Category Archives: Management

It’s All Good!

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“We immediately become more effective when we decide to change ourselves rather than asking things to change for us.” ~ Stephen Covey

You all must think that this blogsite only focuses on independent publishing. Not so! I will read any book or watch any film so long as it adds value to my life, independently published or not!

Although we all stop growing physically at a certain age in life, that does not mean our intellect and self improvement skills need to stop growing, too. Growth from that perspective should be never ending.  Our evolution as human beings should be ongoing, especially if we are to live the kind of life we want for ourselves.

Last week, I stopped by the library and picked up a book that I never expected to be as useful to my own life and business as it is. It is called “Daily Reflections for Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey, published by Franklin Covey Company. What a treasure chest of writings this book contains for a values based business. If every business operated with the same synergy suggested in this book, we would all be living in a diamond mine.  Every company and organization would shine so brightly, we would all need blinders on! There is no “preachiness” in each short daily reflection in this book, only empowering principles for living life effectively and with great integrity.

We are all diamonds in the rough. This helpful book may add polish to your life, and contain the very things you have been searching for along your path to an enriched life. Check it out!

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Trim, Clip and Snip!

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“In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.” ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I can stand it no longer! I feel like I am sitting amid chaos. It is time for me to switch gears over the next few days. I must become an editor and clean up my act.

Being all surrounded by mail, papers, files, e-mails and other extraneous things leads to the feelings of exhaustion and confusion. I can no longer think succinctly. This is not typical of the way I operate, clearly something must be done.

Organization experts say 80% of your desk should be empty. I have  a long way to go! Ridding myself of what is no longer needed will clarify and simplify my life once again. After all, the tax man will be coming to call pretty soon. I need to organize records that have accummulated all year long and be ready.

Now, where do I start? I think I will start with my hair. A new style! It will be like my desk – even if I don’t like the clean new look, it is bound to grow back .  But, at least for now, I will be able to see clearly once again.

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New Beginnings

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“All time management begins with planning.” ~ Tom Greening

Have you made your New Year’s resolutions? For alot of people, New Year’s resolutions are the same year after year. They include determination to loose weight, to stop smoking, to include a fitness regiment in their daily living. My New Year’s resolutions include things such as adjustments in attitude – choosing action vs. inaction, taking a new path rather than the same trampled route, focusing on forward motion rather than remaining static.

Determination to move into new territory is scary and uncertain, but the way I see it, it is better than quiet desparation. It involves a leap of faith. Without faith, there is no hope! What it really comes down to is, I would rather feel a sense of accomplishment knowing I have done all I can to succeed.

There is always something in all of our lives that can be done a little differently. Discard what is not working and pave the way for more efficient ways of doing things. It can make a world of difference in your publishing success.

What would you change that would allow you to focus better on your business at hand as an independent publisher? Let us hear from you!

Wishing you all a thoughtful, productive, prosperous and Happy New Year!

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Once in a Blue Moon

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“The only thing you live to regret are the risks you didn’t take”~ Unknown

Today, I am feeling very fortunate. Since starting my company, I have had the opportunity to meet many incredible people that I would not have ordinarily met, had I not taken a risk. Among them have been extraordinarily talented artists, filmmakers, and individuals who serve their communities through the non-profit sector – all of them independent publishers. All have had similar goals – to share beauty, kindness and knowledge through their unique and creative talents.  All have been so very committed to changing our world for the better and each person is awe-inspiring in their very own way.

Tonight, as the New Year approaches, I will be taking some time to reflect on these past few years to remember some of the individuals that I have crossed paths with. Many of these individuals I have not met face to face, yet through an e-mail or a telephone conversation, they have left a mark on me. I can recall the discussions we have had about their goals and aspirations for their independent publishing companies. All have inspiring, educational or entertaining stories to tell through their books, films or music or through their commitment to a cause or a mission. All are the kinds of people you meet only once in a blue moon.

We want to hear from more of you! By posting your comments to our blogsite, we can together build a community of like-minded people who have independent thoughts, ideas and dreams to share.

Happy New Year 2010! May this coming year bring publishing success to each and every one of you!

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

A Gargantuan Gift

“Love is, above all, the gift of oneself ” ~ Jean Anouilh

For me, the greatest gift on this earth, is the gift of my family and our independent publishing clients, who allow us to serve them each and every day. They are the purpose of our work. I know blessings when I see them!

This blog will remain silent throughout the holidays so that I can give the best gift of all to my family – my time. If you have children, give them your undivided attention when they need it most. It is the best way to demonstrate how much you value their presence in your life. Unlike other things, nurturing children is not something that can wait.

We appreciate and value the feedback we have gotten from loyal followers of this blog site. In 2010, you will be able to post your comments on this site. Our aim is to provide a community of like-minded readers sharing our dreams, ideas, goals and needs as independent publishers. We want to hear from you and your comments will be a gift to us!

We look forward to sharing some exciting news with you, our loyal readers from around the globe, in 2010.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to All!

In the Drivers Seat

“Our dreams can come true…if we have the courage to pursue them.” ~ Walt Disney

I had an ephiphany this morning, right when I was in the shower brainstorming what today’s blog would be. Suddenly, the thought came to me that as bloggers, we are all given a clean slate each day to write what we want. We only have to pitch an idea to ourselves!

Contrary to writers who are submitting manuscripts to traditional publishing houses, there is not an editor deciding whether your work is right for the publishing house. Getting in line behind all those other recently submitted manuscripts can be a long wait in itself. With traditional publishing, a manuscript can take years to become a book. Often a manuscript has to be submitted to many publishing houses before you get a nibble of interest from an editor.

A comparison can be made between life and independent publishing. We get to write our own story in life, too! The outcome is determined by the choices we make, our determination, the vision we have for ourselves and whether or not we will let others stand in the way of our goals.

Perhaps in this New Year, you will have  a revelation, too. If you genuinely believe in your manuscript yet have been frustrated in finding a traditional publisher interested in buying the rights, perhaps it is time to take your future, as a writer, into your own hands.  Short run printing, print on demand and The Expresso Book  Machine www.Northshire.com  now make it possible to have your book on the market in very short order and your book can become available globally through the power of e-commerce.  What are you waiting for?

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Help is on the Way!

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October 1st! It is hard to believe we are 9 months into the year of 2009. This year has been a blur to me and it has passed me by all too quickly. Soon, it will be time to make our New Years resolutions once again.

Before we can make resolutions for the New Year, we need to look at where we stand, look at where we are going and decide how we will get there. Now is the time to consider whether you are suffering from job burn-out. Here are a few ways to know if the stresses of the job are getting you down.

  • Do you feel you have little or no control over your work?
  • Do you have a hard time saying no?
  • Do you identify so strongly with the work that you do that you lack a reasonable balance between work and your personal life?
  • Do you suffer from lack of sleep?
  • Are you feeling stretched to your limits every day?
  • Do you feel you are pulled in every direction?

If you have answered YES! to many of these questions, perhaps it is time to seek help. Being an independent publisher does not mean having to do it all by yourself.  Order fulfillment companies  can support you administratively. Find a company that can tailor their services to your needs. Seek and ye shall find that there are many freelance services available just for independent publishers. Start by using your favorite search engine and look for order fulfillment for independent publishers.

The year 2010 looks to be a very promising year for independent publishers. Maybe your time for change has come. Regain your balance by reassessing your priorities, delegate the tasks that someone else can do for you and seek support. Work smart, the obstacles will disappear and you will be able to see much more clearly.

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It is a Tricky Business

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One of the comments I hear from self publishing authors or independent publishers is “I had no idea what I was getting myself into!”  But this comment is not unique to the publishing industry. I have often heard the same comment from those who have renovated a house or had a house custom built! Sometimes, we just do not know all the facets of a project until  we roll up our sleeves and jump in!

This same comment can be heard from those selling independently published books, videos, DVDs and journals through e-commerce (internet sales). Independent publishers think “how hard can it be to put a book in the mail to someone?” What independent publishers fail to consider is this:

  • Is there time in your day to invoice the orders and record payments?
  • Do you have a reliable method for tracking your inventory?
  • Are you ready to deal with wholesale orders from bookstores, universities, libraries and other organizations?
  • Will you be able to handle customer service inquiries and calls regarding lost shipments or shipment tracking?

This is only surface stuff. Once you roll up your sleeves and jump in, I can assure you order fulfillment is a whole lot more time consuming and detailed than one can imagine. Just keeping track of what the most economical and most efficient way of shipping is, is a job in itself.

Thankfully, there are companies out there that can assist with the business end of shipping so you can focus on writing and publishing. The best way to find the support services you need is use your favorite seach engine and search the terms:  Order Fulfillment for Independent Publishers or Order Fulfillment for Independent Filmmakers or Order Fulfillment for Independently Published Books, Videos, DVDs and Journals. That part is not tricky!

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Weekend Indy Publisher News

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My desk has become a landing field for broadcast information on independent publishing display opportunities, writers conferences and workshops. In fact, it could be a full time job just staying “in the know” with all the happenings on the independent publishing scene.

In an attempt to keep  our independent publishing friends up to date and informed, our weekend blogs, at least for the next few weeks, will be devoted to passing along information regarding conferences, workshops and publishing display opportunities. Bookselling, in part, is dependent upon trade shows, so it is important to get this information out!

Upcoming:                                                                                                            September 25-27                                                                                                   Burlington Book Festival, Burlington, VT                                                          For more details, visit http://BurlingtonBookFestival.com

Baltimore Book Festival, Baltimore, MD                                                            For more details, visit www.baltimorebookfestival.com

Florida Publishers Association presents “Strategies for Success”           2009 Publishing Ed-U-Conference                                                                      For more details, visit www.FLbookpub.org

October 2 & 3                                                                                                               New England Independent Booksellers Association (NEIBA),          Hartford, CT   To register & for information, http://www.ipne.org

The Collingswood Book Festival, Collingswood, New Jersey                    For more information, visit www.collingswoodbookfestival.com

Five great opportunities! Get on Board! Join In and Participate!

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Ready, Set, Launch!

Your dream is about to become a reality! Your book or film has been published or produced, and now it is time to think about getting your product into the hands of your audience.

An order fulfillment company is the answer to those nagging administrative and shipping tasks that an independent publisher is faced with.  After all, you are a writer and a publisher. Your primary business is not fulfilling and shipping orders (and that means world-wide shipping in this age of e-commerce). Let someone else handle those tasks so you can focus on what you do best – creating, inspiring, educating and entertaining through the power of books and film.

Without the distraction of processing and shipping orders – you can get ready, set and  DSC_0094 your next creative endeavor!

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