Ah the old novel business - no I'm not writing one of those.
I've actually been writing for a variety of publications - magazines basically - for 18 or 19 years now, with a pretty good (90% ish) success rate. The book business is however a newer exercise for me - I've started two; one is a textbook on how to certify aeroplanes which I'm developing slowly as and when I've got time but mostly is for my own use unless (against all probability) I ever finish it. The other - the one I'm working on at the moment is basically a databook for certain types of aviation professionals - when it's published I'll talk about it more but I've become a bit superstitious on the subject until then.
I've tried for my own interest once or twice to write fiction in novel form and have been forced to the conclusion that I have absolutely no ability in that direction. It's also I suspect by far the hardest form to ever get published in - go into WH Smiths and watch people - there are far more comics, magazines and manuals sold than novels, whilst the writers of magazines are probably making 8-15 pence per word, paid reasonably promptly and the majority of novelists are lucky to see a penny. I know a few people make a fortune from novel writing but sadly, I'm not the next Neville Shute and I know it.
Thanks Drauk, I shall take a look through that link and see if it helps.
G