Category Archives: Marketing for Independent Publishers

Learning New Systems and Methods

2 Comments

“You just don’t luck into things as much as you’d like to think you do. You build step by step…” ~ Barbara Bush

 Yesterday’s blog about the Library of Congress, the keeper of all things published, in Washington, DC brought to mind how things have changed in libraries since the days of wooden card catalog boxes. Ever since index cards were replaced with the On-Line Public Access Catalog (OPAC) new search methods have been developed for identifying publications people are seeking to find. 

 It is essential that  independent publishers can found through the On-Line Public Access catalog. http://bit.ly/pug0x. In order to be a successful independent book seller, there are four user tasks that must be incorporated into e-marketing your book. Potential buyers must be able to identify, find, select and obtain your book or other published media. Without understanding and utilizing the tools that are used in today’s computer cataloging systems, it is difficult for your publication to be visible among all the rest. 

Marketing over the internet is more complex than just having a website presence. Becoming visible as an author through e-marketing is as important as bringing visibility to the publication itself. Publicity and marketing of both product and “supplier” will greatly increase your publication’s chances of being found and sold! 

If you do not understand the strategies behind selling and marketing your publication over the internet, seek help. Contact a company that specializes in e-marketing for independent publishers.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Spring Poetry

2 Comments

“It is always the simple things that change our lives. This is how God does things.” ~ Donald Miller 

Although warm weather has not yet arrived here in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, http://bit.ly/O9KMI there was a renewal of spirit, on Saturday evening, inside the United Methodist Church http://bit.ly/lAT08q  . The Yampa Valley Singers presented an event that was the very definition of poetry “an imaginative awareness of experience expressed through meaning, sound and rhythmic language choices so as to evoke an emotional response.” 

The beautifully poetic production, Spring Awakening, was produced and directed by the talented, Marie Carmichael. It was an orchestration of all things fulfilling  –  a multi-media production of art through the compilation of inspiring photographic images, magnificent music and even a little dance between flames up and down the center aisle of the church. Although indoors, the lovers light and lively interplay was interpreted in my mind, to a dance in a garden-like setting between flowering blossoms of spring. 

The musical arrangement of Time to Say Goodbye brought a little tear to my eye but it was quickly forgotten as the Yampa Valley Singers launched into tunes from my favorite form of art – musical theatre. A lively Broadway Medley of some of the most well-known songs of stage productions, such as Oklahoma, the Sound of Music, Carousel, the King and I, State Fair and South Pacific brought a huge smile to my face.  I was delighted and charmed by two precious little children singing Do-Ri- Me,  too!

There are so many ways people can bring light into their own lives during this season of rebirth. The most celebrated writers in history have put their interpretation of this season into the literary form of poetry. To read a collection of 114 poems about spring from Robert Frost, William Shakespeare, Katherine Mansfield, Henry Van Dyke, Carl Sandburg, Emily Dickinson and more, please visit http://bit.ly/li8miV. 

Thank you, Marie Carmichael and the Yampa Valley Singers http://bit.ly/jph2do for ushering in spring. My spirit has been rejuvenated, in earnest, by your inspirational interpretation of art and culture. As for the warm weather, bring it on Lord, bring it on. We are ready and prepared for the arrival and we will be extremely grateful, too!

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

 

Movies for Art Buffs

Leave a comment

“All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree.”  ~ Albert Einstein 

Happy Arbor Day, on this Film Friday! It has been a busy week, so the blog today will be brief.  So often we have featured historical art fiction books on this blog site. Today, we will fulfill the needs of movie buffs who like to watch films about art and artists. Here are ten top favorite movies on this subject: 

1-      Pollack – About the abstract expressionist painter

2-      Basquiat –  The life of the 1980’s graffiti artist

3-      The Agony and the Ecstasy – A Biography of the genius of Michelangelo

4-      Art School Confidential –  This film was inspired by comic strip by Daniel Clowes

5-      Dirty Pictures –  About a controversial exhibit of photos by Robert Mapplethorpe

6-      Frida – Mexican surrealist painter Frida Kahlo is featured in this film

7-      Goya in Bordeaux –A biographical film aboutFrancisco Goya, Spanish romantic painter of the 18th and 19th century.

8-      I Shot Andy Warhol – About the woman who tried to shoot pop artist Andy Warhol.

9-      Klimt – A 2006 Austrian film about Gustav Klimt, the artist of the famous painting The Kiss.

10-  My Left Foot – An Oscar was won for the actor portraying the Irish artist born with cerebral palsy who made art using his left foot.

To see the full list of the top 20 art films, please visit http://bit.ly/bIed89.

Enjoy the weekend, and we will be back on Monday with more independent thoughts, words and views!  

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

 

Ergo! Readers Reign Supreme!

6 Comments

“Consider the postage stamp:  its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there.”  ~Josh Billings

When I began this blog site, All Things Fulfilling, I had arbitrarily set a goal of reaching 10,000 readers. Guess what? Yesterday I hit the mark! What a fulfilling day this is!

 I knew before starting this blogsite  there were folks searching for  specialists in e-commerce and e-marketing for independent publishers. I was also well aware that writers, artists, filmmakers, musicians, educators, professionals and other “creative types” were becoming ever more interested in the industry called “independent publishing or non-traditional publishing.” But, I really was not sure how this blog site would be received. The result has been very gratifying!

I owe a huge Thank You to every reader of All Things Fulfilling. Each of one of you make blogging worthwhile. Whether you live in Steamboat Springs, Colorado or reside somewhere else around the globe, we are essentially one big community of people who believe in the power of independent thoughts, words and views. 

 I’ve enjoyed the journey of reaching 10,000 readers. I appreciate the comments and  discussions I have had with a community of people who share the same interests as I do. There will be more exciting news from All Things Fulfilling in the coming months so stay tuned!

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Filling My Basket

2 Comments
“From heav’nly thoughts all true delight doth spring.” ~ Thomas Campion 
 
As you will remember from yesterday’s blog, I was bound and determined to go find spring. But there was no need – spring came and found me! 
 
Yesterday, as I took my daily lunchtime walk, I was drawn to a rock along the shoreline of  the Yampa River. I decided to sit and stay awhile. The river flowed loudly and briskly by, waters high from the snowmelt, cascading down from the upper elevations of the Rocky Mountains. As I sat, I began to drift slowly and deeply into my own thoughts of our upcoming Easter reunion with our son. Guess what happened? I was roused by “quack, quack…quack, quack, quack!” Two little mallard ducks floated nearby. Climbing out of the river to greet me, I watched the little ducklings waddle, and peck at the ground looking for earthworms. I thought “these two little ducks have come to give me a message –  be patient, spring is on the way.” 

Often we search only for outward signs of spring – changes in the weather and landscape.  But, in the stillness and silence of a moment, we realize that an awakening of spirit comes from within. We need to listen. Feelings of rejuvenation and renewal can come in unexpected ways and during unanticipated times. 

I am going to take a break from the blogging world. I will return after Easter. I am going to take time to discover subtle changes in my own spirit. I will say goodbye to winter, for once and for all, and allow spring to enter and settle within my soul. I will be spending time with my loved ones making more memories as a family and piling our baskets high with All Things Fulfilling. I will keep you posted as to how my spring unfolds.

 Happy Easter to You! May you find re-birth and renewal in your life,  in your own special way!

 This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Discovering Spring in Unknown Places

4 Comments

“Billions and billions of planets and stars are out there, and behind them all are God.” ~ Billy Graham

I’ve been on the lookout, believe me, I have! I am finding few fulfilling signs of spring. From my point of view here in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, signs of the vernal equinox are hard to come by – a paltry showing of spring crocuses emerging out from under the snow, no baby bunnies scurrying in the grass, not even a bloomin’ forsythia in sight. 

But wait! Spring is more than about the sweet aroma of the lilacs, spying speckled robin eggs in a nest and witnessing the unfolding of the fiddlehead ferns. Spring is about rejuvenation and renewal of spirit, too – seeing the world again through the eyes of a child. Stepping out of old routines and starting anew. It means keeping the faith and trusting that a new season will arrive even in times of doubt. 

Have you ever heard the expression when in doubt do the next right thing? Well, that is exactly what I intend to do. I am not going to sit here and wallow in self-pity that spring has not arrived at my back door. I am going to collect myself and move in a positive direction and go find something inspiring. 

Who knows where or what it will be. But, I’ll promise you one thing. Today, I start looking! I am going to discover something  new.  I am going to keep the faith and believe that whatever “it” is will bring new energy and vitality to my life. And the next day after that – who knows!  Maybe I will find a big, huge sandbox to go play in. 

Will let you know exactly how and when a reawakening arrives in my heart and my head. Tune in tomorrow for an update on life as I see it. Stay in touch.

This blog brought you to by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Through the Independent Film Lens

Leave a comment

“Take time for all things: great haste makes great waste”. ~Benjamin Franklin



Mark your calendars! Next week, on Tuesday, April 19th at 10pm Waste Land, can be viewed right from the surrounds of your own home. This film about Brazilian artist Vik Muniz will be aired on the PBS show, Independent Lens. 

On the outskirts of Rio de Janiero sits the world’s largest garbage dump, the Jardim Gramacho. Renowned artist, Vik Muniz sets out to create from the photographs he took of the catadores (garbage pickers), human portraits using recyclables from the dump. 

Despite the garbage picker’s lack of traditional employment and non-existant monetary stability, Muniz witnessed camaraderie and good spirit between this eclectic group of people. Muniz engages the catadores in collaborative work to gather recyclables to create his art, and gives the proceeds from the sales of the finished pieces back to the trash pickers. He raises their living conditions, repairs trucks essential to their work, and even builds a library to help them become more educated. All in all, he creates an environment whereby the trash pickers can have more fulfilling lives. 

This independent film demonstrates how trash from an overly-consuming, throw-away society can be recycled into a project of transformative art. For more information on viewing this powerful film from your area, please visit http://to.pbs.org/2ojlVz.

 This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Sometimes No is Okay!

Leave a comment

The more information kids have about things that are going on in the world, the better decisions they will make.”~ Deborah Ellis 

This week, April 10 -16, is the annual celebration of the young child. The purpose of the week is to bring the public’s attention on the needs of young children and it is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). 

There is a book that focuses on educating very young children about the appropriateness of sometimes saying NO! Author Julie K. Federico, a counselor with her Master’s degree from Indiana University, shares her book with young children to educate them that “Some Parts are NOT for Sharing.” Julie believes that the early years are the best years for teaching kids about  personal boundaries to prevent incidents of child abuse. 

This book’s message, endorsed by Kathryn Wells, MD a pediatrician with Denver Health,  is conveyed through age-appropriate language and through illustrations of colorful fish.  “Some Parts are NOT for Sharing” has been made available in Spanish too!  

Parents, April is also National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Practice pro-active parenting by sharing this book with your young child. For more information on this book, geared for children under 4 years of age, please visit www.juliefederico.com. The author is so dedicated to the urgency of educating about child abuse, she shares the book on-line.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Rockwell Art: All about Community

2 Comments

All I know is that whatever type of work I do, I try to give it my very best. Art has been my life. ~ Norman Rockwell        

Some of the most recognizable art in history are the illustrations of Norman Rockwell. His work reflects what was most important to him – life in small town America and the people who were integral to the fabric of the community in which he lived. For me, fulfilling thoughts of life in much simpler times are recalled when I see iconic Rockwell images. 

Now, by agreement between Kiwanis International www.kiwanisinternational.org and the Norman Rockwell Licensing Company of Niles, Illinois, outstanding community leaders, recognized by Kiwanis International, can now receive a fulfilling award of a Rockwell-style portrait to grace the walls of their homes. Photographs of Kiwanis Recognition Award recipients are transformed into images by outstanding artists licensed to put the stamp of Norman Rockwell Moments™ www.normanrockwellmoments.org onto their work. 

What a natural and splendid pairing of Kiwanis International and Norman Rockwell Moments™ this is!  Norman Rockwell-style portraits are heirloom gifts to entire families. They are lasting reminders to children, in future generations, of what set their ancestors apart. It was the very same qualities that Norman Rockwell sought in his subjects to paint – people who stood out in their communities. 

Kiwanis aims to bring a new whole generation of young adults into the fold. Maintaining and building strong communities in the 21st century will be as important to this non-profit organization as when the organization began in Detroit in 1914. 

Are you a young adult who believes that community spirit builds a better world? If so, contact your local Kiwanis Club and become a member. Perhaps someday you will be recognized as a community leader!

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Making a Pledge

Leave a comment

 “In the final analysis, the one quality that all successful people have is the ability to take on responsibility.” ~ Michael Korda 

I am making a pledge, right here, right now! I will no longer make generalized statements or assumptions about the media, specifically about newspaper publishing. 

A statement that I often hear is “the media is  just out to get a good story, caring not about the individuals in the story or the sensitivity of the subject they are exposing.” In some circumstances I might agree with this statement. However, last week I gained new insight into the collaborative decisions that are made, by the editor and supporting staff of our local newspaper. 

Once a month the editor and the general manager of our town’s newspaper, The Steamboat Pilot www.steamboatpilot.com, open their doors to their readers, so the community can become more informed about their business. Last week, I attended the “coffee hour” with other community members. I was heartened to learn: 

  • The newspaper staff wants feedback from the community about how they are doing, as a local newspaper.
  • The staff was “all ears.” They wanted to know what stories of community interest should be addressed.
  • The e-format and the print version of the Steamboat Pilot are both popular.
  • The Steamboat Pilot is owned by The World Company of Lawrence, Kansas
  • The reputation of others, in exposing stories of sensationalism or controversy, is of great concern.
  • A democratic process is in place for deciding what newspaper articles will run or not. Note: Sometimes the editor gets over-ruled in the process.
  • Decisions take into consideration what is best for each format- the print version and the e-version of the newspaper.  

Thank you to the staff of the Steamboat Pilot for the opportunity to learn more about your world of newspaper publishing.  I appreciate the fact that you want to hear, from readers, whether the goal of responsible newspaper reporting is being fulfilled by the Steamboat Pilot.  

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.