Every author has a different story about how they got published. Dan Schawbel got his first book published at age 25. With obviously little background and experience, how could he convince publishers to take him seriously?
You can read his story here.
What's interesting is how he established legitimacy through his personal brand. Without this, he would have been just another person with an idea that the publisher would have a tough time selling. With a strong personal brand, Dan was able to establish credibility, and offer proof of his investment in the project.
Applying this ourselves, any of us can leverage a higher degree of credibility for book deals, media attention, clients, and the list goes on. Read Dan's story, and ask yourself the questions, "How well do people recognize me, my name, my work, and my ideas?" In answering those questions, you'll find greater solutions to missed opportunities.