Welcome to the zany ideas of a productive writer

Zany Ideas That Increase Writing Productivity And Quality. Welcome to the zany ideas of a productive writer. My students keep reminding me of my unusual tools and how helpful they have been for them. I also thank my students for their concept testing and refinement. Now, I feel much more confidant about sending them out into the world.

For the next few minutes let your imagination run amuck. Okay, amuck is a little too far out there, so what about allowing an open mind for the time being. Afterwards, you can let your mind ruminate.

My office has a beautiful “u” shape ash wood desk that I'm proud of. Partially due to its price and uniqueness. It is here, I handle my emails, pay bills, read, coach, and edit there. Yet, I had difficulty setting the ground work for my writing. Tasks like creating first drafts, deciding on the major points, or creating a table of contents. Because of this I usually seek another environment that sparks these efforts.

Probably like yourself, I found my best ideas arrive when I'm in the shower, when I first wake, while driving, or while walking. Just to name a few. Let's take a short side trip, I want to share with you how I capture my thoughts during these light-bulb moments.

While walking I use a tape recorder on an adjustable camera strap around my neck. Voice activation and the mike pointed up towards your chin are musts. To start recording all you need to do is tuck in your chin and begin speaking. I say my name first usually because the first one or two words get lost while the recorder's activation mode kicks on. Heavy breathing or puffing, since it goes forward and not down, usually does not activate the recorder.

In the shower, I use a pen I purchased while visiting NASA in Florida. It can write in extreme temperatures and underwater. A grease pen works well if you don't mind writing large. It is also cheaper. Add a diver's under water board and you're ready.

For driving, I use the same method as I do for my walks. Normally the engine noise will activate the recorder if left on the seat. That is, unless you have a car that is perfectly quiet inside.

Okay, side track over, back to zany ideas.

During the day I found myself playing musical chairs when writing. At home and in the office. My lounge chair in my bedroom was right for personal journaling. Early outside sunrises was for new inspirations.

My living room recliner was good for brainstorming from reading. For writing personal development topics, the left seat of the couch next to a very large scenic picture window is the place. For long how tos, it was the dining room table or a specific McDonalds. I don't know if it was the smell of grease or the acoustics that lit a fire under my pen.

The library and its smell of old books make me tired and snoozy. Sometimes my mind felt too vibrant and jumpy with all the possibilities and paths open to me.

Do you like to stare out the window? Me too! I have an awesome view from my wall-to-wall office window. I use to think day dreaming on a topic wasn't productive but have found the openness feeling brings in expansiveness to my writings. As long as I'm not sitting at my desk while staring.

What can you do when you need to spark the imagination and you have already taken a shower? Do you take another? What about driving? With gas prices jumping skyward who wants to drive just to spark the creative bug.

Here are a few ideas on how to solve:

Buy a miniature waterfall to recreate the shower feel. Or use a sound devices that imitates a rambling brook or rain. Place it carefully where you want to fuel a particular type of muse. Turn it on, close your eyes, and place yourself in the shower. Toss some water on your face before hand if that helps. One of my clients, turns on the shower, sits in the bathroom for a few minutes to kick the process in, and then she moves to a chair.

Instead of driving, sit in the car with your left hand on the steering wheel, close your eyes, and imagine the movement, holding a pen in the right hand with paper balanced on your knee or on a board. If you are returning home do this after you have parked. The movement of the car will remain.

Some of these may be zany for you, some not. Spark your imagination, try new and different things. Try them at least three or four times and adapt to what feels right for that moment. Your writing productivity and creativity is sure to double.

- Read More -

Look at the name you chose for your main characters. Does the name suit them?

I have said above that if a secondary character tells the story of the main character, then the spotlight should be kept on the main character.

This shouldn’t be taken to the extreme though.

In other words, you don’t just write the story of the main character without telling your readers a bit about your secondary character.

Unless the reader understands the reason a secondary character is telling the story, it will seem peculiar that the main character isn’t telling it himself. It is, after all, the main character’s story.

So, the following have to be answered…

• Who is this secondary character?
• Why is he telling the story instead of the main character?
• What is his connection with the main character?

Weave in some information about the secondary character so we can gain a better understanding of his role in the story.

_____________

Does The Name You Chose Suit Your Character?

How do you choose a name? Do you put down the first name that pops into your mind? Initially that’s what I used to do, until someone pointed out to me that there are a few things to take into consideration when choosing a name…

1. You Have To Be Comfortable With It

We associate names with people we know. If you like a certain name but know and dislike a person who bears it, will you feel comfortable using that name in your story?

Will you mentally shut that person out or will you be reminded of them each time you type that name?

Our characters have to be likable to us before they can become likeable to our readers. Will your dislike for that person transfer to your character?

2. It Must Be Easy To Pronounce

The English language can be, at times, misleading. How many words, and even names we spell one way and pronounce another? If the name you have chosen falls into this category, will your readers know how to pronounce it?

For years I use to pronounce the beautiful name ‘Sean’ exactly how it’s written ‘Seen,’ when it’s pronounced by the much nicer sounding ‘Shorn.’ Will the name you choose bear the same problem?

If you choose a difficult pronouncing name for your character and worse, one that’s not widely known, you stand to lose the effect of that name. A beautiful sounding name can be utterly destroyed if your reader doesn’t know how to pronounce it.

Your story has to flow. If the name you’ve chosen is not easy to pronounce, the readers will constantly stop each time they come across it. This will disrupt the flow of your story.

3. Foreign Sounding Names

The same as the above applies to foreign sounding names. They must be easy to pronounce. Consider the following:

• Yahiya
• Indihar
• Gschu
• Lyudmila

These names sound exotic but they don’t exactly roll off the tongue. Should you compromise the flow of the story for the sake of a name?

4. Does The Name Suit Your Character?

Not all names suit all people and not all names will suit all characters. Like clothing and hairstyles, names go out of fashion too.

For example...

Let’s say your heroine is a lively, upbeat, modern lady. Will it suit her type of personality if we choose the name ‘Mabel’? ‘Mabel’ we usually associate with an elderly aunt or grandmother.

What about your hero? Let’s say he’s a young man who possesses a powerful personality. Will the name ‘Hubert?’ suit him? ‘Hubert’ would suit an elderly character or perhaps a ‘quiet’ character.

5. They Shouldn’t Start With The Same Letter

If you’re going to have two main characters in your story and their names start with the same letter, it will read a little awkwardly.

Example…

• David and Debra
• Sam and Sue
• George and Gina

6. Surnames

Like we carefully choose the first name for our characters, we have to be careful when selecting their surnames. Just like first names, there are certain surnames, which sound better than others.

When selecting a surname, make sure it has a pleasant ring, when used with the first name. Using names, which rhyme like, Jeff Jefferson, sound amusing. If this is the effect you wish to create then using it is fine.

7. Stereotype Names

Are you thinking of naming your character Adolph or Judas? There’s nothing wrong with these names, except for the fact that we tend to associate them with that single person in history who bore them. Will your reader trust your hero if you name him Judas?

8. Famous Names

I recall a quote I once read which went something like this…

“Nothing grows under the shade of a tree.”

If you name your character Elvis, Madonna etc.. Will your character be able to outshine the ultra famous person of whom the world knows? I doubt it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When naming characters there are also a few other points to consider…

Naming them will not only depend on what kind of people they are, but who their parents or guardians were (if the parents or guardians play some sort of role in your story). After all, we don’t name ourselves, do we? So take into consideration the following…

1) What kind of people are the parents?

a) Free spirited?

Unusual names will rank highly amongst people like this.
For example,

• The seasons of the year
• Or perhaps a month in the year
• Or an object
•  Etc

b) Conservative?

These types of people tend to use the full name rather than an abbreviated version of it.
For example,

• Kathleen instead of Kat
• Michael instead of Mike
• Etc

2) What Is The Parents/Guardians Nationality?

If they’re traditional, they will choose a name, which is popular in their country. Also traditional parents/guardians tend to give their children the names of their own parents or other relatives.

Look at the name you chose for your main characters. Does the name suit them?

- Read More -

Is your main character established at the start of your story?

In the beginning of your story you have to grab your readers’ interest and sustain it till the end. Our hook is our character. Readers keep on reading to find out more about the character. To see what he’ll do in the story; how he’ll solve his problems. What his goals are and whether he’ll achieve them.

And because our character is the reason readers become hooked on our stories, establishing him at the start is a must in a short story. And it is essential to establish him at the start because we don’t have the capacity in our limited word length to introduce him at our leisure.

The bond between readers and character has to be developed almost immediately.

You might have a few characters though. How do you decide who your main character will be? A main character is one that drives the story.

Think of it this way… If we were to take him away, there will be no story because it’s his story we are telling. The story will unfold by what is happening or what has happened to him.

When you establish who your main character will be, the next thing to do is to find which of your characters is in the best position to tell the story. Will your main character tell his story or will you give that role to another character?

This is what we call Viewpoint and what we’ll see in more detail in proceeding chapters.

Your main character isn’t necessarily the one who is telling the story; he might not even appear in our story ‘physically’ but will be there through the thoughts of others. So the viewpoint character might be a secondary character.

Whoever is telling the story is the viewpoint character.

The viewpoint character gives the colouring of the story. Whatever this characters says, we will believe. It may or may not be true, according to the main character, but because he isn’t there ‘physically’ to voice his opinions, we will have to take the viewpoint character’s word for it.

In a novel you can play around with viewpoint. You can have several viewpoint characters. In a short story it works best with one.

So your main character, whether he’ll be telling his own story or someone else will be doing it for him, has to be established at the start of your story.

Having said that, let’s see the reasons why the main character may not be telling his own story...

• Perhaps our main character is one that readers won’t sympathize or empathize with.
• Or the main character will not view highly with our readers
• Or the viewpoint character knows all the facts and can tell the story better
• Etc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Let me give you an example of a secondary character telling the story of a main character…

Let’s say your secondary character is a psychiatrist and the main character is the patient. Depending on what’s going to go on in the story, we’ll have to choose who’s in a better position to tell it. In this case, I will choose the psychiatrist.

I’ve done this because the patient is confused, being the one with the problems. The psychiatrist knows all the facts and his opinions will make things clearer to readers.

So, as the secondary character (the psychiatrist) unravels the story, we’ll become involved in the main character because it’s the main character’s story that is been told.

This may get a little confusing to the beginner writer. As they write they will have to keep in mind that the secondary character, although he’s telling the story, is NOT our main character.

The secondary character is there to do perform a task. He’s only the voice. It’s the main character we’ll become involved with.

A secondary character doesn’t play such an important role as a main character does. Therefore, information about secondary characters should be kept to a minimum. It’s not his story – it’s the main character’s story and the spotlight must, most times, be kept on the main character.

Take the above example for instance. It’s no relevance to the story how the psychiatrist started his career or where he received his diploma – what’s important, is what he has to say about the main character, his patient.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Introduce your main character straight away, as close to the beginning of the story that’s possible. Enable your readers to form a bond and that will keep them hooked.

Is your main character established at the start of your story?

- Read More -

Setting up and Implementing a Successful Publicity Campaign

Many authors hit a roadblock when it comes to putting together and implementing a book marketing plan. You know you need to have one, you have a vague idea of what it needs to include, but pulling it all together into a step-by-step plan of attack is not nearly as easy as it sounds.

A good starting point is to break your plan up into major categories. From there, you can further define and set up strategies for each area of your book marketing plan.

The first thing that comes to mind for most authors and self publishers is book store sales. Makes sense doesn't it? That's where people buy books don't they? It's true that making your book available to the general public through bookstores is a very vital component of your marketing plan. However, it is just that -- one single component of your plan. There are many elements that will make up your book marketing plan and arranging to have your book available in bookstores is just one of them. Let's call that component #1:

Book Marketing Plan Component #1

Making Books Available in Bookstores

Now, it's one thing to secure placement for your book on the bookstore shelves, but now how are people going to know it's there? Customers can't (and won't) buy something they've never heard of. This is where the publicity component of your Book Marketing Plan comes into play. Setting up and ongoing publicity campaign is the number one way to drive customers to the bookstore to buy your book. We'll call this component #2:

Book Marketing Plan Component #2

Setting up and Implementing a Successful Publicity Campaign

Besides book stores, you can also sell your books to nontraditional book buyers like display retailers, book clubs, catalogs, gift retailers, volume buyers (think Costco and Price Club), corporations, foundations and foreign markets. We sell thousands of self published books to buyers like these all the time and targeting these buyers should make up a good portion of your book marketing plan. This will be component #3:

Book Marketing Plan Component #3

Non-traditional Markets

In this day and age, you would be making a big mistake if you didn't include the internet as a vital component of your Book Marketing Plan. The internet is the best way to directly reach your target customers. It is also the best way to sell to them since you cut out any third parties and retain 100% of the profits. There are many ways to research the internet to ensure that there is a demand for your book and the best ways to fill that demand.

Book Marketing Plan Component #4

The Internet - Your Book Website

These are the four most important components of your Book Marketing Plan. Now you must research each component individually to customize the approach you take for your book.

- Read More -

Thousands of booksellers and librarians found their buying decisions on reviews

How to Utilize Galleys for Best Results. Once your book hits bookstore shelves, you've got approximately eight months to produce sales. If your book doesn’t prove itself after the eight months, it will almost certainly get pulled. So the time to do your marketing is way before your book even thinks about hitting the shelves.

Thousands of booksellers and librarians found their buying decisions on reviews. But the major review journals (i.e. Library Journal and Publishers Weekly) will only review your book if you send them a bound manuscript – a.k.a. bound galley - three to four months in advance of your targeted publication date.

A galley is a compilation of unbound signature pages of your book. The contents of a galley can be photocopied or printed from your computer.

A bound galley is a galley that has been bound into book form. Bound galleys are generally produced after a manuscript has been typeset but before proofreading.

If you plan on sending out more than 25 pre-publication review copies and you do not have access to a photocopier, it may be more cost-effective to make bound galleys. This is because galley printers typically charge less per page than your local copy shop.

The majority of reviewers are content to read books in manuscript form, but it is worthwhile to get them bound in some way. Your should do the trick. A small amount of reviewers do object to bound manuscripts, since they are usually more bulky than galleys.

Make sure the galley or bound manuscript includes this information either on the cover or first page:

• title
• author
• publication date
• ISBN
• number of pages
• price
• trim size
• hardcover or softcover
• number of illustrations and/or photographs
• publisher name and contact information
• distributor name and contact information
• publicist name, address and contact information
• print something like this on the cover: “Uncorrected proof. Galley copy only. Do not quote without prior permission from the publisher.”

Electronic galleys (egalleys) are the next stride in the evolution of the printed galley. Egalleys can have the same contents of printed galleys – they are just in ebook format. Egalleys are faster, easier, and cost much less to produce than printed galleys.

Egalley invitations can be emailed to everyone you'd send a bound galley: reviewers, catalogs, libraries, journalists, resellers, Websites, bookstore buyers, and other agents of influence.

My suggestion: Use a combination of both printed and electronic galleys. Send bound galleys to the most significant reviewers while using egalleys to expand your marketing reach to independent bookstores, smaller publications, and international markets. If possible, send the reviewer/buyer the version they prefer.

- Read More -

Knowing the secrets of successful authors can help you receive the same prestige and become a household word

If you are not a successful author yet, incorporate the following 10 Secrets:

1. Treat your book as a business.

You spend many hours creating a masterpiece to help your audience. It follows then, you need to set up a regular time schedule to market and promote it.

2. Create a flyer for each book you offer.

Hand out your flyer at business meetings or at any public place. Ask your audience to pass the flyer along to friends and associates. Offer one free report or ezine on the flyer to get new email addresses to send promotion to later.

3. Create a line or two about your book in your signature file that goes on every email you send.

After your name, title, and benefit statements, add something like: eBk: "Write your eBook or Other Book--Fast!" Include your addresses and phone numbers too.

4. Invest some money in book marketing.

Contact a book coach and schedule a low-cost introductory session to see if you are a match and will get what you need. Many authors print too many copies or use an expensive service to get book finished instead of putting aside an equal amount to market it.

5. Take a teleclass on how to market your book.

These low cost and low time investments can make your book the great seller it should be. Discover inexpensive ways to market via the phone and email. How convenient!

6. Don't get fooled by high-cost services.

If it's too good to be true, it isn't true. When you hire someone to do it all for you, it can cost over $1000 a month with small results. Check out what services fit your budget, and get a realistic picture of what your results will be.

7. Delegate some of the marketing.

Like me, hire a low-cost computer assistant from your local high school. They know more than many professionals. For under $10 an hour, you can multiply your promotion exponentially via ecommerce your assistant does for you 2-3 times a week.

8. Set a dollar goal for your book each month.

Don't count copies sold. Count each month's book sales. Put your goal near your workstation to remind you of what you want. Don't price your book too low, so you'll appreciate an easy experience--getting what you deserve for all your work.

9. Learn more about Internet book marketing.

Think about reaching hundreds of thousands of your audience every week. When you give them what they want--free information--they will eventually buy. Many authors go the traditional path of talks, ads or press releases. They don't always pay well for the effort.

10. Don't stop marketing.

Many clients come to me and say they are discouraged their book didn't sell well in four months. Replace doubt with patience for the process. Success takes many months, but once you get it, the Internet keeps it multiplied for you.

Knowing the secrets of successful authors can help you receive the same prestige and become a household word.

- Read More -

Still think ebook publishers don't need autoresponders?

I'll bet you think ebook publishers don't need autoresponders, am I right? Well they do!

And here's why...

Reason #1. If you publish more than one ebook, why not make up a list of your titles and call it a catalog. Then place your list on a autoresponder, then you could tell people to send a blank email to your autoresponder to get your free catalog via email.

Reason #2. If your ebook is in EXE format, some people will be afraid to buy and/or download it. You could place a copy of any reviews you have of your ebook on a autoresponder along with a sample chapter. This way people could get a peek at your ebook contents, plus their fears would be eased by knowing that someone else has bought, downloaded and reviewed your ebook.

Reason #3 Let's say you use one or both of the above, but still no one buys or downloads your ebook/s. Let me ask you this, "Did you send them a follow-up message?" You do know that most people need see your offer at least 3-5 times before they will make a decision. Don't you?

Well now that you know, you will need a autoresponder that can automatically follow-up for you. This way you only need to set it up once then let it do the work for you.

I found a company that will not only give you free follow-up autoresponders, they will also pay you to help them give them away.

Here are some of the features they offer:

• Instant, reliable delivery  (in only 10 to 30 seconds!)
• Unlimited, reliable follow ups (up to 5, even 10 times!)
• Unlimited message length
• Unlimited message changes
• Control Panel Interface is easy and simple
• Powerful personalization features
• Database of your prospects' e-mail addresses
• Powerful mailing list management features
• AOL and WebTV friendly

Let's see your prospects' request your information via e-mail and they get it in a matter of seconds.

Then their names and e-mail addresses will be added to your database and then the system schedules delivery of the next follow up messages (at a time you decide on for the next follow-up message to go out) all automatically.

This is a completely FREE service and very easy to set up. After you're done setting it up, your ebook marketing machine will be working for you 24-7. Still think ebook publishers don't need autoresponders?

- Read More -

Everyone has an idea or story that could be published

Many of us have heard the term “residual income” many times before. It simply means getting paid over and over for the effort you have put forth one time. In sales, I may sell a product that a customer will need over and over for many years. I can expect to earn residual commissions for that one time effort.

Imagine now, writing your own book and earning on-going royalties for many years off of that effort. Now I know the thoughts that are going through your mind, “Yeah, that would be nice, but I’m certainly no John Grisham.”

Well, you really don’t need to be in order to make an incredible living at writing and publishing. Sometimes, all it takes is a great idea. Here’s an example—Cindy Cashman took a simple idea and made over $1 million from marketing her book, Everything Men Know about Woman by Dr. Richard Harrison (her pseudonym). Here’s the funny part: All 96 pages of the book are completely blank! Women were buying her book by the caseload to give out to friends. Cindy has made enough off that one idea to completely retire.

The Chicken Soup for the Soul books have been one of the most popular series around and they are nothing more than a compilation of individual heartwarming stories. The authors, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen don’t have to write a word. For them, it means gathering these true stories under a particular theme and then having them edited.

I’m currently reading a book a friend recommended entitled Conversations with Millionaires. In it, the authors Mike Litman and Jason Oman interview several millionaires to find out their wealth producing secrets. Here’s the interesting part: The whole book was originally recorded on the Mike Litman radio show. The show was then transcribed to book format and has become an international bestseller since!

Everyone has an idea or story that could be published. The challenge is learning to market your story.

- Read More -

How To Get The Most From Your Free eBook Marketing Campaign

First, your ebook needs to have an attractive title. The title should grab the attention of your intended target audience. The more appealing the title, the more your ebook will be downloaded.

Your ebook needs to have quality content. You can write your own content or ask permission to use another author's content. Your ebook will be read more if the content is original.

You will want to put your ad on the title page or on the table of contents. This will give the most exposure for your web site or the products you're selling.

It's important to put your ebook in as many formats as possible. Most ebook software only allows the ebook to be read by certain browers and software.

People may not take the time to download a new software program in order to read your ebook. Other versions of your ebook could be in HTML, auto responder and downloadable text format.

You can contact other business owners and ask them if they would like to include their ad in your ebook. Just ask them in return to advertise your

free ebook on their web site or in their e-zine for a set period of time. This method will get your free ebook marketing campaign off to a fast start.

Allow the people who download your ebook to give it away to their visitors. This will multiply your free ebook's exposure. Submit your ebook to the growing number of free ebook directories on the internet.

- Read More -

Living as God

Living as God - From an esoteric invitation, Namaste Publishing presented me with P. Raymond Stewart's "Living as God - Healing the Separation." 

 Unveiling the mysteries surrounding the great "I Am," Living as God is the quintessential resource for the soul searcher and curious minds alike. Opening the heart and mind, this metaphysical novel adds fresh dimension towards uncovering hidden knowledge to the ancient, illusive question: "Who is God?" 

A divine comparison liken to the Tree of Life and its intricate and ever-expanding branches, Living as God redefines the sacred realm of spirituality and offers impromptu revelation of spellbinding enlightenment. 

After meticulously reading Stewart's original book, I felt an overwhelming sense of philosophical awareness and total inner peace. Living as God is the culmination of divine intervention and candid, human introspect. 

- Read More -

Legacies and Adventures Teach the Importance of Pursuing You

Legacies and Adventures Teach the Importance of Pursuing You - Legacies and Adventures Teach the Importance of Pursuing Your Dreams

Many parents want to teach their children the importance of identifying and pursuing their dreams and the value of a strong faith in God. In the new book Saint Brendan and the Voyage Before Columbus (Paulist Press, December 2004, paperback, 32 pages) author Dr. Mike McGrew and illustrator Marnie Saenz Litz share the story of St. Brendan and his legendary voyage to North America. 

Through lyrical prose and vivid illustrations, this book recounts the life history of Saint Brendan, the Irish monk who spread the message of Jesus Christ in his own land of Ireland and, legend states, beyond to the land of Tir-na-n-Og and to its native “painted saints”, a thousand years before Columbus set sail for North America. Whether fact or fiction, Brendan’s voyage has sparked the enthusiasm and adventurous spirit of many, including sailors who count him as their patron saint. 

The great value in providing children with the images of concrete role models is that it helps them see that they too can capture their dreams. McGrew shares Saint Brendan’s story with zeal and energy, stressing the saint’s reliance on God’s protection and his appreciation for God’s hand in the nature surrounding him and in his brother monks. Children who might not sit still for a dry recitation of the facts of a saint’s life will be drawn in and inspired by this book and its message to trust in God and pursue your dreams. Aimed at children ages four through eight, the book will also be enjoyed by older adventurers and those interested in the lives of the saints.

- Read More -

A Good Book Cover Design is Key!

A Good Book Cover Design is Key!  - Marketing your Book cover, Spine and Information. 

Whether you've written your book or are just starting out, having an eye catching cover is a must. Did you know that customers may be looking over your book for 10 seconds or less? A good book cover entices the customer to want to read more information and to result in a purchase. To accomplish this, you need to know what catches a customers eyes. A good place to start is your friends and family. Ones that you trust. Ask their opinions. If you're uncomfortable with asking your inner circle or would like your book's cover to be a surprise, look to the net. You can post your book's cover idea and receive feedback. Only post your idea on the net if you trust it won't be stolen. When deciding to create my book cover for Mysterious Chills and Thrills for Kids, I looked at many other ones in the children's field. I kept in mind which book covers attracted me and for the ones that didn't, why it didn't. Keep in mind that not everyone is going to agree with your taste. 

The same applies to your back cover information about your book. If the book is fiction, you'll need to ensure the customer that their entertainment dollars are worth purchasing your book. If your book is non-fiction, show the customer the benefits of purchasing. Can it help solve a problem? Many customers want to know that they are buying something that in some form can benefit them. You'll also need to show how your book is better than then next one in it's category. 

Don't forget the spine and price. If your book is spine out, it'll need to attract the customer's eyes. When they pull out your book, the price can turn a purchase away. Look at other books in the field and price accordingly. Much lower prices than your competition may appear to sell more but may give the idea that your work isn't as good. 

Self publishing, Small Press or a Large Publishing company, either way your book is competing against others out there. Make it count! 

- Read More -

Entertainment Industry's Leader in PR

Entertainment Industry's Leader in PR - Syan's Writing Services has started 2005 with much success! We have added new services and continue to provide the entertainment industry with the best in public relations! 

Syan, the expert in press writing is the industry's most wanted for press releases, bio's, website content, and book reviews. 

Before you seek a PR writer to send out your next press release, write your artist bio, or website content you might want to reconsider your choice. Syan Newton, the entertainment industry's leader in fresh and innovative writing for labels, studios, and events has been blazing cyber space with news on upcoming artists, web site launches, record label awards, and artist bio's.

No newcomer to the industry wants to be under-exposed or libeled. Syan provides the right amount of exposure and gives the client the edge they need in order to provoke the right publicity. 

Ms. Newton's services also include distributing her client's press releases internationally! 

One of her clients describes an experience working with Syan as, "very rewarding...I presented my ideas to her, to let her know what I wanted-she was very prompt and over-exceeded my expectations-now my company is internationally known!" 

According to Syan, her clients receive VIP treatment with expert results. She says, "I view my clients as customers who come to me to receive a service. I respond with a willingness and desire to produce what ever it is that is needed to get their name out." 

Ms. Newton, alumni of Georgia State University in Atlanta, has been writing for 15 years. Her creativity and originality with words is phenomenal. 

It seems as though Ms. Newton will be someone we will hear more about as her regional renown continues to grow. If you are someone urgently needing more 

publicity or recognition you will be more than satisfied with Syan's Writing Services. 

Contact Information: 

Syan Newton
Phone: (404) 421-8573
Email: syan@hdqtrz.com

- Read More -

Let's NOT Talk Turkey

Let's NOT Talk Turkey - The carving. The leftovers. The endless stuffing. Actually, you love the stuffing, cranberries and turkey trimmings. However, it's been seven years and you know your family will throw the turkey out the window if they have to eat the bird one more Christmas (and never mind the lectures about starving children in Ethiopia---or better yet, send them the turkey if you can get it through security.)

The Pilgrims and your third-grade teacher started something by preaching the turkey gospel. But if you didn't have turkey---as your vegetarian friends remind you, it's so much better than Big Macs--- what would you serve?

Some ideas:

• Lasagna---it's always a crowd-pleaser.
• Slice avocadoes and combine with sliced cucumbers, chopped green olives, diced tomatoes, and sliced onions for a winter red/green salad.
• Serve Mexican and have a "Feliz Navidad" party.
• Serve Holiday Noodles---Thai, lo mein, crispy, or egg noodles tossed with scallions and covered with red curry powder or red pepper.
• Get your Omega-3 boost from salmon, made festive with salsa and guacamole toppings.
• Make a "Christmas pizza": green peppers, tomatoes, goat cheese, green olives...let your imagination run wild!

Of course, don't forget the Christmas cookies!

Enjoy the turkey-free healthy and tasty holiday traditions you've created.

- Read More -

Simple Tips for Creating a Good Book Poster

Simple Tips for Creating a Good Book Poster - Posters can be a great and inexpensive way to promote your book. But don't rush right out until you know the key items to include on your poster.

The Title and Author's name

Make sure to have a bigger font than the rest of your poster to bring attention to the title and author of the book. This may be the only aspect of the poster they remember.

ISBN, Where to Purchase, Price, Pages and Cover

Be up front with where customers can purchase your book. Including the ISBN number can also help with searching for your book on line. Many times a customer will look for the price and become annoyed at having to search for it and how many pages the book contains. When having your book cover on your poster, you want it to be as clear and sharp as possible. 

The Facts

Be straight forward on what your book is about. Mystery may entice a reader, but clear facts are more likely to progress to a sell if your content is what the customer is looking for.

Reviews

It's a good idea to show blurbs of your favorable book reviews both customer and editorial.

Optional Items

A photo of yourself- Sometimes customers feel better buying with a face in mind, but this sometimes can backfire.

Table of Contents- This part may become very long on your posters so perhaps partial view of the TOC would be best.

Contact/Homepage- Your customers may have questions, please keep in mind that this could lead to spam. Directing others to your homepage would be a better option. Treat your e-mail as if it were your phone number.

Don't forget to make sure your poster is printed on good quality paper with rich ink. Good luck! 

- Read More -