Syllabus: Gratefulness for Book Buying Customer

May 3, 2012

Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” ~ Harry S Truman 

I just read an article on e-book pricing that made me literally laugh out loud. The article posed the question “Doesn’t pricing your e-book at 99 cents attract the wrong kind of reader?” 

Since when do we place value on whether a book buying customer is “good enough to purchase a book?” Has it boiled down to needing a litmus test to determine whether a reader is worthy of reading your book or not? Attracting the right kind of reader or the wrong kind of reader, really? Are you kidding me?

This concept further complicates  book selling in this ever changing marketing landscape. Do we need to develop a scale for book pricing based on “worthiness of the reader?” Would a well qualified buyer pay more or less? Hmmmm….what a conundrum.

I am not suggesting that all e-books should be priced at 99 cents. In my opinion, it’s an individual call. If an author is willing to sell their e-book at a price less than what they would normally charge for a book-in-print, so be it. 

Perhaps the person who asked the question “Doesn’t pricing your e-book at 99 cents attract the wrong kind of reader?” was just being facetious. If not, perhaps a 101 course on “How to be Grateful You Have a Book Buying Customer” is needed. http://bit.ly/qfiC0

Today, I am going to end this blog post by practicing a lesson in my new course “How to be Grateful You Have a Book Buying Customer.”

  • Lesson 1: Smile and say, “Thank you reader! I appreciate your interest!” 

See you tomorrow on All Things Fulfilling. Meanwhile, I’ll be  further developing the syllabus for a class in ”Finding Fulfillment in a Book Sale.”

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What is Your Focus?

April 26, 2012

 “Creative thinking is not a talent, it is a skill that can be learnt. It empowers people by adding strength to their natural abilities which improves teamwork, productivity and where appropriate profits.” –- Edward de Bono, creativity writer 

Back in February, as author of  All Things Fulfilling, I was featured on Ann Kochenberger’s “Out of Focus Again” website.  http://bit.ly/IpusLy.

Ann said this about my blog site “Her articles vary in subject matter so you never know what each day will bring.” I like that! She got it right. My primary focus is all things independent publishing. But art and inspiration tops the list, too. In fact, sometimes those subjects consume me. When you consider it, all are linked in with  creativity – independent words, views and thought. 

Many published authors shy away blogging and from social media marketing, in my opinion, a big mistake! Fewer and fewer companies and individuals are using direct mail and print advertising to promote their products and services to potential buyers.  E- Marketing provides opportunity for reaching large communities of people who are interested in the same thing you are – your product or service. Isn’t  that the objective,  if you want to sell your independent publications? 

What many independent publishers do not realize is that blogging and social media marketing is fun – an opportunity to use your creativity. Although it may seem like  there is an “out of focus again” variety of subjects that are on this website, believe me when I tell you, there is a method behind my madness. In fact, I am astonished at the number of followers from all over the world that have an interest in All Things Fulfilling. Thank you readers, for that! 

So, I will continue to share my passion for independent publishing, art and inspiration. Sometimes in my blogging,  I even manage to surprise myself. When that happens, I really feel as if I have hit the marc!

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Climbing out from Behind the Screen

April 19, 2012

I don’t always set stories in villages, more often in towns. But always in smallish communities because the characters’ actions are more visible there, and the dramatic tension is heightened. ” ~ Joanna Trollope

On Tuesday we held our monthly meeting of SHe Writes Steamboat. It is a networking group of people who are in all stages of independently publishing. Once again, the male population of writers was not put off by the moniker chosen for this group. We had a new member, another male author, show up to introduce his book Newton’s Ark. 

It was interesting to speak with D.A. Hill about his first time publishing attempt. He is a “computer techy-type” by profession; he enjoys and excels at his work. But, when I asked him about what it felt like to now be a published author, he said “it was the most fulfilling thing I have ever done in my life.” He has now moved forward on writing Part II of his sci-fi trilogy. 

So as not to spoil all the fun for the author, I am going have him tell you what Newton’s Ark is all about. A synopsis of the book can so easily be found by going to the author’s link on the internet. http://bit.ly/HNrzAU.

 Author D.A. Hill has used his computer skills to electronically publish, as is the trend. But, the book is available in paperback, too, giving the book buyer a choice in reading platforms.

 In this small city of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, a population of just over 10,000 people, more and more independent publishers are popping up. As they continue to climb out from behind their computer screens to introduce their work, we will feature many of them on this website All Things Fulfilling. 

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, when I learn of another author who has digitally published their own book and offers it for sale in various formats- either in paperback, as an  audio book or through electronic publishing (e-book). The ability to offer choice is the advantage of e-commerce – buying and selling books over the internet. 

P.S. After you have read D.A. Hill’s book, don’t forget to return to his site. He wants to connect with his readers and get some feedback.

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Embracing the Future in Publishing

April 18, 2012

Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born.” ~- Dale Turner

Mark Your Calendar! The 2nd Annual New England Publishing Conference Embracing the Past, Imagining the Future is just ten days away. 

The Independent Publishers of New England will be sponsoring this two day event which includes seminars with valuable information on book production, distribution and financing your publishing project. There will be vendor exhibits and information about the new generation of digital publishing which means book selling through e-commerce and e-marketing and producing video trailers for book promotion.

  • Dates of the Event:  April 27, 2012 at 3:00 PM – April 28, 2012 at 5:30 PM
  • Location of the Event:  Holiday Inn,Boxborough,MA
  • How to register:  Please visit this link: http://www.ipne.org 

For first time authors, attending publishing conferences is one of the best ways to become educated about the process.  Traditionally published authors, are learning that since the year 2000 the industry has undergone dramatic change; it is necessary to keep up with new technology and progress. There is a lot that can be learned from the independents. 

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity. Register right away and begin writing a new chapter in your life. Here are some tips to help you begin fulfilling your dreams as an writer http://bit.ly/f4EOGX . It is a great time to rebuild your life -become an independent publisher.  

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Inside the World of Art Curation

April 4, 2012

To enhance the quality of the day… that is the highest of the arts. ~Henry David Thoreau 

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be at the center of a world filled with fine art – “art created for aesthetic value rather than functionality?” An environment that includes collectors who have discriminating tastes, sometimes willing to search the globe to find new acquisitions. The fine art world also encompasses exceptional exhibitions, museums and galleries which showcase distinctive paintings, sculptures, textiles and other treasures. 

My Life with the Masters, http://bit.ly/HamVml a newly created blog site, provides an insider’s look at a highly knowledgeable art curator as well as the artists she represents. Some of the finest representational painters of our times, including Richard Schmid and prodigy Daniel Keys, sculpture artist George Carlson and the work of five other foremost painters will also be highlighted on the new web-space. For a full list of artists that Kristen Thies has the honor and privilege to work with, please visit the website of www.WestWindFineArt.com

This summer, Thies’ company will bring a very special exhibition, A Return to Understated Elegance to Cape Cod. Don’t miss out on her inaugural blog regarding this exciting event! For more information about the historic venue of this art show, and the collections that will be showcased, please visit www.mylifewiththemasters.com

I look forward to following art curator and author of Wisdom & the Dreamer: Finding Fulfillment in the Arts, Kristen Thies, as she shares her passion for the fine art world through her new blog site. Subscribe by e-mail delivery, and you will not miss out!

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Artist’s Interactive Magazine Keeps Publishing Green

April 3, 2012

This winter, a new quarterly art magazine, independently published,  was launched. It is called Artists on Art. Although it is not supported through ad space, it is available digitally and by PDF download at a very fair price. Not only is the magazine published in a “green” format, sparing a lot of trees, it is an interactive magazine with step by step guides to painting techniques; a way for art students and connoisseurs of fine art to connect with master painters. 

Each issue contains fulfilling articles, written by artists, sharing ideas, philosophy and knowledge that can be read on mobile phones and touch screen devices such as the iPad and on personal computers, too. As the magazine continues to issue new content, archived issues will be available to download for a small additional price. 

To explore and discover why this innovative idea in magazine publishing gives a leading edge to artists, because of it’s interactive qualities, visit this website and watch the video designed to help you to decide whether or to subscribe or not. http://bit.ly/HBnq6k.

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Author Throws Caution to the Wind

March 29, 2012

Free yourself from the burden of feeling the need to hold on to anything. Let go, you are part of everything.” ~ Steve Marboli 

It has been said that “somewhere around the world, one of John Locke’s e-books are downloaded every seven seconds, twenty-hours a day.” How’s that for an unknown author who entered into the independent publishing industry with only a desire to entertain readers? 

This former insurance salesman felt he had nothing to prove and no one to answer to other than himself, as he began to electronically publish his novels featuring protagonist, Donovan Creed. Despite a lack of literary credentials, Locke’s e-book sales have exceeded big-name authors such as James Patterson, Nora Roberts and Stieg Larson just to mention a few. 

Locke said he “couldn’t think of a single reason a publisher would want to put money into an unknown author without a writing background.” An offer from Simon & Schuster will bring hard-copy versions of Locke’s entire Donovan Creed series to the marketplace and it has him rethinking his remark. His success has proven that indeed, there are first time authors with great talent worth investing in. 

How I Sold 1 Million e-Books in 5 months is just one of Locke’s new publications. His goal is to publish fulfilling e-books for “stressed-out readers” every eight weeks. Fast-paced reading with a straightforward storyline is what he aims for. He has even tackled, with success, the western genre in his book entitled “Follow the Stone.” 

For more information on this hugely successful e-book author, please visit this link http://bit.ly/nizAeM.

Return tomorrow on Film Friday, for more independent thoughts, words and views from the company blog site of www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

 

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Book Awards Spring Forth

March 15, 2012

Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at worth doing” ~ Theodore Roosevelt 

I’ve been walking with more pep in my step, lately. Spring is on the way!

Winter’s wild ways force writers to hunker down inside. In retrospect, often a blessing and mandatory discipline needed to finish a book. As spring approaches, while winter’s memory begins to melt, the stirrings of voices are heard saying “Rejoice, I have finished my book!” 

 What ensues for many independent publishers is the process of submitting their publications into contests, then waiting and watching mailboxes for the arrival of treasured prize notifications from the EVVYs, the IPPYS, the Eric Hoffer Awards plus many more. 

Whether you covet becoming an award winning author or not – writing a book is a huge task! Sit back, relax and take a well deserved break but not for too long. Your obligations to yourself and your book, as an independent publisher, are not over yet.  Successful sales are a function of marketing efforts. 

“You don’t like fooling around with that marketing stuff. You’ve reached your limit.”  you say? You are not alone in your thoughts. Many authors like to focus on what they do best – write! 

Perhaps it is time to have someone else take a fresh look. There are freelance professionals who can help you develop a full range of marketing strategies – from traditional promotion and advertising to a non-traditional approach that incorporates tactics that are far reaching and more affordable through the internet. Look for a company that specializes in e-commerce and e-marketing for independent publishers. 

Enough talk about that!  The real purpose of this blog today  is to honor and celebrate those who are fulfilling their goals of completing their publishing projects. Way to go!

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Paranormal Book Sales?

March 8, 2012

“I think that it is very good for people to talk about their paranormal experiences and share stories about things that they cannot explain.” ~ Rosemary Ellen Guiley 

Evidently paranormal romance is big among young-adult fiction readers. Amanda Hocking will attest to that. 

Amanda Hocking was not previously known as an author until April 2010, approximately two years ago. In fact, she was a group home worker until she began selling 9,000 e-books a day. Yes, that is right… a day! Her 17 novels were written in her free time and she has sold over one million of nine of them, earning  two million dollars in just a few short years. Some of  Amanda Hocking’s books, because of their initial popularity as e-books, are now being sold as perfect bound paranormal romance paperbacks. What is para-normal romance? Visit this site http://bit.ly/zx6KqT.

While many might say – “No wonder why she has sold so many, she is only selling some of them for $.99 cents,” my reply is “That is great! She has made some bucks and has found her niche market, too. She is fulfilling a need and her objectives of selling books that people want. Not every author, traditional or independent publisher,  can tout that!” 

This may be an example of out of the ordinary sales for most e-book authors, but in my own opinion, with the growth of e-book fans, we may be seeing  more very successful e-book publishers coming down the pike. 

What do you think? Don’t be too quick to judge unless you have checked out the new generation of publishing in – e-books. There is some fascinating stuff that just can not be found elsewhere.

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Platforms for Readers include Laps

March 7, 2012

Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” — Emilie Buchwald

Book buyers base their decisions on feelings. Yes, they look at the ink and the quality of paper but the ultimate decision comes down to what is in this book for me?  If a consumer is buying fiction – they may ask “Will his book send me on a grand adventure, a magical fantasy or a romantic interlude?”  If the buyer is purchasing non-fiction, the decision is based on whether the knowledge, inspiration or help that they need is inside the cover of the book. 

Decision-making in book buying now includes another yet another option. Shall it be hardcover, a perfect bound soft-cover book, an e-book or audiobook?   E-books have seen spectacular growth. The Wall Street Journal http://on.wsj.com/hZCMtj is predicting e-book revenues in 2012 of 2.0 billion dollars. 

Why? Because people are discovering it does not matter what kind of platform you read on as long as you find fulfilling content. It is as plain and simple as that. 

With the arrival of e-books, young people have all kinds of digital content at their dispose on the devices that never leave their hands. Will this new generation become life long readers with the help of e-books? It is difficult to forecast, only time will tell.

Foster a love of reading in your home. Parents, when buying books consider what kind of reading platform would best engage your child.

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