Category Archives: Independent Publishers Resources

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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Admiring Art

“Look at every thing as though you were seeing it either for the first time or the last time.”  ~Betty Smith

All of us have our own interpretation of what good art means. What one of us may deem to be beautiful, may have little merit for others. Some of us like representational art, others prefer abstract art presented in large installations or sculpture, some enjoy art in the form of handcrafted items. Creative expression comes in so many forms.

Art has merit in my own eyes, when it strikes me immediately. It may come in the form of a painting, an exquisite voice, a superb theatrical production, a symphony of sounds, meaningful lyrics to a song or a well executed book or film.  A  meal with beautiful garnishes or even a beautiful flower arrangement is a work of art.

There are paintings that I love to revisit day after day,  as if I am seeing the work for the first time.  Painter Timothy Thies has a way of drawing me into his gardens of color and light, time and time again.  As my eyes meander the canvas, I always see a stroke of paint, a blending of color or a ray of light I had never seen before.

Wikipedia.com defines art as “the process or product of deliberately arranging  elements in a way that appeals to the senses or emotions.” That is a very broad definition. What really matters when it comes to Art appreciation is that it satisfies and fulfills us.

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Comfort in Knowing

“Other things might change us, but we start and end with family.”                  ~ Anthony Brandt

I recently read some staggering statistics about hospice. According to The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization www.nhpco.org  1.45 million hospice patients were served in 2009. Out of approximately 2,500,000 deaths in 2008 – close to 963,000 were cared for by hospice workers. These numbers include patients who found comfort  and care in their final days of life in private residences, nursing homes, residential facilities, acute care hospitals and hospice inpatient facilities.

All of us have known someone who has been cared for by hospice workers in the final days of their life.  My hope is that along with my family, a compassionate and caring hospice worker will be by my side at the end of my life. This thought, I am sure, is shared by many people.

It is astounding to me that, although the need is great, the general population knows so little about hospice services. With our aging population, it would behoove all of us to be come educated and informed.

If you have a family member who is facing end of life issues, check with a  hospice facility, closest to you, to see whether they have a lending library that includes the documentary film “Pioneers of Hospice” www.pioneersofhospice.org. The film will help to educate you about an issue that, as human beings, each of us will face in a lifetime. The documentary sensitively handles a subject that so many are uncomfortable in discussing. It is insightful and educational for any family member who is faced wtih end of life decisions and end of life care.

You will find comfort in knowing you have learned something about hospice and it’s value prior to making those difficult end of life decisions for your loved one.

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Decking the Halls with Wildlife

“Great things are done when men and mountains meet.” ~ William Blake

I am getting excited! The holiday season is just around the corner and the Arts community in Steamboat Springs, Colorado has reason to celebrate! The Steamboat Art Museum is hosting an exhibition of award winning, wildlife artist Ken Carlson. His paintings will be exhibited throughout the winter season from December 18 to April 10th.

Ken Carlson is an artist who resides in Texas. He has won many awards including the prestigious Frederic Remington Award. His work is exhibited at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming and the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, to name a few. His paintings have also helped raise money for conservation concerns.

If you are unable to attend the exhibition at the Steamboat Art Museum, his work is featured along with other masters of the trade in the newly released  book “Patrons without Peer” published by Collectors Covey in Dallas, Texas. It can be ordered in time for holiday buying through www.WestWindFineArt.com.

Having Ken Carlson arrive in Steamboat Springs, CO is almost as good as Santa Claus coming to town. Don’t miss the opportunity to see wildlife art at it’s finest!

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Weekend Indie Publisher News

www.shewrites.com.

ATTENTION:  WOMEN WRITERS

A   website has been established, specifically  for women writers.

She Writes, has joined in on the latest social networking trends. It provides a place for women to exchange ideas and support each other in every genre of writing. Approximately four thousand women writers – poets, biographers, memoirists,novelists, fiction and non-fiction writers have joined this community.

Connect with other women writers, read member’s blogs, forums and take advantage of educational opportunities through Webinars, created through She Writes.com.

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Finding it Within

“True prosperity is the result of well-placed confidence in ourselves and our fellow man.” ~  Benjamin Burt

On this Thanksgiving Day, I would like to thank all independent publishers everywhere who are finishing their books and films by the end of this year, 2009.

Blessings to You, who work hard and dare

Blessings to You, who wish to share

Blessings to You, who have penned, produced and toiled

Blessings to You, who have burned the midnight oil

Thanks for sharing your independently published books, music and films so that we may be enriched, educated and inspired. May you all find fulfillment in the work that you do, and be rewarded with an abundance of personal prosperity in 2010.

Blessings to You

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