Study the market before you make submissions. Most publishers have writers’ guidelines that will tell you whether or not your work is likely to meet their needs.

Don't worry about the length of your book. It should be exactly as long as necessary to cover the subject or tell the story.

Be sure to correct grammar and spelling mistakes before submitting your manuscript. Also, take care to spell the agent's or editor's name correctly and get his/her title right.

To keep details straight, keep a record (called a concordance) that lists all important characters and locations along with their significant features.

Don't try to write to the market. By the time you submit your work, the flavor of the week will have changed.

Legitimate literary agents do not charge reading or evaluation fees.

Write what you know, but you can become an instant "expert" on almost anything through research.

Less is more. Tighten your work with liberal use of the delete key.

Show, don't tell. Whenever you can, offer the reader information in a descriptive scene rather than a simple description.

Think of a chapter as a scene. Each chapter should advance the story by telling a small story of its own.

Don't worry about getting an agent until you have a finished manuscript or complete non-fiction proposal. Write first, sell later.

Make sure that each character has a distinctive voice and recognizable personality.

If you have other questions or want to suggest your favorite bit of practical advice, e-mail me at jkelman@jkelman.com.