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Weekend Indie Publishers News – For Artists

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Are you an artist who envisions a future venture of independent publishing your sketchbook of drawings? If so, build on your skills and grow as an artist. Begin fulfilling your dreams through one of the top drawing programs in the country: 

Study: 

 Sell your published work: A company that is dedicated to excellence can help you achieve your goals – for artists, writers, filmmakers and non-profit organizations. http://bit.ly/c5v8Qa

 Market your work with the help of professionals! http://bit.ly/d0DN3K

Create, grow as an artist, strive and thrive!!!

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Is it a Phrase of your Life?

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“Three things tell a man: his eyes, his friends and his favorite quotes.” ~ Unknown

One of my good-natured friends sent me an e-mail the other day that made me laugh. It also gave me reason to stop and ponder. The e-mail consisted of all kinds of paraprosdokian sentences. I had no clue what that meant but as I read the list of phrases, I think I quickly got the idea.

Although the dictionary may have a definition of paraprosdokian phrases far different than mine, I have determined that these sentences are about authenticity, or rather, lack thereof. After reading line after line of these phrases, I believe many of  these quotations reflect how some people live their lives.

Here are a few examples of paraprosdokian sentences:

  • “Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.”
  • “Evening news is where they begin with “Good Evening” and then proceed to tell you  why it isn’t.”
  • “The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas.”

The list of quotes my friend sent me forced me to ask myself some questions. “Is the way I go about life in accordance with what is true?” “Do I live a life fulfilled with being honest and straight forward with myself and others?” “Do I say one thing and do another?”

Believe me, I am not perfect in any respect! But, I do everything I can to be aware of my actions and to live my life staying true to my principles, values and core beliefs.

When I am no longer on this earth, I don’t want anyone to say – “She was a good person, as long as she stayed out of the picture.”  Or when I arrive at heaven’s gates, I don’t want the judge to say – “She can come in, as long as she doesn’t open her mouth.”

Since this blog is only my interpretation of the term “paraprosdokian,” please let me know if I am way off base and have misunderstood these quirky, funny figures of speech are all about. I don’t want to be giving out any misinformation.

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Women Turn to Book Covers

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“‘I’ve learned that everyone wants to live on the top of the mountain, but the all the learning occurs while you are climbing it.” ~Unknown

At lunchtime yesterday, I again attended the Steamboat Professional Women’s Networking Group. Every woman stood to introduce her business and present her “elevator speech.” What an amazing group of women there were. But, you know what? It was the strangest thing! As each stood before me, I couldn’t even focus on their faces! As I listened to the expertise, knowledge and personal fulfillment each business brings to each woman, what came to my mind was a possible title of a book, film or other type of publication.

 Just as a few examples –

  • An insurance agent stood up to give the “low-down” on her business and I saw “CALENDAR!” with each month devoted to “Practical Tips for How Not to Loose Everything you Own.” 
  • Several skin care products representatives were in the crowd. As they introduced themselves, I saw ”BOOK!” entitled perhaps “Protect Your Child’s Skin from Environmental Damage: Beauty From the Moment She is Born.” 
  • “FILM!” I thought as an Executive Director of a Non-Profit  stood and introduced the organization she represented. Her face, right before me, turned into a DVD cover called “Miraculous Cases of Kids that have Thrived Through Mentoring.” What a shame her face morphed into a DVD cover! She had a beautiful face, too! How wonderful that her face and talents are associated with such a beautiful cause!

The list of titles I saw before me could go on and on. As I drove home, I thought perhaps this occurrence was not so strange after all. So many businesses now use independent publishing to provide and offer an accessory to their main line of business. It does bring  an additional income stream and it shares, with others, knowledge and expertise in a field of work. 

I hope, as I stood before the group giving my ‘elevator speech” some of the women saw my face morph into a book called “Lucky Lady Works in Industry That Grew Robustly Last Year.” 

That’s the independent publishing industry for you!

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Seasonal Fulfillment

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“Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.” ~ Stanley Horowitz

Have you ever noticed that with seasonal changes, what is personally fulfilling to us takes a turn about, too? As summer fades into fall, I no longer thirst for frozen fruit smoothies, potato salad and all things grilled. A diet of chili, stews and soups that has been non-existent all summer long begins to creep back into my repertoire of evening menu fare. Basking in the mid-day sun becomes sitting by the warmth of the fireplace on nippy mornings. 

Our color choices of clothes we wear are a reflection of our moods and they can affect the way we feel. In fall, we often substitute brightly colored, summer clothes with a wardrobe of more earthy colors – golds, greens, tans, grey-blues. When I need to feel a burst of energy or want a zip in my step, I’ll return to wearing fuschia or bright, periwinkle blue whether it clashes with mother nature’s colors or not! There is no need to always submit to the color choices of autumn herself.

Each season has its own charm, and how we fulfill our idle time is different from season to season, too. In fall, out come the knitting needles and in come the piles of books to read and movies to watch. 

If you are an independent publisher, try to wrap up those projects and keep your eye on the calendar! Christmas is a mere few months away – a prime time for selling! Don’t miss out.  

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

A Change in Landscape

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“I think one of our main strengths lies in being adaptable, hitting smart, things like that.” ~ Franklin Brightwater

You are business owner. So, have you noticed how the landscape has changed? If not, you had better take heed! It is not a change in scenery due to seasonal weather. I am referring to the marketing landscape. It has stepped from an old season to a new season. One that now includes focus on e-marketing (internet marketing). 

Did you know that 88% of marketers are now using social media marketing as part of their overall strategy?  It is for good reason! Internet marketing generates increased exposure for business, brings awareness to your brand, improves search engine rankings, and helps to generate qualified leads. 

How about you? You are in business to stay in business, and that means changing with the landscape, too. It doesn’t mean you need to do completely away with the old marketing strategies of print advertising, direct mail and face to face selling, it means adding a new dimension to the landscape. 

The principles of internet marketing are the same whether you are selling a product or service. Visibility on the internet is the name of the game! If your business needs help in becoming more visible, do exactly what you always do in this day and age of the internet when you are looking for information, search it! Look for an e-marketing company for independent publishers. They can paint a new marketing landscape for you. One that includes e-marketing!

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

An Invitation Awaits You!

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“..the basis of all excellence is truth..” ~ Samuel Johnson

Do you love watching films? Do you love producing films? Then you are cordially invited! That is right, all of you can come to the New Mexico International Film Festival and submit your film, too!  Marc Leonard, Assistant Director of the New Mexico International Film Festival has extended an invitation to the world at large.  For more information on this film festival that is expected to be different than all the rest, visit www.newmexicointernationalfilmfestival.com.

See what the Land of Enchantment has to offer for high quality, thought-provoking film entertainment. The organizers of this festival promise all good things – a great audience experience, compensation for filmmakers whose films qualify for the festival’s excellence in standards, superior customer service and after the film parties that really will be after the screenings you won’t miss one moment of what you came to the film festival for!

Kickstart this event right now, by going to http://bit.ly/abaSuQ. Outstanding screens and outstanding scenes in the beautiful New Mexican landscape awaits you!  See you in Jemez Springs, New Mexico in February!

 

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Sharing the Word!

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“Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”                 ~Mark Twain 

How coincidental is that? Today, I had planned to write a blog on the man who is known as our first American novelist – Mark Twain. He is one of the most well-known essayists and moralists in our country’s history! This morning, I had a few minutes to spare before my dentist appointment, and took the opportunity to take a little drive into an area of Steamboat Springs, CO that I had not previously taken the time to explore before. There the name was, on a street sign, Mark Twain. Was it an Avenue or Road or Lane? ! I dont know! I was so thrown off guard by this odd coincidence of having just composed, on paper, last night a blog based on  Mr. Twain that I can not remember which!   

Seeing this sign has changed the content of my blog. I was going to go on and on about the man who was born in 1835 and died in 1915 AKA Samuel Langhorne Clemens. His speculative ventures included silver mining, business and publishing.  His writings had appeal to young and old, alike. Although in he is known for his humor and wit, many of the essays he wrote in his final years were filled with his “venting” against power, corruption and greed.

Why his name should appear on a street sign in a place like Steamboat Springs, CO, I wonder. Perhaps it is just a subtle reminder to all that as we travel down the road of life  “to do the right thing.”

 

 This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com

Limited Only by Initiative

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“Initiative is key. Anybody who wants to be somebody is going to work as hard as they can to fulfill that dream.” ~ Unknown 

It is no secret that the publishing industry has undergone dramatic change over the past ten years. As cited by Bowker, non-traditional publishing grew a robust 181% between 2008 and 2009. In a few more months, we will be able to determine whether these growth percentages have been sustained for yet another year. From where I stand, this would be fulfilling news! 

Although many in the traditional publishing industry would like to tell you that these numbers are all a result of the downturn in the economy, I am not convinced of that!  

Agreed, the downturn of the economy has been a catalyst for change in business. It has given businesses a good reason to take a look at outmoded ways of thinking and to restructure. For businesses who believe that change is good – they have done things to work in positive new directions which include developing creative vision, gaining new momentum and starting fresh initiatives! Non-traditional publishers and businesses alike are putting technology at the center of the company and are learning how to reach large numbers of people at the least cost. Not a bad deal , now, is it?  

Are you an independent publisher whose marketing tactics are no longer relevant for the times? Wasting time, energy and money preserving old ways of doing business is never a good idea. Don’t have the comfort level or the time to explore what your next steps should entail?  That is okay.  There are those that can help! But do not tarry – invest in the future of your business and move forward. Go to your favorite search engine and look for  e-commerce and e-marketing for independent publishers.

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

Penny Here, Penny There

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 “Literature is an investment of genius which has dividends to all subsequent times.”  ~ John Burroughs 

Believe it or not, it is getting time to pull out the fall jackets, pants and coats here in Colorado – I love that time of year! Invariably I come across a little pocket change that I didn’t know existed. Finding a few crumpled dollars, or handfuls of coins left in my clothing from the season before is such a fulfilling feeling – it is like finding an extra paycheck – no matter how big or small. 

We all work hard for our money, and we should work hard at keeping it too! Are you an independent publisher guilty of overspending on postage and delivery each year? Well – you are not alone! It is no wonder though – keeping current with changes in postal and delivery service rates and fees is a never ending job.

Independent publishing means being smart, making wise decisions and not spending money needlessly, so you can retain a higher profit margin on your product. Isn’t that one of the reasons why you decided to independently publish in the first place? Adding an extra stamp here and extra stamp there “just in case” and “for good measure” can really add up! And it will affect your bottom line too.

As an order fulfillment company, we must be guardians for our clients to make sure they retain the highest profit margin on their sale. We strive to stay “in the know,” so we can ship the quickest, most economical, and reliable way possible, all over the globe. It is all part of getting the job done!

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

Weekend Indie Publisher News

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ATTENTION INDIE FILMMAKERS!!! There is an all new film festival on the calendar beginning, February 2011. The New Mexico International Film Festival being held in Jemez Springs, NM in the Land of Enchantment! Read the mission statement of this festival to find out how they strive to be the best film festival you have ever experienced! http://newmexicointernationalfilmfestival.com/mission/

Submission Catagories:

  • Short Films: Documentaries (15 minutes or less)
  • Short Films: Narrative (15 minutes or less)
  • Feature Films: Documentaries (80 min or longer)
  • Feature Films: Narratives (80 min or longer)
  • Screenplays (90 to 120 pages  .pdf only)

Enter Early! Beginning October 29, 2010 submissions will be accepted. The earlier you submit, the more you will save.

The best part we have saved till the last – if your film is accepted, you will become a partner, and receive a portion of the box office take!  Assistance with travel expenses will be available and your submission fee will be returned! New concept, new attitudes and an exciting group of people to showcase your film with.  Submit now!

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