June 1, 2004 Volume 3: Issue 4
"Self Published Authors" Bi-Monthly Newsletter
Helping self-published authors promote and market their books
and share information and resources.
June 1, 2004 Volume 3: Issue 4
Dan Shaurette
editor@selfpublishedauthors.com
http://www.selfpublishedauthors.com
By Subscription Only! You are receiving this newsletter
because you requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
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IN THIS ISSUE
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1. Editor's Notebook
2. Newsletter Submission Guidelines
3. Feature Article by Judy Cullins
4. Resource Links
5. Guest Article by Pamela S. Thibodeaux
6. Free Products, Services, Downloads
7. Interview With Stan Popovich by Dan Shaurette
8. Classes & Workshops
9. Publicity Article by Gerri D. Smith
10. Announcements/Requests
11. Commentary by Stan Popovich
12. Classified Ads
13. Subscribe/Unsubscribe Information
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1: EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK
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Welcome to the June 2004 newsletter for
SelfPublishedAuthors.com. For those of you who are new to the
subscription, I hope you will enjoy this issue. Thank you for
visiting the website and subscribing to the list.
To the regulars out there, I'm glad to see you back for another
issue. This month we have four wonderful articles, plus an
interview, as well as more great resource links.
If you have questions, comments, suggestions, or if you’d like
to contribute, be interviewed, add an event or have a request,
please reply to this email, or drop a line to me at:
editor@selfpublishedauthors.com
Thanks for reading and enjoy the issue!
Dan Shaurette
editor@selfpublishedauthors.com
http://www.ShauretteNet.com
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2: NEWSLETTER SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
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The newsletter for SelfPublishedAuthors.com is here to provide a
resource for all authors. Obviously, we want to help you
succeed in your writing, self-publishing efforts, and self-
promotion. I have received a few requests from fellow authors
asking what they can do to promote their books in the
newsletter.
I am always happy to help promote an author and their works in
the newsletter. That's what we're here for. That being said,
the best I can do is one of the following.
If you are interested in writing an article about your
experiences as a self-published author, I would be more than
happy to consider it for publication. If I publish the article,
I will give you space for a signature box that you could use to
promote yourself and your book.
If you would like to send me an ARC copy of your book, eBook
format preferred, I would be happy to review it and interview
you. The interview would most likely be what gets published in
the newsletter, but reviews of recommended books may also be
published. Please note, I have already been presented with some
works to read, so please query me first before sending your
books. I'd rather return a book than form a slush pile.
If you have a book signing coming up, we do try to list those
when they are timely. Remember our newsletter is published in
December, February, April, June, August, and October. If you
host a class or workshop, or have a website that promotes a
writer's resource, please let us know about it. All links about
such events are provided free of charge. Your name, location,
dates, and contact info. will be presented.
If instead you are just interested in placing an advertisement
in the newsletter for your book or website, you can read about
the rates on the website at
http://www.selfpublishedauthors.com/advertise.html -- they are
very fair (only $6 per newsletter issue for a five line ad.)
Advertising requests sent to me, however, will be forwarded on
to Christina Wheeler (contact@selfpublishedauthors.com), the
website and newsletter owner.
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3: FEATURE ARTICLE by Judy Cullins
Why Should I Buy Your Book?
How to Turn 'Lookie Loos' into Take-out-the-Credit Card-Buyers
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You say your book has lists, how-tos, easy-to-read recipes?
124 pages? Do these features give your potential buyer enough of
a reason to buy your book?
Probably not, unless they are your best friends. Instead, let
your reader see and hear reasons to buy by placing "selling"
words (benefits) with your features.
Answer your buyer's questions about how your book will make them
richer, healthier, and make their life easier. Memorize these
benefits and have them ready to share when someone asks you
about your book. Leave the plot or story out. Stick to the
sixty-second "tell and sell." Or, when you write copy about your
book, sprinkle those benefits around on your front and back
cover, in your introduction, in your table of contents and on
your Web site book sales letter.
Potential buyers want these essential "Hot Selling Points"
first, before they will open the book to skim the chapters or
buy your book.
Benefits are the words that will bring your buyer running. Why?
Because benefits are the end result of satisfactory use of your
product. For instance, one book coaching client's new book,
"Not on My Table: Protecting Your Children from Poisons in Our
Food", wrote: Includes: "quick-scan shopping lists."
Turning these features into reasons to buy, I suggested adding a
benefit: Stop confusion with the "quick-scan, time-saving
shopping list."
Your audience wants results -- challenges and problems solved.
They want to feel good inside, savvy, and that they are doing
the right thing by buying your book. Put a little emotion in
those benefits. So, keep your features, but preface them with
benefits. Your buyer must be persuaded by your words and know
your book will satisfy their emotional wants and practical
needs. Give your readers a reason to buy.
How to Write Benefits and Features for Your Book
On an 8 ½ by 11" paper make a list:
- Write the exact name of each product/service you want your
prospect to buy. Write your title. For instance the eBook,
"Ten Ways to Market Your Book Online."
- Write three features of your book. These are distinguishing
facts about your product. For instance, Ten Ways includes
1) simple, step-by-step "how to" exercises to start an ezine,
2) useful web site addresses and links for marketing your book
through writing short articles and tips, and 3) specific book
internet marketing coach's time and money-saving tips throughout
the book.
- Write three benefits of your book. These are the advantages
your buyer gain as a result of the features listed above.
Here's a few samples:
- Build business credibility, trust
- Produce 1/3 to 2/3 monthly income for life
- Market and promote online for no cost
Put them together for a strong headline or sales piece. Here's
a few samples:
- Build credibility, trust and profits when you create and send
out a regularly scheduled ezine.
- Promote your book fast and easy with this book's opt-in-ezine
and web address listed as links. Just copy and paste.
- Save time receiving needed information with easy-to-read and
time saving "author tips."
Remember, adding practical and emotional benefits to your
features about your book will hook your "lookie loos" into a
"take-out-the-credit-card" buyer.
___
Judy Cullins: 20-year author, speaker, book coach
Helps entrepreneurs manifest their book and web dreams
eBk: "Drastically Increase your Web Traffic and Sales"
7000 Melody Lane, La Mesa, CA 91942
http://www.bookcoaching.com
To receive FREE "The Book Coach Says..."
or Business Tip of the Month go to
http://www.bookcoaching.com/opt-in.shtml
Judy@bookcoaching.com
Orders: 866/200-9743 -- Ph:619/466-0622
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4: RESOURCE LINKS
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TREBLE HEART BOOKS - Short-run and eBook Publisher, not POD.
Their imprints publish many genres including Mainstream Fiction
and Non-fiction, Paranormal, Historical, Romance, Cooking,
Inspirational Fiction and Non-Fiction, Western Historicals,
Hardboiled Mysteries, Suspense and Horror. No Erotica, please.
http://www.trebleheartbooks.com
WRITERS EXCHANGE E-PUBLISHING - eBook Publisher, some POD.
Action/Adventure, Christian fiction and non-fiction, Fantasy,
Historical, Humour, Mystery, Poetry anthology, Writing Advice,
Parenting, Self-Help/How-To, Westerns, Romance. No erotica.
Submit MS-Word, RTF, or HTML ms. => PDF, HTML, MS-Reader eBooks
http://www.writers-exchange.com
Have you used these services? Tell us about them, or recommend
another! Send an email to editor@selfpublishedauthors.com and
let us know.
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5: GUEST ARTICLE by Pamela S. Thibodeaux
Beware and Be Smart!
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I was asked to do an article outlining my experiences - good and
bad - to share with others in hopes that you can avoid making
the same mistakes I’ve made. Here is my story.
After years of rejection, my book TEMPERED HEARTS (#1 in a
series) was accepted for publication with Writer’s Exchange
Epublishing Co. I was thrilled! Though this was Sandy’s maiden
effort in publishing books, she had a wonderful reputation in
producing Writer’s Exchange Ezine - a publication offering info
and advice to writers - and was truly a blessing to work with.
Since she wasn’t set up to offer print on demand at the time, I
invested in printed copies of my book and quickly signed
TEMPERED DREAMS (book #2) with her, which was released June
2001. Though the print copies were offered through WEE’s website
as well as mine, I took it a step further and got set up to
distribute them through Amazon.com, American Wholesale Book Co.
and the Books-A-Million stores. I set up author events, book
signings, speaking engagements, the whole works.
Together, Sandy and I worked to make my dreams of being a
published author flourish and we did very well, selling over 400
books the first year!
In Dec. 2001 I began chatting with an up and coming new
publisher. The woman had unique and wonderful marketing ideas
for her authors so I asked to be released from WEE and signed
with Triple Exposure Publishing, Inc. (aka: TE Publishing, Inc.)
in May of 2002. In a mutual agreement the publisher acquired my
existing copies of Tempered Hearts and Tempered Dreams and
proceeded to sell and give away nearly 500 books. In November,
2003, my contract became null & void leaving me with less than
when I signed with this company.
What happened? I have no idea. Maybe her dreams were bigger
than her abilities, perhaps she listened to too many wrong
people and made unwise decisions. Who knows? I could speculate
all day and never know the whole story.
But I DO know this much... All things work together for the good
of those who love God and are called according to HIS purpose. I
know that He will make my crooked paths straight and give me
wisdom and direction in future decisions concerning my career.
Now, trust me when I say that I don’t pay attention to rumors
and gossip and I don’t believe in trashing people’s reputation.
HOWEVER, I do believe in being informed and being warned.
I have remained in contact with this person and if she’s half
the woman I believe she is - that I KNOW in my heart she is -
she will rectify every situation that went sour and preserve
every relationship that she should from her ordeal.
Enough said.
What does this have to do with me, you ask, doubting that you
would ever make such a mistake. Don’t be so sure, or as in many
cases, so arrogant as to believe that. We all make mistakes
when our dreams are to reach the world, touch lives and change
hearts with our work!
One writer friend I know, a dear, sweet lady, unmistakably
talented but naive, was rooked by an ‘agent’, someone who had
what appeared to be a promising business going! This mistake
cost her several hundred dollars.
Mistakes are costly, no matter what the situation. They may cost
your money or your reputation. You may lose faith in yourself
and your ability. Sometimes they cost people their very dreams
since many authors or artists don’t recover from such situations
to go on, persevere and get published or recognized.
So be informed. Get all the information you can before you sign
a contract. Check company statistics, personal background
information on the people involved, credentials of the
Attorney(s), CPA, CFO and CEO’s of the organization. Check with
local and national Better Business Bureau’s to see if there’s
any information. If it’s a new publisher, ask for business
plans, financial records, something to ensure they are
legitimate.
Don’t get caught up in the potential or possibilities! Check
agents out with AAAR (Association of Author and Artist
Representatives). Check places like Predators and Editors and
inquire of other authors. But be careful not to believe
everything you hear or read.
Be wise. If you get a contract with a new or even bigger
publishing company, try and negotiate keeping your existing
contract intact for some time (especially if you are self or
E-published). Many publishing houses take up to 2 years to get
your book(s) on the shelves, don’t lose out on that precious
time to promote your existing career! Had I not been so swept
away but what might be, I would have negotiated that my contract
with Writer’s Exchange stay intact until the new publisher
actually went to print or say, within 90 days of going to print
or 90 days of beginning promotion. Something! And I never would
have given her control of my existing books.
Be discerning. Remember, man plans his way but God directs his
steps. His timing is perfect, His thoughts and plans for your
career are perfect and His ways are much higher than yours so be
patient; don’t get in a big rush and get ahead of God!
Most of all, be loyal. To yourself and to your integrity. If you
have a bad or negative experience, warn others without trashing
someone else. We all have big dreams. We all experience the
not-so-good in life. We all make mistakes. None of us are
perfect. So don’t exalt yourself by lowering someone else in
other’s eyes.
Though it is my prayer that this information will help you avoid
mistakes in your own career, chances are you’ll still make
plenty. But don’t quit. What you have to say as a writer, poet
or artist is important, so persevere, hang in there and
don’t give up!
___
Pamela S. Thibodeaux is a member and co-founder of Bayou Writers
Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana and a member of and ACRW
(American Christian Romance Writers). A multi-published author
in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing
has been tagged as, "Inspirational with an Edge!"
Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com
Email: pthib-7@centurytel.net
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6: FREE Products, Services, Downloads
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EBOOKAD.COM - Online eBook Distributor - No Listing Fee
Here's a great turn-key eCommerce site for selling your eBook.
OK, you've written your book, and have created an eBook version
on your own. Now you want to sell your eBook yourself, accepting
payments online but don't know how to start - or worse, you do
know, and don't want all the hassle of merchant accounts, secure
servers, etc. eBookAd.com provides an eCommerce host just for
eBooks in one of four formats, Adobe (.PDF), hiebook (.KML),
Microsoft (.LIT) or Palm Universal DOC (.PDB).
THE SCORE: There's no setup fee nor listing fees! You set your
own retail price for your eBook. Your customers can pay by
PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, or Discover cards among others.
A customer's purchase remains available in their library and can
be re-downloaded, in any of the formats you provided.
THE CATCH: They are not an eBook publisher, web designer, or
marketing company. You have to do all that work. (I.e., you
must create the eBook yourself, in any or all of their required
formats. Their website handles the sales, but they do no
promotion of your book, just their site. You presumably have
your own web site to promote your book, and would link to
eBookAd.com for the sale of your eBook.) But if you've already
done the work, this is an excellent shopping cart solution.
http://www.eBookAd.com
Have you used this service? Tell us about it, or recommend
another! Send an email to editor@selfpublishedauthors.com and
let us know.
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7: INTERVIEW With Stan Popovich by Dan Shaurette
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Stan Popovich is the author of a new self-help book titled "A
Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity
and Non Resistant Methods", which was recently published by
TrebleHeartBooks.com. His determination to see his book to
publication is what caught my attention for this interview.
DS: Stan, thank you for this opportunity to interview you. There
is a large spectrum of self-help books in the marketplace. What
is it you believe your book delivers that the others may not?
SP: My book presents a general overview of all the ways to
manage fear. The book focuses on results oriented techniques and
strategies that a person can use to manage every day fears and
presents this material in a clear and easy-to-read format. A lot
of the anxiety books I read were all right, but they were too
long to read and mentioned only some of the techniques that were
useful in managing fear. My book is more complete in that it
covers the psychological techniques and using the help of God to
manage fear and anxiety.
DS: When did you realize that your collection of research for
helping yourself would be helpful to others if published?
SP: I started my research in the beginning of the 1990's. I
would say near the end of the nineties I had enough information
to realize that my notes on managing fear could help a lot of
other people.
DS: How much of the battle against fear can truly be fought with
religion, and how does psychology reinforce this?
SP: It depends on the person and the nature of their problem.
My book gives people the choice to use the help of God or use
basic psychology techniques to manage their fear and anxiety.
DS: Your book title comes right out and explains that your are a
layman, not a doctor, counselor, or minister. What do you do for
a living? Has your job influenced your book, or vice-versa?
SP: I graduated from Penn State and I have a background in
computers and business. I currently do office work. It was my
education from Penn State that gave me the skills to find the
most efficient ways to manage fear and to be able to write this
into a small book. I also deal with fear and anxiety on a
personal level and I used my skill sets and personal experience
to write a really good book on how to manage fear.
DS: Is this your first published work, and are there other books
in the works?
SP: Yes, this is my first published work. Currently I have no
plans to write another book. If I do write another book, it
would probably be something similar to what I have now since I
have much experience in managing fear and anxiety.
DS: What would you say was the hardest part of writing and
publishing this guidebook?
SP: The hardest part of getting my book published was finding a
publisher and finding those techniques that were most useful in
managing fear. I read some books, but I had to use the
techniques on a personal level to really get the insight of what
worked and what didn’t work in managing fear and anxiety. I also
continuously improved on these techniques and kept a lot of
notes. I eventually turned my notes into this easy to read book
and most importantly my book contains a lot of valuable
information in managing fear.
DS: Did you consider P.O.D. or other self-publishing channels
for your book?
SP: I was open to any kinds of ways to publish my book. I looked
into self-publishing but I felt it was too expensive. Over time,
I concentrated my efforts in finding a small niche publishing
company and P.O.D. to publish my book.
DS: What do you think of your publishing experience with Treble
Heart Books?
SP: I really enjoyed working with Treble Heart Books and they
were very helpful in working with me to get my book published.
DS: Would you consider yourself to be successful so far as a
writer?
SP: I am just glad that I had the chance to publish my book. In
those regards, Yes I am a success as an author. I never realized
my book would have an international audience, and it is really
nice to know that the information in my book will make a
difference in people's lives.
DS: Is there anything in particular, an author or mentor, or a
favorite book which influenced and inspired you?
SP: When I was considering publishing my book I would go to the
bookstores and look around. I realized that there were many
famous people and celebrities who wrote various self help books
and they were not professionals. I figured if "They" can
published a self help book there is no reason why I couldn't
especially when I had a book idea that could help a lot of
people.
DS: What advice can you give from your experience for being
successful as an author?
SP: If a person wants to get a book published, it will take a
lot of persistence, patience, and a willingness to learn. When I
was trying to get my book published, I tried to find a need for
my book in the market and I explained this in my query letters.
I did tons of research in finding every possible publisher out
there that could publish my book and I followed every lead. I
also tried to focus on the smaller publishing companies and I
went to the different writer groups on the Internet and asked a
lot of questions on how I could get my book published.
DS: I wish you all the best and good luck in the future.
Thank you again.
To find out more about Stan Popovich and his book,
visit the Treble Heart Books website at
http://www.trebleheartbooks.com/mvStanPopovich.html
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8: CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
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WRITERS STUDIO ONLINE WORKSHOPS - $405.00 for a 10 Week Workshop
Open to Mac and PC users. Class size is limited to 12 students.
Classes run for 10 weeks beginning on Monday, June 7,
Tuesday, June 15 and Wednesday, June 16.
http://www.writerstudio.com/workshops.shtml
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9: PUBLICITY ARTICLE by Gerri D. Smith
Two Valuable Ways To Enhance Your Success
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No matter what your goal is in life, be it a professional
secretary; a nurse, a creative arts designer, or the owner of a
large corporation, as a total person, you must always strive for
improvement. For greater career or business enrichment, two ways
to enhance your chances for success are: effective communication
and displaying a positive self-image.
I. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Being able to communicate well with others makes for better
human relationships -- and builds your self-esteem. Throughout
your business and social communications, always be considerate
and polite. As often as possible avoid distractions by giving
the person you are speaking with your undivided attention.
No matter how important a certain point is, there will be times
when the other person is not fully attentive. A good way to hold
the listener’s attention is to keep eye contact. Speak slowly
and always make clear, complete statements. A good choice of
words leads to less confusion and misunderstanding.
Before speaking it is wise to identify your listener. When
possible always consider your audience. Are they teenagers,
college students, or senior citizens? Other obvious
characteristics may include the hearing or sight impaired
person. This prevents the mistake of talking down to them or
over their head.
Speak in a positive manner. Put yourself in the other person’s
place. If you exaggerate, most people can tell, and will doubt
your reliability. If you sound insincere, people won’t trust
you. Remember to speak up, but don’t shout. A voice that is too
loud, too soft, or too low is upsetting; you’ll lose your
listener.
Avoid negative impressions. For example: try not to make a habit
of telling others your problems. Everyone has problems, some
worse than your own. Your opinions are just that - yours only.
Don’t impose them on others unless you are willing to listen to
theirs, too.
Know when to stop talking , and when it’s your turn to listen,
be alert to what’s being said. Give the speaker time to finish a
statement. And if you show enthusiasm and interest, you can be
certain your speaker will not only be impressed, but will
remember you favorably. Do try to listen for the speaker’s
feeling behind the message.
Remember, effective communication is a two-way game. Play
according to the rules of courtesy, clarity, and credibility and
you’ll always be a winner.
II. A POSITIVE SELF-IMAGE
The mental picture you carry, the way you think, and the way you
feel about yourself is your self-image. Creating and maintaining
a positive self-image serves a useful purpose. Each of us at one
time or another dreams of being successful in our chosen field
or business.
Have you already made your career choice? Do you already own
your own business? Is it the best choice for you? Are you
utilizing all of your creative, positive, and effective
leadership skills? Do you have an active plan for reaching your
career or business goals?
Questions like these are meant to challenge your thinking, lend
inspiration, and direct your personal or business growth. After
being in the hard and sometimes lonely business world for any
length of time - be it a year, or a decade - every now and then
each of us could use a bit of real positive inspiration and --
aspiration.. With positive, mental and spiritual energy, you’ll
have a strong cushion of faith to fall back on when life hands
you a challenge.
It may help to periodically review your needs, skills, and
goals. And as soon as you condition your mind to develop
positive, mental and spiritual energy, you won’t have any
problem creating good feelings about yourself or your life’s
purpose.
Being able to look inward for the strength and energy necessary
in stressful situations is vital for your self-image. Building a
positive self-image that will help you handle the many hassles
in both your business and personal life may include these
essential qualities:
- Learn to accept your faults, imperfections, and mistakes by
constantly focusing on your good points.
- Eliminate worry, fear, and negative thinking.
- Turn impossibilities into realities by visualizing what you
want to happen, and act to make it come true. See yourself
already there and your goal already accomplished.
- Improve your physical, mental, and emotional strengths by not
dwelling on your weaknesses.
- Fill your subconscious mind with positive goals and successful
images.
- Get rid of resentments or grudges toward anyone or anything.
They only effect your health and well-being.
- Learn to see the other person’s view.
- Get to know yourself. Maximize your strengths. Remember your
successes and the times you do well.
- Thank God for all that you have and all that is to come.
- Continue to expand your knowledge. Learn everything there is
to know about your business or special field of interest.
How high is your positive energy level? Did you know that people
burn physical energy three times faster with negative thinking
then with positive thinking? Plan to saturate your thoughts and
your life with positive energy. Success comes from self-
discovery, self-improvement, and a positive self-image. Success
can only be achieved by what you accomplish.
How well do you communicate? Is your self-image working for you?
___
Gerri D Smith is publisher and host of multiple Gateways to
inspiration, motivation, and information for individuals, small
business owners, and entrepreneurs.
Subscribe to her Free Monthly ezine and Newsletter.
Visit: http://www.distinctivebusinesswomen.com
Or, send your correct email address with:
"Subscribe Me to DBW’s Newsletter-#5" in Subject Box and mail to
gerri@distinctivebusinesswomen.com
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10: ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
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RESOURCE CENTER AT SELFPUBLISHEDAUTHORS.COM
Add a link to your business or website if it provides a writers'
resource, such as POD, self-publishing, agents, freeware or
shareware for writers, a writers' group, etc. This will provide
a valuable resource for writers, as well as drum up new business
for you. Just visit http://www.SelfPublishedAuthors.com and
click the link to the "Resources" on the home page. If you would
like to be added to an existing resource page or have an idea
for a new page, please send an email to Christina Wheeler at
contact@selfpublishedauthors.com
AUTHORS MARKET AT BANGALOW, NSW, AUSTRALIA.
Authors' book show and market sponsored by the Bangalow Writers'
Group will be held in the A & I Hall on Sunday 25 July 2004
This will be an opportunity for authors and community groups who
self-publish to market their books, discuss their writing and
publishing experiences and read from their works.
Contact Jim Higgins at higgo9@bigpond.com
TALLAHASSEE WRITERS ASSOCIATION: Seven Hills Contest for Writers
Three categories: Short Stories, Memoirs, Children's Literature.
Prizes from $100 and publication in the 2005 Seven Hills Review.
Deadlines June 30, 2004 (Children's), July 31 (Memoirs),
August 31 (Short Stories). Fees: $15 first, $5 additional.
Complete guidelines at http://www.twaonline.org
PENUMBRA POETRY AND HAIKU CONTEST
Poetry up to 50 lines, 3-line haiku. Deadline June 30, 2004.
Prizes from $200 and publication in the Penumbra 2004 chapbook.
Fees: $5 per poem, $3 per Haiku.
Complete guidelines at http://www.twaonline.org
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11: COMMENTARY by Stan Popovich
How A First Time Author Got His
Worthwhile Book on Managing Fear Published
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Wondering how to get your writing ideas published? I am a first
time author whose self help book on managing fear was recently
published. The title of the book is "A Layman's Guide to
Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant
Methods" and is located at
http://www.trebleheartbooks.com/mvStanPopovich.html
I was able to get my book published even though I didn't have
any experience in the publishing field. Let me explain.
Over the years, I collected much information on how to manage
fear and anxiety. Although I didn’t have a background in the
religious or psychology fields, I did a lot of research
including discussions with various professionals in both
fields on how to manage fear and anxiety.
One day I was wondering if I could develop a small book from
these notes. I went to the bookstores to read various books on
how to submit a book idea to some of the publishing companies.
I learned that a writer must first develop a query letter to
send to the various publishers and then submit a manuscript.
For the next four months, I organized my notes into a small
manuscript and did much editing to get my manuscript ready to
send to the various publishers. I then wrote a query letter and
explained the benefits of how my book was unique compared to
what was on the market. I mentioned that my book would be
complete and cover all the ways to manage fear unlike other
books in the market today. My book would also be easy to read,
results-oriented, and non-technical. I explained that my book
provided an important need to people who manage fear and
anxiety.
I then visited some of the writing sites on the Internet that
contained a listing of various publishers who might be
interested in my self help book. I submitted my query letter to
these publishers and eventually was asked to submit my
manuscript. I followed this process for a little less than a
year. Overall, I only had a few publishers ask for my
manuscript and even they were not interested in the long run.
During this time, I still talked to various writers on the
Internet and asked them how I could increase my chances of
getting published. One writer told me that if I focused on the
small niche publishing companies, that I would increase my
chances of getting my book published. He was right.
It took a lot of work and persistence; however I found it to be
much easier to market my book idea to the small Print-On-Demand
publishing companies. It took around a year, however I
eventually found a small publishing company who really liked my
book idea. The company was one of the first companies I
contacted in the first month, however it took around six months
or so to know whether they would be interested. I then worked
with my publisher for another six months to turn my manuscript
into a small, easy-to-read book.
I eventually was able to get my book published by explaining the
need and the importance of my book in my query letter, by
developing a well-written manuscript, and by focusing on small
publishing companies. It is not easy to have your work
published, however with a lot of research, persistence and a
willingness to continuously improve, it is possible.
___
Stan Popovich is the author of the newly released self-help book
"A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology,
Christianity and Non Resistant Methods" available at
http://www.trebleheartbooks.com/mvStanPopovich.html
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12: CLASSIFIED ADS
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13: Subscriber Management / Contact Information
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