Tag Archives: shipping

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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Educating Women

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“Life is a big canvas, throw all the paint on it you can.” ~ Danny Kaye

On Friday, I had the honor of speaking to the Yampa Valley University Women. The title of my presentation was “On the Fast Track: The Independent Publishing Industry.”  I kept the presentation to the basics, but wanted to share with all the University Women the fact that the independent publishing industry was grown 40% since 2008 and it now represents almost 50% of the publishing industry revenues. I mentioned that desktop publishing software has become user friendly, short run printing is now available and freelance consultants are readily available to help with every part of the publishing process. We talked of the power of the internet and of selling books worldwide through e-commerce.

I set up a display table with examples of independently published books, DVDs and cds. After the women had a chance to see the publications, a remark was made that years ago, independently published books were quite “amateurish” in appearance. The group was astonished to see that,  now, there is nothing that distinguishes an independently published book from a book produced by a big-top traditional publishing house.  My comment was that “we could thank the advances in desktop publishing software for that.”

As I spoke, I looked around the room, and realized that there was not a woman in the crowd that did not have an interesting story to tell. I determined they were all “artists in life and living.” All were well educated and many have had extraordinary experiences throughout their time on this earth. Many have traveled the world – far and wide, and have parenting words of wisdom to share. Some have interesting multi-ethnic heritage, family histories or information about their own niche interests they could write about.

Women love to communicate, women love to share – is there a  “book inside of you?”

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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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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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I’ll Support You, You Support Me

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“All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue, and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter.” ~Edmund Burke

What do you think of this idea of comunities printing their own money? I find the idea interesting, if you live like an ant – working and playing all within a tiny, little microcosm.

Back in my Grandparent’s day, their whole world existed within a several mile area. They did business locally, almost exclusively. There was the local hardware store, the “Five and Dime”, the local pharmacy with soda fountain right down the block. They bought their groceries only at the Corner Store and phoned in their twice weekly grocery list first thing in the morning. By mid-day, a store clerk “came round”, as my Grandmother used to say, with the groceries. The foodstuffs were toted in cardboard boxes and meat was wrapped in brown paper packaging, tied up with string. Once or twice a week,  my Grandmother’s egg lady “came round.” She’d bring fresh eggs from the farm. Before sunrise, the milkman left out on the front stoop, in all seasons, glass bottles of milk, with heavy cream on top. They paid the local vendors at an unspecified time, when the bills had accrued to a sizeable amount, and always in cash.

My Grandfather would save “S &H Greenstamps” all year long. I remember him licking the stamps and filling his “Greenstamp Book” with his eye on the prize of collecting enough by Christmas to buy my Grandmother and his daughter-in-law (my mother) a new kitchen gadget! One year, my Grandfather amassed enough value in “S & H Greenstamps” he was able to buy two easy chairs with them. He was proud as a peacock!

Most all sales transactions were between local establishments. Alternative methods of payment, such as “Greenstamps” and barter was frequently used. For instance, my Grandfather sometimes would use his carpentry skills in trade for what he bought at the hardware store or to pay off his barbershop bill.

The concept of communities printing their own money, is a way of encouraging people to shop locally. Locally printed currency would have no value at all in other communities. But the truth is, times have changed, like it or not! People are transient, forward thinking and have a much larger world at their dispose.

Do you like the idea of using local currency? Share your thoughts with us!

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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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Considering All Things

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“All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work.” ~ Calvin Coolidge

At some point in the process, almost all self-published authors or independent publishers begin to feel a shift in their business. Their business changes from an intellectual labor of love to a task of physical labor. Many wonder how this could have happened. Often, there were no landmark events that changed the focus of the business, yet something is undeniably different.

As an independent publishing business grows, so too, do the tasks that come with daily administration of the business. When all the demands on your  time no longer allow you to focus on your primary business of writing and publishing, it is time to reassess. Consider partnering with an order fulfillment company, for independent publishers, to handle the business side of shipping and handling your orders.

In-house order fulfillment does not always make sense to the smaller independent publisher. Look at warehousing alone! Do you have the facilities or are you prepared to increase your space as your business prospers? Can you effectively manage inventory control as your business grows?

Wouldn’t it be wise to check out all your options? Perhaps it is time to get back to our primary focus of business – writing and publishing. That is where your expertise lies.

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Rosy Reflections

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“Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes.” ~               Sara Teasdale “The Philosopher”

Despite many trips to the mirror, have you ever looked into your reflection and observed some new things about yourself that you have never discovered before? All of us have experienced this phenomenon called self-discovery. Maybe you just noticed there are a few new freckles, that your eyes sparkle a little brighter than they did before or perhaps your mouth is more turned up than you thought.

Sometimes it leaves you shaking your head and wondering – it is an aura, my imagination or is it for real? It happened to me this week. Rather than explain exactly what I saw, I thought I would share the image that appeared before me, in my own mirror’s reflection, that way, there will be no distortion of the facts.

At the risk of being narcissistic, I am going to keep checking back with my mirror, because you never know what other changes can occur.  All of us feel good when we can share what we see with others, that is why I am sharing this reflection with you!

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Books from Basement to Marketplace

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“You have all the reason in the world to acheive your grandest dreams. Imagination plus innovation equals realization.”~ Dennis Waitley

A mistake that some independent publishers make is putting all efforts into writing and publishing their book and forgetting about marketing campaigns. This leads to poorly or under-marketed  books. Over printing can also leave an independent publisher with a pile of unsold books.

Does your independently published book or film still have as much relevance today as when it was published, yet you have cartons sitting in your basement rather than on the shelves of your audience?

Enter E-Marketing! Through the use of social media marketing and e-commerce (internet selling), why not explore the possibility of ridding yourself of books that are still current in subject matter. Breathe new life  into  your attempts at marketing and selling them. Social media marketing can be the perfect tool for reaching potential readers and to getting those books sold. Many independent publishers have never used these tactics of book selling,  but there are professionals who can assist with every step along the way.

Give it a go! Opportunity may be just a search engine away! Start with e-commerce for independent publishers.

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Being on Target

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“All great men are gifted with intuition. They know without reasoning or analysis what they need to know.” ~Alexis Carrel

Hah! I knew I should listen to my intuition or the big guy in the sky who has been telling me to press on, not to listen to all the doubters, to carry-on with what feels right and just! I am talking about social media marketing!

One of the most high of all feels the same way I do! The Pope just advised his people that they need to spread the word by responding to “today’s cultural shifts” and if that means messing about with electronic technology and the virtual world, so be it! The Pope is an advocate for the use of electronic images, blogs, websites and videos to communicate with the masses of people throughout the world.

I concur! This is also what I have prescribed for opening up doorways of opportunity for all of our independent publishing clients! See that, sometimes it really pays to listen to your intuition or whatever elevated “being” you listen to!

Are you paying attention?

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