Plan your writing. Ensure you are fully organized and have done as much planning and research as possible before moving to the drafting stage. This will save you time in the editing stage and also allow you to focus fully when drafting. Decide whether you wish to write from an Italian American point of view or about Italian American culture from an external viewpoint.
Write your piece of work. Remember it may need to have a strong Italian American identity to be accepted as an Italian American piece of work, either by general publishing houses or by publishing houses which specialize in Italian American literature.
Contact publishing houses. These will be your most likely source of success and income, so find and contact as many as possible. Start by contacting those publishing houses that you think you will have the greatest chance of success with -- for example, those focusing on Italian American literature. Do not rule out generalist publishing houses, as they are almost as likely to accept your work.
Another option is to self-publish, which requires a considerably different approach. Promote your work; this is essential if you plan to self-publish. Call book stores, attend book fairs, place ads in local papers advertising and promoting your book. Strategize your approach; if there are Italian American societies or groups in your area, focus on them. Be prepared for an exhausting period of work -- but remember that the more effort you put into promoting and advertising your book, the more likely it is to be successful.
Follow up on your contacts. Re-contact publishing houses with a polite reminder if you have not heard from them. Remember that any feedback on a rejection will be valuable for you in improving your work and succeeding the next time. Persist with your self-promotion. Ensure your work is visible to the most people possible -- even when you have had success with a publisher, it is prudent to show people the quality of your work.