You need to blog to build a platform.
Blogging is a waste of time. Twitter and Facebook is where you need to be.

You need to be on Facebook to build a platform.
Facebook is a waste of time. Twitter and Blogspot/Wordpress is where you need to be.

If you want to get your foot in the door, write to the market.
Only great stories sell, so write the story of your heart.

Never, ever, ever keep an agent or editor waiting even if you're busy.
Expect to hear back in 3-6 months (or never) from an agent or editor because they are too busy.

Learn and follow all the writing 'rules' to hone your craft.
Break the rules to allow your voice to show through.

Story is king.
It's not what you know; it's who you know.

Self-publishing is for losers.
You should self-publish.

You should submit that manuscript to Publisher X because they'll probably offer you a contract.
You can't possibly accept that contract from Publisher X because they're too small.

Is it any wonder that author wannabes take more Prozac than the public at large?