior to this book being published I had posted some blog entries about independent publishing, and a couple of you coerced encouraged me to write a book about my suffering experiences. I have always secretly wanted to write a guide like this ever since I first read Stephen King's On Writing. I am certainly no Stephen King, but perhaps you will get something out of this book in spite of that—even if it's only a laugh at my expense. I'm willing to settle.