Tag Archives: Independent Publishing

New Beginnings

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“All time management begins with planning.” ~ Tom Greening

Have you made your New Year’s resolutions? For alot of people, New Year’s resolutions are the same year after year. They include determination to loose weight, to stop smoking, to include a fitness regiment in their daily living. My New Year’s resolutions include things such as adjustments in attitude – choosing action vs. inaction, taking a new path rather than the same trampled route, focusing on forward motion rather than remaining static.

Determination to move into new territory is scary and uncertain, but the way I see it, it is better than quiet desparation. It involves a leap of faith. Without faith, there is no hope! What it really comes down to is, I would rather feel a sense of accomplishment knowing I have done all I can to succeed.

There is always something in all of our lives that can be done a little differently. Discard what is not working and pave the way for more efficient ways of doing things. It can make a world of difference in your publishing success.

What would you change that would allow you to focus better on your business at hand as an independent publisher? Let us hear from you!

Wishing you all a thoughtful, productive, prosperous and Happy New Year!

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Once in a Blue Moon

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“The only thing you live to regret are the risks you didn’t take”~ Unknown

Today, I am feeling very fortunate. Since starting my company, I have had the opportunity to meet many incredible people that I would not have ordinarily met, had I not taken a risk. Among them have been extraordinarily talented artists, filmmakers, and individuals who serve their communities through the non-profit sector – all of them independent publishers. All have had similar goals – to share beauty, kindness and knowledge through their unique and creative talents.  All have been so very committed to changing our world for the better and each person is awe-inspiring in their very own way.

Tonight, as the New Year approaches, I will be taking some time to reflect on these past few years to remember some of the individuals that I have crossed paths with. Many of these individuals I have not met face to face, yet through an e-mail or a telephone conversation, they have left a mark on me. I can recall the discussions we have had about their goals and aspirations for their independent publishing companies. All have inspiring, educational or entertaining stories to tell through their books, films or music or through their commitment to a cause or a mission. All are the kinds of people you meet only once in a blue moon.

We want to hear from more of you! By posting your comments to our blogsite, we can together build a community of like-minded people who have independent thoughts, ideas and dreams to share.

Happy New Year 2010! May this coming year bring publishing success to each and every one of you!

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

A Gargantuan Gift

“Love is, above all, the gift of oneself ” ~ Jean Anouilh

For me, the greatest gift on this earth, is the gift of my family and our independent publishing clients, who allow us to serve them each and every day. They are the purpose of our work. I know blessings when I see them!

This blog will remain silent throughout the holidays so that I can give the best gift of all to my family – my time. If you have children, give them your undivided attention when they need it most. It is the best way to demonstrate how much you value their presence in your life. Unlike other things, nurturing children is not something that can wait.

We appreciate and value the feedback we have gotten from loyal followers of this blog site. In 2010, you will be able to post your comments on this site. Our aim is to provide a community of like-minded readers sharing our dreams, ideas, goals and needs as independent publishers. We want to hear from you and your comments will be a gift to us!

We look forward to sharing some exciting news with you, our loyal readers from around the globe, in 2010.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to All!

In the Drivers Seat

“Our dreams can come true…if we have the courage to pursue them.” ~ Walt Disney

I had an ephiphany this morning, right when I was in the shower brainstorming what today’s blog would be. Suddenly, the thought came to me that as bloggers, we are all given a clean slate each day to write what we want. We only have to pitch an idea to ourselves!

Contrary to writers who are submitting manuscripts to traditional publishing houses, there is not an editor deciding whether your work is right for the publishing house. Getting in line behind all those other recently submitted manuscripts can be a long wait in itself. With traditional publishing, a manuscript can take years to become a book. Often a manuscript has to be submitted to many publishing houses before you get a nibble of interest from an editor.

A comparison can be made between life and independent publishing. We get to write our own story in life, too! The outcome is determined by the choices we make, our determination, the vision we have for ourselves and whether or not we will let others stand in the way of our goals.

Perhaps in this New Year, you will have  a revelation, too. If you genuinely believe in your manuscript yet have been frustrated in finding a traditional publisher interested in buying the rights, perhaps it is time to take your future, as a writer, into your own hands.  Short run printing, print on demand and The Expresso Book  Machine www.Northshire.com  now make it possible to have your book on the market in very short order and your book can become available globally through the power of e-commerce.  What are you waiting for?

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Worth the Wait

“Forgiveness is a funny thing. It warms the heart and cools the sting” ~ William Arthur Ward

Forgiveness comes easier to some than others. I do not get angry very often, but when I do, it passes as quickly as it comes. I have never been one to hold grudges. Life is too short, I have better things to do!

I am practicing forgiveness today and hopefully, there will be others that will join me! My holiday reunion with our son has been delayed from Sunday until Tuesday night due to weather in the East and airlines cancellations. We had gotten a permit to fresh-cut a Christmas tree, and my husband, son and I had planned to cut and decorate our tree on Tuesday. It will have to wait another day,  but, I am not going to spoil my good holiday cheer by getting angry about this uncontrollable snafu!

A few e-mails have arrived from customers who had ordered a certain book for holiday giving and had not yet received it. Hopefully, they will be joining me in forgiveness today, as I have to advise them that there have been delays at the bindery and we can not ship until we receive the product in stock. Although customer satisfaction is always at the top of my list, there are some things in life that we can do little about.

Rather than pout, I am dreaming  about what awaits  me when I finally have the gift of our son home for the holidays. All that really matters is that he arrives safely. Our Christmas tree will be just as beautiful, no matter what day it arrives!

Some things are worth waiting for!!

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Classic Cinema Celebrations

“It is the little things that make life big” ~ Unknown

I need to do some quick research! In a few days from now, our son will be arriving for the Christmas holidays. Not only do I have to set in food provisions for a ravenous, 21 year old college “kid” but, I need to come up with some movies that we can all enjoy watching as a family. It is part of what we do together during the holidays.

Sometimes I wonder whether my son’s desire to be a filmmaker didn’t start with watching The Muppet Christmas Carol as a toddler. He would sit and watch it three consecutive times before he tired of it. And I plead guilty – I let him!! He was, and still is, a child with over-the-top energy and it was the only way he and I could rest.

I am going to put a little leg-work into finding a newly released independent holiday film. I know exactly where I will start my search – The Internet Movie Database www.imdb.com. Any independently produced movie you are looking for is sure to be listed in this useful database. There must be something fresh and new on the indie film scene that is destined to be a holiday classic! If not, we will pull out the old classic holiday films like Holiday Inn, White Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street and It’s a Wonderful Life.  I never tire of seeing them all.

What will be different for sure this year, is when I pass around the popcorn, I will surprise my son with a bottle of beer, too.  Ah, how kids grow. Enjoy the journey!

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Come, Bearing Gifts of Healthcare

“It is characteristic of wisdom, not to do desperate things.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

I love Christmas carols and all the traditions of Christmas. As a child, I was the one who awoke before daybreak on Christmas morning, roused my two brothers and twin sister and gathered my parents under the Christmas tree to open presents before the sun came up! I wanted to see the tree all lit up in the darkness of Christmas morn! There was NEVER any sleeping in on Christmas, not with me around!

One of my favorite carols is We Three Kings and I decided this year, I would delve deeper into what the gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold are all about. What I have discovered is the three wise men were, infact, very wise!  They were pioneers in healthcare. They came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh,  maybe not because of the great value to the ancient world, but because all three have significant health benefits!

Frankincense, I will suggest, was an early form of aromatherapy. It’s pleasant scent is used in soaps, lotions, essential oils and incense. It comes from the resin of the Boswellia tree.

Myrrh is used for certain inflammatory conditions, as well as for chapped lips, wounds, and when mixed in proper amounts with food, may protect against gastric ulcers.

Gold, it has been said, has a hisory of treating rheumatologic conditions. I would add that it is used for psychological well being – to enhance one’s sense of prosperity. Don’t we all like to feel a few gold coins jangling around in our pockets?

Whether Santa comes bearing gifts or not, I will still  be up before dawn on Christmas morn because I still love the holidays like a child. I can’t wait to see the faces of those I love – those are the best gifts we can receive.

Maybe in 2010, some old wise man will arrive with a potion that will let me sleep past six am every morning. Nah, I think I will leave my circadian rhythms alone. I like the clock I run by. Chapstick, laced with a little myrrh, in my Christmas stocking for this cold dry Colorado winter, is all I ask for this Christmas!

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It is Boxing Day!

“All the statistics in the world can’t measure the warmth of a smile” ~ Chris Hart

To an order fulfillment company, all days are boxing days! As the holidays roll around, the heat is on, as orders are being processed, packed and shipped at a feverish pace. Postal and delivery service carriers also have their work cut out for them. All loads are bigger and heavier to bear during this time of year.

To citizens in the United Kingdom and most areas settled by the British (Australia, Canada and New Zealand), December 26th is boxing day. Historians say the holiday came to be because servants typically worked on Christmas Day. The day after, those in the service industry usually took their holiday and visited their families.  The servant’s employers would present them with gift boxes as they went on their way. This tradition continues today in the UK and other countries, as people give presents to tradesman, mail carriers, doormen, porters and others in the service industry.

The postal service and delivery carriers have ramped up their staff to do their best to see to it that all gifts arrive in time for holiday giving. When a gift arrives at your door, make it “boxing” day, and give a tip, a gift of a smile or friendly thank you for their service. It may make the job all the more fulfilling!!

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A Book with a Bonus

“A quiet mind cureth all.” ~ Robert Burton

Did you know that all books come with a bonus gift that you can give to mothers of young children? That is right! It is free and it is available with all books that sit on bookstore shelves. What is the bonus, you may ask?  Time to read it alone!

I hear so many young mothers say “they would love to be able to read, if given the time.” I can relate, I have been there and sometimes, I still feel that way.  My husband is and was a very wise man. He seemed to know when I was at wit’s end with our child and all I needed was time alone to curl up in a chair with a cup of tea and sink myself into a book.  That was when he and our son planned to do something “just for guys.”

Fathers with young children – whether you are buying your wife a cookbook, the latest hot novel or a non-fiction book on women’s spirituality, child-rearing, the Arts, home decorating, architecture, gardening or a book about independent publishing, give an additional gift, time to read it Alone! Your whole family will benefit and you will be among the Wise Men!

…..psst – maybe, just maybe, the gift will be returned in kind!

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Holiday Fulfillment

“Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.”                    ~Albert Camus

I bet you have noticed, that when it comes to all volunteer efforts, few carry the load for many. Pick your cause, it is always the same thing. Whether it is lending a hand for a service organization, a bake sale or volunteering for a Parent-Teacher Association it seems that those that have the least amount of time, give the most.

Over the past few weekends, I have volunteered a little of my time to sell Christmas ornaments for Kiwanis. Kiwanians raise funds for worthy projects around the world. Since 1915, this international service organization has been supporting projects that help grow strong communities and assist children.

There are so many ways to give, that mean so much, to those on the receiving end. If you can not give financially, give the gift of your time by volunteering for a worthy cause. Give a donation  of canned goods for a food shelter, hats,coats, mittens to those needing warm clothing for winter, put your spare change in a collection bucket, there are so many ways to share and care about those who really need assistance.

Not just during holidays, but all year long, we need to remember those that are in dire need of our help. The giving spirit will feel good and right,  give it a try!

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