The famous line says, "We're not in Kansas anymore," and when it comes to publishing, we're not even in New York anymore.

The secret to selling anything these days relates directly back to the Internet.  Making knowledge more accessible might originally have been the goal of the World Wide Net, but interactive communication has done far more--it's literally changed the face of publishing and distribution.  

If a new writer doesn't have a website, a Twitter account, an active presence on Facebook and numerous other social networking sites, chances are slim that his work, regardless of merit, will be noticed.  

So what are the new rules of the game?

1.  Create relevant profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and as many of the other social networking sites as you have time and energy for.

2.  Write relevent articles and get them published on the Net, and in print. Do a Google search for subjects like the one you've written about.  

3.  Offer to speak about your topic whenever and wherever you're asked.  Best selling writer Lisa Genova, author of Still Alice, was first self published.  She volunteered to speak to any organization that would have her, she sold her books at the back of the room, she pursued every avenue open on the Net, and she's now a best seller.

4.  Play an active role in online forums and discussion groups. Make sure what you contribute is valuable.

Do I follow my own advice?  I'm trying.  This social networking thing is not an overnight occurance.  It takes time, perserverence and (for those of us of a certain age,) there's a steep learning curve.  All I can say is, thank God for teleseminars, grandchildren, brilliant webmasters, and Dummy books.