got a great idea for a book and you're raring to go. You're sure it will become a best-seller. You start to fantasize about the great jacket blurbs you're going to get, and whom you will thank in your Oscar acceptance speech for Best Adapted Screenplay (you resolve to remember to thank both the Academy and your significant other).

Easy there, Tiger.

Getting a book published is a monumental undertaking, one that can make getting through both law school and the bar exam seem like small potatoes. Until now, most of your professional accomplishments have been largely within your control; do X and Y will follow. In the publishing world, however, even doing everything

...