Do you have any advice on becoming a published author?

I've had individual poems published before, and I too would like to become an author of an entire book. Some of the advice I've received is as follows: Join a writing group Take writing classes, even if you feel pretty competent at writing Attend writer's conferences to network and meet other writers and publishers Find out the publishers who publish the type of writing you write Study the markets, go to bookstores and libraries Consider self publishing, it's a lot easier than just 10 years ago And most of all, if you feel you have what it takes, never give up Good luck to both of us!