Category Archives: Book marketing

Sweeten the Deal

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“The universe is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.” ~ Eden Phillpotts

Some companies become more famous for their legendary marketing ploys than for their products. For years, Ben and Jerry’s has been the focus of attention for their accomplishments in innovative marketing and product development. Since the start up of the company, decades ago, it’s visionary leaders have tested what happens when combining business with social consciousness. The taste of sweet success for this company, has been the result.

On June 20th, Ben & Jerry’s unveiled Berry Voluntary and Brownie Chew Gooder. You can be sure the sales of these two new ice cream flavors will be closely watched and scrutinized by the company’s marketing and advertising gurus. They will be watching their target markets to see whether the sales performance of these two concoctions have the anticipated results that they expect.

Ben & Jerry’s has never waivered from their belief in the value of being a socially responsible company. The names of these two flavors leave little doubt in the minds of the consumer that volunteerism is supported and positively endorsed by this company.

Having resided in the state of origin of Ben & Jerry’s, Vermont, for over 30 years, I can attest to the fact that Ben & Jerry’s puts “their money where their mouth is.”  The promise of a free ice cream has sweetened the deal for many a volunteer or supporter of non-profit fundraising events. The company takes the cake in their stellar example of giving back to community.

Thanks, Ben & Jerry’s, for dipping into your profits to make this world a better place!

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Offer it Up

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“There is no such thing as a ‘self made’ man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us or spoken…”                                    ~ George Matthew Adams

How many times throughout your life have you heard the expression “you never know until you try” ? So many times throughout my life, when I have been pondering “I want to” or “ought to”, this little adage has popped up in my mind, forcing me to take action. As much as I dislike hearing it time and time again, I am glad it has been my constant companion! I try to always remember – all things serve their own purpose!  Without remembering this adage, often I would never have taken action and opportunities would have passed me by.

A few days ago, I blogged about the freedoms we enjoy in this country and about the importance of legal immigrants obeying the letter of the law. I received a comment to this blog, Striking Gold, from a faithful reader of this site. She shared that she and her Mom want to share their family’s story of immigration. Her relatives have built successful careers in their new lands and have tales to tell.

I would like to encourage my faithful blog reader to take advantage of one of the freedoms of our country, independent publishing, to share her family’s tales, not just for her own family’s sake but for the sake of others. There will be many others interested in learning of her family’s accomplishments, their strife, opportunity and their feelings as they arrived in this country and Australia, trying to start life anew.

And like every thing in life “you never know until….” So, go for it, Marie, go for it!  Your relatives did, and so can you!

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Continuing Thought

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“Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after” ~ Henry David Thoreau

The other day, I picked up a book from the shelves of my mom’s library that was faded with age. It was authored by several editors of the New Age Journal and published in 1984. The book is called “Chop Wood, Carry Water: A Guide to Finding Spiritual Fulfillment in Every Day Life.”

As I began to browse the pages, I realized that many of the subjects addressed in this book written 25 years ago, are still among hot topics today. Those seeking knowledge on spiritual healing, information on understanding truths through the body (by practicing yoga, martial arts, massage and judo and the like), writings on understanding astonishing occurrences through miracles, finding rewarding careers with slants toward social consciousness, interpreting dreams for wisdom and guidance, and more can all be found in this book.

Answers to living a life fulfilled, has been on the minds of people for ages. Over the years, new schools of contemporary thought  expand and deepen our understanding of the human psyche, and I for one, have always enjoyed reading new books on psychology and spirituality.

It does make me wonder, however, why books of this nature have such great appeal. It has been said that all the answers we need are within ourselves. It is the search for such answers that lead people to a lifelong quest.

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Finding Answers to Loss

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“The most wonderful of all things in life, I believe, is the discovery of another human being with whom one’s relationship has a growing depth, beauty, and joy as the years increase ….”  ~ Hugh Walpole

After many, many, many of months of not having time to read for pleasure, I have finally found a little time each evening to pick up a book I have been yearning to read. This book is all about the reasons of how and why a book that had a mere $200 marketing budget can make it to the #1 New York Times best seller list. It has attracted the attention of 7,000,000 readers around the world.

The Shack by Wm. Paul Young is as thought provoking a book as I have read in a long, long time. This book is about loss, transformation and enlightenment. It is about doubt, a divine relationship, light and healing. This book holds all the elements that draw you into a story. It raises possibilities of answers to questions that people from all countries, ages, social class and religious backgrounds have asked for generations.

To give you more information on this book, would rob you of what you need to determine for yourself – how this book’s message applies to you and your life. I suspect this is the reason why this book has become a masterpiece. For more information, please visit www.theshackbook.com.

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Striking Gold

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“The two hardest things to handle in life are failure & success.“ ~   Anonymous

I was so disappointed last night not to find on TV, the National team’s baseball game. I wanted to watch first draft pick Stephen Strasburg, make his debut as a major league pitcher. I love all stories about finding personal fulfillment in life and career paths. And Americans have had as many stories about finding success and satisfaction in our personal gifts as you could find anywhere else. It is the land of opportunity and the freedoms we enjoy in this country provide a stage on which to rise to heights unknown if you are willing to work for it.

Many immigrants have come to this country pursuing their dreams. I am always in awe of those who have left their native land behind in search for more. It is not an easy thing to do. A suitcase full of determination, vision, good work ethics, dreams and focused aspirations is what is needed for the good life in America. Demanding that all legal immigrants pack living by the laws of our Constitution in their bags, is not too much to ask, is it?

Our country’s pastures, green with opportunity, will remain healthy and productive if our laws protect the freedoms that we enjoy. Do you have a Made It in America story you can share through independent publishing?

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Ride a Indie Publishing Express

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“Art is not a thing, it is a way.” ~ Elbert Hubbard

Imagine what disadvantaged kids could do if given a chance. Wife of the late and great, John Lennon is giving a ticket to many children to hop aboard the publishing express! Helping kids write and record songs, is what the mission of the John Lennon Educational Bus Tour is all about.

In honor of John Lennon’s 70th birthday in October, the bus is traveling the country to continue John’s legacy and to provide music education and mentorship opportunities for underserved kids.

It is from opportunities such as this, that kids often discover their true talents and passions in life. I say “Kudos to Yoko Ono for this inspiring idea and for providing a roving space for kids across the country to experiment with independent music production.”

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A Sweet First!

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“Take a chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes the farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare” ~ Dale Carnegie

Today, June 1st, 2010 is a very special day and reason for celebration! It is the first time, in all my years of living, that I do not  have to share a birthday with someone else! I can finally claim a birthday all my own. You see, being a twin I have never had a birthday to call my own!

Today is not the birthday of my natural birth, however. One year ago today, I became the author of this website. How sweet it is! It has been an extremely rewarding year of communicating with writers, artists, filmmakers, musicians and others all across the globe who believe in fulfilling their dreams through independent publishing.

Every once in a while, like today, for instance, my thoughts and writings have journeyed into other independent, fulfilling territories. Far away from the intent of this blogsite. Today – I’ll once again exercise my right to independent thought. No one has a say in how I spend this birthday! I don’t even have to share my birthday cake with anyone! I can even blow out the candles all on my own!

It’s my party, and I’ll write what I want to,

Write what I want to,

You would write too, if it happened to you!

I may be alone in my blogging today, but never lonely. Thanks to readers like you! It is because of your interest in this site and your interest in fulfilling things from the independent publishing world, I am kept motivated and engaged in my livelihood!

In honor of my blogging birthday, over the next few days I will be taking a break to take in some art and culture. A change in scenery and a break from the everyday, is good for the soul and for the writer. See you soon!This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

In All Things, Common Sense

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The only sense that is common in the long run, is the sense of change and we all instinctively avoid it” ~  E. B. White

Do you know who one of the earliest independent thinkers and writers in our country’s history is? Thomas Paine! On this Memorial Day weekend, I thought it would be a good time to remember the writings of Mr. Paine! His pamphlet Common Sense, which appeared in January 1776, pioneered a style of political writing which gathered momentum due to his complex ideas which were clear, concise and intelligible to all.

His pamphlet, Common Sense was often read aloud in taverns and other public settings, and although extremely popular, it is not known how many people joined the cause for separation from Britain, as a result of Mr. Paine’s publication. His writings however, had a definite influence by initiating a public debate about independence.

Is this not what every independent publisher hopes to accomplish- buzz about their ideas, book, film or music? His read aloud sessions of Common Sense in taverns and on public stages, was the forerunner of the book release appearances and parties that are so widely used today to launch a blast of publicity.

Happy Memorial Day and be grateful for the laws of our country that allow for freedom of speech and publishing! I am going to enjoy this Memorial Day too, so I will return on Tuesday!

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Displaying Heart and Soul

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“All forms of self expression are linked.”  ~ Alexandra Stoddard

On a very basic level, the reasons for independent publishing are to educate, inspire, inform and entertain others. But independent publishing provides an avenue for writers, filmmakers, musicians and artists to share their craft with others on a much deeper level too. Through independent publishing you are able to:

  • Share unique perspectives on the world
  • Craft uniquely stylized compositions of writing, music or visual self expression
  • Express oneself truthfully – baring heart and soul.
  • Capture the human condition and the world through words, pictures and sounds.
  • Translate emotion, feelings, thoughts and ideas.

These very deep needs for self expression are often lost in the editorial process through traditional publishing. Although sales are important to the independent publisher and traditional publisher alike, the need for authentic expression is often the force behind the reasons for independent publishing.

What are your reasons for composing, writing or otherwise artistically expressing yourself? Perhaps the independent publishing industry can help you reach your goals and dreams.

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Rewarding Regional Writing

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“I’d rather have an aggregator than a filter – 100 different viewpoints from all over the world”  ~ David Weinberger

My vantage point today comes from atop a lighthouse overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. This point of view has led me to consider how our experiences in life lead to the subjects we write about and how independent publishing provides the perfect opportunity to share our knowledge, experiences and subjects we know best, with others.

Last night, I read about writer Tom Horton, who for 35 years has been documenting the decline of the Chesapeake Bay’s wild places. His regional writing has earned him a reputation for eloquent environmental reporting. Tom attributes his love of words from  having witnessed the life a reporter, his mother, who spent her career as a Baltimore Sun news reporter and also from his love of Marvel and Disney comic books. Also the son of a poultryman, he has experienced life on the Eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay first hand. These experiences have led to numerous books and copious articles filled with a rich and deep understanding of the subjects he knows best.

Whether you are from the Bayou of Louisiana writing about recent environmental issues concerning oil spills, a Western writer sharing stories about ranch life, an international traveler  documenting cultural differences, or an author writing about the California art scene, independent publishing is possible and can be rewarding both personally and financially.

Sharing thought, views and perspectives is what independent publishing is all about! Do you have a book in you?

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