Also, there is a site called Preditors and Editors that differentiates between bad and good publishers and agents. Check it out before you ever agree to send your work to a company.

Have you ever tried online publishing? What are the pros and cons to this type of publishing?

I was in close negotiations at one point with an online publisher and then backed out. I don't think there's anything wrong with publishing online, but it's very unlikely that your book will be seen or will sell. The best way to sell your book is still through traditional publishing first. If you get as popular as Stephen King, then maybe you can sell books and stories online. Otherwise, you're going out on a limb.

Finally, non-authors may want to know how do you find time to sit and write with 2 kids?

My writing time is very limited. When I write, it is usually after the kids are in bed and I can have some quiet time to myself. The problem is tearing yourself away from all the other distractions like TV, food, games, etc. You simply have to make a commitment to writing and do it. It's the same concept applied to losing weight, quitting smoking, or removing yourself from any other addiction, just sort of in reverse.

While Sipper's books have not yet been published, he is offering it for free on the book's website. You can go to RunawaySwimmer.com, click "Excerpt" at the bottom of the home page, then scroll to the very bottom of the "Excerpt" page to find a link for getting a free copy of Runaway Swimmer in PDF form.