The old rules don't apply anymore, says Linda Formichelli at Writer's Digest. So what's an author gotta do to get noticed around here?

Pity the poor American publishing company. After all, you, Mr. Author, aren't the only one struggling in a competitive marketplace. Publishers churn out thousands of books each year, hoping for a hit, but seven out of 10 new trade books in the United States lose money. Big-chain bookstores order just enough of each book to test the waters and can return anything that doesn't sell—without paying a dime. Used books are more accessible than ever on the Internet.

Are you weeping yet? How about this: All of the above means that publishers are looking much harder at their bottom lines. And that means your brilliant oeuvre will be scrutinized to make sure it'll rake in the dollars.

OK, forget about the publishers. You've clearly got your own problems. Like: So how the hell do you get published in this kind of environment? Far be it from us to tell you to think outside the box. (We hate that stupid saying.) But you may have to take matters into your own hands and be a little ... rebellious. There are a lot of creative-without-embarrassing-yourself ways to get published and get the word out about your books. But you have to know what you're dealing with today, and how to work the system.

Read her advice here.