Tag Archives: independent publisher help

Things that Mean the Most

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“Management is doing things right, leadership is doing the right things.” ~ Peter F. Drucker

As Americans live longer and continue to work well beyond what used to be retirement age, the world has become a “melting pot” of four generations in the business world. Decision making can be complex. All four generations bring their own ideas of what they value, a different range of attitudes, expectations, habits and motivational thinking. No wonder it is difficult to reach a consensus on what matters most!

All of us get exhausted by hearing the squabbling between political parties. It concerns me that we can not come to a consensus on so many issues. Perhaps we ought to discard Republican, Independent and Democratic ballot voting!

I propose we start anew! Let’s form an alternative party  called the “New Party V.” Voting would be based on fundamental principles of what fulfills us most, as individuals. “The New Values Party” members must work within the truths of their conscience, and take an oath of no lobbying allowed. The new ballot would read something like this.

Choose 6 values which most resemble your own and rank them in importance. #1 being top priority, # 6 being the lowest.

  • Respect for elders and authority
  • Unquestioning and silent
  • Traditional (nuclear) family
  • Individuality
  • Being adept in technology
  • Flexibility
  • Work/Life Balance
  • Family – Centric
  • Achievement Oriented
  • Team Oriented
  • Attention Craving
  • Emphasis on Call me at Work
  • Communication through Technology
  • Instant Gratification and Satisfaction
  • Merged Families
  • Accepting of Intrusion of Space

I am not sure the outcome of an election using the new ballot would be much different than the situation we have right now. There could be some disturbing results using the new ballot, too. Personally, I feel the priorities and values of the American people need to be re-aligned.

Who are you and how do you define and express yourself in this world? What principles do you most closely identify with? Be honest!

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Amy’s Angels Remember

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“We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they’re called memories. Some take us forward, they’re called dreams.”                          ~  Jeremy Irons

I am going to be in hot water with our regular blog followers if I do not mention the outcome of “Relay for Life: Nordic Style”  that “Amy’s Angels” participated in last weekend at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT. It is hosted by the American Cancer Society as a fundraiser for cancer awareness and also as a way of remembering and honoring all those who have lost their lives to breast cancer.

The team we established in memory of our friend Amy, won the prize for the largest contribution in fundraising. How awesome is that? With our friend, Kathleen (Chatter as we call her) at the helm, we managed to raise almost $14,000!! Can you believe it? Well, I can! With little Miss Chatterbox at the lead, she chatted up the event to every person that she has ever encountered in life! She knows, first hand, the importance of finding a cure for cancer, and the need for raising the funds. Chatterbox- thanks for leading the way and remember “In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips.” ~ unknown

It was a bittersweet weekend. It was a chance for our sisterhood of more than 30 years to have a reunion and to be there to support Amy’s surviving daughter during the weekend of remembering Amy on what would have been her 58th birthday. We had promised Amy two years ago, at our seaside reunion, that we would carry on with  the race, with her or without. Sadly, her absence was greatly felt and her presence greatly missed.

Next year, and hopefully every year,  “Amy’s Angels” look forward to reuniting and remembering our friend. While we, “the sisterhood” are apart fulfilling our daily routines, we will spend time in quiet reverence for all those who have fought the battles of breast cancer.

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Closer than You Think

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“A new baby is like the beginnings of all things – wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.” ~ Eda J. LeShan

Over the years, at publishing conferences and writers groups, I have spoken with many first-time publishers in various stages of the publishing process. I have noticed an attitude of uncertainty that seems to prevail. The attitude is somewhat understandable, because with any new venture, there are always the unknowns. But rather than focus on doubt and skepticism, what about all the possibilities? This is where your attention should be!

Granted not every independent publisher has the financial ability or the time to zip across country on promotional book tours, so naturally, many think only of the local possibilities of book selling. But this is a  mistake. Book selling opportunities are far greater now than they were years ago. With the power of the internet, on-line networking and social media marketing,  your book can now be promoted in ways that were never available to independent publishers before.

With e-commerce, your potential buyers are now closer than you think!  Anyone can get a glimpse of what your book is all about through book trailers, blog tours and e-marketing! This opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for bookselling. Never under estimate all the possibilities! Leave no stone unturned when putting your marketing plan in place. Remember, sales are a function of your marketing efforts!

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A Life in Balance

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“All well-regulated families set apart an hour every morning for tea and bread and butter.” ~ Joseph Addison

Ok! It is time for a come-uppance. I have a bone to pick – with myself, that is. Ever since I began blogging, I feel like I have been all out of sync. I have always been one who awakes and goes at full speed ahead. But I have always taken advantage of the quiet of the morn to sit, have a cup of tea, and gather my thoughts for the day. The thing is, ever since I began blogging, I don’t even allow myself the luxury of  sitting quietly for a few minutes of solitude before I start my day. Isn’t that the reason I rise so early?

I live according to the Mountain Time watch, but I have an obsession of posting all my blogs by 8 or 8:30 Eastern Standard Time. That way, my blogs can be seen by all my friends and associates on the East Coast when their work day begins. This means, I am front and center of my computer by 5:30 to 6 am every day.  What bothers me is the fact that I actually feel like The Big Kahuna is hovering over me, in a fancy gray suit, looking at his watch, waiting to catch me off guard and scold me if I am late. There is no reason why I should feel this way. It is just my work ethic speaking to me, thats all. Do I really think someone will give me demerits or slap me on the wrist if my blog is not posted  by exactly 8:30 am EST? Does someone care that much?

Come on, get a grip! From now on, I am going to get back to my pre-blogging routine of allowing myself some time to sit with a cup of tea and let my creative mind wander for a few pre-sunrise moments before I am drawn into the world of digital communication. Don’t I owe that to myself? Furthermore, I will take a break, mid afernoon, for 15 minutes to have another tuppa tea, so that I can get through the rest of the day refreshed and renewed.

I need to get my life in balance! And it begins with me!!

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What Would Your Eden Be?

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“All of us do not have equal talents, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.” ~ John F Kennedy

Last week, the National Medals of the Arts were conferred on American citizens who have made outstanding contributions in the field of humanities. An architect, screenwriter, an actor, a dancer, a political speechwriter and others deserving of special merit in their fields were among the honorees. As I listened to the achievements of all those being recognized, I began to think how fortunate this group of Americans were. All have had the opportunity to work in fields that fulfill their need for creative lives. Each were highly respected for having advanced the understanding of the humanities and for having opened up opportunities in their fields for others. For more information, go to www.nea.org or www.arts.gov/honors/medals.

Wouldn’t it be a different world if no one was forced to take a job just for the sake of a paycheck. We would all be living in a Garden of Eden if each person’s talents and gifts could find outward expression through a truly satisfying  job. How could you not excel in the workplace and personally,  if you love what you do and are doing what you love?

I like the idea of a creative economy. No individual would have to find the courage to create, nor would you need to dare to believe you could create. Self expression of talents and gifts would naturally be utilized as people work. What better way to spend 50 or 60 years in the working world. Our quality of life would be greatly improved for many Americans. Working harder would be replaced with working happier. Would this not lead to employees really caring about their jobs and those they serve?

Is there some way you can nuture your talents through your daily work? If you could work in the Garden of Eden, how would you better utilize your innate gifts? How would you change your life’s path if you could?

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The Allusive Treasure

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“The royal road to a man’s heart is to talk to him about the things he treasures most.” ~ Dale Carnegie

To a bibliophile, collecting rare books is a very serious matter. There was a time when collectors would drive all over the country pouring over cartons of old books piled high in dark, dingy, dusty attics, barns and shops. Great finds came from off the beaten path, and unexpected treasures were often found by just stumbling upon them. Today, through the power of the internet and e-commerce, locating that “prized” antiquarian book and other things of rare value are often just a few keystrokes away.

Serious bibliophiles are willing to pay very high prices for a book they have been searching for. Their reasons for collecting rare books are as eclectic as the publications that they collect. Some collectors buy strictly for the paper, vellum or parchment that the words are printed upon, others restrict themselves to the writings of a particular author, genre or field. Some bibliophiles even place  high value on unfinished pieces, in various stages of publication, such as advance review copies or galley proofs.

Abe  Books www.AbeBooks.com has reported some of their most expensive sales in 2010, and you will be greatly surprised to see that given this economy, rare book collectors have not lost their interest in paying top dollar for a much sought after publication. Here were the most expensive antiquarian book sales last month from Abe Books.

1- A collector paid $19,500 for an Ottoman Atlas containing 39 hand colored maps. The publication had been printed by the Royal School of Military Engineering in Istanbul.

2- A first edition copy of Titanic and Other Ships fetched $11,742 in the marketplace. What made  the book unique was that it had been signed by the Second Officer on the Titanic’s maiden voyage.

3- An antique version of “The Greatest Story Ever Told” – The Bible, reprinted according to the authorized version of 1611 sold for $7500. It was printed on unbleached rag paper.

As the Keno twins on Antiques Roadshow have proven time and time again, one never knows what treasures can be found in the abyss of the  most unlikely places. I have some antique cigar molds, darkened with age and tannin, that still reek of tobacco that I have put away for safe keeping. I often wonder if there is really any value to them.

 What do you have lurking in your basement, attic or garage that could be of great value of someone else?   Have you ever taken the time to explore what gifts you may have that could be of value to someone else?

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Packaging for the Artist

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“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” ~ Winston Churchill

Over the months, I have received many rewarding comments about our blogsite.  Although I can not share all the comments with you, I would like to share a few because they have led me to my thoughts for this day. But first, I would like to preface this blog by saying that for as many artists as my comments apply to, there are an equal number of artists that these comments do not apply to. I am posing this question all for my own clarity in understanding the wonderful world of artists.

  • Melody the artist said “She appreciated my attention to the arts.”
  • Nicole said she “appreciates my business direction.”
  • Businesssprouts said ” I enjoy seeing people who are passionate and confident in their work.”

Artists  are known for their dedication and strong belief in their creations and their work. Why then, do many artists often think of themselves as “only artists.” Artists are business people and professionals, too!

Just as you consider your artwork as having high value and worth, are you putting yourself forward as a VIP? I am not referring to “lofty attitudes.” I am referring to presenting yourself to the world as a professional.  Your art work, and the presentation of yourself needs to be in sync, a complete professional package. It can be the very thing that sets you and your artwork apart from all the others.

It is more important to your success than you may think!

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Weekend Indie Publishers News

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Fulfill your dreams of becoming an independent publisher! Attend the 26th Annual IBPA Publishing University 2010. This is the one of the best events of the year for independent publishers.

Save the Date!  May 24 – May 25, New  York City

This is an important experience if you plan on launching  a new publishing venture or for bringing your publishing business to new heights. Keep your eye on the website www.thepublishinguniversity.com  as more information becomes available. Mark your calendar now!!

Bring it On Home!!

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“If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.”        ~ Colin Powell

Have all of you been watching the Olympics? I have! I have been loyal in following our hometown boys from Steamboat Springs, CO. As I have heard the personal stories of the athletes from all around the world, it has occurred to me that successful artists and athletes have so many things they strive for in common. Really, athletes are artists too- in the field of physiology and kinetic energy.

The list of what it takes to be successful artists or athletes  is strikingly similar. In fact, there are few things that set them apart!

  • Artists, like athletes, are known for their passion and strong belief in the work they do.
  • Both challenge themselves to “reach for the stars.”
  • Athletes and artists must achieve a high level of performance day after day and continually improve.
  • Both types of artists are faced with internal and external challenges but still must perform.
  • Goals and the mastery of those goals are essential for success.
  • Both must be very disciplined and practice
  • Belief in one’s own self, of all things, must rule!

Our United States Olympians are “doing us proud!” They have all subscribed to “right thinking.” It is what has gotten them to where they are in the first place. As for our hometown boys from Steamboat Springs, CO they will be adding their names to the roster of all the other champions from this town and will have a little “bling” around their necks to prove it.

Bring it on home, boys! Bring it on home. Share with us the result of your passion for your sport!

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Bright Inventions

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“All the world is a birthday cake, so take a piece but not too much.”       ~ George Harrison

There is a birthday all independent publishers need to celebrate today!If you can not remember whose birthday it is, I will give you a few hints:

  • Without this landmark day, my life would not be nearly as fulfilling.
  • This birth paved the way for public communication in the fields of education, entertainment, journalism and more
  • The result of this birth has brought unlimited joy to myself and to others.
  • The creator of this invention probably never anticipated  how it would develop and grow!
  • This person was born in Vermont

Whose birthday is it? On this 25th day in February, in 1837, Mr. Thomas Davenport patented the first US Electronic Printing Press.  Mr. Davenport, born in Williamstown, VT was a blacksmith by trade. He received only three years of formal education, yet he was an avid reader. After a visit in 1831 to  the Penfield Iron Works, he became intrigued with the field of electromagnetic energy. He went on to invent the prototype for every electric motor used today.  He invented an electric railway, electric telegraph, electric piano and the electric printing press upon which he printed his newsletter Electro-Magnet and Mechanics Intelligencer.  Mr. Davenport was a pioneer in the field of independent  publishing and the result of his work paved the way for more than he could ever fathom.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one more birthday today – the trivia clues mirror closely those of Mr. Davenport, but at the risk of being scolded and hearing “Oh, Mom, what did you do that for?”, I won’t mention any names!

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