Category Archives: Independent Publishing

Rough and Ready

We ship our client’s independently published films and books all across the country, and all over the world, from sea to shining sea. This morning, an order will go out to an artist in New South Wales, Australia. Give me the name of a town, and I can probably tell you what state it it is in. I have seen them all.

A few years ago, we received an internet order and the shipping address was Rough and Ready.  Rough and Ready, California that is. I almost thought it was “junk mail”, an order from someone submitting a bogus address just because they had nothing better to do. So, I looked it up – sure enough, it was a real address and a real town! As it turns out, Rough and Ready, California is a mining town between Grass Valley and Penn Valley. If my memory serves me right, named by a bunch of Wisconsin goldminers that had gone out to California to seek their fortune.

Maybe someone ought to produce a film, a  western perhaps, on Rough and Ready, California.  Share it with those interested in seeing just what this Rough and Ready California is really all about!

Until I get to Rough and Ready myself, I will just have to look at the view out my window in Steamboat Springs, CO. It is a pretty nice place to be!

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Cover to Cover – New Radio Show

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Every Saturday Morning

Radio Show for Authors and Publishers

Tune in to www.wnzf.com

Listen on Line      11:30 am  Eastern Standard Time

                                   10:30 am  Central Time

                                     9:30 am  Mountain Time

                                     8:30 am Pacific Time

1/2 hour radio show filled with information on marketing your book, traditional vs. independent publishing, getting started in publishing, author’s role in book marketing, establishing your niche market and much more. Essential information to all publishers and authors. Listen in and learn!

A Friend, Indeed!

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“Happy is the house that shelters a friend”  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson  When searching for an order fulfillment company for your independently published films or books, look for many of the same qualities you would in a friend.

  • A company that is dependable – will ship in a timely manner.
  • A company that is trustworthy – will get the job done!
  • A company that understands your needs.
  • A company that is fair – is affordable.
  • A company that goes the distance – is adaptable.

If you find a fulfillment company with these attributes, you will have found a friend worth it’s weight in gold. 

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com

Before……Not After

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Many independent publishers make the mistake of concentrating on the writing of their book foremost. Marketing should not be thought of after the book is written. For the best outcome for book sales, it should be considered before a word is written. Think of  your audience – who you are writing to and for. It is often easier to identify target markets for non-fictional publications, and you can often market to wider, broader markets. 

With fiction, ask yourself, is your publication more age appropriate to adults, children, ‘tweens, young adults, preschoolers? Throughout your writing, keep your writing age appropriate to your identified market. Are there any special interest groups within the age group you have identified?

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com

 

 

Three Candles

 

Three CandlesI just read the sad news about Farrah Fawcett loosing her battle with cancer. She was an inspiration to us all, battling a devastating disease with such grace and determination. Makes me grateful for my own wonderful health and sad for  all those stricken with cancer. For Farrah,  for my friends Amy and Brian , and all the others that are so courageous in their battle, I light three candles.

Turn Around Time

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When searching for an order fulfillment company, an important question to ask is “what is the turn around time on orders?” From the time the order is received, how long until it will ship? Don’t forget to ask about domestic shipments and also foreign shipments. After all, you don’t want to keep your customers waiting!

You will also want to check on the types of packaging materials used to ship the orders. Is the package sturdy enough withstand the shipping process?  You want your customers to receive your product in good condition. They deserve the best!

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com

July 18 – A Big Day for Writers!

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Calling all writers! Two great opportunities to network  and learn, both on July 18!

Steamboat Writers Group will be presenting “A Day for Writers.”  This is their 28th annual conference and registration is limited, so jump on board right away if you are interested. For details and to register, visit their website www.steamboatwritersgroup.com

Also, on July 18th at the Hotel Monaco in San Francisco, California Instock – The Conference for Self Publishers will be taking place. For details, visit www.instockconference.com. 

Both events look great! Networking and attending writers conferences are so valuable. You will meet all kinds of like-minded people , come away with refreshing new ideas and you never know what you will learn!

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com

Grandma’s Hat

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Creating a “buzz” about your book is what it is all about. Independent publishers or self publishing authors play a critical role in book sales. Authors need to make a connection with their readers as well as sell themselves. 

 A few years ago, I attended a publishers “college.” I met a woman that I will never forget, nor her book! Her book was called “Grandma’s Magic Scissors.” First of all, the author was a grandmotherly type, through and through. She dressed unlike grandmothers of today, but like grandmothers of days gone bye.  Best way I can describe it was “matronly.” In short, she played the part to the hilt, and was as nice as can be – you know, “grandmotherly.” To top it all off, she wore a fabulous hat. Her book was about paper cutting. How to fold paper and cut it into fabulous designs like snowflakes, castles, birds, chess peices. All I wanted to do was buy a copy of the book and sit down, scissors in hand, with this fabulous woman and learn the craft of paper cutting!

She sold her book well, her craft well, and her brand was recognizable!

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com

Publishing for Non-Profits

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With the decline of grants and other funding sources, many non-profits and other industries are suffering. In today’s world, there are an assortment of industries independently publishing books, films, cds and journals as a means of generating a much needed income stream.  Could your non-profit benefit by sharing it’s mission through the power of a book or film? It may even have the added benefit of attracting other companies or communities that wish to build a business partnership with your non-profit.

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

Planning to expand your fleet?

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Were you successful in finding a traditional publisher for your manuscript first time around but after sending a deluge of query letters for your next publication, each one was met with a letter of rejection? Have you considered independent publishing? It is an option and there are advantages as well.  You have greater control over your written word, there are lots of freelance professionals to assist you and you may even retain a greater percentage of the profits.

Begin by talking with others who have made the transition from traditional publishing to independent publishing. Local writers groups often have author members who have experienced both traditional and independent publishing. See how the two compare. Gather information from freelance professionals – editors, book printers, cover designers, book marketers, order fulfillment companies and the like.

Knowledge is power!