What is a bulldozer book? It’s one designed to change minds. The author’s intent is to push his or her opinions or beliefs onto the reader. He hopes to influence people to change a habit, make new choices, adjust an aspect of their lives.

In some ways, books are like humans. They enter the world as babies, full of potential and opportunity, with proud parents boasting great visions for their children’s success. But as they grow, something happens and very few become the sensation their parents hoped they would be.

More people today than ever before are becoming authors. Unfortunately, most of them fail in their quest for success. According to a Jenkins Group survey, seventy percent of books published in this country do not make a profit. The Book Industry Study Group (BISG) backs this up. Their statistics show that in 2004, over seventy-six percent of all titles sold fewer than 100 copies. Why are so many authors failing?

It’s great to have friends. But when it comes to publishing and promoting your book, sometimes your friends can be more of a hindrance than a help. Here are five things your best friends won’t tell you:

Do you want to write the next best selling novel? Maybe you dream of landing a contract with Random House or selling a million copies of your book. Perhaps you simply want to be widely read.

How many best sellers have you ever read that were dry, boring, or uninspired? Not many, I’d wager. Write an interesting, compelling book, and you’ll be ahead of the pack out of the gate. Sure, some people are inherently gifted when it comes to wordsmithing, but anyone can improve their skills by following a few simple guidelines. And remember what’s at stake – nothing less than the success of your book.

Its book award application time! Book awards bring exposure to books. Exposure generates sales. Sales mean more money in your pocket. Pursuing those book awards that allow publishers or authors to nominate their own titles can be a worthwhile activity for your book marketing efforts.