Carol Michels is the author of How To Survive And Prosper As An Artist, an amazing book designed to help artists of all genres become self-sufficient in their art businesses. She is also an artist's consultant; in other words, she helps beginning and veteran artists take their careers to the next level by offering marketing and career development services. I caught up with her to ask a few questions about her road to publication, self-promotion, and balance-just a few things artists struggle with as their careers take off. Enjoy!

What was your path towards publication like?

My path was very unusual. In1980 a literary agent contacted me regarding a manuscript that I had edited in conjunction with a grant that I received from the National Endowment for the Arts about the possibilities of recycling and developing urban rooftop space. It was a very exciting project, but way ahead of its time. I was under contract with Charles Scribners, who got cold feet about whether there would be a market and literally stopped the press while the book was being printed. This was in 1976. The literary agent wanted to resuscitate the rooftop project manuscript, but I had moved onto other interests and was thinking about writing a book about career development for artists. I assembled an outline and a sample chapter and the agent sold the book within six weeks.

What tips can you share when it comes to self-promotion?

Publishers wanting authors to do most of the promotion is nothing new. This is exactly what I encountered in 1983 when my book was first published. Unlike many authors, I had been warned about this in advance. I credit the "reality check"to Judith Appelbaum's book How to Get Happily Published (which is still in print). I read her book before my book was published. I continue to take a completely autonomous approach to publicity and public relations. Although I always cooperate with my publisher's publicity department and provide information and mailing list contacts, I rewrite Henry Holt's press releases - gain approval of the rewrite - and issue a press release that I like - which has more meat and no "puff" - on Holt's letterhead. I distribute the press release at my expense. I have also distributed pitch letters and press releases (under my letterhead) to niche media pertaining to specific chapters or themes in my book that I believe will be of interest. I have also been very proactive in working with Holt's educational division in getting my book known by academia. As a result, my book is required reading at many art schools and college and university art departments.

What was the best writing-related advice you ever received?

Don't censor yourself; don't try to manicure your sentences in initial drafts, and don't throw away prose and ideas that you decide not to use; it can be recycled at a later time - maybe within a new context.

How do you balance it all? In other words, how do you find time to promote your book, work with clients, create art, and still have a life outside your business?

I stopped doing sculpture when I started coaching artists, after an early-in-life and school of hard knocks successful career. I am very fortunate that I have multitasking talents and have never been bored. I can quickly get into "the zone" of whatever needs to be done without anxiety or frustration. I have learned to accept that "my things to do list" will never be a blank page. Lastly, I have returned to dance in which I was fully involved when I was much younger. I take about 10 hours of dance classes a week and this keeps me balanced and sane.

Visit her at http://www.artisthelpnetwork.com

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