Category Archives: Business

Blogging Benefits

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“A blog is in many ways a continuing conversation.” ~ Andrew Sullivan

According to my statistics, I am about 20 web logs away from reaching 900 on this site, All Things Fulfilling. “Could that be right?,” I ask myself. If someone told me less than three years ago, that I’d find so much fulfillment in blogging, I would have questioned it.

There have been other benefits, too. I have gleaned a lot of insight into exactly how difficult how difficult it is to proof read your OWN writing; the reason for using editors – a fresh set of eyes!

Did you read the article about the errors that were made when converting  Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace into an e-book? Often times, problems in the search and find features of publishing software are the cause of it; not always the fault of incompetent editors. http://bit.ly/KzfE0L.

You know, I recently published an e-book for a client. I will feature it in an upcoming blog, Although the title might lead you to believe it is about living with a red pen editor, it’s about another character who really made her mark in a community of other quirky characters.It is a good read, and many parts of it had me laughing out loud. For me, a real sign of a fulfilling reading experience.

I would like to express my gratitude to our readers who return time after time again to All Things Fulfilling. Even though I do not catch every proof-reading error, evidently, you like the content! That is extremely gratifying.

Return tomorrow, for more independent thoughts, words and views from All Things Fulfilling. The company blog site for  www.cornerstonefulfillmentservice.com.

Updating Books: Electronic Publishing

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During these challenging economic times, there are many industries that are asking the question “What can we do to remain relevant, move with the times, survive and even grow?” I have no involvement in it, but I consider for example, how my family’s business that was established in 1902, in the building trades, is addressing these questions and finding viable answers.

A few weeks ago, I came across a book called “Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies.” The publication is a good resource for entrepreneurs and already established companies who are searching for clues during these volatile times. The book published in 1998,some nine or ten years prior to the beginning of this current recession, may not last if they do not update their vision for selling it. I’m taking the publisher of this book to task. It is not available in e-book format!

Could the publishers of “Built to Last” be reluctant to put much faith in electronic publishing? They’ve not moved with the times. Whether they are aware of it or not, publishing has gone through dramatic change over the past ten years, E-books and independent publishing has been the answer to sustainability.

Many books, previously available only in print, are now being offered in a new format of an electronic publication. Here are a few e-books that may open your eyes to doing business in this new era:

  • Primal Leadership: Realizing the Power of Emotional Intelligence
  • Strengthen your Business in a Recession: Build a Stronger Business for Success
  • Visionary Business: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Success 

Like I tell all our  independent publishing clients, “Business promotion is no longer just doing  grunt work  on  paper – electronic media and promotion is essential. In order to be visible,  digital content  on the internet is a must .  Authors, remember it is not just about writing the book, promotion and sales are a part of it. Independent publishing is a business. For more information on tht subject here is an article.

Are you an author, publisher or business person who has not stepped forward into the new era of promotion through e-commerce and e-marketing? A specialist in that field can help you with that!

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

 

Worldwide Interest in Indie Publishing

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“It is not in the pursuit of happiness we find fulfillment, it is in the happiness of pursuit.” ~ Denis Waitley

What do the U.K., India, Australia, Macedonia, Russia and Canada have in common? These countries are only the start of the long list of countries that frequent this site. Over the weekend we reached a new landmark in readership – one that I would never have predicted when this blog was started. It’ s thrilling!

What does this tell us? About the internet’s ability to reach far and wide! It also tells me that independent publishing of books, films and music is, indeed, a hot topic of conversation in this age of digitally produced art content. Countries that endorse independent publishing, have common concerns. 

In July, the 2012 Yale Publishing Course will take place. Many global issues surrounding independent publishing will be addressed. The website Independent Publisher has featured an interview of YPC’s Director Tina C. Weiner. To read her interview which provides an overview of this year’s discussion, please visit http://bit.ly/I48Vd6.  To apply for the Yale Publishing course, designed for mid and upper level publishing professionals, please visit this link http://bit.ly/ln4cFX. 

Obtaining copyright permissions is just one of many issues that will be discussed at the YPC. A  perplexing and time consuming task, there are experts in this field who can steer you, such as Integrated Writer Services, LLC.  To view the website of Integrated Writers Services, LLC, please follow this link http://bit.ly/JRBnfW. 

Thank you to all readers who visit this blog site. Our objective is to share interesting, useful, and fun information for anyone who is interested in the topic of  independent publishing and finding fulfillment in the Arts. 

Return tomorrow for more independent thoughts, words and views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Syllabus: Gratefulness for Book Buying Customer

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“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.”

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

Independent Publishers Reciprocate Information

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“For pleasure has no relish unless we share it.”  ― Virginia Woolf, The Common Reader: First Series

Used to be once a manuscript was complete and accepted by a publisher, most of the control over the book was handed over to someone else. Traditionally published authors are now being expected to be more deeply involved in the post publication process of marketing, promotion and selling.

There is interesting information that I came across the other day from the Indie Writers Alliance. Granted, this organization encourages and supports independent publishing, but with the changes that have taken place in the publishing industry, it leaves one wondering why publish another way? http://bit.ly/pZzfhM.

The surge of independent publishing has not just been as a result of first time authors taking that route. Many who have been already been traditionally published are changing course.

If you are looking for an on-line resource about e-books and print-on-demand publishing, sign up and have the Indie Writers Alliance newsletter delivered to your mailbox. The IWA will expose you to those who have had experience with independent publishing and those who have turned from traditional publishing to independent.

Becoming a successful independent publisher means understanding the industry. The Indie Publishers Alliance is a good resource to keep you on top of the developing news in this dynamic and ever-changing industry.

This blog brought to you by http://www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Update on the Expresso Book Machine

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“Innovation is the process of turning ideas into manufacturable and marketable form.” ~ Watts Humprey

It’s been a while since I’ve shared the latest news about the Expresso Book Machine, which has been in the development stage over the past years. Some four years ago, I had the opportunity to see the Expresso Book Machine, in action, at the Northshire Book Store in Manchester,Vermont. At the time there were only five such machines in the world including one in the UK, Canada, New Orleans and in   Egypt.

All within a fifteen to twenty minute period, the machine downloads PDF files of a manuscript, prints the book and the cover, binds the book and trims the pages, producing a perfect bound paperback just like that. It also has the capability of printing a book in many languages.

Today, in collaboration with Xerox, it is projected that by the end of this year, more than 150 Expresso Book Machines will be in bookstores, at universities and libraries worldwide.

This means of production will help to reduce waste by printing books on an “as needed basis;” reducing returns and inventory space; ultimately resulting in higher margins for publishers. Books that are out of print, can also be located and reprinted as per customer requests.

It is an exciting development in many respects, for  publishers and for brick and mortar stores. To read the full article on the latest news on the print-on-demand scene of publishing, please visit this link. http://bit.ly/mCgyBC.

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

What is Your Focus?

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“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!

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

Quality Control in Order Fulfillment

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“Quality in a product or service is not what the supplier puts in. It is what the customer gets out and is willing to pay for.” ~ Peter F. Drucker

If you have ever stepped inside the doors of an order fulfillment center, you know there is a lot of inventory being moved around. It is the nature of the industry. If you are an independent publisher who plans on outsourcing your order fulfillment, there are some steps you can take to reduce the chances of having your product damaged in a warehouse environment and increase the odds of your customer receiving your book, dvd or cd in good condition.

  • Request a sample of the packaging, from the fulfillment house, that will be used to ship your book, cd or DVD. Does it pass your “crush test?”
  • Shrink wrap your publications; further safeguarding the product from getting beat up and bent up – especially important for paperback books.
  • Visit the fulfillment house, if at all possible; take tour. Check for cleanliness and order.
  • Every so often, have friends or family order your publication and take note of the exterior packaging. Does it meet with the standards and speed of delivery you agreed upon and are paying for? Does the exterior packaging hold the “goods” securely in place during shipping?

Shrink wrapping may not be necessary for books that will be sold by a wholesale book distributor, in case lots. However, for orders that will be fulfilled individually, shrink wrapping is a great way to protect the edges and corners from being damaged, as it moves through the channels of the warehouse.

Any respectable fulfillment company should give potential clients a tour of their facility and provide you with a sample of the packaging they use, if you ask. A reputable company understands that a lot of time and money has been put into producing and publishing your product, and you are trying to protect your investment.

As an independent publisher offering a quality product, do you what you can on your end to help reduce the likelihood there could be some damage to your stock.

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

Regard for the Book

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Acceptance of prevailing standards often means we have no standards of our own. – Jean Toomer

Snakes, fingernails scraped across a chalk board and bedbugs are just a few things that make people cringe. What makes me cringe? Books being transported, in tote bags, to book selling events and ill-fitting cartons, which allow books to slide.

Last week, over the internet, on an on-line forum for independent publishers, a person posed a question “Should books be shrink wrapped or not?”

“ Yes…..yes…,” I said “it is worth the extra expense!”

A pet peeve for me is seeing paperback books and hard-covered books with dust jackets being sold with dog-eared corners and pages, when the buyer is expecting brand new.  Independent publishers, it has become even more important to sell your publications at book events in pristine condition. If someone wants to buy a used book, they will go to a place like Amazon or a bookstore that sells used books and pay less than top price.

If you are selling your book at top price, have your books shrink wrapped, so your buyer is guaranteed the purchase of a brand new book. Don’t want to go to the extra expense, you say? If you are handing your own order fulfillment, consider doing the shrink wrapping yourself. Here is a resource for  supplies. http://bit.ly/GHz3WX.

Respect the product you have lovingly created, respect your customer and the money they are spending for a new publication and respect yourself as a top quality independent publisher. It is as simple as that.

Return tomorrow for a tip or two on how to select an order fulfillment company that respects your publications, too.

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

Individual Integrity in Publishing

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I received an interesting blog comment two weeks ago from a reader regarding the post “Paranormal Book Sales.”  The response from the reader was that if “he was going to put his work out there,” meaning publish it, “he wanted his book in-print.” I respect that! Deciding whether to publish an e-book or a book in- print, or audio book  is an individual decision, there is no right or wrong. Depends on your purpose and objectives for publishing and what feels right.

The same reader went on to say that not only does he want his book in print, “he wants the second opinion of an editor.” My reply to his remark “publishing an e-book does not preclude you from having a book edited.” This brings up a good point for our blog subject today.

Editors are key players when it comes to putting quality publications and productions into the market place. Authors use editors. Filmmakers use editors. Music producers use  audio editors.

From the point of view of a person serving the independent publishing industry, putting quality publications out into the marketplace is of foremost importance, if non-traditional publishing is to continue to grow. Having a publication edited is all part of the process.

The Colorado Independent Publishers Association www.cipacatalog.com has been a leading force in getting high quality independent e-books into library catalogs. Excellence is crucial in order to advance this trend. I endorse this position whole heartedly!

Eric Leppert’s words about fulfilling a responsibility to an industry in my opinion, is spot on. “Professionalism is not about adherence to the policies of a bureaucracy. Professionalism is about having the integrity, honesty, and sincere regard for the personhood of the customer, in the context of always doing what is best for the business.”

More independent thoughts, words and views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com will be posted tomorrow. Please return!