Reblogged from Bookmasters Blog:

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Summary

Are you as comfortable in the kitchen as you are in your blue jeans? Would you like to be? In Blue Jean Chef: Comfortable in the Kitchen, Meredith Laurence, the Blue Jean Chef, helps you settle into your comfort zone in the kitchen with tips, tricks, explanations of cooking techniques, and over two hundred recipes. Meredith shares knowledge acquired from years working in cooking schools, test kitchens, and restaurants in France, Canada, and the USA.

Read more… 538 more words

1. You have good taste – You know what you like and do not like. You know what works for you. You know what you want to do with your life in a general sense, though you are sort of unclear on the specifics. But you definitely know what works and what does not. What is good and what is bad and what is in between.
2. There is a gap – Even though you know what works, your work is just not that good. You get frustrated and annoyed because you know what needs to be done, what your goal was, but you missed it. You missed the mark. Does that mean you are not cut out for this field? No! That is what I am trying to tell you.
3. You have potential –What is the difference between potential and success? Failure. Lots and lots of trail an error. Experience. I know, it really is not fun to try and fail over and over again, but that is how you learn. This is the point where most beginners get frustrated and give up. They move on the more ‘suitable’ fields and spend their lives behind a desk, thinking that their talent is only worthy of hobby status.
4. Failure is normal –Never, ever give up. If you really have a passion for being creative, then you have to keep going past the failures. It can take years to get past the failure stage. Your work will never seem to be good enough. It will never come out the way you want it too. It will always seem to fall short.
5. Do a lot of work – The only way to get past the failure stage is to do a lot of work. Work all the time. Practice every day. Write a lot. Paint a lot. Sing a lot. Dance a lot. Whatever your field, do it all the time. Practice makes perfect, right? Well, practice is also a way to learn, to iron out the wrinkles, to toss out what does not work and refine what does.
6. Make deadlines – Even if the deadlines are self-imposed, make them. You need pressure to work well and really get things accomplished. It could be daily, weekly, or monthly deadlines. Make them. Make them harder each time you are successful in completing one. Make them reasonable so you do not get frustrated. Just have deadlines and work hard.
7. High volume – Do not just do one thing over and over again. Do a lot of things. Even if they are small, doing different things will teach you different methods. They will help you find out what works for you and what does not. What makes you go faster and be more creative and what bogs you down. Doing varied work means you learn more about who you are and how you create.
8. Have goals – If you do not have a goal you are working towards then what is the point of working? It may just be to complete a body of work. It may be to get published or promoted or applauded. It may be someone’s approval or even a paycheck. Whatever your goal is, keep it in mind as you work. It will help to motivate you and remind you what you are working so hard for.
9. It is going to take a while- Nothing about this is fast. Work is not fast. Practice is not fast. The point is to take the time to do it right and hope it pays off in the future. You can do things fast but not good or you can do things good but not fast. The choice is up to you.
10. You have to fight – This is not easy. You have to work hard. You have to fight past your inner fear of failure. You have to be willing to be hungry and work in meaningless jobs to make ends meet. You have to fight to have time to practice. You have to sacrifice. If you want to be successful, you will have to fight for every inch, every minute, and every dollar you make.

It does not sound like much fun, does it? But being successful in a creative field is a lot of work, a lot of effort and a determined spirit. You cannot learn creativity. You cannot work your way into it. If you have a gift that you want to share with the world, then that is great. Just do not let the difficulties hold you back and make you give up. Having a job you love that uses the things you are good at is well worth all the time and effort you will put into it. Remember, there are different kinds of success. If you are happy and satisfied, then I think that is the best kind of success anyone can hope for.

About the Author:

This guest post is contributed by Debra Johnson, blogger and editor of live in nanny.She welcomes your comments at her email Id: – jdebra84 @ gmail.com.

StoryBundle’s whole idea behind this new concept is to bundle about five books of undiscovered indie authors together and set a minimum price of $1 for the entire bundle, but they allow the consumer to set a price of anything over $1 to divide up between book price, payment to StoryBundle and even a charity from a list provided at checkout. Why the reason for the $1 minimum price point? Because, StoryBundle thinks indie authors deserve “at least something” for their effort. Also, each book offered through StoryBundle is DRM free. That’s right; all of the preaching you have heard about protecting your files with DRM goes out
After the initially looking into this new model of pricing, it seems to be only good for the consumer. First, indie authors invest everything into their work, so putting the work out there at the mercy of the consumer with no guarantee of making money off of the sale is worrisome at the least.  Second, having no DRM means that the file isn’t protected at all, this could lead to your book being passed around without sale or you even knowing. But there is always another side to every story.the door with this new approach.

So, let’s take a look at this other side. If your main goal is to get your name out there as an author then this is a great platform for viral marketing. Let’s say you’re a new indie author with a book series in the works, release the first book this way, get readers hooked and then the rest of the books in the series sell the “traditional” way. This approach allows your content to be purchased for a smaller amount and just ask any professional in the industry which sells more, a $.99 eBook or a $5.99 eBook. Volume is key to eBooks and also exposure for your author name. Also, the support for indie authors is growing profusely in the age of self-publishing, so saying every person will only pay the $1 minimum is unrealistic. Of course there will be the drones of people willing to pay $5 or even $10 for five books.

This new “Pay What You Want” model has stirred the pot of things indie authors have to take into consideration. The question of whether this new model is a good choice or not should not be answered for the masses, but should be answered on a case-by-case basis. So, indie authors and even publishers, take a look at your situation and see if this new model is something you could/should consider.

Back in the day, books used to be marketed through various media such as print, radio, and TV. However, the dawn of the digital age has brought new and innovative ways to promote reading material to a wider audience. And one of the most accepted forms these days is marketing through social media.

Here, we are going to take a look into how social media can be used as a tool for promotion.

Blogging

If you are an author, a blog is a good way to establish a personal relationship with your readers. Through this, you can post excerpts or share updates about upcoming tours.

A good number of authors have been using this medium to interact with their fans and they include George R. R. Martin (author of the A Song of Ice and Fire series) and Paulo Coelho (Brazilian novelist who wrote “The Alchemist”).

Furthermore, it also gives visitors an opportunity to read other things that you have to say when you are not writing a book.

Facebook

Setting up an account on this networking site is another way to generate interest for your book. You can also use it to engage in conversation with your audience.

If you have a new post up in your blog, you can share the link with your FB friends and have them check it out. Who knows? You might even garner a few “likes” in the process.

You can also take a cue from American author Anne Rice and ask your followers for their opinion on certain topics. This way, you can make your page a hub for interesting conversation.

Twitter

Another good way to generate buzz is to sign up with this microblogging portal. You can utilise the power of hashtags (#) to spread the word about your material.

You can also keep track on the number of times your book has been mentioned in tweets by setting up a “saved search” using its title.

Furthermore, it is also another avenue where you can interact with your readers and post engaging questions. Even established authors such as Salman Rushdie, Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, and Paulo Coelho are using this medium to communicate with their fans!

Youtube

You’re probably wondering what printed material has to do with a visual medium. But Youtube is a creative way to market your story through so-called “book trailers.”

Once you have a video, you can share it on Facebook or Twitter where it can get “liked” or retweeted.

Authors such as Erin Morgenstern (“The Night Circus”), Gary Shteyngart (“Super Sad True Love Story”), and Seth Grahame-Smith (“Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter”) have videos promoting their work.

By harnessing the power of these social media sites, you can stir interest about your material. And who knows? It might even lead to sales.

AbouttheAuthor

Emma Tomlinson is the Head of Retail of the Smart Traffic SEO company, a leading UK agency offering search engine and social media marketing solutions to various clients around the world.

Whether you read on a Kindle or by candlelight, you might think the brick-and-mortar bookstore is going the way of the dinosaur. But these temples of the book are beloved by many and, in the nation’s big cities at least, will always be with us, even as big-box chains like Borders bite the dust. There’s just something about browsing real, solid bookshelves that the Amazon experience just can’t replace.

But for self-published authors, who have flourished in the era of writing on computers, print-on-demand, e-books, and app stores, getting shelf space in a real live bookstore may seem like an impossible dream. The good news is, it’s not. The bad news is, it is certainly difficult. To make this pursuit an effective use of your time, you should know some things before hand.

Small-business retail is a special world unto itself, and booksellers are busy, undercompensated, and occasionally even cranky. I can attest to this because I’m very good friends with one of them. Here’s her advice on how she separates the wheat from the chaff:

1. We all judge a book by its cover. Invest in tasteful, non-cheap-looking graphic design. This means one font (two at most), and nothing tacky. It means if you want to cross over into the mainstream market, don’t have magenta curlicues and a photoshopped portrait of someone with purple eyes and fangs reaching into someone else’s pants. It means not leaning on blurbs from people or blogs whose opinions are meaningless to the literate public — at least not in a prominent place on your front cover.

2. Make sure your book fits their niche. Many independent bookstores are specialized by necessity. If they specialize in poetry and art books, and you have written a medical textbook that you’re trying to pitch to them, you’re barking up the wrong tree. Likewise, they may not carry romance…or they may only carry romance. Do your homework and save yourself wasted effort.

3. Even if you’re starting as an amateur, be professional in your business dealings. Don’t give them the hard sell. When requesting that your book be added to a store’s inventory, don’t be pushy or do anything else that will give them a reason to write you off as “another local crackpot.” Most managers and buyers are putting out fires all day, so they prefer emails to phone calls.

As much hype as you read about the wonders of the self-publishing explosion, the unfortunate corollary is that with this increased access and competition, it’s harder than ever to stand out from the crowd. You have to work hard and make wise decisions to succeed in today’s literary marketplace. It is my sincere hope that these few pointers I have offered can help your book rise above the rest!

Stephanie Brooks is a freelance writer and blogger who mostly enjoys covering all things education, including attop10onlineuniversities.org, but also regarding traditional brick-and-mortar institutions. When she’s not writing, she can be found at the gym working out to Zumba and cooking healthy recipes at home. She welcomes your feedback.

Monty the Menace by Lonna Baum

Monty the Menace, the first in a series of books about understanding differences, explores “being different” and how it feels to be placed in this category. The book tells the story of Monty, an accident-prone kitten whose problems are caused by his inability to see clearly. The story exposes children to Monty’s feelings and the reactions of his family to his antics before and after he gets eyeglasses.

$16.95 | 978-0-9839373-0-2
32 pages | Baum & Baum LLC | Hardcover

The ABCs of Yoga for Kids by Teresa Power

The ABCs of Yoga for Kids uses the alphabet, rhyming vignettes, and colorful illustrations to introduce children to yoga in a kid-friendly way. Each of the fifty-six different poses featured in the book delightfully promote flexibility, strength, and coordination while encouraging children to incorporate healthy activity into their daily lives. Yoga for young kids will create good habits and a foundation for well-being.

$19.95 | 978-0-9822587-0-5
32 pages | Stafford House | Hardcover

Captain McFinn and Friends Rock! By Phyllis C. Cafaro

The day Captain McFinn and his Undersea Friends start a band, they learn about more than just making great music. When Bella feels left out, it takes some extra Finn Power to get everybody ready for the big contest. Will hard work and friendship win the prize, or will Tox and the Barracuda Brothers ruin the fun?

24 pages | McFinn Press
978-0-9799283-0-7 |Paperback | $9.99
978-0-9799283-8-3 |Hardcover | $17.99

The Legend of Captain McFinn and Friends By Phyllis C. Cafaro

Captain McFinn was once one of the biggest bullies on Sand Dusty Reef, but when he meets the Undersea Friends, he learns that being a friend is always better than being a bully. Come along with Captain McFinn and Friends and see how McFinn, the bully, became Captain McFinn the leader and protector of Sand Dusty Reef.

24 pages | McFinn Press
978-0-9799283-6-9 |Paperback | $9.99
978-0-9799283-3-8 |Hardcover | $19.99

Captain McFinn and Friends Meet Coral Rose By Phyllis C. Cafaro

Captain McFinn and Friends go on an adventure of discovery when they stumble upon a new ocean paradise where they meet their newest friend, Princess Coral Rose—Princess Between the Tides.

24 pages | McFinn Press
978-0-9799283-7-6 |Paperback | $9.99
978-0-9799283-5-2 |Hardcover | $19.99

Captain McFinn and Friends Finn-Tastic Activity Book By Phyllis C. Cafaro

Dive into an ocean of fun and games as you solve puzzles, make your way through mazes and color the amazing world of Captain McFinn and Friends! The Finn Tastic Activity Book also includes a set of fun stickers for decorating.

$5.99 | 978-0-9799283-9-024 pages
24 pages | Paperback | McFinn Press

Ageless Fables By Seldon Thomas Childers

Since the beginning of human intelligence and speech, tales have been handed down from adults to children; many of these seemingly capricious parables contained messages, valuable recipes for surviving in society and the physical world. They are known as fables, and many of them are repeated again and again over time and in almost every culture.

$12.99 | 978-0-692-01732-6
79 pages | Ageless Fables| Hardcover

Today is My Birthday and I Have Nothing to Wear! By Irene Klitzner and Peggy Adams

Oh no! It’s Lola’s birthday, and she just discovered that her favorite tutu doesn’t fit! “When did teeny weeny me get so very, very tall?” Join Lola as she takes an adventure through her family’s closets in search of the perfect birthday outfit. Does she find success?

$18.95 | 978-0-9846496-0-0
48 pages | Attitude Pie Publishing | Hardcover

Yalu and the Puppy Room By Brian Yates

A six week old Golden Retriever needs to find a forever home. Read the book, see the video, play on line puzzles, print out black and white pictures for coloring, and consider fundraising opportunities with the author at www.yaluthepuppydog.com or Facebook.

$14.99 | 978-1-934051-42-9
72 pages | Mystic Publishers | Hardcover

To purchase, please click on the title, 
visit www.atlasbooks.com or call 1.800.BOOK.LOG

The Online Train is Moving

The online giants have lulled you into a world where everything is packaged perfectly for your new baby.  Great picture of your book, a brief description of your work, and even an attractive picture of you, the author, with your bio.  Reviews with loving words and nothing but kind gestures.  Armed with your Best Seller Ranking, you are now ready to move on to other and possibly more lucrative distribution channels.  Be careful.

Other Channels of Distribution

Don’t get me wrong, the online giants are wonderful places to sell your book.  In fact, many authors go no where but online.  In the words of self-publishing guru Dan Poynter, the hardest place to sell a book is at the bookstore!  On the surface, you would assume that the large and independent bookstores would love to sell your book.  Why not?  After all, there is another title they can add to their repertoire, and the margins aren’t so bad as well.

A lot depends upon the Publisher

Selling your book directly to the consumer either through your website or through an online source is a relatively straight forward proposition.  It gets a little trickier when you venture off the online train and attempt to move to the major wholesalers.  One thing to look out for is whether or not the publishing entity will take returns on your book.  If so, all is good.  If not, this could be a major hurdle that you have to overcome in order to get your book distributed offline.  The retailer at the end of the line needs to be able to return it to an entity, like a publisher, if the consumer is unhappy with their purchase, or there is something wrong with the book itself. 

Don’t be Caught off Guard

While the online market is a great and necessary place to be, such can be said of the offline market of bookstores, big box stores, and the plethora of other opportunities for sales.  If your publisher will not accept returns, it is not the end of the world.  There are companies out there who specialize in distributing other publisher’s books once completed.  Usually another ISBN is established and away you go.  Make sure if you are in the early phases of your project, you check on returns and what is really in the fine print of expanded distribution.

Author Bio

John Patrick (Jay) Thomas is a four-time cancer survivor who lives with his family in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.  Jay attended Gettysburg College and The American University before embarking on an entrepreneurial career on Wall Street.  Jay turned to the teaching profession after his life-threatening bout with bone cancer, where he has taught at Charleston Southern University, Southern Wesleyan University, and more recently at West Ashley High School.  He has traveled as a missionary and may be one of the few people that tell you cancer was the best thing to ever happen to him.  You’ll have to ask him why.

www.acalltofaithbook.com

Kate, who is a stay at home mother and also author of the blog See Kate Sew came up with the idea of converting an old book and an old clutch into a new book clutch. This clutch is perfect for the book lover who is also on the go and doesn’t need a large bag.  This clutch will hold keys, a cellphone and some credit cards or cash perfectly. I think the design and idea speaks for itself on why women book lovers will snatch this idea up.

Instructions

• Search the thrift stores for metal framed purses and books that are about the same size (metal frame and book need to match in size, at least along the spine.
• “Gut the book” Cut all pages out of the middle of the book, just leaving the front and back cover.
• Cut the metal frame out of the purse leaving just enough fabric to glue to the inside of the book.
• Glue the metal frame of the purse to the inside of the book using heavy duty glue, making sure the opening of the purse opens with the book.

For more information on the project or the person who invented the book clutch, please visit http://seekatesew.blogspot.com/2011/01/cwts-reveal-book-clutch-how-to.html

Love him or hate him, most people can recognize Troy Polamalu by his hair. Even if you aren’t a football fan, you might have seen him in the Head & Shoulders commercials.

Polamalu’s luscious locks are a tribute to his American Samoan descent. Whatever his reason, he likes it long, and he is staying true to who he is.

I see a lesson in marketing in this. Here’s a guy with something that makes him stick out. It isn’t a forced publicity stunt. He doesn’t do it for the attention. But he’s also not afraid to capitalize on it. In addition to endorsing Troy, Head & Shoulders even insured his hair for $1 million.

What is it about your or your writing that makes you stick out? How can you use it to your advantage? Maybe you don’t see anything special about yourself. I suggest you ask your friends what it is that makes you unique. It is harder to tell what is unique about yourself because it just seems natural to you. Let’s take a look at the other Troy.

I don’t actually watch Swamp People. Usually I read while my husband watches the show and I look up from time to time. But I have seen enough to know a little bit about Troy Landry.

This Troy is an all-American kind of dude. He’s an outdoorsman. He’s a family man. He’s dedicated. He loves his work. When he does something, he goes all-in with no second-guessing (which is kind of necessary in his line of work).

Again, I see the lesson of being true to who you really are. But I also see the value of strong commitment to whatever it is that you are doing. Maybe writing a book isn’t as life-threatening as hunting alligators, but the principle remains. Especially when it comes to marketing.

Once you decide what it is that you need to do, go for it. Stop second-guessing yourself. Remember your passion for your subject. Don’t back down when things get uncomfortable. That’s when you need to push through and get the prize.

It will be worth it.

Photo:Troy Landry. (2012). The History Channel website. Retrieved 1:27, July 10, 2012, from http://www.history.com/shows/swamp-people/bios/troy-landry-s3.