Category Archives: order fulfillment for independent publishers

Holiday Preparedness

As much as I hate the idea, I am afraid I will be joining the ranks this year. The ranks of last minute shoppers. The end of the year has crept up on me all too quickly, and as with any business, there are so many things that I need to take care of before I can even think of holiday shopping.

I really don’t like waiting until the last minute to holiday shop. I like to put thought into the gifts I am giving, and know that I am buying a gift that the receiver will really like. And then there is the issue of fighting the masses of last minute shoppers, standing in line at the cash register and waiting your turn to pay.

On second thought, I think I will shop-on line this year. That way, everything will be delivered right to my door. Whoever thought of the  e-commerce way of shopping, must have had the holidays in mind, as it has been a gift to all of us. I will miss the holiday spirit of stepping into decorated stores, seeing the hustle and bustle of the shoppers, and having the store clerks exclaim “Merry Christmas!”  I guess  it is not a big deal, I will create  my own holiday atmosphere right at home by putting on some Christmas music while I shop-on line. I need to always remember those words of some brilliant philosopher “blessed are the flexible, for they shall not get bent out of shape.”

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Pass it Along

“The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.” ~ Benjamin Disraeli

Today is a day of great sadness for my family. We have lost one of my son’s most valuable mentors in life. An educator and filmmaker, and all around wonderful person. He was so compassionate that he spent his final years producing a documentary about advanced cancer “Voices from the Lived World of Illness” for the Center for Communication in Medicine. This film and study guide is now being used to educate medical students and families about the importance of good communications between patient and doctor.

He fought so hard against a cruel blood cancer, and as he fought, he taught. Communication with others came so natural to him. My son and so many other students, are recipients of all the knowledge a person could possibly share about life, teen issues, about friendship and mentorship. He was committed to teaching emerging filmmakers every thing he has ever known about the business, before he left this world.

Thankfully, he had a wonderful support system throughout his illness. Those who knew him, tried in every way they could to return the same kindness and compassion that he had shared with others.

His legacy will be the education he so generously gave to his students, and the knowledge that will be communicated to others through the documentary film he produced.

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A Smile on a Face

“We can not do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.” ~  Mother Teresa

Things are beginning to look like Christmas here in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The town is bedecked with lights, Mt. Werner has gotten some new fallen snow, the hustle and bustle of holiday events has begun.

It has been some time since I have bought toys for “little ones.” Last week, I had a wonderful time picking out a few special gifts for children in two families. Our club, the Yampa Valley University Women, had partnered with the United Way and committed to fulfilling Christmas Wish List needs for two “adopted” families.

As I searched for a few perfect gifts for the “adopted” children on my list, a sense of nostalgia began to set in. I began to remember how special bedtime was for my son during the Christmas holidays. On his bookshelves sat a number of seasonal books that we saved all year long for Christmas reading. We couldn’t wait to revisit them year after year. Some of his favorites included:

  • The Mitten by Jan Brett
  • The Night Before Xmas (pop-up version) by Clement Clarke Moore
  • The Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett
  • The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
  • Christmas Trolls by Jan Brett
  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

The images in the Jan Brett books were so bright, clear and fun to look at. Although it made me cry year after year, no book was more special than The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey. It’s message is beautiful, and it reminds us all that the simple things in life can bring out the best.  Old family friends gave this book, and many other holiday books to our son. Each Christmas, we always remembered the thoughtfulness that came from The Miller family in picking out and giving very special books to my son.

Many bookstores, such as The Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, Vermont www.northshire.com have “Christmas Book Angel” programs, to provide books for needy children. While you are doing your holiday shopping, buy a holiday book for a child you know, so they will have a book they can read Christmas after Christmas.

It’s time to make Christmas!!!

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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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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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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.

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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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