Category Archives: Writing

A Friend, Indeed!

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“Happy is the house that shelters a friend”  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson  When searching for an order fulfillment company for your independently published films or books, look for many of the same qualities you would in a friend.

  • A company that is dependable – will ship in a timely manner.
  • A company that is trustworthy – will get the job done!
  • A company that understands your needs.
  • A company that is fair – is affordable.
  • A company that goes the distance – is adaptable.

If you find a fulfillment company with these attributes, you will have found a friend worth it’s weight in gold. 

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Before……Not After

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Many independent publishers make the mistake of concentrating on the writing of their book foremost. Marketing should not be thought of after the book is written. For the best outcome for book sales, it should be considered before a word is written. Think of  your audience – who you are writing to and for. It is often easier to identify target markets for non-fictional publications, and you can often market to wider, broader markets. 

With fiction, ask yourself, is your publication more age appropriate to adults, children, ‘tweens, young adults, preschoolers? Throughout your writing, keep your writing age appropriate to your identified market. Are there any special interest groups within the age group you have identified?

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Three Candles

 

Three CandlesI just read the sad news about Farrah Fawcett loosing her battle with cancer. She was an inspiration to us all, battling a devastating disease with such grace and determination. Makes me grateful for my own wonderful health and sad for  all those stricken with cancer. For Farrah,  for my friends Amy and Brian , and all the others that are so courageous in their battle, I light three candles.

Turn Around Time

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When searching for an order fulfillment company, an important question to ask is “what is the turn around time on orders?” From the time the order is received, how long until it will ship? Don’t forget to ask about domestic shipments and also foreign shipments. After all, you don’t want to keep your customers waiting!

You will also want to check on the types of packaging materials used to ship the orders. Is the package sturdy enough withstand the shipping process?  You want your customers to receive your product in good condition. They deserve the best!

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July 18 – A Big Day for Writers!

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Calling all writers! Two great opportunities to network  and learn, both on July 18!

Steamboat Writers Group will be presenting “A Day for Writers.”  This is their 28th annual conference and registration is limited, so jump on board right away if you are interested. For details and to register, visit their website www.steamboatwritersgroup.com

Also, on July 18th at the Hotel Monaco in San Francisco, California Instock – The Conference for Self Publishers will be taking place. For details, visit www.instockconference.com. 

Both events look great! Networking and attending writers conferences are so valuable. You will meet all kinds of like-minded people , come away with refreshing new ideas and you never know what you will learn!

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Grandma’s Hat

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Creating a “buzz” about your book is what it is all about. Independent publishers or self publishing authors play a critical role in book sales. Authors need to make a connection with their readers as well as sell themselves. 

 A few years ago, I attended a publishers “college.” I met a woman that I will never forget, nor her book! Her book was called “Grandma’s Magic Scissors.” First of all, the author was a grandmotherly type, through and through. She dressed unlike grandmothers of today, but like grandmothers of days gone bye.  Best way I can describe it was “matronly.” In short, she played the part to the hilt, and was as nice as can be – you know, “grandmotherly.” To top it all off, she wore a fabulous hat. Her book was about paper cutting. How to fold paper and cut it into fabulous designs like snowflakes, castles, birds, chess peices. All I wanted to do was buy a copy of the book and sit down, scissors in hand, with this fabulous woman and learn the craft of paper cutting!

She sold her book well, her craft well, and her brand was recognizable!

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Publishing for Non-Profits

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With the decline of grants and other funding sources, many non-profits and other industries are suffering. In today’s world, there are an assortment of industries independently publishing books, films, cds and journals as a means of generating a much needed income stream.  Could your non-profit benefit by sharing it’s mission through the power of a book or film? It may even have the added benefit of attracting other companies or communities that wish to build a business partnership with your non-profit.

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Planning to expand your fleet?

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Were you successful in finding a traditional publisher for your manuscript first time around but after sending a deluge of query letters for your next publication, each one was met with a letter of rejection? Have you considered independent publishing? It is an option and there are advantages as well.  You have greater control over your written word, there are lots of freelance professionals to assist you and you may even retain a greater percentage of the profits.

Begin by talking with others who have made the transition from traditional publishing to independent publishing. Local writers groups often have author members who have experienced both traditional and independent publishing. See how the two compare. Gather information from freelance professionals – editors, book printers, cover designers, book marketers, order fulfillment companies and the like.

Knowledge is power!

Back to Basics

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Fulfillment – What does it mean? It is “a sequence of steps involved in processing an order (invoicing and payment processing), making changes to inventory and sales records, packaging and shipping an order.”

Sounds straight forward enough, right? Well, it is actually more time consuming and more complicated than that. There are so many options available for shipping – first class mail, parcel post, media mail, 2nd day air, overnight express not to mention various carriers. Then there is the dilemma of what option and carrier will be the most economical so  maximum profitability on a sale can be retained.

Foreign shipments are another ball of wax. With the power of the internet, foreign orders are almost a given in this day and age. Especially if a publication has been well marketed using the latest techniques of social media marketing. Word spreads far and wide!

Most independent publishers would much rather stay focused on their craft of writing and publishing than the  business aspect of sales and inventory reporting, invoicing, payment processing and shipping. There are order fulfillment companies for any kind of product made in the US of A. My suggestion would be to look for a fulfillment company that specializes in order fulfillment for independent publishers.

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Coffee Table Books

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I have accumulated alot of “coffee table” books over the years. You know, the kind you sit down and leaf through while you have a cup of tea. The other day, I picked up a new “coffee table” book that has wonderful images of paintings in one of the foremost private collections in the country. Painters such as Nancy Guzik, Timothy Thies, Matt Smith and Richard Schmid are all represented in the book. Wonderful wildlife artists including Ken Carlson, Clyde Aspevig, and so many others grace the pages of “Patrons without Peer: The McCloy Collection.” I know I will pick up this hefty book time and time again as I sit with my afternoon cup of tea.

To order  on line “Patrons with Out Peer: The McCloy Collection” go to www.WestWindFineArt.com

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