Category Archives: order fulfillment for independent publishers

Writing through the Eyes of a Child

Leave a comment

“The most effective kind of education is that a child should play among lovely things.” ~ Plato

Don’t you love the honesty of a child? Kids often come up with statements all of us would not have thought of, as adults. They speak their minds, looking at the world through a different set of eyes than a person who  has seen the ugly, harsh realities of life. Writing through the perspective of a child brings very different results. What we have lost as adults can be brought back to us, through a child’s story. Children are more apt to write and to speak with abandon, without the fear of being judged.

Two weeks ago, when I attended the Colorado Independent Publishers Association (CIPA) “College”, I spent some time  in a room filled with children and their parents. One of the ballrooms of the hotel was all dressed up and all decorated up to celebrate a group of newly published writers – kids!

Fourth and fifth graders from the Cherry Creek School District in Denver were asked to participate in a short writing and art contest using the theme “Making the World a Better Place.” The Young Authors League http://cipabooks.com/YAL/ of the CIPA Education and Literacy Foundation (ELF) had screened and selected the finalists. The winner’s stories about ways to make a difference in the world were published.

That late afternoon, the kids were all pumped up, shined to a polish and waiting for their moment in the spotlight! They had all become published writers and were listening to hear their names called so they could climb the stage stairs, accept their certificate, receive a copy of the book “Making the World a Better Place” and make a little acceptance speech. How sweet it was to see a group of children, who rose to the stage, full of confidence, not yet beaten down by the storms of life.

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

A Box, is a Box, is a Box?

Leave a comment
  • “Previously, it was rush to buy anything. Now I think that quality will stand out.” ~ Michael Hartnett

    If you think a box, is a box, is a box, you are mistaken! The importance of the strength of a box for shipping purposes, came clear to me when a delivery of books arrived from China, and all the books were nearly destroyed. The cartons were clearly marked for 25 lb. test weight, but the books contained within weighed almost 40 lbs. By the time the boxes arrived at the fulfillment house, they were all riped and torn.  If they had had to be moved one more time, that would have been the end.

    I recently read a statistic that a carton can loose 50% of it’s strength in one week, in a high humidity environment. So, you can imagine how cartons break down when they are being exported on a container from a place like China to the United States. Knowing how cartons will be stacked while in transit and while in storage, needs to be taken into consideration. Each time a shipment is moved, the integrity of the carton can deteriorate if a box is filled beyond it’s test weight, and even more so if it has been subjected to a high humidity environment. The compression strength of a carton can be compromised if boxes are stacked higher and wider than designed for.

    Thankfully, there are lots of professionals in the packaging industry who do their homework and know about carton-drop tests, carton test weights, board weights, etc. Most book printers discuss their need for appropriate cartons for shipping wtih their packaging vendors, too.

    The point of this blog: A box, is a box, is a box – NOT! One size does not fit all! From experience, I know, that poor outer packaging can turn perfectly good products into unsaleable items. It is never a good idea to skimp when selecting exterior packaging for shipments, large or small! Being pound wise and penny foolish, just does not pay!

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

    • Walk the Walk

    Leave a comment

    “The most important thing about goals is having one.”                                 ~ Geoffry F. Abert

    Today is World Health Day! It marks the beginning of a week long world-wide health campaign called 1,ooo Cities, 1,000 Lives. The World Health Organization calls upon all cities worldwide to open up portions of streets to people to promote health activities. For more information visit http://1000cities.who.int/

    I love to walk, and it is a form of exercise that costs nothing. For me, daily walking eases any stresses in my life. I walk and ponder! It is how I keep my mental attitude healthy! I can go out the door as Oscar the Grouch and return after 20-30 minutes of brisk walking, as little Miss Suzy Sunshine. That’s not a bad trade off, is it?

    Every month, almost all of the women’s magazines on the news stand tout articles about the benefits of walking. It is hard not to be informed about the issue. Although many people mention the lack of time to exercise, walking can become a fulfilling habit, with little change to your regular routine. Research has shown it takes 21 days to form a habit. Set a goal to walk a little more each day. It will help you to stay focused along the way. By reaching your goal, your self-esteem will be boosted and you will feel confident that when the tough gets going, you can overcome.

    When it comes to walking, it is hard to find excuses “why not”, no matter where you live. Even in cities, you can take to the streets and get in your daily dose of exercise. The largest cities around the world have some of the most gorgeous public parks! Go see what they have to offer!

    Springtime is the best time to establish a walking routine. Start today by becoming part of a global health campaign! Celebrate each extra step you take, knowing you are one step closer to your goals of becoming fit and healthy.  Have fun!

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

    Observing Beauty in Silence

    2 Comments

    “The best things in life come in threes, like friends, dreams and memories.” ~  Unknown

    Spring is trying  here in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, it really is!! Old man winter had to have his way with us,  just one more time! No sooner had I declared the snow was melting here in the mountains on Saturday morning’s radio broadcast of “Cover to Cover”, I had to eat my words! Snow arrived yet again, on Easter morn!

    I had a good chuckle when I arrived at the church doors on Easter Sunday morning. The greeter and I spontaneously said to each other, right at the same time, ” Merry Christmas!” Old man winter sure had us confused! Instead of putting on my Easter bonnet, fancy heels and special Easter dress, we wrapped up once more in our wooly scarves, winter wraps and boots for trudging through the sloppy, wet snows.

    Sometimes, our words don’t quite fit the occasion. Sometimes our words don’t quite come. And sometimes there are no words to describe what we are feeling. Today, I think it best to share a story through an image, rather than through words. The image is too beautiful to describe and the artist who has shared beauty through his Art needs to be honored.

    Artist: Timothy Thies

    This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com

    Rallying the Troops

    4 Comments

    “One of the things we desperately need is spiritual renewal in this country. We need a spiritual renewal in America.” ~  Billy Graham

    It is Spring! What better time for Kiwanis International to have their new member campaign drive. May is coming up, and Kiwanis International of Steamboat Springs, CO is on a mission! As an organization, we are all going to put our focus into recruiting new members who have energy, heart and a common interest in “improving children’s lives, one child at a time.” Kiwanians believe “through guidance and example, we can work together to develop future generations of leaders.”

    Guess what? We have started already! We have sprung ahead a month early by talking with prospective new members. To some people, spring means warming temperatures, longer days, crocuses, tulips, daffodils, baby chicks and a re-awakening of the earth from a long winter’s sleep. Those are all beautiful things!

    To Kiwanians, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, spring means:

    • Stewardship
    • Possibility for New Members
    • Recruitment
    • Interest in Improving the Lives of Children
    • Non Profit Work and the Fulfillment it Brings
    • Growth and Renewal

    Membership in Kiwanis International requires little time, and it brings great rewards in personal fulfillment! Join in, meet new community members who share some of the same values, and re-awaken the spirit in your step and guide by example, future generations of leaders.

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

    Weekend Indie Publishing News!

    Leave a comment

    Tune in this Morning, Saturday April 3, 2010 to radio show for authors and independent publishers. “Cover to Cover” with host Frank Gromling will have as his guest, Sue Leonard of Cornerstone Fulfillment Service, LLC. Today’s discussion will be order fulfillment for independent publishers. Tune in to www.wnzf.com on-line at 11:30 am Eastern Standard Time, 10:30 am Central Time, 9:30 am Mountain Time and 8:30 am Pacific Time.  If you miss it you can go to Archived shows at www.wnzf.com or www.oceanpublishing.org.

    Last weekend at the Colorado Independent Publishers Association Collge, I learned something I was not aware of. Scott Flora, Executive Director of the Small Publishers Association of  North American (SPAN) informed me that it is springing into new territory. This non-profit publishing trade association is establishing a new on-line presence! For a period of time, a one month free trial membership is available.

    The mission statement of SPAN is “Advancing the Success of Independent Publishers and Authors.” There are so many member benefits to joining publishing trade associations fromm education  to  discounts on writing software, discounts on printing and discounted advertising rates. For more information on SPAN, please visit www.spannet.org.

    Join this non-profit trade association and take advantage of all the benefits this organization has to offer!

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

    Covering All Bases

    Leave a comment

    “The art and science of asking questions is the source of all  knowledge.”~ Thomas Berger

    Frank Gromling,  Host of Radio Show “Cover to Cover” www.wnzf.com called yesterday! I knew he would. He is as reliable as they come. He called and asked me to be a guest on his radio show this coming Saturday morning, April 3rd! “Cover to Cover” is an educational radio show for authors and publishers that all of you should not miss.

    If yesterday’s blog left you dazed, confused and scratching your head, it was because I wanted to talk to Frank, ask and confirm the broadcast date, before I spilled all the beans.

    Frank knows how to put together a great radio show! Every Saturday morning he has guests who know the independent publishing scene well and they share their knowledge about a variety of subjects relating to the industry. This Saturday, tune in and learn about order fulfillment for independent publishers. Independent publishers will come away from this half hour show with a better understanding of what services order fulfillment companies provide.

    The best way to become knowledgeable about independent publishing is to listen to “Cover to Cover”  www.wnzf.com weekly, attend publishing conferences, search for e-zine articles on the industry, join independent publishing associations and ask questions of those who are seasoned professionals. Cover all your bases! There is valuable knowledge to be had everywhere. Take every opportunity there is to educate yourself.

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

    Frank Calling

    1 Comment

    “Reputations are made by searching for things that can’t be done and doing them.” – Frank Tyger

    I need to talk to Frank and discuss this passion of mine, independent publishing! The subject has occupied all the nooks and crannies of my mind for the past 10 years. Trouble is, Frank’s last name has escaped me! I have been searching all over my digital files, in my rolodex, in my address book and in my file cabinets- to no avail. It is the most foolish thing because he is not the kind of guy that disappears. Since the day we met, when I have been searching for an answer to a question about the independent publishing industry, Frank has been there. Maybe some day, I can return the favor and answer his questions!

    It is so difficult when you are trying to think of the name of someone and it evades you! I resorted to the internet to search for Frank’s last name, but that wasn’t much help either! I came across so many Franks – Frank Morgan, Frank Sinatra, Frank Capra, Frank Zappa. My friend Frank is, in a sense, an entertainer too. I used search engine keywords like Florida Publishing Company Owner Frank and all I came up with is a book called “Way Out West Lived a Coyote Named Frank.” No, it is not that Frank! I read that book to my kid, umpteen times, when he was young.

    Perhaps I ought to drop it for today, if Frank does not hear f rom me, I know he will call. I better stay close to the phone, I wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity to discuss helping authors get their books out of basements, attic and garages and into the hands of readers. If I hear from Frank, I will let you know what he says tomorrow – so stay tuned, I might have some information I may want to reveal.

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

    All the Pieces in Place

    Leave a comment

    “People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they have gotten lost.” ~H. Jackson Brown

    True enough, Mr. H. Jackson Brown! But it just so happens that the subject of my blog writing today, lives on a road I travel all the time and she resides in my community!  Last weekend, one of my fellow Steamboat Springs community members brought home an award and the reward for her labor of love of writing historical fiction. Author Kathleen Cunningham Guler won her third EVVY award of her writing career as an independent publisher for her book  A Land Beyond Ravens. This is the fourth and final installment of her Macsen’s Treasure Series which take place in the Dark Age of Celtic Britain!

    Kathi competed against 26 other writers to win 2nd place in the fiction category. Her award comes as no surprise to me. I have followed her weekly readings of the work in progress, at our writer’s group meetings. Kathi knows how to craft a fine story with all the necessary elements. She has become an expert on the time in history about which she writes, her books are written in a voice that is appropriate to time and place, her excellence in writing consistency throughout the series keeps her audience craving for more; and her character development is to perfection.

    That is not all Kathi has going for herself as an independent publisher. She knows her niche market and how to reach it, too! She has even taught herself to produce a book trailer that grabs the attention of  potential readers. To read more about the other installments of her Macsen’s Treasure Series and other awards she has won, please visit www.bardsongpress.com and her blogsite http://kathleenguler.blogspot.com.

    Congratulations, Kathi! What is on the horizon for your next writing project?

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

    Find Meaning in the Journey

    Leave a comment

    “Experience is the best teacher of all.  And for that, there are no guarantees that one will become an artist. Only the journey matters.” ~ Harry Callahan

    Whew! What a whirlwind of a weekend! It was satisfying, fun and intense. Just as I had anticipated! I arrived dehydrated and wanted to drink from the fountain, all the knowledge that I possibly could! The Colorado Independent Publishers “College” took care of my needs! I came parched and left sated with all the information one could possibly take in over a 48 hour period. Thank you, CIPA!

    There is much to share, but I don’t quite know how or where to start. I have not even had a chance to absorb all that I ingested. You can be sure however, once I have had a chance to assimilate all the information, process it and pinpoint what I need to share, I will! I will be sharing the names and titles of the EVVY book award winners. On my list are words of wisdom from keynote speakers who took us through their travels into the publishing world. And there is useful, general publishing industry information that needs to be dispersed.

    As a speaker/presenter at the CIPA College, I came away with a wonderful gift. It is a gift that will take me on many beautiful, inspiring travels into an area of Colorado referred to as South Park. It is a high country paradise near Fairplay, Colorado where author Bernie Nagy lives. For three years, Mr. Nagy captured exquisite color photographic images of the landscape, in all seasons. His book won two 2010 EVVY awards the other night, for cover design and illustration. For more information and to order this book, please visit www.ColoradoSouthParkBook.com.

    I came away a winner, too! Not only did I receive an award winning, beautiful photographic book for speaking at the Conference, I had a chance to speak with independent publishers who are saying “out, out, out!” to all of the boxes and books sitting in their basements, attics and garages. I say “put them on their journey into the hands of readers.” And I know just who independent publishers can call to help them fulfill their wishes.

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