Tag Archives: order fulfillment

Rx for Independent Publishers

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” By prevailing over all obstacles and distractions, one may unfailingly arrive at his chosen goal or destination.” ~ Christopher Columbus

Have you ever tried concentrating on and keeping track of 10 or 12 book manuscripts at a time? Wow – it is a trip! All I know is that some people can do it. And for those that can, I am truly impressed. But I am not one of them.

I had been attending the Steamboat Writers Group on a regular basis. I had been listening to and following 10 or 12 works in progress. Too many things had been begging for my attention and it had been far too many weeks since I had attended. Yesterday, I took a little time out of my day to sit in on the group. It was as if I had started reading 10 or 12 books, put them down and I am now trying to pick them back up again. I am paying for my absence and neglect now! Trying to re-enter the stories was nearly impossible!  The narratives have moved forward, character traits have morphed, I’ve missed critical junctures in the storyline, the settings have changed and the plots have developed in ways that I never expected. Some manuscripts are even drawing to a conclusion. I can no longer remember who is doing what!

Whether you are a writer or a reader, when you are distracted, it is hard to get back on track. Being able to work on a publishing project, without diversions can make all the difference in the quality of the end result.

If being able to concentrate is a challenge, seek first to understand what it is that is distracting you and preventing you from moving forward with your project in an efficient manner. Research what right options will help you clear the way. Order fulfillment for independent publishers may be the perfect prescription for what ails you. As an independent publisher, what would it mean to be able to focus on your primary business at hand?

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Ripe Retirees

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“It is not enough to have a good mind, the main thing is to use it well.” –Rene Descartes

I am living in a community filled with extremely active retirees. Not only only are they physically active, but their minds don’t miss a step either. They have all chosen to live in an active mountain community so they will continue to stay involved and engaged in life long after the generation before them would have called it quits!

Recently, the Aging Well program of the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association independently published a calendar highlighting an amazing group of retirees who lead active lives by continuing to play tennis, ice climb, ski, swim, brand cattle, volunteer and participate in other forms of vigorous sport and hobbies well into their 60s, 70s and 80s. This calendar encourages all older adults to stretch beyond what they feel they are capable of at their ages and to live fully and well at any age. For more information, visist www.agingwelltoday.com.

Within this community, I have met a wealth of highly successful retirees who lead fascinating lives. Their experiences through past careers, parenting, travel and contributions as Board members of non-profit organizations and other associations provide fodder for stories and lessons that should be shared with younger generations. Independent publishing provides an excellent opportunity for all retirees to share knowledge and wisdom with generations that will follow in their footsteps.

Writing and journaling keeps the mind active. Merely through published words, you can become a mentor to others! Think about that! It is never too late to become an aspiring writer!

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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. 

More Indie Publisher News

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Learn from others. Attending other author’s book tours and book release events are an ideal way to learn to promote your book.

There is a great resource for finding out what author will be coming to your area by going to www.BookTour.com.

You can search the website by date, author and place and find out where you can meet and hear about your favorite author’s newest book releases, including NY Times best selling authors.

Learning from others is a great way to educate yourself so that when you are ready to promote yourself as an author, you have the knowledge of what it takes to have a successful book tour.

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Weekend Indie Publisher News

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First things, first!

Tune in This Morning! Poor Frank, he must be feeling ignored! I have been unable to listen to his Radio Show “Cover to Cover” for a few weeks now.  If you have never listened to this radio show for writers and publishers, every Saturday morning is your chance. No need for a radio, “Cover to Cover” can be listened to on line at www.wnzf.com. Host Frank Gromling always has insightful, interesting guests on his show sharing their knowledge of the publishing world.

Tune in at 11:30 am Eastern Standard Time, 10:30 am Central Time, 9:30 am Mountain Time and 8:30 am Pacific Time.

Let’s show Frank our support today!!! Listen in and learn with me!

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Registration is now open for The Association of Writers (AWP) 2010 Conference in Denver, CO!! You can save money now by registering early. Major sponsors, literary partners and patrons make this great three day event possible at the Hyatt Regency form April 7 – 10, 2010. The event includes a book fair, presenters and  exhibitors.

A wealth of information for writers is available through the AWP. They sponsor writing contests, writers conferences, information on writing careers and MFA writing programs. Check it out at http://www.awpwriter.org.

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Help is on the Way!

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October 1st! It is hard to believe we are 9 months into the year of 2009. This year has been a blur to me and it has passed me by all too quickly. Soon, it will be time to make our New Years resolutions once again.

Before we can make resolutions for the New Year, we need to look at where we stand, look at where we are going and decide how we will get there. Now is the time to consider whether you are suffering from job burn-out. Here are a few ways to know if the stresses of the job are getting you down.

  • Do you feel you have little or no control over your work?
  • Do you have a hard time saying no?
  • Do you identify so strongly with the work that you do that you lack a reasonable balance between work and your personal life?
  • Do you suffer from lack of sleep?
  • Are you feeling stretched to your limits every day?
  • Do you feel you are pulled in every direction?

If you have answered YES! to many of these questions, perhaps it is time to seek help. Being an independent publisher does not mean having to do it all by yourself.  Order fulfillment companies  can support you administratively. Find a company that can tailor their services to your needs. Seek and ye shall find that there are many freelance services available just for independent publishers. Start by using your favorite search engine and look for order fulfillment for independent publishers.

The year 2010 looks to be a very promising year for independent publishers. Maybe your time for change has come. Regain your balance by reassessing your priorities, delegate the tasks that someone else can do for you and seek support. Work smart, the obstacles will disappear and you will be able to see much more clearly.

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Weekend Indie Publishers News

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Wow! Where did this week go? It is hard to believe it is time to update you with more independent publisher news.

NEWS FLASH: The 2010 Eric Hoffer Book Awards are coming up!     Here is your chance indie publishers – shoot for the moon and submit!!

This contest is accepting newly released books or older books from     Small Presses~Academic Presses~Micro-Presses~Self Publishers                                                                                                        Deadline:  January 21, 2010                                                                                    Entry Fee: $45                                                                                                           Grand Prize and World Wide Exposure                                                        Winner and Runner-up Prizes in Every Category                                     Coverage in The US Review of Books!

Categories: Art, Poetry, Children, Fiction & Non-fiction, Memoir, Culture, Business, Reference, Home, Health, Reference, Spirtual/Self Help.

A SINGLE REGISTRATION GIVES YOU FIVE WAYS TO WIN!!!

For full details and to enter – please visit www.HofferAward.com         Other Contact Information: email – info@hofferaward.com                      The Eric Hoffer Awards, PO Box ll, Titusville, NJ  08560

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Grow, Baby, Grow

“He who plants a garden, plants happiness”   Chinese  Proverb                             

Writing usually begins with a hint of an idea, a small thought, a vague notion.  As time goes by, the seed sprouts, the microscopic buds reach out and the plot develops, paragraph after paragraph, page after page, chapter after chapter!

But remember, your marketing plans for your book or film must too develop. Many independent publishers make the mistake of limiting the marketing possibilities to the thought that “my family and friends” will buy it. Quite bluntly, that is the wrong approach.

Just like a vine, the marketing possibilities  for your independently published book or film should reach out in every imaginable direction. Beauty can be found in unpromising places. Let your imagination run rampant, without discipline, without fences as it’s borders. You may need to trim the growth once you have discovered your target market but, when putting together the initial plan – brainstorm, brainstorm, brainstorm.

You have put too much time and effort into planting the seed, weeding and nurturing your publication to completion to limit its possibilities. A book or film which you may feel has limited potential is only limited by your efforts! Aim high, reach for the stars and most of all, share your thrill for your beautifully cultivated publication with others. Your excitement needs to be like poison ivy – contagious!

After all, a gardener is optimistic! Let that spirit carry your publication to the beautiful places you have dreamed about.

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Planes, Trains and Automobiles

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“The world has arrived at an age of cheap complex devices of great reliability and something is bound to come of it.”                     – Unknown

There! Maybe that quote explains what I have been pondering on all morning long! My morning meaderings have led me to the thought of the number of packages that are shipped across the country and all over the world on a daily basis. What set my mind on this course this morning, was the order we received from Germany. The customer is half way around the globe, yet his order arrived via the internet within seconds of placing it. Furthermore, the book he ordered will arrive at his doorstep in Germany in approximately 5 – 7 days.

Some companies prefer one shipping method or carrier over another, and that is fine. Everyone has their preferences. Usually the choice is strictly about economics, which carrier can get it there faster and cheaper! After all, as a fulfillment company, we must be guardians for our clients to make sure they retain the highest profit margin on their sale.

But when it comes to reliability, I think all major carriers are about as reliable as they can possibly be. It is amazing how few shipments are “lost” on a yearly basis. The percentage is infinitesimal compared to the number of parcels, packages and letters that criss-cross the world every year.

Global shipping is a complex chain. The logistics of getting the job done is something that I can not even wrap my mind around!

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Joy in an Ordinary Day

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I  have had  careers in the hospitality/travel industry, as an insurance agent and branch manager, employment in the fine arts field, and now, as owner of an order fulfillment company specializing in e-Commerce. I have always enjoyed working. There is the good feeling of being productive, collaborating with co-workers and clients and the sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. No matter what type of work I have done, it has been satisfying. I guess it is all in the way that we look at things. And as they say, your outlook can determine your experience in life. I would much rather walk in the sun than in the clouds.

Some would say I am a stickler for details but, my feeling has always been the way I do my job is a reflection of my attitudes in life. I want to represent myself well!

Yesterday afternoon, I was a recipient of an email from C J Scarlett in North Carolina. She was writing  to tell me she had read my blog posts and I am “a  great writer.” Say what? For someone that just recently confessed to being a writer, it was pay back enough for the day’s work.  Maybe she was just spreading a dose of  kindness for the day. But, her comment was much appreciated and gave me JOY in an ordinary day!

See what you can do to spread a little kindness to someone each and every day!  See www.thekindnesscure.org.

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