Category Archives: leadership

Go, Venture, Explore

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It is rare to find a subject that has not been written about before. It is easy to find all kinds of knowledge on the internet. But, web browsing can not compare to spending time in a library, going up and down the aisles, reading the titles, looking at book covers. Before you know it, “gottcha!” a book will say to you. A book that you can not resist reading. It happens time after time.

Reading can take you to places you have never  been before! It is, no doubt, an escape from reality of our face paced world. What better way to de-stress, relax and visit with some different characters that we don’t hang with in every day life.

September is Library Sign-up Month! If there is a child in your life, whether it is your own child, a niece, a nephew, a grandchild or a neighbor – do them a favor! Take them to the children’s reading hour at a nearby library. You will see expressions of excitement, wonder and curiosity on children’s faces as they are being read to. It could  be your contribution to engaging a life long reader. While you are there, grab a book yourself, find a remote corner and enjoy the journey!

“The more you read,

The more you know,

The more you know,

The smarter you grow,

The smarter you grow,

The stronger your voice,

When speaking your mind,

Or making a choice.”

~ Unknown

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Tall Orders to Fill

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Last night, I attended the Colorado Independent Publishers Association (CIPA) summer event in Denver. It was a book sale as well as a chance for vendors to share their publishing related services with the public.

I was  happy to see the turnout of young people in attendance. They were there to learn more about their passion of writing and publishing. I spoke with many of the young writers. They were articulate and most already had a vision for their books. Some even had rough drafts in hand. 

They had come to the right place! The CIPA Board of Directors is a seasoned group of professionals, well versed in every aspect of independent publishing. The proof is in their own successes. Their goals are to educate and steer others to success.

From the numbers in attendance, editors, book cover designers, author’s assistants, book coaches and fulfillment companies had better get ready! There are lots of projects coming down the pike! There will be tall orders to fill!

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(As soon as I have photos from my photographer, I will share more highlights from the CIPA event!)

All Part of the Process

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“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”     ~Dolly Parton

Rejection! Most writers have heard it before:

  • “Not what we are looking for”
  • “Does not meet our standards”
  • “Our company does not publish this genre of writing”

Don’t take rejection to heart and let it deflate your ego! Consider how many manuscripts a traditional publishing company reviews for publication on a  weekly, monthly and yearly basis. The competition is stiff and it always has been.

Still, being turned down can be a hard pill to swallow when a writer has devoted so much time and research into their project, not even to mention the emotional investment involved.  But, rejection is not necessarily a sign that a book is not worthwhile and saleable.

Take heart, there could be another way! According to Bowker “on demand and short run books were up a staggering 132% in 2008.” There must be a reason behind it. If it were me, I would at least look into it, consider it and float the idea up in the air.

Who said your book won’t fly?

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How Could I Forget?

“When patterns are broken, new worlds emerge” ~ Tuli Kupferberg

Here it is July 28th and I have failed to mention it is National Ice Cream Month! Ice cream is a bit of a joke in our family, and I happen to be the brunt of the joke when the subject of ice cream comes up.

You can take me to a table with a smorgasbord of desserts, and what do I want? Vanilla ice cream! Yes, every single time. So of course, my family has to roll their eyes and answer for me when the waitress asks me if I would like some dessert. There is no question about that – “She will have vanilla ice cream, please!”

I mentioned in a recent blog the importance of making changes in our daily lives. Stepping out of our comfort zone leads to growth and enlightenment. We all need to broaden our horizons from time to time because the deeper the rut gets, the harder it is to climb out!

I think I am going to heed my own advice! Next time they ask me what I want for dessert – I am going to say “Vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles, please.”

On second thought, I will have a piece of pie. That way, if I do not finish it, I know someone that will!

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Planes, Trains and Automobiles

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“The world has arrived at an age of cheap complex devices of great reliability and something is bound to come of it.”                     – Unknown

There! Maybe that quote explains what I have been pondering on all morning long! My morning meaderings have led me to the thought of the number of packages that are shipped across the country and all over the world on a daily basis. What set my mind on this course this morning, was the order we received from Germany. The customer is half way around the globe, yet his order arrived via the internet within seconds of placing it. Furthermore, the book he ordered will arrive at his doorstep in Germany in approximately 5 – 7 days.

Some companies prefer one shipping method or carrier over another, and that is fine. Everyone has their preferences. Usually the choice is strictly about economics, which carrier can get it there faster and cheaper! After all, as a fulfillment company, we must be guardians for our clients to make sure they retain the highest profit margin on their sale.

But when it comes to reliability, I think all major carriers are about as reliable as they can possibly be. It is amazing how few shipments are “lost” on a yearly basis. The percentage is infinitesimal compared to the number of parcels, packages and letters that criss-cross the world every year.

Global shipping is a complex chain. The logistics of getting the job done is something that I can not even wrap my mind around!

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