Self Published Authors

"Self Published Authors" Bi-Monthly Newsletter
Helping self-published authors promote and market their books
and share information and resources.

June 6, 2005 Volume 3: Issue 10
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 Leeza Hernandez-Stelzer
6. New Services, Products, Downloads
7. Publicity Article by Francine Silverman
8. Press Release of BOOKS by DESIGN by Leeza Hernandez-Stelzer
9. Announcements/Requests
10. Commentary by Gerri D Smith
11. Classified Ads
12. Subscribe/Unsubscribe Information

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1: EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK
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Welcome to the June 2005 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 great articles, as well as
more great resource links. I hope you do not mind the late
arrival for this issue, and will find it was worth the wait.

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 information 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
Distribute Your Self-Published Book
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Where is your book now? With a distributor? In a book store?
Or, did it already die an early death after a few months?

New self-published authors often believe they need a distributor
to sell a lot of books. They want to use Ingram or Baker &
Taylor because they think they need to get their book into the
"brick and mortar" bookstores like Barnes and Noble.

Authors go through many hoops and snags to accomplish this--what
I call the "traditional publishing nightmare" of inefficiency
and lack of support for authors. Usually the author only gets
around 15% royalties. So many hoops, some give up. So many
authors I speak with have gone this route still have hundreds,
even thousands of unsold copies littering up storage space. Talk
about discouragement.

Distributors Can be Dangerous to Your Book's Health
and Your Wallet

One author wrote, illustrated, and marketed six beautiful
children's books. Her books were well received and reviewed.
For some time, the profits rolled in until her distributor went
bankrupt, owing her $160,000. After she stopped crying, she
decided to take her books on the road -- to local fairs and
talks where she could keep all the profits.

Distributors take quite a chunk of money from the author's
profits too. They charge the author for storage, and when books
are returned, the author loses those sales, and has to pay the
distributor too. Authors lose from the bookstores because they
pay late or are unreliable. Some authors wait way beyond 90
days. In fact, many just don't get paid. Writers are not always
good at collections either. These middlemen not only take most
of the author's profits, they cause much stress too.

How Can Self-Published Authors Distribute?

Self-published books include: print books (perfect bound, comb
bound, print on demand or print quantity needed, or stapled),
eBooks, printable eDocuments sent over Email through Word, or
eBooks, the electronic version only to be read via computers.

Local Distribution.

For each venue, make sure to include ordering information such
as your Web site URL, company address, toll-free 800 number,
local phone number, and an order page to fill out for fax or
phone orders.

1. Distribute through the Press.

- Create a "Power Press Release" (include tips or how-to's)
- Get a Feature Story from the Media
- Write a how-to article and submit

2. Distribute through a local Radio and TV Talk Show as a guest
speaker. Give your own teleclass, or guest speak for another
person's teleclasses.

In just a phone call away you can reach 100's of people
interested in your book's topic. Teleclasses are for anyone,
conveniently heard at your home office--with email backup.
Guests call a pre-arranged conference number and participate as
you would in any seminar. In addition to specific tips given on
the call, to get people to sign up for my ezine or visit my Web
site, I give each a bonus report related to the topic. The host
may email these out for you.

Next time you visit a Web site that offers information you need,
check out the links for teleclasses.

When a guest speaker with other experts related to my fields, my
books sales go way up as well as new clients increasing three-
fold. These sales make up over half my income.

Getting on radio talk shows helps authors sell books. Be sure to
give the producer a list of questions to ask you, copies of your
book for the staff, and agreement you can mention you Web site
or other URL where your books are sold.

3. Distribute at local talks to groups. Sell your print books at
the back of the room. Take a clipboard and capture everyone's
email at the talk. These people become your dedicated sales
force and tell others. Word of mouth takes up to one or two
years, so be patient for results. Check your library for Clubs
who need speakers.

Develop a two-sided flyer with testimonials, your book cover,
excerpts, and an ordering coupon. Take books and flyers with you
everywhere. Offer to all you meet, even your dentist!

If you are discouraged because traditional methods of book or
product distribution haven't brought you the profits you wanted,
think Internet distribution. This Online promotion method is
good for the long haul and costs you little time or money. With
Online distribution self-published authors or Web site
businesses get to keep all the money.

Whether you have a Print on Demand (POD) book, traditionally
printed book, or an eBook (eDocument), you can become your own
distributor these Online ways:

1. Distribute through two-step email promotion campaigns.

You don't need a Web site to sell books. Benefit from the easy
and preferred way to buy books -- email. They number more than
three trillion today.

First Step: Send a freebie to your different email lists.
Think of your email groups--customers, clients, ezine
subscribers, ePublishers, teleclass groups, and networkers.
Offer to give them a free answer to one question. Offer a free
"Special Report," or an excerpt from your book. These give your
Online relationship a good start, because increased sales come
from trust developed during relationship marketing more than
anything else.

Second Step: Follow up with your book sales letter. Each sales
message includes: headline to capture attention, background of
problem, where the potential buyer wants to be, benefits and
features of how to get there. Add testimonials and be sure they
are credible and sincere.

Be sure to ask for the sale and include several easy ways to
buy: toll free number, fax or mail by an order form placed at
the end of the sales letter, or if you have a Web site, a link
to where they can buy with a secure provider.

2. Distribute through your own ezine.

Write your own ezine if you want to attract more credibility,
trust, and sales. Because your potential clients and customers
expect a lot of free information, include useful content such as
a feature article, editor's note, resources, and tips. You'll
get to be well known as the "expert" in your field. In each
ezine, add your sales messages for your products or service.
Keep your ezine regular-once every two weeks or once a month to
start. Keep it short--a real challenge to many of us.

3. Distribute by submitting how-to free articles to top opt-in
ezines.

Online readers love free information. They subscribe to ezines
to which you can submit your well-written article. After
learning acceptable article formats from a bookcoach, start
subscribing and submitting them. Collect 5-10 edited articles
before you send. After you subscribe you can start submitting
your articles to each ezine who has a thousand or more
subscribers. These potential buyers will see your article with
your sales-powered signature file on it every time you submit
it, leading them to your Web site.

Be sure your product is up on a Web site. Many Web publishers
will take your print or eBook, sell it, and distribute it for
you for a commission of 60% or so. This is great for people who
do not have their own site.

4. Distribute through your signature file on every email you
send.

Be sure to include at the bottom of each email or article
submitted your signature file. Include your name and title, your
top benefit, a free offer, a link to where your book is sold,
your email and Web address, and your local phone number. Aim for
seven lines or less. Everyone on the net accepts this subtle
promotion form. If you do not include it, you are passing up an
easy way to draw attention to your book.

5. Distribute through your own Web site.

Create your Web site with marketing pizzazz. Don't call the Web
Master until you have your plan, the home page sales copy and
other sales copy right. Some Web people are good with colorful
graphics and whirling things, but these don't sell your book.
Be sure your sales letter gives enough information for your
potential customer to decide to buy. Ask a book or copywriting
coach to guide you.

6. Distribute through someone else's Web site.

Other ePublishers want your books--both print and eBooks.
They want you to write a 100 word or less blurb (including
benefits and testimonials). They will sell, distribute, and keep
track of your sales, sending you a check every few weeks or so.
Most give you royalties of 30-50% depending on whether it is a
print or eBook. For more information on where these sites are
contact a bookcoach.

7. Get an ISBN number.

When you put an ISBN number on your book you are listed in
"Books-in-Print." Libraries, bookstores, and Amazon.com require
ISBN. You pay $225 for 10 or $800 for 100 today. Another path to
take is to contact a publisher who works with authors who will
put in time to promote their books. I recommend
www.yowbooks.com. Marshall is taking three of my titles to
Amazon and more.

For the money and amount of work this can be, you may do better
by putting your money and time into other Online venues, because
you don't need an ISBN number when you sell from your own Web
site.

8. Distribute through a sales letter straight from your email.

Every time I want to promote my books or teleclasses, I send a
sales letter. You may already have your ezine subscribers in a
list. Collect all kinds of lists of emails to include satisfied
customers, teleclass participants, ePublishers, or fellow
networkers.

Send sales letters that promote your books, your classes, or
your service. Once I learned this follow-up method of staying in
touch with my target audience, sales rose from $75 a month to
$3000 a month in only eight months--much more the following
years. Each month, count profits, not numbers of books sold.
Internet marketing authors get to keep all the money!

After several years of research and submitting to traditional
publishing and distribution venues, I got discouraged and
decided to become an author's advocate. When I turned to the
Internet four years ago, I found that with a little delegation,
a little study with a knowledgeable coach, a little attention,
and a little money, my top-selling 10 eBooks earn enough for me
to make one-half of my income each month.

I encourage you to try this kind, gentle, and easy way to get
your print or eBook into your audience's hand.

© 2005 Judy Cullins
___

Judy Cullins: 20-year author, speaker, book coach
Helps you manifest your book and web dreams
eBk: "Create your Web Site with Marketing Pizzazz"
FREE "The Book Coach Says..." or Business Tip of the Month
www.bookcoaching.com/opt-in.shtml - mailto:Judy@bookcoaching.com
Orders: 866/200-9743 -- Ph: 619/466-0622

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4: RESOURCE LINKS
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CLICHESITE.COM - Resource website
This fun website provides a collection of clichés, euphemisms
and figures of speech, and also gives their meaning and origin.
Finding what you're looking for is as easy as pie.
http://www.ClicheSite.com

THE WRITER'S BUZZ - Writer's Community Blog
Our main focus is to help new and established writers announce
their books to the public. Writing your book is the easy part;
getting it into your readers' hands is more difficult.
A lot of good resources on setting up your own Blog.
http://www.TheWritersBuzz.com

Have you used these websites? 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 Leeza Hernandez-Stelzer
BOOKS BY DESIGN - PART II:
I have a designer, we have an agreement, now what?
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~ Understanding the process of taking your book from manuscript
to print and how to get the most out of your designer. ~

In the first installment of the Books by Design series, you read
about how to find hire and work with a designer, but what
happens once you have an artist agreement set in place?

Aah, the exciting part. Your book is about to begin its
wonderful transformation.

Working with a designer is simple enough. You talk about things,
maybe do some brainstorming, you wait a while, see some work,
talk some more, say okay and you're done, right?

Well, yes ... and no.

Remember, every project is different and so are designers.
You have already established a relationship with your visual
expert so you will have a basic idea of how they like to work.
As will they, about you. Now it's time to put plan into action.

Some useful pointers along the way:
* Be respectful - remember, you hired him for his talent and
expertise.
* Be willing - depends on the project but always be open to
suggestions, no matter how crazy they may sound. Adventurous
ideas can always be toned down. You want to be unique, yes?
* Be informed - ask for updates but don't call everyday.
The creative process doesn't usually happen overnight.
* Be happy - yes, there are deadlines to be met and bills to be
paid, but try to focus on the bigger picture (you know, the
moment you actually get to hold your finished book). Don't
stress, unless its really called for. Then take action in a
calm and civilized manner.

Do not expect:
* To give your manuscript to the designer and see a finished
product by the end of the week. Unless it was either a rush
order or you discovered the secret lair of "SuperArtist."
Note: If it was the latter, tell no-one.
* To approve it first time around and say "It's perfect! Off to
the press we go." It happens but sadly, not as often as we all
might like.
* The designer to have automatically contacted the printer.
Verify up front if the designer prefers to work with the
printer directly and act on your behalf, or do you need to
make some of the calls. It does vary. There are some terms you
may be unaware of, so it is easier for them to discuss the
details directly. You can ask to be cc'd on e-mail
correspondence and kept in the loop, though. If you prefer to
just leave them to it, that's cool. But always remember if you
see written terminology or hear a phrase you don't quite
understand, ask. (Read Books by Design: Part III for ‘Design
jargon. Finally, it all makes sense!). If someone can't
explain a phrase or word, ask for someone who can.
* The designer to read the entire manuscript. Visual thinkers
work in marvellous and mysterious ways. Some artists will be
able to grasp what they need form a table of contents, basic
overview and one or two sample chapters. Others like to read
everything and explore multiple avenues of creativity. Depends
on the book, and level of service you are paying for. But if
they say they don't need to read at least part of the
manuscript, you may want to rethink the graphics guru you
hired. David Conley, also known as Marcus Crown, author of
THE GIBBLES (www.thegibbles.com) responded to this theory
quite simply: "It doesn't make sense to fly a plane without a
flight plan. You need to study where you are going."

What to expect:
The following list may include some, or all, of the stages that
you should be aware of as you see your book begin to take shape.
It is rarely a cut and dry process. Sometimes perhaps, but not
always. There are designers-and authors -that are more thorough
than others. These items can work for both covers and interiors
with slight modifications.
* Research - Looking at the market place and assessing the
competition. Designer reading of manuscript or overview.
* Concept Development - Brainstorming. A good time to offer some
of your own suggestions, if you have any. You might wish to
offer total creative freedom.
* Discussion - Listening to the designer's ideas and be willing
to try some things a little out of the norm, if appropriate.
Agree to take certain ideas to the next level.
* Wait period - Timeframe depends on project agreement.
* Comps - Looking at one, two or maybe three cover ideas and/or
sample interior pages.
* Modification - Identify with comps that work for you. Discuss
adaptations if needed. At worst, back to the drawing board.
* Proof reading - Covers will need to be checked over for typos,
spelling etc. on front, back, spine and flaps. Interiors need
complete proofing also. Bonus advice: have a fresh set of eyes
read through or hire the services of a proof-reader, you'd be
surprised at what they might find.
* Corrections/Final draft - Usual three options: Okay as is;
Okay with ‘xyz' changes or make changes new proof required.
* Final draft - A good time to double check, especially the
cover.
* Approval - Sign off that you are happy with the presentation
and okay designer to prepare and send files to printer.
* Pre-press - The designer uploads/mails the files to the
printer for pre-flighting.
* Last chance! The printer will send out proofs to the author
for final approval for print. So once again, bonus advice!
Have yet another person glance over it. It's always a good
idea to have someone who has never read the book before take
a look. Check, double check and triple check, especially the
small-matter details such as: prices, Web sites, phone numbers
and names, etc.
* Approve for print.
* The point of no return - Off to print, your book shall go.
* Big deep breath! - while your are waiting for your book to be
printed, reward yourself with some much-needed pre-promotion
and marketing work.
* Hot off the press - six to twelve weeks later your book is
printed, shipped and on it's way to you.
* Ta-dahhhh! How long have you been waiting for this moment.
Either open up your box with friends or find some time to be
alone with your fabulous-I-am-so-happy-it's-actually-in-my-
hands book.
* Congratulations - Now, get out there and celebrate!

Coming in the August issue, Part III: Basic design tips.
Learning typical design terminology and the basic principles of
effective book design.

© 2005 Leeza Hernandez-Stelzer
___

Leeza Hernandez-Stelzer, Art Director of Conker Tree Design,
Graphics, Illustration can be contacted at (908) 392-2337 or
info@conkertree.com. Visit www.conkertree.com. Her debut book
BOOKS BY DESIGN, will be due for release late 2005. Order your
advance signed copy by e-mailing a request for an order
form. Subject line: Advance Books by Design.

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6: NEW SERVICES, PRODUCTS, DOWNLOADS
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WORD MENU v2.2 (Win98/ME/NT/2000/XP and Mac) by Stephen Glazier
Download FREE 14-day Trial version, or $34.95 (USD) to register.
A new reference software tool that organizes words by subject.
Browse by words, categories, topics, definitions, even visually
by related material. Dictionary, Thesaurus, Almanac, and more.
http://www.wordmenu.com

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7: PUBLICITY ARTICLE By Francine Silverman
Authors and Animals Are A Winning Team
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Children's book authors who bring animals - pets, pictures or
stuffed - to book signings usually sell lots of books, and have
fun too!

Joyce Sidman collaborated with teen authors on THE WORLD
ACCORDING TO DOG: Poems and Teen Voices (Houghton Mifflin
Company 2003). "Working with an extremely progressive-minded
bookstore owner (Wild Rumpus of Minneapolis), I dreamed up the
idea of a 'dog party' -- an event including dog owners and their
dogs," she says. "It took place outside, with plenty of room for
the dogs. The teen authors and I read from the book, and then we
invited the audience to write about their dogs on 4x5 cards,
which some of them read aloud. We then posted the cards on a
'Dog Wall of Fame' in the bookstore." http://www.joycesidman.com

"I did two readings for B&N," says Anita Salzberg, author of
three children's books on animals and an adult book about her
life with her husband, the turtle lover. "The first was an early
afternoon talk on TURTLES (Franklin Watts 1996), my children's
book written with my husband Allen. B&N promoted the reading and
the fact that we'd be bringing turtles. A crowd of 50 showed
up; parents, children (mostly under 5), and as many of the store
staff as could get away from their posts.

"We were told that an average crowd for a children's book
reading was closer to 20, so we and our turtles were a big hit.
First we talked about turtles and what children could learn from
our book. After that we had the children draw a turtle with the
paper and crayons we had brought. Only then did Allen walk
around with our live turtles. We both answered questions, which
came fast and furious. (For the record, a turtle cannot take off
its shell!)

"The store had ordered 25 books (softcover, $7). We sold 10 that
afternoon. The Events Coordinator explained that people would
return later and buy more books. People did. The store reordered
25 copies the next week. Okay, our sales were not on a par with
John Grisham's, but we did way better than the 5-7 copies I know
to be standard for book readings/signings by unknown authors.

"About a week later, I gave an evening reading at that same B&N
of CONFESSIONS OF A TURTLE WIFE (Bookpublisher.com 2001). Again,
the promotional materials stated that we'd be bringing live
animals."

"If you're promoting a book about animals or about people and
animals, bring the animals! Anita suggests. "As an unknown
author, you may or may not draw a crowd. But your animals sure
will.

"The corollary to this suggestion is: at your reading/
presentation, bring out the animals last. Otherwise, you will be
upstaged! No one wants to listen to you talk about your book
when they can ooh and ah over a turtle that reminds them of the
one they had as a child.

"And, of course, make sure all PR/advertising materials trumpet
the fact that you'll be brining animals to your presentation."
http://www.turtlewife.com

Sandra McLeod Humphrey, whose latest book is DARE TO DREAM
(Prometheus Books 2005), doesn't bring a pet but always includes
a drawing for a large stuffed animal at her book signings.
"The stuffed animal [attracts] the kids and the parents follow
the kids," she says. http://www.kidscandoit.com.

When her 25th book, MY LITTLE BOOK OF RIVER OTTERS (Windward
Publishing 2003), was published, Hope Marston had a cake made to
order with the otters from the book jacket on it. "We had over
100 people, more than the room could hold safely, and I sold
lots of books and stuffed animals that go with all six books in
the series," she says. Hope attributes the large turnout to the
fact that she brought along her illustrator, whose drawing of an
otter was used as a door prize.

Margot Finke is an Australian-born children's author who lives
in Oregon. The first in her series of rhyming books about
Australian and US critters is KANGAROO CLUES (Writers Exchange
E-Publishing International 2004).

Before the book was even published, Margot "did a one-hour
reading, chat, and short lesson plan, for a grade 3 writing
class," she recalls. "I started by reading several of my shorter
rhyming Aussie stories, showed an Australian map with their
unique animals pictured, plus some boomerangs, bark paintings,
fire sticks, and message sticks. I also took along a coconut I
had found on a far Queensland beach, and brought back to Oregon.
After that, I gave a short, interactive lesson on ways to choose
strong active verbs and great adjectives. I made each child an
illustrated work sheet for this fun lesson, as well as a special
badge with their name, and the words, 'Future Writers of
Oregon.'"

While Margot had no books to sell at that point, she "felt that
telling them there would soon be a fun, quality E-Book available
was worth the time and effort. I also made sure my e-mail and
the URL for my website was on the bookmark gifts I gave each
child, as well as the name of my book. I also promised the
school a CD for their library as soon as KANGAROO CLUES was
published." http://www.margotfinke.com

© 2005 Francine Silverman
___

Francine Silverman is editor/publisher of Book Promotion
Newsletter, a bi-weekly ezine for authors of all genres,
http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com, and author of
BOOK MARKETING FROM A-Z (Infinity Publishing 2005), a
compendium of marketing strategies of 325 authors.
http://buybooksontheweb.com/description.asp?ISBN=0-7414-2431-2

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8: PRESS RELEASE: BOOKS by DESIGN by Leeza Hernandez-Stelzer
------------------------------------------------------------

For Immediate Release
Contact: LEEZA HERNANDEZ-STELZER
Phone: (908) 392-2337
Email: info@conkertree.com
Web site: www.conkertree.com

BOOKS by DESIGN
A helpful guide every self-publishing author should own!

Leeza Hernandez-Stelzer -- art director, designer, illustrator
and entrepreneur - believes all books deserve good design, it's
just a matter of knowing how to turn your passion into eye-
catching pages.

In her debut book: "BOOKS by DESIGN: Creating Dynamic Visuals
for Your Book," - a must-have for every self-publishing author's
shelf - Hernandez-Stelzer guides authors, publishers and editors
through a simple process of visual thinking.

"It's important for me as a designer to connect with an author
and understand the tone and message of the manuscript,"
Hernandez-Stelzer said. "What's equally important, is for
authors to understand the value of creating a good-looking book.
I have discovered by working with authors on this level, they
not only contribute some wonderful concepts to their own book
but they also learn the importance of marrying a manuscript with
clean typography and meaningful imagery."

"BOOKS by DESIGN" is a simple guide for connecting self-
publishing and Print-on-Demand authors with designers. Learn the
basic principles of design and understand how to get the most
out of your manuscript. Use this book as a tool to help build a
solid relationship with your artist; contribute your own ideas;
recognize what works and what doesn't in a competitive market
and appreciate that a well-designed book is as important as
content and marketing.

In this book, you will discover:
- Reasons why presentation matters
- Why you'll never take layout for granted again
- How to help turn your concept into a cover
- Taking note of the competition
- Design jargon finally, it all makes sense!
- How to approach a graphic artist
- The point of the five Ps
- Ways to get visual BANG! for your buck
- Color theory, Inspiration tips and much more!

"BOOKS by DESIGN" will be featured at Book Expo America
June 3-5, 2005 at the Jacob Javitz Center in New York City.
Conker Tree Design Graphics & Illustration will be promoting
design services and connecting with trade professionals to help
promote the importance of design in publishing.
Please visit her at booth space #2040.

THIS "MUST-HAVE" LIMITED FIRST EDITION SIGNED BOOK IS DUE
FOR RELEASE OCT. 2005 *** READERS CAN ORDER IN ADVANCE. ***
E-MAIL: info@conkertree.com -- Subject line: Books By Design

Leeza Hernandez-Stelzer has worked in the media and publishing
industry in the UK and USA for the past 15 years as a designer,
illustrator and art director. She began working with self-
publishing authors on the west and east coasts of the United
States in 2004. Her New Jersey-based company Conker Tree Design,
Graphics & Illustration was created as a result. She has been
featured in Get Published Today! by Penny C. Sansevieri; and the
online newsletter: www.selfpublishedauthors.com.

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9: ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
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GREAT PUBLISHING OPPORTUNITY FOR UPLIFTING PERSONAL STORIES

A CUP OF COMFORT is a best-selling anthology book series
published by Adams Media and edited by Colleen Sell.
Each volume features powerful true stories about the experiences
and relationships that inspire and enrich our lives.
Submissions are now being sought for two new volumes:

A CUP OF COMFORT FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS
Submission Deadline: August 1, 2005

Having a baby is one of the most exciting, challenging, and
magical experiences in a woman's life. It can also be an
emotional roller-coaster ride and a physical endurance test.
Never more so than during pregnancy does a woman need a little
extra TLC. The 50 heartwarming true stories selected for
inclusion in this anthology are sure to bring comfort, joy, and
encouragement to expectant moms of all ages and backgrounds,
whether awaiting the arrival of their first child or their
tenth. For this volume, we want positive personal stories about
the memorable experiences that inspire, reassure, sustain, and
delight women during those wondrous and sometimes anxious months
of planning, conceiving, carrying, delivering, and welcoming
home her new bundle(s) of joy. Any topic relevant to this unique
time in a woman's life is acceptable, as long as the story is
positive and meaningful to expectant mothers overall.

A CUP OF COMFORT FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Submission Deadline: October 1, 2005

A child's diagnosis of autism usually strikes fear in the hearts
of parents and often turns their world upside-down and their
lives inside-out. The incidence of this mysterious neuro-
biological disorder has risen dramatically in recent years,
leaving parents in search of answers, support, and hope.
For this inspirational volume, we seek personal anecdotal
stories (not prescriptive articles) about the unique aspects of
parenting a child with autism and related disorders (Asperger
syndrome, Rett's disorder, disintegrative disorder, pervasive
developmental disorder). Possible themes include, but are not
limited to: impact on other members of family; creative
solutions to everyday challenges; breakthroughs; effective
treatments; silver linings; tender moments; helpful support;
unexpected positive outcomes; blessings large and small; reasons
for hope; adult children with autism. We are most interested in
stories written by parents, but will also consider and likely
publish some stories written by professionals and family members
or friends with intimate knowledge of the child and parents in
question.

Note: Deadlines are sometimes extended. Additional volumes
(themes to be determined) are planned.

Stories must be original (not derived from another published
work), true, positive, in English, and 1,000-2,000 words.
Open to aspiring, unpublished, and published writers.

Payment: One $500 grand prize per book; $100 each, all other
published stories. Plus copy of book.

Guidelines are found at: http://www.cupofcomfort.com
Click on 'Share Your Story' or email request to
cupofcomfort@adamsmedia.com.

A CUP OF COMFORT is published by Adams Media, an
F+W Publications Company, and edited by Colleen Sell
Email: wordsinger@aol.com

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10: COMMENTARY by Gerri D Smith
Using Your Intuition
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"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
- Nelson Mandela, Inaugural Speech, 1994

Intuition is divine guidance. Sometimes it is known as a hunch.
Whatever you choose is call it, intuition is a mighty powerful
lead that directs you to take immediate action. Do you follow
your intuition or do you allow doubt and reason to step in?

A sudden lead or intuition comes to you in a quick moment.
When it feels right and works, you must give in to it. And in
order for it to benefit you, it must be nurtured, practiced, and
demonstrated. This happens when you act on your inner voice,
that unexplained thought, or when you make a decision that turns
out to be exactly the answer you were looking for.

It is the same as when you get a spiritual revelation to help
someone in need with either your time or money. This too, is a
demonstration of your intuition in action. That good deed will
be returned to you in multiple ways. It works in your business
life as well as your personal life. How many successful people
do you know who started out with just an idea or thought that
came to them unexpectedly? How about McDonald's? Wendy's? The
World Wide Web? Most ideas are based on intuition.

Sometimes your intuition or your hunches are unexplainable.
When that happens, it is God's way of guiding you to take a step
in a different direction, or to trust His lead. It always turns
out to be a perfect idea.

How many times have you ever gotten a strong urge to obey a
certain thought? Did it come at an unexpected time? Did you act
on it? Did you get an unexpected surprise? On many occasions my
intuition has led me to an unexpected surprise.

While taking a walk on my lunch hour, I can walk in several
different directions, either when leaving or returning to my
office. In deciding which street to turn on I usually follow my
intuition. And in doing so, I often run into someone I hadn't
seen for months; or someone I'd lost contact with, or someone I
used to work with and the re-acquainting moments and emotions
are always so precious.

Later, in thinking back, I might wonder at how I might have
missed the opportunity if I hadn't followed my intuition and
hadn't walked in the direction that I was guided to go. If I
hadn't followed my inner voice, those precious moments of a
chance meeting would never have happened.

So, never question your intuition. It is unexplainable,
mysterious, and many times it is divine law in action. Give
thanks for your intuition. Whenever you follow your divine leads
or your inner guidance, you are blessed with receiving an
unexpected surprise. Though, to follow your inner voice, it
often takes an act of faith.

However, when you are indecisive and not sure which way to go,
try to be at peace with your choice - whether good or bad. Since
all effort is an act of faith, nothing will be lost even if you
make a wrong decision or miss a big opportunity. Learn to
forgive yourself and remember: if one door closes, another one
soon opens. This is God's way of showing you that your life is a
part of His perfect plan.

Trust your intuition. Trust your hunches. Trust your inner
voices or urges. They are all blessings for you to use to their
fullest. Trust your small decisions as well as the major ones.
Trust your business decisions as well as the ones that affect
your personal life. Everything that happens to you, happens for
a reason. Remember, intuition is a powerful force that must not
be resisted to work. It gives God a chance to give your life His
perfect pleasure.

© 2005 Gerri D Smith
___

Gerri D Smith publishes and hosts a Free monthly newsletter to
inspire, motivate, and encourage individuals, small business
owners, and entrepreneurs to reach for their dreams. An internet
resource creating multiple ways for you to unlock the doors to
success and wealth. You deserve to be successful and rich.
Visit: http://www.distinctivebusinesswomen.com
Or, send your correct email address to:
gerri@distinctivebusinesswomen.com?Subject=Subscribe

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11: CLASSIFIED ADS
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12: Subscriber Management / Contact Information
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