Category Archives: Independent Publishers Conferences and Workshops

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?

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

Holiday Fulfillment

“Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.”                    ~Albert Camus

I bet you have noticed, that when it comes to all volunteer efforts, few carry the load for many. Pick your cause, it is always the same thing. Whether it is lending a hand for a service organization, a bake sale or volunteering for a Parent-Teacher Association it seems that those that have the least amount of time, give the most.

Over the past few weekends, I have volunteered a little of my time to sell Christmas ornaments for Kiwanis. Kiwanians raise funds for worthy projects around the world. Since 1915, this international service organization has been supporting projects that help grow strong communities and assist children.

There are so many ways to give, that mean so much, to those on the receiving end. If you can not give financially, give the gift of your time by volunteering for a worthy cause. Give a donation  of canned goods for a food shelter, hats,coats, mittens to those needing warm clothing for winter, put your spare change in a collection bucket, there are so many ways to share and care about those who really need assistance.

Not just during holidays, but all year long, we need to remember those that are in dire need of our help. The giving spirit will feel good and right,  give it a try!

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com

Weekend Indy Publishers News

Poets and Writers Magazine 50% off  newstand price go to www.pw.org

Literary Magazine – The Kenyon Review www.kenyonreview.org   Holiday special 25% off newstand price and a one year subscription will give you access to 70 years of  literary excellence through digitally archived copies that are  now available on-line.

Ne w Book  – Fiction Writing for Dummies http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog by Randy Ingermanson. Now available in stores. This is one of the latest from the “Dummies” serious of books, that many people find so useful.

Don’t know what to give a writer for a holiday gift? How about something that will inspire, education and inform? Magazine subscriptions and books about writing are always a welcomed gift, and they can be ordered on-line, often at reduced prices.

This  blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com

Publishing Success

“When a person really desires something, all the Universe conspires to help that person realize his dream” ~ Paul Coeho

For those of you that are beginning a new venture into becoming an independent publisher in 2010, you will need a checklist of things that will make you a publishing success. Here are some steps for your check list:

  • A good idea that is unique, inspirational or educational
  • Belief in yourself as a writer or publisher
  • Contact with those who can help you along the way
  • Determination that never quits! Check this twice!
  • Excellence in all you do – find a great editor
  • Freelance publishing professionals for help when needed
  • Good cover design that Pops with interest!
  • Honest opinions from others
  • Innovative way to market your publication
  • Joyful  Jubilation as you pass each hurdle
  • Kick in the Pants – when you get frustrated
  • Lots of good advice from experienced publishers
  • Masterful story line
  • Name/title of the publication that will attract buyers
  • Order Fulfillment Company – to process, pack and ship
  • Printer who is reliable and affordable
  • Question others for good advice
  • Return on Investment – Lots of Book/DVD Sales!
  • Software for Publishers that will ease the way
  • Time devoted to making sure every detail is covered
  • Unrelenting pursuit of your dream. Check it Twice!
  • Vision for your publication
  • Writers Group to help support and steer your efforts
  • Xtra pinch of good luck!
  • Yell – go ahead – do it when you are frustrated!
  • Zippy Shipping to get your On-line orders to readers fast!

Check the list, and check it twice. There are lots of steps, but don’t get discouraged. With a clear understanding of your project, your market, your expectations and an unfaultering “CAN DO ATTITUDE”, you can be a publishing success.

Best Wishes for Becoming an Independent Publishing Success!

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com

Precious Poe

“That is a good book which is opened with expectation and closed in profit” ~ Amos Bronson Alcott

Christie’s of New York www.Christies.com has been put in command of auctioning off precious items of jewelry, furniture, Art, wine, books and other collectible things since 1766. They have evaluated and sold the most extravagant and valuable collectibles from around the world. Despite difficult economic times, in 2008, their sales reportedly reached 5.1 billion dollars.

Several days ago, they shattered all previous records for the sale of a literary piece of work. William Self, a former senior TV executive placed his collection of rare books with Christie’s and among the collection was a rare copy of Edgar Allen Poe’s book “Tamerlane and Other Poems.”

This book was first self-published in obscurity in 1827. It was then republished under Poe’s own name. Edgar Allen Poe wrote most of the book before he reached age 14. Only 40-50 copies of “Tamerlane” were printed and only 12 copies remain today.

The new owner was willing to pay $662,500 for this book of antiquity. Sadly, in all likelihood, the book will not sit on his bookshelf, either. Rare books, like museum quality paintings, are often held in vault storage with optimum humidity, air circulation, temperature controls and little exposure to light, so as not to further compromise it’s already frail condition.

Edgar Allen Poe, a gem of American poets, would probably turn over in his grave if he knew just how precious our society views his literary work. 

Weekend Indie Publisher News

 

All Independent Publishers – Second Reminder – Mark your Calendars The American Library Association Mid-Winter Convention.  9,000 + librarians will be attending this conference, looking for unique books for their library patrons. The www.AuthorsCollective.com is dedicated to helping the self published, emerging writers and independent publisher gain publicity for their books. Contact the Authors Collective today about including  your publication in their display.

The Independent Publishers of New England www.ipne.com will also include your publication in their display. Time is running short, so act now, while  space is still available.

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Another reminder- Deadline for the 2010 Eric Hoffer Book Award

All books accepted and the grand prize is $1500. Winner and First Runner-up in your selected category. Montaigne Medal for the most thought provoking book and the daVinci Eye Award will be presented for the best book cover.

Some of the catagories are: Art, Poetry, General Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Children, Young Adult, Culture, Memoir, Business. Reference, Home, Health, Self-Help/Spiritual, Legacy Non-fiction.

For more information: hofferaward01@gmail.com.

This blog brought  to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com

Making Assessments

“Life is the sum of all your choices”~   Albert Camus

For those that are just getting started in independent publishing, there is a breaking point when your company has gained momentum enough to begin to outsource your order fulfillment. All independent publishers wonder when that time has come to seek help. If your  thoughts and feelings resemble this list, it is time to stop going it alone.

  • You are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be done in a day.
  • Packing and shipping orders is not what you have set out to do in your career.
  • Your focus has been mired in details, such as how much it costs to get your independently published book or film from here to there and the best way to do it.
  • You are spending less time on your craft of writing or publishing, and more time on the business aspect of handling orders, recording payments and database upkeep.

Step back, assess how your life will be changed, if you could focus on the creative process and get back to what matters most. You are never alone. Use your favorite search engine and look for affordable order fulfillment for independent publishers. They are the folks who will lend you a hand. What a difference a day makes when you move forward with making a decision.

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

More Indie Publisher News

There is now an on-line radio show all for artists! Tune in, and enjoy listening to subjects designed for the artist in you. Be inspired, entertained and educated!

Art and Soul Radio is co-hosted by Catherine Foster, a professional artist for over 35 years, who is devoted to helping artists survive and thrive! She is an award winning artist whose Art is available globally.

Co-host Sheryl Allen brings a wealth of information to the show in many areas of creative expression. She has taught Art, has been an art rep and teaches health and personal growth classes.

Tune into an listen to the show or an archived show at www.contacttalkradio.com. There is bound to be something you can draw from.

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