Information in a Nutshell Writing and Publishing

2021-05-15T13:13:00.003-04:00

I will be posting here periodically but invite you to listen in as I restart this podcast on the topic we all love.

Various authors join me on my podcast on writing and publishing here: Writing and Podcasting Advice. I hope to begin reviewing some of my favorite books.

Blogger Schedule - That's What I Need!

2013-09-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

Last January I attended an amazing retreat for bloggers. It was on beautiful Sanibel Island, in Florida. They didn't even need to twist my arm to get there! Actually, I am very blessed. I live a mere 30 minutes from this amazing locale. So, what did I learn?

It is never too late to resurrect a blog!

Yes! I am moving and resurrecting this blog soon - and who did I learn this from? The man who happened to be our Keynote speaker, and the author of Platform, Micheal Hyatt. Michael is an author with the credentials few can claim, Former Chairman and CEO of Thomas Nelson. He understands the publishing market inside and out, and what sells books is visibility ... also known as a platform.

Well, I have the platform. I've been a podcast host for the past four years on my show for authors, Writing and Publishing Radio.com and here Ultimate Homeschool Expo. However, I have been a very part-time blogger. And, thus when this came into my inBox I was delighted!

It turns out my graphic artist happened to create beautifully crafted sheets on tracking, planning and organizing your blog schedule. She asked if I'd take a look -- and I did -- and I loved it! It was what I was looking for, something I could print out or with a pdf writer, fill in the forms on my computer. It was great...and beautiful. Did I tell you she is a graphic artist?


The Complete Blog Planner Here

The Complete Blog Planner Here

I am an author consultant, and Stephanie has worked with me on a number of projects, so it was natural that Stephanie asked me to take a look before she published her book. It had many elements I liked except one. All the pages were individual pdf's and it laborious for me to find the pages I wanted without printing the entire thing out. But, that was easily fixed and she did a beautiful job in putting this book together. She has forms for everything and now - with this arsenal of forms I'm ready to begin.

So, be looking for this blog to spring anew. I have a directive from Michael Hyatt that I can ressurect this blog again, and from Stephanie that gave me a plan I can follow to blog more regularly, make a plan, and stick to it. IF you are a blogger what do you use? How do you stay focused? Share your tips and tricks with us!

Writing Dreams for 2013

2013-01-28T23:26:00.000-05:00

How many of you are planners?

Do you plan your menu? Your vacations? Your writing schedule?

Each of us are different. And we use what works best for us.

But we can always change what we don't like, can't we?

I wish I were more organized and dedicated. I'm not. I'm a thinker and a dreamer, more than I am a planner. I enjoy the entire process of researching before I write way too much. In fact I have been researching the entire process of marketing eBooks for some time now. I've gathered information, checked facts and found one important thing in common. Marketing is key.

Marketing is key no matter what we do. You can have the best book in the world or the best blog post and if you don't let anyone know it will languish. Currently the trend is to use social media to blast it out to the world. I do this for so many other things -- I tend to forget about my own blog! So, one of the things I'll be doing is changing this by purposing to grow my blog presence as well as writing new content.

I write often, but in the last two years my writing has centered around my platform, as a speaker. I write seminars that teach. Some are for students and others are for adults. All are time consuming and feature presentation slides -- more writing. These types of events require huge media campaigns, parties such as the ones I host on Twitter, or on Facebook, as well as email blasts -- yes, more writing. However it isn't the same as blogging.

So, I've decided what I really need is a schedule. A set time to write -- a plan. You know, the thing I tend to shun like the plague. I am going to give it a heroic try -- to blog regularly. I'll write about marketing, and about marketing eBooks in particular and many things writing related. The marketing I'll discuss can apply to printed books as well.

Share with me your ideas, and your writing dreams for this year. I think we should make it happen, don't you?

Are You a Real Author?

2012-07-16T06:19:00.000-04:00

A book is a book and an author is an author, right?

Well in the not so distant past an author would write a book or proposal, submit it to one or more publishing houses and wait for weeks or months to hear back. After a decent amount of time, around six months, said aspiring author would send out the manuscript, making copies and mailing the documents of course, to another round of publishers and the waiting process would happen all over again.

Flash-forward to the present.

Now, if someone wants to write a book... anyone, even a child, can. All you have to do is create the file and upload it on one of the many services, such as Amazon's "Create Space," and voila! An author is born. Or is an author really born?

What is the definition of an author?

A. One who writes?
B. One is is published by the traditional means...publisher with a print product.
C. One who is self published with a print product?
D. One who is self published with a print and/or digital product?

Confusing right?

To add to the confusion we can include the caveat the author needs to sell books to be considered a published author. By selling I don't mean to 100 of your best friends or manipulate the system, such as Amazon to spike sales at 3 PM in the morning, or offer the book for free on a slow day to become an Amazon best seller.

This is a hotly contested subject and I know many of my readers are self-published authors or those who aspire to be traditionally published at some point in their writing careers. I turned down a 4-book publishing contract in 1996 after I had successfully self-published said books and was happy not having to make 15% commission when I was making 100%. However, does that still make me a published author if I self-publish? I can't join many of the professional associations because I am self-published however several of my authors, Susan K. Marlow is one, is part of these associations because I publish one of her books!

And so we go round and round and I'm sure you have an opinion, so let's hear it!

Your Blog as a Platform

2012-07-10T01:05:00.003-04:00

As an author a platform may be the most important skill you hone. However, what if you are not a good public speaker? What if you get ill at the thought of facing a live audience? What if you decide it isn't worth it, no book is worth it and you'll just chuck the whole idea?

Well, I have good news... in a Nutshell. Of course.

Your blog can be and should be the basis of your platform. You can use your blog to:

Be real.
Entertain.
Share your passion.
Share your pains and failures.
Share exciting news or other blogs.

You can also use your blog to highlight a product or service, such as your latest book.

What a blog is not:
Always to be used for selling.
Be stuffy, unoriginal or steal content from others.
Be self-important or narcissistic
Ugly

Which brings me to another point of this article. Your blog should be a reflection of you. It should shine. It should sing... looookkk attt meee....

Don't look at mine and say, well hers is pretty lackluster! I can preach it and teach it, however it doesn't always mean I'm going to do it. In fact I do plan a facelift in the not so distant future but I also wanted to share with you a timely prize offered by my webmaster. Carrie has worked with me for the past year, and moved my gigantic, unorganized website (through no fault of my previous webmaster, she tried to reign me in) and made my new website shine! [http://www.MediaAngels.com]

Carrie and her husband own IEW Webdesign and they are offering a free LIFETIME hosting and blog creation. And, she is an expert. She created another blog for me here: http://www.MediaAngels.com/expos She also hosts an amazing giveaways website. If you are interested in winning this amazing prize here is the link: Link to a FREE Wordpress Premium Template and hosting package

I would say, "I hope you win," however I've also entered the contest... so, let's just say, "To the person who needs the MOST help, let the winner be"... and Lord, you *know* I really want to win!

A Blog Post and a Book

2012-06-25T13:52:00.008-04:00

The ideal for every blogger is to one day turn their blog posts into a book. How about a blog post that has gone viral and sparks the idea for an entire book? Now that, my friends, is even better! I've wondered why anyone would pay to buy a book of all the blog posts freely attained on the web. In fact, recently I received an email from someone that pointed me to Seth Godwin and his upcoming book project. In fact this book project was so extreme and innovative, I read every word.

Here are some of the things Seth does:

1. He thinks outside of the box.
>>>Nothing ordinary about the man he stands out from the crowd.

2. He pushes the limit.
>>>If the minimum amount of words for a blog should be 450 for good search engine optimization he tends to write 100-150 and still gets fabulous SEO. I noted in one post he had 972 tweets and 252 shares on Facebook. I read it. It wasn't that noteworthy of sharing in my humble opinion.

3. He RE-defines...his blog, his writing, his following
>>>He makes you think, his people love him and he has frequent visitors and is an industry leader in all things social.

4. He makes you think YOU can do this too!
>>>After his headshot his byline is ... Go, Make Something Happen... Sounds a bit like Nike's "Just Do IT" ads, with a twist.

Back to his book idea. In a nutshell, he decided to have a book published via the traditional route but with a push to have his publishers print the book in less than six month. Can you say the work, "Impossible"? In the real world books take about two years from rough draft to the final-in-the-hands-of-the-consumer. But, need I remind you, we are talking about Seth. So, he uses "Kickstarter.com" and writes this ad copy that essentially tells people his story.

A. I want to send a message to the publisher.
B. Hi everyone, it's me and I'm different.
C. This is my topic, great isn't it?
D. Oh, and by the way the book hasn't been written yet.
E. If you pledge to my cause you too will share my vision and a piece of the action.

So, he urges his readers pay for it in advance (oops, I mean "pledge"). He titles his offers cute names like, "The No Brainer." Additionally, he offers a once-in-a-lifetime incentive to a personal interview from Seth! This is limited to the people who will pledge $1550.00 for a ONE paragraph synopsis that would reside in his new book. Here is the link. Sorry, if you are interested in that particular item has already sold out. It was limited to the first five people who saw his post.

What does he do right in the world of marketing?
1. Limits his offers.
2. Sets up some very inexpensive options, cheap-cheap is $4 to read his book online for 4 days before the link expires.
3. Offers incentives.
4. Makes it special.

As of this writing he has raised $233,847 for a book he hasn't written yet. Not bad since his goal was to raise $40,000 and there is still 21 days to go. As a bonus he is offering a copy of all his past blogs posts. And, that brings us back to the original point of the article. Creating blog posts into a book.

I believe and could be wrong, that what Seth is doing is creating a compilation of his previous blog posts not creating a "book" out of his posts. And that is the difference. What he is doing will work, in terms of sales... although I still don't understand why you'd pay for what you could get for free. Otherwise your book is doomed unless you have a cohesive and strong topic, blog posts that incorporate the elements of the topic and good transitions or chapter headings for each of the subsequent supporting material.

On the other hand, you could take one blog post, for example one that has gone viral (like my guest on the radio show for authors, here, Darlene Schacht, and write a book based upon the post that has generated a ton of interest. Darlene is the author of, The Good Wife's Guide.

While most of us don't tilt windmills we can definitely learn from those who do. Being creative and fun adds to the appeal of a celebrity figure, even one created online in Cyberspace. What is your most innovative way to sell your books? If you have a secret you are willing to share with all of us, I'm ready to listen!

A Contest for Authors Hop On...

2012-05-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

I've joined with a group of other bloggers to bring you this BLOG hop... in the process there are instructions in the post below about what I am specifically giving away. Want a one-on-one consult with an experienced author consultant? Well now is your chance! See how to enter in the post below and best wishes.

Here are my top reasons for joining the "HOP"
1. Get the word out about my blog in the hopes that you will FOLLOW it!. I'm so busy helping other authors, hosting events and writing books that I forget my OWN writing blog.

2. Hope you will look around and consider buying my book! It is available on Amazon and my website here: Information In A Nutshell: Writing and Publishing and Business Tips and Taxes for Writers

3. Spread the joy... point you to other great bloggers and authors! (See links below)

About me:

Felice Gerwitz loves to be on the host side of the mic and has a radio show for authors at Writing and Publishing Radio.com (http://www.WritingandPublishingRadio.com) Felice is also the author and co-author of 19 books. She wrote Information in a Nutshell: Writing and Publishing and has published, Information in a Nutshell: Business Tips and Taxes for Writers.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest:
Monday May 7th for the John 3:16 Marketing Network Blog Hop which will run May 7-14. There will be over 50 blogs you can hop to and all of them will be offering a giveaway all you have to do is leave a comment on that blog.

MY PRIZE OFFER
In order to win the prize I offered (see the previous post for details $125.00 Value) please leave a comment to this post with your EMAIL so I can contact the winner... AND follow the instructions below.

In order to win the Kindle Fire that is being offered you should visit and post on each of the blogs below and join the mailing list below. (I don't run that mailing list but it is run by the Christian bloggers I belong to!)...

Now! To enter for a chance of winning one of the Kindles, sign in below.

Join The Mailing List (Blog Hoppers, sign up here, check the John 3:16 Readership Box)

For Email Newsletters you can trust

Participating Bloggers AND GREAT PRIZES

Blog Hop Participants:

Be sure to tell your friends about the John 3:16 Giveaway Blog Hop! It's going to be a great! week of fun!

Just click on the links below to go from blog to blog! Happy hoppin'!

Blog Hop Participants:

1. John 3:16 Network Blog

2. Lynn Dove– Word Salt (Host blog)

3. Laura J. Davis

4. Paulette Harper

5. Carol A. Brown

6. April Gardner

7. Sue Russell

8. Susan F. Craft

9. Heather Bixler

10. Joy Hannabass

11. Deborah Bateman

12. Kimberley Payne

13. Rose McCauley

14. Lisa Lickel

15. Alice J. Wisler

16. Amanda Stephan

17. Saundra Dalton

18. Tracy Krauss

19. Ashley Wintters

20. Deborah McCarragher

21. Lorilyn Roberts

22. Anita Estes

23. Martin Roth

24. Janet Perez Eckles

25. Kenneth Winters

26. Eddie Snipes

27. Diane Tatum

28. Janalyn Voight

29. Alberta Sequeira

30. Tammy Hill

31. Marcia Laycock

32. Julie Saffrin

33. Nike Chillemi

34. Elaine Marie Cooper

35. Sidney W. Frost

36. Jairus B. King

37. Bill Burt

38. Kathy Eberly

39. Bob Saffrin

40. Theresa Franklin

41. Ray Lincoln

42. Lilly Maytree

43. Valerie King

44. Yvonne Pat Wright

45. Pauline Creeden

46. Katherine Harms

47. Brenda Wood

48. Deborah Malone

49. Melissa Main

50. Kevin Main

51. Sandy Humphrey

52. Felice Gerwitz

53. Hallee Bridgeman

54. Lisa Mills

Writing Contest Give Away!

2012-04-17T06:00:00.001-04:00

Everyone loves a contest and who doesn't like winning? I am joining with many other Writing Bloggers to bring you a contest.

There are giveaways on all of the blogs. So what will you win from me? A $125.00 Value!

1. A Free 30-minute Consultation with me about your book project!
2. Two Free Books:

The first is: Information in a Nutshell: Writing and Publishing

and the second:

Information in a Nutshell: Business Tips and Taxes for Writers by Carol Topp, CPA

How's that? In order to win you must leave a comment and subscribe to my blog! Go for it! Don't forget to comment if you have any questions or want more information! If you've ever wanted to write a book or jump-start your current process, tune in!
John 3:16 Marketing Network Giveaway Blog Hop

May 7 ~ 14.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Going Viral in a Good Way

2012-04-14T15:57:00.001-04:00

We've all seen the video that is lifted from obscurity to make the prime time morning show circuit. What is it that brings the masses and how can you, as an author, profit from this market? The process is really simple however the execution is what becomes difficult.

Here are the "Simple" Steps:

1. You create a video.
2. You post said video on YouTube, or GodTube TalkFusion (or similar site).
3. You let your friends know.
4. They let their friends know.
5. The friend of a friend let's his friend know.
6. Number 5 happens to the infinite power.
7. Said video goes viral.
8. You are invited to the morning news show circuits.
9. You sign a 6-figure book deal

Now for the not so simple execution of the fictional account above:

1. You create a video with the hope of going viral.
2. You follow steps 1 through 3 above.
3. You look at said video months later to find only 10 people or less have watched it.

So, what went wrong?

The idea of a viral video to those who market is to get sales. Let's face it, the videos that go viral have no sales in mind. They are quirky, fun or just plain silly. There isn't a marketing genius out there who has not analyzed and studied these videos in the hopes that imitation will yield the same results. And, some have come very close.

There is a bottom line and "secret" sauce here, the videos that go viral don't mention the product. They entertain, delight, embarrass or wow the viewer. In other words they illicit a response. Recently while attending a family celebration at a friend's home she had to share her latest YouTube find a video of a dog that appeared to be speaking to it's owner. I watched her reaction as she watched it and she kept stealing sideways glances at me to be sure I was watching as well... she was just as amazed each time she viewed the video as the first time. Therefore, add engaging to the list above.

Let's break this down, the video must be:
1. Entertaining
2. Delightful
3. Wow it's audience
4. Engage

Sounds like Marketing 101.

Notice the video in question did NOT mention a product. It was purely entertainment. Perhaps my friend a dog lover, with a dog that often chews the legs of her furniture secretly (yes, I'm assuming here) hopes that someday her own pet will behave in like-wise fashion. Or, better yet, that someday she'll own a dog like that. I'm not sure. What I do know is the million plus viewers of the video equally enjoyed the dog's antics.

An engaging video allows the watcher to dream, aspire to an ideal, or secret inclination. It is the perceived value. For those who market directly the hope is to illicit a response from the buyer. The value may be to get thinner, think smarter or in the case of authors, convince a buyer to purchase their book!

That's it, simple.

Create a video that allows those who watch it to see the perceived benefits of your product and there you have it, a million-dollar idea in the making. Easy? Not really. However it is worth a try!

If you have a great video that shares your product idea please post it here! Who knows we might help you go viral.

Co-Authors and Contributing Writers ~ Ken Lambert

2012-03-16T11:00:00.000-04:00

Guest Blog Post by author, Ken Lambert

Top Ten Most Influential Christians

How to work with a Co-author, and contributing writers

As the launch of our book, “Top Ten Most Influential Christians (since the Apostles)”, is nearly upon us, I have a few words of practical advice for any writer who is thinking about working with a co-author, or other contributing writers.

For a variety of reasons I decided that my best avenue to market (and to book sales) would be to work with an equal co-author. After I had started an outline from my initial idea (a “Church History 101” for average churchgoers), I reached out to Abby Matzke. Abby is the founder of a Christian magazine, and also writes and edits for the publication. After some phone discussions, some email exchanges, and showing one another some of our published works, we both decided it was worth a try.

We did sign a simple 1 page business agreement- which I would highly recommend. It outlined the basic terms, including the fact that we were 50/50 equals on all decisions and in all fiscal matters. Note that in some ways being a true “equal” can be dangerous in a partnership, but we took the chance and thus far it has worked out fine.

There are some reasons why working with a co-author is always a positive idea:

Brainstorming
Initial first pass at editing
Reduces the workload; divides in half

In addition, if you are self-publishing, like we are, there are additional reasons, like:

Doubles your potential sales, via their network and circles
Lessens the upfront and other printing and publishing costs

But a fair warning: having a co-author is not always a walk in the park. You will not always agree, and you must be able to find resolutions and compromises at times. In a manner similar to a marriage, two people will not think alike (or write alike) on every aspect- so there will be differences of opinion. Whose opinion is correct, or most important? How do disagreements get decided? In our case, there were very few “battles”, and we managed to work it out fairly easily and quickly. But, there were also a couple of anxious circumstances that would not have been the case if I had chosen to write it alone.

Another similar subject is that of infusing contributing writers within the book, which we did. This was done for practical and marketing reasons, such as:

Reduced the actual writing workload for Abby and I.
Expanded the likely sales numbers via the friends, family and networks of those contributors
Enhanced our book’s credibility, via selecting relevant and noteworthy contributing writers. We are able to market that we have some significant “experts” in the subject matter- which in a nonfiction book is key

In using a healthy number of contributors, our roles shifted more towards compilation and editing than that of a true author. That is good and bad, and we then had to deal with varying levels and styles of writing within the same book. With more people to work with, there are inherent issues that will come up- as opposed to writing every chapter and paragraph yourself.

Overall, I am happy with the decision to both work alongside a co-author, as well as compiling other 3^rd party contributing writers. The pros have outweighed the cons, especially given the fact that I am a first-time (Christian genre) author, and am self-publishing.
********************************************************************
The book is now available as an ebook ($4.95), and a print version ($9.95), via http://www.truthbookpublishers.com. Visit our website at http://www.toptenchristians.wordpress.com

Become an Author via Article Writing by Author Carol Barnier

2012-03-12T11:56:00.002-04:00

Guest post by Carol Barnier:
Information in a Nutshell Radio Show ~ Listen to interview here

I’ll soon be guesting on the “Information in a Nutshell Radio Show” sharing a bit about writing my latest book. But I’m such a believer in the idea that those who write books should also be frequent writers of magazine articles, that I thought I’d explore that concept a bit in today’s guest blog post.

My first break into a national magazine almost didn’t happen. It had taken a serious stretch of my confidence to even approach this publication. This was one of those slick paged magazines. This sat on the shelf in Borders. This, for me, was the big leagues.

I put my best foot forward and wrote a query letter to the owner/Sr. Editor. It was okay, but in retrospect, nothing spectacular. There were even a few typos I didn’t catch until glancing back over it years later. The editors response was a single sentence: Please send a resume and past writing/publishing vitae. Oh dear. At that time, I only had about three published pieces, and these were mostly in tiny regional publications. There was not enough experience to scoop together for a paragraph, let alone the lofty vitae. However, I did write a response that got a “yes” from this publisher, and I’ve since gone on to write nine pieces for them, as well as having my face at the front of their magazine in their roster of “contributing writers.”

So what did I write? What could I possibly have said, me with so little a publishing history, that could win a chance from a national magazine?

At first I was honest about my meager writing history, but I didn’t belabor the point. Then I went on to say this:

So why should you have me write for you? Well, even though I’ve so happily self-deprecated, let me add, perhaps even boldly, that I do bring some worthwhile things to the table.

For all my lack of magazine experience, I can actually write. And while I don’t have a long list of previous articles to evaluate, I do have enough available to judge merit.
I’m always on time (or early) with deadlines. It’s just a value that permeates all my life.
I’m usually passably funny (as long as I’ve had enough sleep).
Best of all, I’m not married to my words. I’m FULLY open to following direction to accommodate changes that will better meet the needs and preferences of your readers. I don’t even whine.

I think she may have liked what she read, but I suspect I closed the deal with “I don’t even whine.” I knew this was a sensitive spot with editors. I’d heard from various blogs, books and conference speakers that editors and agents in the Christian publishing market hear some of the same tired old phrases over and over again. Things like, “God gave these words to me.” Some even go on to say, “If you don’t publish it, woe be upon your head.” (or various other forms of eternal damnation). No kidding.

They hear this stuff all the time.

In the end she sent a note saying simply, “I like you. My editor will be in touch.”

I know that so many people long to write a book. I understand that. I truly do. My fourth book is coming out April 1, so I appreciate the satisfaction that comes with completing a book and finding a publisher for a book. But for most of us, a book that sells well may sell between 5,000 and 25,000 copies (Yeah. Yeah. I said most of us. Runaway bestsellers don’t count in this equation. Those are the literary equivalent of winning the lottery.) There’s nothing wrong with these smaller numbers. But a well-placed magazine article can touch 100,000 people or more. (A piece with AARP will put you in front of 47 million readers!) So I encourage writers to reach for both books and articles. With articles you can gain entrance by way of smaller publications, build your voice, strengthen your writing chops and grow your audience. Then, when you want to publish a book, lo and behold, you’ll have those now-required “platform numbers” that publishers seek.

Five Secrets Every Author Should Know

2012-01-26T00:58:00.003-05:00

"Secrets" is very possibly a misnomer for this piece, but as with every other blogger out there capturing your attention is important; and additionally, this may be new information to those beginning the process. Perhaps you believe I'll begin by teaching writing techniques, how to set the scene in fiction or how to wow a publisher into taking your manuscript? Sorry, that's not what this post is about. It is about the raw truth. What every author wishes he or she had known at the beginning of the journey and what every new author should glean from and take heart.

The raw truth is that there are steps to the writing process and none of them begin with a sheet of paper, unless you are a list writer and then it is important. Writing is about a story, a lesson, accomplishing a task (for those of us oriented to "do"), and about sharing something inside us that will not remain bottled up! Writing is putting that idea on a piece of paper and hoping the world will consider it as brilliant as we do. Writing is about overcoming your fears and having courage to let someone outside read your work and possibly tear it to shreds, or even worse ... ignore it!

While writing is all of these things and so many more it is also about getting the word out about you, what you write and having anyone care enough to pause long enough to listen! We've become masters at words and little else. We've honed our craft, taken classes, joined groups and listened to radio shows on the topic at length. These too are highly commendable and congratulations if you are pursing improvement of your skills.

Jump Start Your Writing Career!

But writing is about the little know angles that no book, even my Information in a Nutshell: Writing and Publishing can cover well and that is getting your book seen takes an army and that means more than one. I've worked with many authors throughout the year and the first thing I look at is their motivation.

Why? Because if they aren't excited, thrilled and elated with this project they won't last.

Similar to the sappy comedy, The Wedding Planner (sorry guys, chic flick here), and the heroine's prediction that a bride-to-be's selection of a bridesmaid's dress color or song for the wedding signified whether or not the marriage would last, I too make a prediction. My prediction is based upon years of working with lackluster, unenthusiastic authors who think they want to write a book, and then at the least little bit of a road block or obstacle, cry foul.

It is all about the presentation in food and so too in writing! Excitement and enthusiasm goes a long way. Having talent is icing on the cake. You don't believe me? Think about the last lackluster book you took off the shelf and said, "How did this author ever get published?"

I can tell you how. Someone believed in them, their message or their social media outreach. The new crop of the writing elite are bloggers with thousands of followers. Blogging is a full time job if done well and the new blogger is the new best selling author. Bloggers have been given book deals, movie deals and soon possibly cologne deals!

Perhaps your manuscript is truly the next Indiana Jones, The Lion King or Les Miserables... so what if no one knows about it! How are they going to find you? Behind your laptop or in your home?

Perhaps. We're living in a new world, the new frontier and believe me many have gone before you with great success. These are the people who recognize that the "flavor" of the month was the electronic reader for adults for Christmas. And what goes on that eReader? Thousands upon thousands of manuscripts that might have sat undiscovered and unloved.

I will be sharing about writing eVersions soon, however the reason for this piece is there are things for you to do before you write that next best seller.

So what are the five secrets every author should know?

1. Relationships Matter and so do joint ventures
2. Branding is important
3. Your Reach
4. Your Contact List
5. Podcast, Radio, Internet, TV

This topic will be the covered in an upcoming webinar I'll be presenting hosted by Nathan Kievman group owner of Linked Strategies on LinkedIn. I've learned alot from Nate as well I should. I've worked with him over the past two years as a ghost writer and now I'll share my strategies with his group.

You are all invited to attend.

Where? Online: Here http://bit.ly/yBm9P7
Time? Noon ET
Host: Nathan Kievman ~ Linked Strategies

New RELEASE!

Speaker: Felice Gerwitz ~ Five Secrets Every Author Should Know Before Writing the First Word
Speaker: Carol Topp, CPA ~ Five Secrets to Short Cut Your Record Keeping for Tax Benefits

Can't make the live presentation? I'll post a recap for you here as well as share more about my ideas for the eVersion reading craze and how you can profit in these hard and challenging times!

Felice Gerwitz is an author and publisher of the series:

Information in a Nutshell:

Author: Felice Gerwitz Writing and Publishing and
Author: Carol Topp, CPA Business Tips and Taxes for Writers
(To catch Carol's interview go to WritingandPublishingRadio.com)

You can find these books on Amazon in print and Kindle and in other versions on the publisher's website at Media Angels.com

Book Business ~ Terry Whalin

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Shocking News To Authors: The Book Business Is A Business First

By W. Terry Whalin

Before I began working inside a book publishing house, I had written more than 50 nonfiction books, ranging from children’s to adult books. I have never self-published a book and always worked through traditional publishers. However, I was unaware of the financial production numbers for nonfiction books and I found it shocking—and something critical for potential authors to understand. The author never sees these figures for their books as the publisher doesn’t reveal them throughout the contract negotiation process. A publisher will produce these financial calculations as simply a part of good business practices. As an author, understanding this helped me see publishing as a business. Authors have huge amounts of time and emotional investment in their words. When I saw these production numbers, I understood that the publisher, not the author, has the largest out-of-pocket cash investment in a book.

Inside the publisher, the editor will gather a sales projection about how many copies the sales department believes they can sell of your title the first year. That sales figure will be used to calculate the production costs of ink, paper and binding for various amounts of printing (5,000, 10,000 or 15,000 copies). As the initial print number is raised, the cost per book decreases. You may ask, So why not print a large volume each time? The answer is, if the publisher prints a large number of copies, then he has to store those copies in their warehouse (read cost and expense), plus make sure they actually sell those copies within a year’s timeframe. The cost of tying up financial resources in storing and warehousing books that aren’t selling is large. Also the federal government taxes publishers on each copy in storage. These tax rules have forced publishers to think long and hard about how many copies of each book to print.

Inside my former publisher, we calculated the overall printing details of the book (paperback with general publishing look or hardcover with jacket) and the number of books to print before offering a book contract. In short, publishers pour a great deal of work into their books and financial projections before they call you and offer a nonfiction book contract. Understanding this process helps you see some of the reasons it takes such a long time for an author to receive a publishing contract…

Often the publisher returns to an author with whom they have already published a book. If the publisher takes a second or third book from the same author, they are investing in that author’s career and trying to build that author’s audience and market. If the author’s books are selling well, then the publisher will be eager for another project. Each week, publishers monitor sales numbers on their books to see if particular authors merit another book contract.

Many writers focus only on the creative aspects of writing a book and getting it published, but the executives inside a publishing house are business people who want to sell books and turn a profit at the end of the day. It’s a delicate balance between creating the best possible product and assuring that each product has the best opportunity to sell into the market and reach the target audience.

________________________________________

W. Terry Whalin, a writer and publisher lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. A former acquisitions editor, former magazine editor and former literary agent, Terry has written more than 60 nonfiction books including Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams. To help writers, he has created 12-lesson online course called Write A Book Proposal. His website is located at: www.terrywhalin.com.

Unlocking the Writer's Block

2011-11-14T22:07:00.001-05:00

Available on Amazon

Unlocking Writer’s Block
Guest Post
by Karen Zeigler

Rarely will individuals admit to being worriers unless they are going through a really difficult time. So it’s not unusual that writers don’t recognize that the writer’s block they are experiencing is just worry in disguise.

• What if no one read what I’ve written?
• What if the publisher rejects it?
• What if I don’t connect with my audience?
• Why does it matter?
• What if I miss the deadline?

Or perhaps it’s something total unrelated to writing.
• I wonder what they will find in those tests the doctor’s office ran.
• I hope my child has the courage to discuss the problem with their teacher. Should I step in or am I helping her become a responsible adult by asking her to step up?

• I haven’t heard from my spouse, the presentation was over an hour ago. Is this a good sign that they got the business or is he lamenting at the airport bar?

Whatever the case is I can tell you from experience that there is likely a thousand thoughts running through your brain, perhaps even some on the topic you wish to write about, but the fearful, anxious and worrisome thoughts have taken over control. Your mind maybe racing but the results are zip – going nowhere, nothing happening.

When I wrote my book Freedom from Worry – Prayer of Peace for an Anxious Mind it was more about eliminating worry and connecting with God is a real and life changing way. What I didn’t realize until I began to share the practice is what can actually get accomplished when worry is out of the way. Clarity comes, courage to take action and confidence in yourself, your calling and your God are just high level things that happen over and over again. And if clarity wasn’t enough to make any writer rush online to purchase the book here are just a few more reasons you’ll want to include this book and the process that it teaches into your writing routine.

1.    The first key thing that happens in the process is the journaling. That journaling is many things but first and foremost it is a means of getting the negative thoughts out of your brain. As writers we often try to set all the positive variables in place – right time, right place, right atmosphere with little action taken to eliminate the negative thoughts rolling around in our head, which we carry with us regardless of where the writing takes place.

2.    Second we shift our mindset to that of gratitude. It is when we are in a grateful mindset that our mind delves into deeper meaning, in life and in the topic at hand. A mindset that is ultimately where most writers hope to take their audience. Even the most comedic of writers is hoping to help their audience realize through humor that which is important about the topic.

3.    And last but not least it is a connection with the Creator. A means for getting divine inspiration from the author of all creation.

Practice the steps of the prayer and journaling found in Freedom from Worry and it’s guaranteed that thoughts will flow and writing will occur. It happens by design. By the end of your journaling time you will have spent 15-30 minutes pouring out (writing) your worries, fears, gratitude and requests onto the pages of your journal. And as the peace of mind settles in, the flow continues on to the inspirational thoughts and words for which you were meant to write.

Karen Zeigler, Speaker and Life Coach, Inspiration to Change.

Karen has come full circle, after almost 20+ years of climbing corporate ladders and pursuing her career that provided the prestige and money she thought was so critical from her college days, she realized there was more to life! She discovered coaching. Although she agrees being an Investment Advisor was somewhat fulfilling it never really scratched her "itch"...longings to write and speak on topics of purpose, passion and personal development.

Fine-Tune Your Writing Vision

2011-08-15T06:00:00.001-04:00

Some time ago I shared I was struggling with leaving my vacation time attitude, and moving back into the "workplace." I seriously struggled and no matter what, lists, deadlines or looming financial disaster (okay, so that is a little stretch), I could not make myself work.

However I soon found the root cause of this "funk" ...and none too soon... it was the lack of focus and vision. I had so many projects to work on, all with pending deadlines and I couldn't make time to finish even one! Until I was able to pull back, analyze my work load and make a plan, was I able to gain clarity and tackle the project one thing at a time.

Maybe you are a ball-juggler and like to have several projects going at once. I am one of *those* types of people. However, knowing which job to pick and put down is very important. I often run many things in my head at once and until I stop and take the time to write it down, it normally remains there.

Here are five keys to finding a focus and re-gaining your vision:

1. De-Clutter:
      While a messy desk may be the sign of a creative mind it wastes so much time! I recently de-cluttered my entire office, shelves, desk drawers, table tops and more and found so many things I had lost or misplaced months ago.

2. Organize
     If you clean and declutter and go back to your old way of doing things the same thing will happen. I have so much paper and often there are piles around my office. Now I've organized each group into specific places. This system is working well for me and helps contain the paper-monster piles.

1. Something I'm not finished with, but doesn't need my attention for awhile, goes into a folder and into a small holder beside my desk.
2. Work in progress into a notebook, sometimes with hole-punch and other times paper clipped (large ones) for easy flipping through. This works great for manuscripts that I'm reviewing, for example I have a final draft of the new Information in a Nutshell Book, "Taxes and Tips for Writer's" by Carol Topp sitting in a notebook at my desk waiting for ONE (hopefully) last set of eyes. (Book is due for pre-release in September.)
3. Important: This is pinned to one of my three bulletin boards. (Did you know I was a teacher?) Sticky notes for things to take care of and then discard, and more important to-do's are pinned on the board.
4. Completed project into a file and drawer.

3. Prioritize
     I'm open to suggestions on this one. I consider just about everything a NOW job! For example I am hosting several webinars and while hosting one I am taping behind the scenes sessions and planning and scheduling the next webinar. My list of to-do grows at this time and only with help can I accomplish everything in a timely fashion. Obviously a schedule is of major importance and the event schedule takes precedence over other deadlines. Which brings us to the next point...

4. Set Deadlines
I've found that I can work best under a deadline so I try to give each project a projected finish date. This has worked well and now with some help I am finding this to be a valuable aid. Having a mid-point date to re-evaluate is my goal, and would be wonderful, however I am not at that point. At least at this writing.

5. Celebrate
    All work and no-play makes Jane dull...and even if my name isn't Jane I've become dull at times. Racing to one deadline, only to begin another is seriously a recipe for disaster. I need time to regroup with my family, take a break and turn my computer off. Hibernate does not count! Taking time to celebrate the big and little events are a great way to get your focus back.

Whatever ways work for you, I hope you will share your successes here with me. What has worked for you and how do you handle one or more of the issues that plague even the most organized writers?

Writing from the Heart

2011-07-25T06:00:00.044-04:00

Authors come to the profession in so many different ways. Some were born with the drive to write. Some never considered being an author a viable choice for a profession, still others considered writing an end to a means. What about those who write because of a passion. What about a mother with an autistic child? I have the privilege of interviewing people from all walks of life, however a mother with a love for a child is a very special guest.

My guest Annie Eskeldson is a mother of five, with a passion for understanding her child. Her fourth child was diagnosed with classic ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders). Today, due to Annie's intervention and therapy, Ashi is high functioning and gifted. As Annie puts it, she spent "...every day, all day, over the last 7 plus years..." with Ashi, and that made the difference in her daughter's life.

Due to Annie's immersion in her daughter's world she had an understanding that those of us outside of this world can little comprehend. And, she brings this knowledge to the table within her made for children illustrated books. Ashi inspired Annie to write a series of books from her daughter's perspective. These books are a rare look into the world of an autistic child. Annie explains these books are, "specially written to bring comfort to the parent by validating their feelings of sadness, frustration, and also the joy that comes with raising a special needs child. Annie's books are full of 'self - discovery' type tips."

Giving your heart to a project, especially one that has impacted the life of a family can fall flat. I've read other "from the heart" types of books and one in particular that I can recall left me with sadness, disappointment and the feeling that I couldn't wait to put down the book. Annie's books however gave me a sense of hope that everything will be okay and an understanding of the situation within their home. I learned that having compassion may not solve all of the problems, but allow the families to cope well.

This is a book celebrating the facts and coping with the obvious, a child that needs understanding, compassion, love and attention. Really not that much different than other children who crave the same from their parents. I applaud Annie for stepping out and helping other parents and those who want to understand the life of an autistic child for writing these books. Her books show us that love, in this case does conquer all. Well done Annie and Ashi and the entire Eskeldson.

You can find more information about Annie and her books here:

Ashi's Gift website is at : http://www.authorannie.com

Ashi's Gift blog is at: http://www.ashisgift.blogspot.com

Writing Takes a Holiday

2011-07-05T06:00:00.003-04:00

It IS vacation time, and here in Sunny Florida it began long before the thermometers topped 90 degrees. However, my brain seems to have decided that after my last live speaking event it too was taking a holiday. I can't seem to get myself motivated. There is no amount of prodding, calendar session planning, deadline setting and to-do list rituals that work right now. Nothing.

I have found myself missing important meetings, setting reminders on my phone for *very* important consults and meetings I can NOT miss, and using sticky-notes to paper my computer and office desk.

All I want to do is go to the beach, enjoy sunsets such as this one shot by my daughter and enjoy other spectacular views from local restaurants and other places we frequent during the hot months. Work? Really? Must I? As a self-employed publisher, author and podcast host there are schedules I must keep year round.

As a normal schedule-holic I consult my schedule daily and usually tackle it with gusto, however due to the nature of my January through May schedule I was on overload. Possible, even for me. In my writing career spanning 19 years I have not experienced anything like this! I have discussed this phenomenon with others, especially new writers. I often hear people say "I don't have the time to write," or "I can't fit writing into my schedule."

A serious author who is goal-oriented can always fit writing into the schedule. Right? That is the ideal. However in real life the ideal doesn't always pan out.

So, what am I doing to nix this holiday monster? First of all, I did take a much needed break. I have enjoyed the beach with unplanned company, my children and grandchildren. I have purposely left my computer home and didn't even check my phone or emails there. Of course I did check my emails daily...but only to put out fires if any.

This time away has encouraged me to relax and unwind, unhindered. It has allowed my fast-paced mind a time to slow down and T*H*I*N*K... I realized I needed to re-organize, de-clutter and regroup before I began the next round of work related projects. And declutter I did! I shredded pages I no longer needed, I went through files on my desk and in my office. It feels great knowing where everything is and I am off to a fresh start when I begin my next project. This is not work in the sense of making important decisions or planning. However it has a wonderful outcome of allowing me to see that clean lovely space, like the top of my desk and it gives me a sense of happiness. I've listened to seminars and read so many books on organization in the past. The great tips on productivity only work if you have an organized space, so that is where I'm beginning.

I feel in the external de-clutter process the interior process is slowly becoming de-cluttered as well. It has been a time to think about my goals for the future. For the most part I truly enjoy working, I am passionate about what I do and feel it is led by God. While a crisis or two lately has challenged that peace I know that in the future I will emerge stronger and more Christ-focused in all that I am doing from here on out! With the de-clutter has come a time of re-evaluation and slowly that vision is unfolding.

In the next few blog posts I will discuss how you can regroup after a busy season and ways to re-evaluate your focus. Treating your writing as a business is important if you want to succeed in the sense of seeing your book in print. Treating yourself and your life away from your work with equal importance is also mandatory. The key is finding a balance and making it work in your life.

Twitter Contest Tips!

2011-06-13T13:28:00.000-04:00

Guest Blogger Post by

Tony Eldridge

Contests are a very popular way of gaining subscribers. In Twitter, you can think of followers as subscribers for your newsletter. With traditional newsletters, you can offer an "ethical bribe" or a free gift in exchange for someone to give you their e-mail address. With Twitter, a contest can be a great way to find your targeted followers.

If you decide to conduct a Twitter contest, here are some things you want to keep in mind. :

Know your purpose for the contest- What do you want to accomplish with a Twitter contest; sell a product, service or book? Are you trying to use your Twitter account to feed your website newsletter? Are you trying to build your subscriber followers? In my opinion, you will achieve the most success with your Twitter contest if you focus on building your Twitter followers. And not just any followers, but targeted followers. Anyone can get tens of thousands of followers. But which would you rather have? 10,000 followers who never read your tweets or 1,000 followers who actually follow you and your tweets? Give me enough money as a prize and I can inflate your followers significantly. Sure, you want followers; but in the long run, you want qualified followers more.
Think about your prizes- What prize will you use for your contest? That is, what will be the "ethical bribe" you use to get people to enter your contest? An i-pad? a $500 gift certificate to a five-star hotel? $1000 in cash? These prizes may sound impressive on the surface, but chances are that they will not give you the results you are looking for in your contest. Those types of prizes attract people who are only interested in one thing- the prize. They could care less about you, your book, or your services.

Ideally, you want to find prizes that will attract only the people who are interested in the products and services you offer while being passed on by everyone else. This is where you find your targeted followers that will be the most responsive to you tweets later. When I ran my Twitter contest, I gave away a library of signed book marketing books to the winner. After all, on my blog I deal with people who want to learn effective ways to market their books, products or services. If the prize package didn't appeal to someone, I wasn't necessarily looking for them as a follower. But if the person was someone who prayed to win that library, then they were the person I wanted to make sure knew about my blog.
Don't run your contest by yourself- Here is a mistake that many people make when running Twitter contests designed to increase their follower base: they give away a copy of their own book, service, or product. While this may be a great prize to have, it may not do a lot to expand your followers. The people who sign up for your contest will be mainly from your current subscriber lists. While you may have a few people re-tweeting your contests to their follower list, it will probably not be on the scale you are looking for.

In order to find new followers, the details of your contest must be placed in front of new people who are not following you. That means you must find a way to encourage people to re-tweet your contest to their followers. Two ways to do this effectively:

A. Create a prize with enough viral power to make others want to retweet it
B. Give away a prize created by other people who have a lot of Twitter followers

If you follow those two suggestions, you will have people who will use your contest to promote their own product. This is the way you create a win-win-win situation. If you can give away good, solid publicity to the creators of your prize, they will be more likely to tell their follows about your contest and encourage them to enter.

Recently, I saw the power of this point. I ran a Twitter contest and went back to the same sponsors I had used in the past. While I had great participation, the percentage of new followers for me was down. I attribute it to a couple of things, one being that my contest was in front of the same followers it was in front of in the past. It was good lesson to learn.
Choose your contest length with care- If you run your contest too long, people will lose interest very quickly. They will also not see the urgency of entering now or tweeting about it now. On the other hand, if you make it too short, it will be over before you have time for it to really ramp up and deliver the followers you are looking for. My personal preference is to run a contest for about 10 to 12 days, starting on a weekend and ending after the next weekend. This will give you the best chance to catch the business Tweople as well as the weekend Tweople.

These are a few tips that I have learned while running effective Twitter contests. I am constantly learning new things with each contest, but one thing is certain... every one of my Twitter contests has helped me find new targeted followers and they were a blast to run. Good luck with your contest!

Tony Eldridge is the author of the action/adventure book, The Samson Effect, that Clive Cussler calls a "first rate thriller brimming with intrigue and adventure" and the Twitter marketing book, Conducting Effective Twitter Contests which helps people find targeted Twitter followers. He also shares his book marketing tips with fellow authors through his blog, Marketing Tips For Authors, and through his free video marketing tips for authors. You can follow him on Twitter @TonyEldridge or find Tony here: Marketing Tips For Authors

Guest Blogger: Dorothy Cadet "Writing in the Midst of Chaos"

2011-05-20T08:15:00.001-04:00

by Dorothy Cadet

http://www.dacbooks.com

When I tell people I am a motivational speaker and writer and have published my first book, they gasp and ask how a mother of 3, (at the time and all were under 7 yrs. old) was able to complete that task. The short answer is, “sleep deprivation.” The longer answer is that it was dedication to ensuring that I wrote something every day.

As a stay-at-home-mother, life can get hectic with children, school, house, and working to stay sane. We are the great vacation-less class of society, but it’s one of the most important jobs in the world! It’s not always fun and easy, but the rewards are limitless. In December 2009, I made the decision that I would finally write a practical book full of tips that would encourage women to establish goals dedicated to making memories and prioritizing relationships.

I set myself on a timeline of five months. Five months was important for me, to minimize the additional work that came along with the children being out of school for the summer, possibly having to relocate for my husband’s job, and oh, by the way, I found out I was pregnant as well.

I drew up an outline with defining points and when complete, I would have my book in rough draft form. It began as an hour to an hour and a half daily, however the closer it got to completion, it stretched to nearly three hours. Regardless of whether it was good or not, I wrote. I could always edit out, but if there was no content to edit, “Houston, we have a problem.”

It may seem like such a simple thought, but that is how it happens. Taking what many see as a massive undertaking and blocking time out to get it done, little by little. I gave up my favorite TV programs and limited internet surfing to about 30 minutes. I had to get serious about reorganizing my time if I was to complete my project. Once complete, my husband and I went on a celebratory mini-vacation. This was crucial because I had poured so much of myself into this project; he and I had to take time to recoup and reconnect.

It was tips like this that I included in the book and a host of others that enable women, whether an expectant mom or veteran, to not let go of their dreams. The goal of “Laundry Can Wait” is to become a resource for women with practical information that is relevant and immediately implementable. I encourage all women to pick up a copy at my website, www.dacbooks.com, or they can order it at www.Amazon.com, or fine retailers. Dorothy also writes columns for Examiner.com, an online magazine.

Career Change or Updated Look?

2011-05-17T00:37:00.000-04:00

I can't decide if I've had a career change or just updated my look. I've been an author since 1994 and have the typical ups and downs of any author. Some books sell well, others not as well. Some books have made it into the library and others...well, let's just say the libraries aren't interested. Sometimes I've been asked to speak and other times asked to rotate a turn with another speaker. For an author being a conference speaker helps to sell books.

If you have the best book in the world and no one knows about it, how can it sell? So how do you get a speakers platform. For many it takes years of relentless hard work.

However, I have recently taken over the helm of a webinar platform that started with a friend of mine, Cindy Rushton. She had the wonderful idea of creating a conference from the comfort of her own home and inviting speakers from all over the US and participants from all over the world! She decided to turn her energy elsewhere and asked if I was interested in running these expos. I jumped at the chance.

Jumping is what I do best, thinking things all the way through, well that is a story for another time. I tend to be impulsive and while I had been praying about what direction I should take, this webinar platform was not something that was within my radar at the time. Yet, I have loved every minute of hosting the series of webinars and let me tell you the work can be overwhelming.

I found that speakers were excited about picking up the phone to present, using handouts or power-point slides to walk the guests through the presentations. The participants were equally excited about having handouts and listening from the comfort of their own homes. And, the best part? Cell phones did not have to be turned off, crying children were allowed and eating and drinking were permissible. Even time could be moved, if the participant could not make the scheduled live talk they had the option of "buying" the set to listen to another time.

What could be better? For both the speaker and the guests there was no expensive hotels, meals out, gas bills and travel expenses or other costly expenses. They could relax, listen to the presentations at their leisure and enjoy the live sessions they chose to attend. Overall the conference experience is one with a lasting impact for all.

I never considered I'd be a host running a series of interviews, or speaker sessions. I thought I'd go on to write book after book without ever thinking of any other option for my life. Yet, I have been pleasantly surprised at how wonderfully I've fit into this role and how hosting has brought me considerable pleasure. While I enjoy my radio show for authors it is one day a week. Webinars allow me to interact with the guests, get to know the speakers on a more personal level and allow my marketing ideas to take route, like hosting Twitter Parties (follow #UltimateWomensExpo) or Facebook parties on my new site for Ultimate Women here: http://on.fb.me/UWEFacebook

With opportunities coming from different venues, such as Tony Eldridge's marketing tips for authors there are other ways for authors to get exposure. Today, an article of mine was posted on "Finding Your Voice." This article was about finding your vision and your voice and being heard above the crowd. Not only have I found my voice but other's have heard it as well. I will be interviewed on another radio show on Wednesday May 18 at 9:30 EDT. Can't make it? Well you can listen to the archives of course!

You will not want to miss my upcoming webinar... the Ultimate Women's Expo in May for women who want to write, market, organize, find out tax and bookkeeping info or legal information pertaining to writing and business. I hope to help others to fine tune their vision. How about you?

How are you fine-tuning your vision? Or have you had a career change? Share with us!

Christian Fiction Author: Penny Zeller

2011-04-18T19:40:00.001-04:00

Christian Authors That Get It!

Can I say I love what I do?

Well, I do!

I finished a wonderful interview with Christian author, Penny Zeller. She has a series of books that make me want to head to the beach and just spend the day reading. Under the shade of an umbrella of course, because I know I'd get lost in the story! I was an avid romance reader back in the day. Those days began and ended in a short few years.

I left my job as an educator upon the birth of my first child. Changing the world through the life of my students didn't quite go the way I'd hope--a story for another time. But in those years that I read, I consumed hundreds of books. As a teen they were action, adventure and mystery. Raise your hand if you have read the entire series of Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys and Trixie Beldon (a lesser known series but I've met so many people who love those books in the early teen years and my own daughter is currently reading them.) Then I began my love of romance books. I had married my prince charming now I wanted to see how other women lived their lives with ideal mates. I subscribed to a book club, at least two that delivered 12 books a month to my doorstep. Not to mention those I'd purchase at a book store. Yes, remember those? Online book stores were not around a mere 30 years ago. I read throughout my pregnancy, and when my children were infants. By the birth of my second child and with a busy toddler under foot I ran out of creative ways to keep my children entertained while I read romance novels!

There is still a huge market for romance novels and Penny is providing a wonderful alternative to secular stream with those that focus on Christian truths.

Penny Zeller's story began typically with the love of writing beginning at a young age. Yet, taking the leap away from a day job to one that is sporatic to say the least, was a leap of faith. And faith is what has been Zeller's mainstay. She often referred to her faith in God in her work and her books. She began by self-publishing her first book for children with food allergies. It has since found a home with a publisher.

Part of the joy of interviewing Penny was to use her as a "poster child," if you will, on what to do right. (No, she didn't know that was the angle of the interview.) First, she sent everything in one email not a series of pieces. There is nothing that bogs me down more, than a guest sending me upwards of ten emails a day. It has happened. High maintenance guests are not invited back.

What did she send? First, her tag line contained everything I needed to know about her and more importantly, where to find her. After all part of the reason to be interviewed is for exposure, right?

Here is a sample of her tag line:

Penny A. Zeller

Christian Author

Impacting Lives for Christ Through the Written Word

For more information about my books and ministry http://www.pennyzeller.com

Come blog with me http://www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com

Let's connect on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Penny-A-Zeller/96391560959

Follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/pennyzeller

Perfect!

So, what else did she send?

Covers of the books she wanted to promote

Her bio

Synopsis of each of her books!

This last feature lights up the face of any busy radio show host, and is much appreciated. More than you know. No really.

One thing she did not do was send in a list of questions for me to ask. She had no way of knowing I prefer *not* to receive a list.

After all, no one is perfect this side of heaven--and we discussed this in the interview in regard to the characters in her book. Her characters are memorable, real and not perfect. While many radio show hosts ask you to send them a list of questions--and this may be important if you are promoting a particular book that is launching, I very rarely stick with the questions. I've been doing this for two years and I'd be bored to tears at this point if I did. Penny's interview came about three weeks after her book debut. **You can obtain her books via all the normal online channels such as Christian Book Distributors or Amazon as well as you local book store, if they don't have it they can get it!

But, back to the lists...while I don't mind a list, I am pretty, well, list impaired. I don't color in the lines, and I like to think outside of the box. Does that mean I sometimes ramble on my show, sure, but at least I won't have a canned interview with the perfect guest in the perfect box! I prefer to ask my own questions which means it takes more work. I must do my homework. I must look at the guest's blog. I must find out about them, and about the book they've written, if they are an author.

Because Penny sent me her bio I know:
She has authored several books and numerous magazine articles in national & regional publications

She has a blog

She volunteers in her community and runs a Bible study

Her passion is to use the gift of the written word that God has given her to glorify Him and to benefit His Kingdom

Her new book is a continuation of the series of the Montana Skies, Kaydie

Her publisher crafted a very well written "blurb" for her book and here it is:

Kaydie

For the first time in years, Kaydie Worthington Kraemer can breathe easily. Although she is still haunted by memories of her abusive husband, Darius, she takes comfort in knowing the man is dead. Staying with her sister McKenzie and brother-in-law, Zach Sawyer, at their ranch, Kaydie is still wary of men, especially now that she has another life inside of her to protect. As she looks forward to her baby's birth, she builds a protective wall around herself that won't be easy to tear down.

Ranch hand Jonah Dickenson views his boss, Zach, like a brother. He does not, however, envy Zach's new role as a husband. Deserted by his mother at a young age and forever despised and rejected by his own father, Jonah has few close relationships. But there's something about Kaydie that draws him to her and makes him question his decision to remain a bachelor.

When Cedric Van Aulst, an old friend of Kaydie's, comes to town, an unforeseen prospect of marriage arises. Cedric is someone Kaydie trusts. Will she settle for a safe union with him, or can she trust God to guard her heart and her life in the arms of Jonah?

Okay, I admit it I love the happily-every-after-girl-meets-guy-falls in love and has a family! I know we can't all live fairy tale lives which is why romance fiction has such a big market. Take note of Mrs. Penny Zeller. She did a great job with this interview, bet she did a great job with her books! I'll let you know, she's sending me a set. Want to head to the beach?

P.S.: Yes, there's more. Don't forget to check out her interview on my radio show for authors, "Information in a Nutshell" and if you are reading this way after the fact, subscribe to my podcast. I promise you won't be bored!

On the Other Side of the Mic

2011-04-01T23:23:00.001-04:00

I love hosting podcast and webinars. I am approaching my second anniversary of hosting my featured podcast, "Information in a Nutshell: Writing and Publishing Radio Show" for authors. My show has been featured on Blog Talk Radio for the day, week and even week-end. I've interviewed over one hundred people and have thousands of listeners over the years. You would think I'd be relaxed on the air. However when the mic is not in my "control" and I'm being hosted by someone else it is a bit unnerving. In fact it is *very* unnerving...downright scary.

So, when an invitation came from Krista Dunk to interview me on her show, Koinonia Business Women Radio, I said yes, but not without those nagging, not-in-control thoughts. The questions began to run through my mind.

What if I say something stupid?

What if I don't know the answer?

What if no one comes to listen to the show?

What if she has nothing to say to me?

What if she never invites me back?

Of course none of those things happened...well I don't know if I'll ever be invited back, but I'll keep you posted on that one! However I do know that when hosting my own shows I am relaxed. I really enjoy the experience of talking to strangers many who I will never meet this side of heaven, and I have a blast. My job as the host is to make my guest relaxed, interject a few thoughts or comments and jump in to save the day in the case of a guest who is at a loss for words.

Krista Dunk, the host of the Koinonia Business Women Radio began the show with an incidental comment, setting the tone of an excited but relaxed host and making me feel totally at ease. Once the countdown (behind the scenes) took place before we went "live" I felt the normal adrenalin spike. I listened while Krista began her introduction and could sit back until she introduced me. I wasn't in charge I reminded myself, I could relax! She was the expert host.

So how do you prepare for an interview? How do you sound relaxed, excited and oh, so knowledgeable? Believe me for some it is a gift and for others it takes work! Here are a few keys to making it work:

1. Know your topic.

2. List key information such as numbers or other points you may not remember.

3. Make sure you drink plenty of water.

4. Be passionate about your topic.

5. Thank the host.

Knowing your topic is a given. You are being interviewed because you have something to contribute. Yet nerves can get the best of us, even the most knowledgeable person. Jotting down notes can be a big help. Additionally list statistics or key points you want to mention. In case your interviewer doesn't remember to ask for your web address or, for example, the title of your book, writing it down will remind you to interject that information where appropriate. While some may consider it silly to list "drink" plenty of water, know that I have interviewed guests who clear their throats often. This is annoying in listening to replays. And, it has happened to me especially when I am sick. Drinking plenty of fluids (non-caffeine) is beneficial.

If you want to instill an element of enthusiasm to what can otherwise be a dull talk being passionate about a tropic can really help. Interjecting humor (if not forced) can also add an element of fun. Laughing at yourself is fine if you don't over do it. There needs to be a balance to humor and enthusiasm. Don't forget to end by using your manners. Thank your host and when the show is over and send an email or thank-you note by snail mail. In my years of interviews I've received several snail mail thank-yous and those adorn my office wall.

In case you are wondering about protocol it's okay to offer yourself as an interview subject. Have a ready paragraph or two about your value as a guest and above all, research. Be sure you are a good fit for your radio host's purpose. If so, go for it! You may enjoy being on the other side of the mic and who knows---someday you may host your own show.

American Christian Fiction Writers

2011-03-14T16:44:00.001-04:00

Enjoy this guest blog from Margaret Daley a recent guest on my radio show for authors, Information in a Nutshell. Margaret is an award winning author and the current president of the ACFW.

By Margaret Daley

ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) is the Voice of Christian Fiction. Founded over ten years ago, it has grown to over 2200 members.

ACFW is a premier writing organization with the following mission statement: Our mission is to promote Christian Fiction through developing the skills of its authors, educating them in the market, and serving as an advocate in the traditional publishing industry.

How can ACFW help a writer toward his/her writing goals?

ACFW has many different programs to help a writer. The first one, Novel Track: Writing is offered in January, April, July, and October. It is an email loop for support and encouragement to help you meet your writing goal. Following that is Novel Track: Editing in February (also May, August, and November). This loop focuses on how to edit the words you wrote the month before. Lastly, Novel Track: Polishing is in March (then June, September, and December). This part of the Novel Track program concentrates on the little problems that can occur while writing: grammar, over use of certain words, passive vs. active voice. If you participate in the Novel Track program through the year, you can have a completed novel by the end of the year.

Another way ACFW can help you meet your writing goals in 2011 is through free online classes. Each month (except December) there is a class offered by a qualified writing instructor. Our classes cover a variety of subjects from grammar to deep point of view—and more!

A third program available through ACFW is a large Critique Group which gives writers a way to connect with others who want to critique—and have their work critiqued. Some of the members of the large Critique Group break off and form smaller ones.

There are several email loops that the members can join that offer networking and help.

1. Main Loop: Easy to use and communicate about all writing-related topics. You can glean and share amazing tidbits of information via email. This loop is an education itself.

2. Your zone loop is the loop where chitchat is welcome. It is for fellowship with your fellow writers. It is a place where at last someone understands you.

3. Prayer Loop: Many members enjoy supporting one another through prayer. This loop has been a blessing to me.

4. Genre Loops: ACFW recently added several genre loops to discuss the writing craft in a more specific way. On these loops we offer a place to discuss these subjects: Children’s Fiction, Historical, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Speculative, Suspense, Women’s Fiction and Young Adult.

ACFW’s Web site has forums where you can get detailed questions answered and visit past posts as well as enjoy genre-specific threads (conversations on one topic). This is a fun place. Some have gotten to know people from ACFW on the forum before they attended their first ACFW Annual Conference.

As a member of ACFW you receive a discount on ACFW Conference Fees. A big savings to you when it's time to register for the annual ACFW Conference. This year the conference is in St. Louis from September 22-25, 2011. At the conference the winners of the two contests that ACFW sponsor are announced. The Genesis Contest is for unpublished writers and The Carol Award is for published authors.

ACFW's very own ezine, Afictionado, is published monthly. You will find articles about the writing craft, member news, industry news, author interviews, book reviews and much, much more.

If you have an upcoming novel release from one of our recognized publishers, a member can submit the information to the ACFW’s New Release coordinator, and we will help promote it for you.

ACFW has a book club that discusses two books a month. The members vote on which books to read. You can apply to have your book, if it is from one of our recognized publishers, considered by the ACFW Book Club.

Book Reviews: If you are a reviewer or author, submit a review of an ACFW member's book to be posted on the Web site.

Author Interviews and Featured Author: Each week we post an author interview of a published ACFW member on the public side of the site.

Another important benefit for published members is the opportunity to be included in the http://www.fictionfinder.com database. Fictionfinder.com links readers, bookstores, libraries, book clubs, and authors with great Christian fiction.

As you can see there are many reasons to become a member of ACFW. Go check out our Web site at http://www.acfw.com.

About the author:

Margaret Daley is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. She wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press. She has sold seventy-five books to date.

Margaret is currently the President for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization of over 2200 members. She was one of the founding members of the first ACFW local chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She has taught numerous classes for online groups, ACFW and RWA chapters. She enjoys mentoring other authors.

Until she retired a few years ago, she was a teacher of students with special needs for twenty-seven years and volunteered with Special Olympics as a coach. She currently is on the Outreach committee at her church, working on several projects in her community.

You can visit her web site at http://www.margaretdaley.com and read excerpts from her books and learn about the ones recently released and soon to be released.

New Tax Laws in 2011 for Writers

2011-01-14T06:00:00.003-05:00

Guest Blogger
Carol Topp, CPA

Congress passed several new tax bills in 2010. Are there any tax breakers for writers? CPA and author, Carol Topp says, yes, there are some tax breaks that writers, authors and publishers need to know about including:

* a 2% raise for all workers including self-employed freelance writers
* increases on common business deductions that authors and writers should know about
* a first-time deduction to the self-employment tax
* changes in deductions for health insurance
* incentives to hire employees and buy equipment

Carol will discuss all these important tax changes for writers, but she will also discuss some laws that will affect you in the near future such as the the 1099MISC reporting requirement.

1099MISC reporting requirement.

As part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA or fondly called “Obamacare”) a 1099MISC reporting requirement was added. All business owners know that they have had to give independent contractors who provided services (such as web designers, freelance writers, editors, etc) a Form 1099MISC if they were paid more than $600 in a year. No 1099MISC forms needed to be sent to corporations or for the purchase of goods.

But this act changed that reporting requirement effective January 1, 2012. Now a small business owner must give a Form 1099MISC (and a copy to the IRS) to all vendors supplying goods or services including corporations paid more than $600 in a year.

This means for every vendor you pay more than $600 in a year you must collect their legal name and tax ID number (using a Form W-9) and send them a Form 1099MISC at the start of 2012. This includes hotels, airlines, office supply stores, computer stores, etc. This law becomes effective January 1, 2012, so you need to start collecting data during 2012 and give the 1099MISC forms in early 2013.

Imagine what this means to you, a self-employed writer. You walk into Office Depot and buy paper, ink and a new printer totaling $400. No problem you think, I'm under the $600 1099MISC limit. Later in the year you buy more supplies for $250. Now you've given Office Depot more than $600 in a year. You need to collect their legal name and tax ID number. Do you think the cashier has that information? Probably not! Your record keeping must track how much you pay each and every company so that you can send them 1099MISC forms by January 30 of 2013. If you already hate record keeping, this is going to add to that burden.

This is an unnecessary and unreasonable record keeping task for small business owners! Email your congressional representative to ask for a repeal. (Google “repel 1099 MISC reporting” to find several sample letters). Many congress men and women has vowed to overturn this potion of the PPACA. Let's hope it's sooner rather than later!

Listen as Felice Gerwitz interviews Carol Topp about these important issues facing writers.

Monday, January 17, 2011 at 3:30 pm EST.

Join us LIVE here

Carol has created a handout summarizing these tax changes for writers. Go to TaxesForWriters.com to get your copy of the handout. Take it to your tax preparer and make sure you are getting every deduction you are allowed!

Bio: Carol Topp has been married to her husband, Dave, for 26 years and they have two daughters. She lives with her family in Cincinnati, Ohio where they enjoy reading, traveling, art museums, hiking, their church and homeschooling. Carol's daughters, one in college and one in high school, were homeschooled through high school graduation.

Through homeschooling, Carol discovered her love for teaching and communicating through writing and speaking. She has written several books sharing her experience and accounting knowledge, including the Micro Business for Teens series, Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out, and, as a contributing author, Home Work: Juggling Home, Work and School Without Losing Your Balance. She has also published several magazine articles in The Old Schoolhouse, Home Education, Homeschool Enrichment, Nonprofit World magazines and the National Association of Tax Professionals TaxPro.

Carol is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) as well as an author and specializes in tax preparation, small/micro business accounting, and nonprofit accounting. She has presented numerous workshops on money management, business start up, taxes, budgeting and homeschooling to various writers groups, community, church and homeschool organizations. Carol was born and raised in Wisconsin and graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Engineering. She worked for the US Navy as a cost analyst before obtaining her CPA license in 2000. She published her first book in 2008. Her websites include CarolToppCPA.com andTaxesForWriters.com.

Carol Topp, CPA

CarolToppCPA.com Author and accountant

HomeschoolCPA.com For homeschool organizations and leaders

Does your teenager owe taxes? TeensAndTaxes.com

Know a teenager who wants to start a business? MicroBusinessForTeens.com

Your Idea to Amazon in 14 Days

2011-01-10T06:00:00.006-05:00

By Guest Blogger, Marnie Swedberg

How long will you spend writing your next book? It’s a question you should ask, because minutes matter!

My first book took four years from idea to publication. It was published by St. Martin’s Press, enjoyed three printings and major media. I wouldn’t trade a minute of that investment.

I have gone on to write several books, my most recent taking four months from idea to publication. Again, that time was well spent.

In January of 2010, the director of a regional library system asked me to pinch hit for a trainer who was not able to fulfill his 3-day, 7-city speaking tour on the topic, “How to Write an eBook.” The events were scheduled to begin 16 days after the call and during those two weeks I pulled a team together, researched, wrote and published a book entitled, “eBooks: Idea to Amazon in 14 Days.” The book is the journal of every step I took in order to achieve that goal.

Now anyone can do it, including you.

I’ll be sharing more of my process during my interview with Felice on Information in a Nutshell, but here are a few tips:

1.    Write for Two Audiences. Write your manuscript for your target (niche) audience, but also write it with a publisher in mind. If you can answer the questions an acquisition’s editor will ask, you will be well on your way to having a marketable book. At that point, you can decide whether to self-publish or seek a publisher.

2.    Surround Yourself with Talent. If you plan to publish a book fast, you’ll need a team. Mine included researchers, editors, formatters and a graphic artist. I mostly rely on outsourcers, which is a new concept for many people, but saves me thousands of dollars each year.

3.    Turn on a Dime. As soon as you identify a roadblock to progress, shift, take a hard right or eliminate that element completely. The key is to keep writing.

4.    Get Unstuck Fast. When I get stuck, I hire a coach for 5-15 minutes to help me see what I am missing. My book, eBooks: Idea to Amazon in 14 Days, is like having me sitting next to you, coaching you through many steps of writing, including getting your ISBN, using waivers and obtaining a www.YourName.com website. If you need additional help, hire a coach. Arrange to receive “laser coaching” versus ongoing service. You are on a deadline: You need quick answers instead of weeks of hand-holding.

5.    Prepare to be famous. OK, you might not get famous, but it’s important to think ahead toward what it would be like if you were. Just today I completed 20 questions for a Celebrity Interview website. I love it when they send me questions and give me time to “wordsmith” my answers and have it all edited. More often you will have to answer questions on the spot – on TV, radio or for a print interview. Taking time to ask yourself the questions first is really helpful. (The book includes all the questions I was asked during my blog tour for its release.)

Publishing an eBook or book in 14 days may sound outrageous, but the shortcuts I used to accomplish that feat may be the catalyst you need to finish your book this year rather than next year or than never.

Learn more of my stress-busting strategies for authors, speakers and other super busy women at www.Marnie.com.