The jexbo® Blog

3 Things to Watch Out For as a Self-Published Author

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:06:00 +0000

Congratulations! You just finished your self-published book. Now, it’s time to market and sell. But before you move forward, here are three, key things to watch out for:

1. Make sure the publisher you choose does what you pay them to do.

Get everything in writing beforehand and go over it to make sure you understand what you will get for your money. Also, read any fine print to avoid unnecessary surprises. After all, you don’t want to pay for your book to be published and then discover you have to pay a shipping fee to get the books sent to you!

2. Don’t lose sight of the fact that once you publish your book, you have to change gears from focusing on writing to focusing on promoting your book.

It’s easy to think the hard part is over once you’re holding a copy of your book in your hands, but that’s when things start to get fun. Now, you’ll focus on marketing, promotion and building word-of-mouth about your self-published book.

3. Stay positive.

Sometimes it takes awhile for your book to start selling well, and you need to watch that you don’t become too discouraged at the beginning. Surround yourself with positive friends and keep focused on the bright side – you’ve written a book, and that is more than most people can say!

It is very exciting to complete a book. And if you stay focused, work on marketing and surround yourself with positive people, your self-published book will be a rewarding experience that will provide an income and happiness!

Do you need help selling your self-published book? Feel free to write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. I’d love to hear from you! Thanks!

Time for Halloween Fun!

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:31:00 +0000

Our weather right now is gorgeous fall weather: frost on the grass in the morning, but sunny and crisp in the afternoon. The leaves on the trees are all changing colors, and the air smells so good I keep the windows open, even though that means we have to wear sweaters inside.

This morning my son got an email from one of his American cousins asking what he would be for Halloween this year, and he had to write back saying Halloween isn't really celebrated the same in Germany as in the US. Germans do know about Halloween from American TV shows and movies, but they don't know exactly what it is to go trick-or-treating. There are a few Halloween parties at bars and restaurants, and my son was once invited to a Halloween party by a classmate where the kids wore costumes and played games, but it was in the afternoon and they didn't go door to door collecting candy.

A few people have put pumpkins out, but it's more for a fall decoration than for Halloween. I've only seen one pumpkin carved into a Jack-o-Lantern this year, and I've never seen one with a candle in it.

My Austrian in-laws mentioned that once they had three trick-or-treaters come by, but that was a few years ago. Sine my in-laws live in a small village, I'm assuming it was one mother with her kids who saw it on TV and wanted to try it.

In Germany and Austria the day after Halloween, All Saints Day, is much more of a holiday. Traditionally you visit the cemetery to clean off graves of deceased relatives, and leave flowers or candles. This is a slightly dying tradition though. As a child, my husband always went to the cemetery on All Saints Day with his parents, but my nephews only occasionally go with my brother-in-law.

So if you're dressing up for Halloween, I hope you have a great time! My son always has no school the last week of October, so we'll be traveling next week. Please let me know if there's anything you'd like to know about life in Germany, or about self-publishing a book. I'd love to hear from you!

See more tips and information at www.jexbo.com!

How to Find Time to Work on Your Business and Run a Household

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Running a business and a household can sometimes feel like two full-time jobs, but here are a few ideas you can use to help things go smoothly.

• Do Work in Advance.

First, try to work ahead as much as possible, because you never know what’s going to come up. Someone could become ill, you could have an unexpected project to work on, or you could just need a break. If you have things done in advance, these events shouldn’t disrupt your current deadlines and activities.

• Delegate.

Another thing to do is figure out what household jobs you can delegate to other family members. Even very young children can sort laundry to be washed, set the table and make their own beds. Set up a schedule, and post it where all of your family members can see what they’re expected to do to help.

• Find a Good Work Time.

Find a time when you can work uninterrupted to get critical things done. If your children are school-aged, work while they’re in school. If your children are very young, work during their naptime. If those aren’t options, either get up a little earlier, or go to bed a little later, and do what you can while the house is quiet.

• Keep a Schedule.

Keep a written schedule that includes both work and household information together in one place. Don’t forget to note all school projects, birthdays and work commitments. Go over the list on Sunday afternoon so you have a head’s up for the coming week.

Running a business and a household does not need to be difficult if you take some time to get organized and create a schedule that works for you!

Need more help with running your business? Check out these sites:

www.startupnation.com
www.smallbizamerica.com
http://www.pinkmagazine.com/index.html

And if you need help selling your self-published book, or finding the perfect gift for someone, please write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. I’d love to hear from you!

How to Sell Your Self-Published Book Fast

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:10:00 +0000

Once you’ve written and published your book, you’ll want to start selling as quickly as possible. There are a lot of options for you, and you should take advantage of as many of them as possible.

Obviously, I’ll recommend using my site, http://www.jexbo.com/, as a place to sell your books first. There is no fee to list your book, you’ll be able to print off bookmarks that say, “Buy my book on http://www.jexbo.com/”, and there’s just a 5% charge of whatever you’ve sold each month.

Also, consider printing business cards with information about your book and passing them out. It’s much easier to carry around a pocket full of cards than several copies of your book.

Check out local community centers that have bulletin boards where you can pin up a copy of your card so people know how to get in touch with you about buying your book.

A slightly more expensive idea is find a book publicist who would promote your book for you. Make sure you agree in advance about the details though and ask questions like:

Will the publicist receive a monthly fee or a percentage of the sales?
Will the publicist arrange interviews for you?
Will the publicist just do the publicity part, or will s/he also take care of selling the book for you?

Take the time to look at all the options available and your budget. Then, take action! When it all comes down to it, it’s going to be up to you to spread the word and sell your book!

For more tips and information on selling your self-published books, please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. I’m here to help!

3 Quick Tips to Prepare for the Holidays Now

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Do you like to work ahead as much as possible in everything, including preparing for the holidays? If so, here are a few tips to help get you started, because the more you have done ahead of time, the less stress you’ll feel during the holidays.

• Make a list of everyone you need to buy presents for, and do your shopping early.

Then, once you purchase the presents, wrap them and put labels on them immediately. I set aside a container for presents and keep the list taped to it, so I know at a glance what I still have to do.

• Make a meal list in advance.

If you’re going to be hosting a meal, put together a folder with the recipes you’ll need and a corresponding grocery list. Then, when it’s time to go shopping for the ingredients, you’ll be able to see exactly what you have to purchase.

If you don’t want the bother of making everything from scratch, keep a list of restaurants and companies that do a “take-out” meal service you can pick up the morning of your party - anything from your local Boston Market to a catering company you’ve enjoyed in the past.

• Start a “master schedule.”

Write down everything you need to do throughout the holidays, and keep this schedule handy in a central place, such as on the refrigerator. If you’re invited to someone’s house, include all the details on the schedule. This way if you have to cancel, you won’t have to look for the invitation to find a phone number.

The holidays can be a very stressful time of year, but the more you have done in advance, the more time you’ll have to relax and enjoy the festivities!

And if you are looking for a unique, holiday gift, check out all the great books at www.jexbo.com!

Election Day in Germany

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Lat Sunday was election day here in Germany. It's pretty much the same as in the US - lots of signs up for the different political parties, ads on TV, people passing out flyers - all the things you'd expect.

One small difference is there are strict laws controlling the size of signs on the street. We have very few billboards since they are considered a distraction. Instead we have lots of posters that are the size of sandwich-board signs. Starting about a month before the elections you see a poster about every twenty feet on the streets.

Most of the posters say the same things that politicians the world over say: More Job Security, More Rights to the Citizens, Less Government Control. I only saw one that as a foreigner living here I found offensive: "Multi Kulti? Nein, Danke." This translates to "Multi-cultured? No, thanks." Obviously some party doesn't like foreigners.

Voting itself is also similar to voting in the US. You go to the nearby school or library, check in at a table surrounded by thirty people working there, head back to the two or three voting booths, and make your choices on a ballot.

I have never voted here in Stuttgart, but when I lived in Frankfurt, all foreigners were allowed to vote for someone to represent them. Voting in a German election was very interesting for me and my Austrian husband, unfortunately we never learned what the foreigner representative did, or if it helped us.

Anyway, it's been nearly a week since the election and most of the signs are down and things are getting back to normal. I'm not sure when the next round of elections will be, but I've had enough for awhile.

Please let me know if you have any questions about life in Germany, or if you have any questions about selling a self-published book! Feel free to write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. Thanks!

3 Quick Tips to Sell Your Self-Published Books

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0000

When you are a new self-published author, it can be difficult to know where to turn to sell your books. In addition to your listing on jexbo, here are my three quick-tips to help you get started:

1. Check online options.

Once you have your book listed online, look for forums, blogs and Twitter accounts related to your book’s subject matter. Then, get involved. Tell others about your book with a link to your marketing Web page. Also, be sure to provide valuable comments, tips and insights. This way, you’ll build credibility and awareness without just being “someone selling something.”

2. Contact local media members.

Conduct some research and find reporters and editors in your local area who write or talk about new books in their newspaper columns, magazines, televisions shows, and radio programs. Then, figure out why they would be interested in your book and contact them directly. Provide valuable information, insights on current trends and quick tips.

After introducing yourself via phone, follow up by sending a copy of your book to the appropriate media members and book reviewers. Include a cover letter that is interesting and summarizes what your book has to offer. After all, if a reporter chooses to do a story on your book, you’ll receive a lot of free publicity!

3. Brainstorm ideas.

Sit down with your family and friends and think of ways you can reach your target market. Look for the cheapest ways first. For example, you can leave ads on bulletin boards in the local community, write an article for a specific newsletter, partner with a charity event, etc. Some of the most inexpensive ideas work best. And if not, look into paid advertisements. In some cases, you may pay a little more for an ad, but you’ll reach a much larger market.

Your Hard Work Will Pay Off.

These are just three quick tips to help you get started in selling your self-published books. The key is to be creative and provide valuable information for your target market. You don’t need a lot of money – just create a plan and take action. Then, monitor your results and spend more time on the areas that produce the most sales.

For more tips and help on self-publishing, please write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. I'm here to help!

Three Reasons You Should Self-Publish Your Book

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Before you start to look for a publisher for your new book, have you thought about self-publishing it yourself? If not, consider these three reasons to self-publish your book:

1. Self-publishing is fast.

By self-publishing your book, you will get it into the market much faster than using a traditional publishing method which may include months of back and forth negotiations. And if you have an e-book, you can post it immediately and start selling!

2. Self-publishing gives you control.

When you self-publish, you maintain control over every aspect of your book. From cover design to typesetting to retail price, you have the power to make changes, monitor sales and work directly with customers.

3. Self-publishing is easy.

Today, it’s very easy to self-publish your book. There are a number of cost-effective, online services to choose from (you can list your self-published book on www.jexbo.com for 10¢ per month and jexbo takes just 5% of the sales). Plus, there are local and online print shops that have expanded services like bookbinding to help self-published authors print their books.

Self-publishing is a hot trend these days (look at http://www.selfpublishingresources.com/Booknews.htm and http://www.selfpublishingreview.com/) because it’s a cost-effective way for new writers to market and sell their books quickly… so if you just wrote a book, take a look at your self-publishing options before moving forward with a traditional printer. You may be able to sell more books faster and enjoy the process even more!

For more information on self-publishing, please write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. Thanks!

Three Quick Tips for Selling Your Romance Books

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:14:00 +0000

Did you write a great, self-published romance and are ready to sell it? Well, there is no need to spend a lot of money to help sell your new book. Here are three quick tips to help you get started:

1. Check online options.

In addition to posting your book on www.jexbo.com (where you can list your book for 10¢ per month and jexbo takes just 5% of the sales), look for other sites online specifically for self-published authors. By doing a little research, you will find a simple and cost-effective service that best suits your needs and budget.

2. Look for local reading clubs.

Check your phone book, library and online for a list of reading clubs in your local area. There are many groups that focus on reading romance books, and you could suggest they add your book to their reading line-up.

If you can’t find one of these clubs, consider starting one! Post a notice at your local community center or library to find others interested in romance books. Then, plan monthly book discussions and events. You’ll build word of mouth and get some great feedback on your romance book.

3. Sign up for book signings.

Visit your local bookstore to set up a book-signing afternoon. You can offer a discount on your book, a presentation, free snacks, and more. Think of ways to get people to your signing, and don’t forget to let the local paper and other media members know about it. They might send someone over to do a story about your book signing and you’ll get free exposure for your book!

These are just three quick tips to help you sell your self-published romance book. If you have more questions and need additional assistance, feel free to contact me here or at www.jexbo.com. Thanks!

How to Self-Publish Your Book with Three Key Steps

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Are you ready to self-publish your book? Here’s how in three simple steps:

1-Figure out how much help you will need getting your book ready to publish.

Will you need help with the editing or illustrations, or are you confident to make all the decisions on your own? Then, look for a publisher who meets your requirements, either locally through the phone book, or online. Take the time to conduct the appropriate research and you’ll save time and money.

2- Choose the right printer for your book.

Do you just need basic bookbinding? Or do you have special needs such as an oversized book or special colors? Do an online search for a local printer or a specialist printer to fulfill your specific book needs. Look for good ratings with the Better Business Bureau and testimonials from previous customers to ensure you are making the right choice.

3- Don’t let hidden charges surprise you.

Before you pay someone to print your book for you, find out exactly what you’ll be getting for your money. Will the printer use your book in their own advertising, and if so, will you be compensated for it? Does the printer offer help to sell your book, and if so, is there an extra fee? Get your questions answered before you agree to services.

These are three simple steps. But if you follow them, it will be much easier to self-publish your book, save time and money and start selling your book fast!

For more information on selling your self-published book, please contact me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. I’d love to hear from you!

English in German Public Schools

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000

I’ve had a request from a blog reader to write about how English is taught in the schools in Germany, so here goes:

My son is a student in the local public schools in Stuttgart, and in our state (Baden-Wuerttemberg) they begin learning English in first grade using a British system called Playway to English (http://www.cambridge.org/elt/playway/). There is a weekly video, along with singing and art projects they do with their teacher, and the children work their way through the books. In addition to this, I, and a mother from India did projects such as playing games and hosting snack times where only English was spoken. By the end of elementary school (fourth grade) most of the kids could speak basic English, and many of them enjoyed practicing with me.

As I’ve just mentioned, it’s a British program used in the schools. Most of the time the only difference from American English is pronunciation or spelling, but sometimes the word is completely different, such as “chips” for French fries, or “crisps” for potato chips. This annoyed my son, but as I always reminded him, if he’s in England, he’ll be able to understand everyone (this reminder also annoyed him, though it amused me greatly).

Something that helped me explain the differences between British and American English was that I learned German in Austria, so when kids would ask, “do you understand both ‘Father Christmas’ and ‘Santa Claus,’” I could ask, “do you understand both Erdapfel [potato in Austrian German] and Kartoffel [potato in German German].” That way they could see the differences were not completely different words, they were just not the words I used regularly.

In September, my son will start Gymnasium, secondary school in Germany, and we’ve chosen an art and language school, so it has a focus on these subjects. In fifth grade he’ll start learning American English, in sixth grade they’ll add French, in eighth Latin, and in tenth Russian. Should be an interesting eight years for us!

If you have any questions about life in Germany you’d like me to talk about, please let me know, and if you have any questions about selling a self-published book, check out my site www.jexbo.com!

The Top 3 Things Self-Published Authors Should Avoid

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:05:00 +0000

You’ve worked hard to write your self-published book. But there are three, key things you should know about in order to sell the most books as quickly as possible:

1. Never be afraid to ask questions about the publisher you choose.
If you are going to pay someone to print your book for you, you need to understand exactly what you’re paying for. Ask important questions up front:

• Does the price include shipping the books to you?
• Is there an editor who will proofread your book?
• Will the publisher use your book in their advertising, and if so, will you be compensated for it, perhaps with a reduced rate?
• Will the publisher help you market your book?

This way, there won’t be any surprises, and you you’ll know what to expect.

2. Never be shy about promoting your book.
Once you write your book and are ready to reach as many readers as possible, then you need to shout it from the rooftops! Tell everyone you meet about your book, send out a press release and try to secure media interviews.

Also, encourage friends, family and associates to help spread the word about your book. And if you’re too nervous to talk about it, have bookmarks, handouts, t-shirts, and other marketing materials printed to help advertise your book.

3. Never give up.
There will be disappointing times when you’re trying to sell your book, but you need to keep looking ahead. If you don’t believe in your book, why should anyone else?

You need to surround yourself with positive people who can encourage you during difficult days. For help, find a writing group online, or check with your local community center and join a group where you can meet face-to-face.

Patience Pays!

You spent many days away from family, friends and fun to complete your book. Now, before jumping on the marketing bandwagon, take the time to ask your publisher questions, prepare a promotional plan and get support. You’ll save time, money and stress in the process. Plus, you’ll end up selling a lot more books!

Do you have questions about self-publishing your book? Feel free to write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. I'd love to hear from you!

Schulfest

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000

I posted this blog a few weeks ago at Pink Magazine Online, but I thought my audience here would also like to read it...

The school year here in Stuttgart is fast winding down. My son will graduate from elementary school on July 29, and next year he’ll start Gymnasium (which is the last 8 years of school here, sort of a combined middle- & high school). This past weekend we went to our last School Festival and it was bittersweet for me and my husband but not for our son who spent the time with his friends rolling his eyes at me when I told him “I had four great years here.” He said, “You didn’t even go here Mama.” But it feels like I did and I'm sure many parents feel the same way about their children's schools.

The school festival here is like most elementary school festivals I went to when I was at school in the US. There was a bake sale, tug-of-war game, speech by the principal (the kids were all running around having fun – just the parents listened to this), parade of first graders who sang and waved paper flowers, and an exhibit of all the art made by the children throughout the school year.

My husband was assigned to work at the grill (hotdogs for sale – 2.50E each), and I spent time talking with my son’s beloved first teacher here and we both marveled at how fast the past four years have gone. We met her on our first day in Stuttgart, when we stopped by the school to pick up the school supplies list, and here we are moving on to another school preparing to say goodbye to her.

Thinking about this makes my eyes fill with tears, so I’ll stop talking about it and move on to later that day. After the school festival we were invited to watch the Stuttgart Lichterfest (Light Festival) with friends who have a house bordering the park where the fireworks take place. There we had a lovely evening – barbecue on the balcony, kids running around, interesting company (these friends are Norwegian-German and had invited guests from Norway, South Africa, Germany and us – I’m American and my husband is Austrian). One particular guest was a designer who worked on the Ice Hotel in Sweden and we were excited to tell him we spent a weekend there this past April.

Then, near midnight, we walked home through the throngs of people leaving the Light Festival and my son said, “Isn’t midnight when scary things are supposed to happen?” and I thought no, all time is scary because it’s moving so fast.

Weekend in Austria

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000

My husband Dietmar is Austrian, and even though we live in Germany, we spend many weekends in Austria so our son can see his cousins and grandparents there. Dietmar grew up in Linz, the third largest city in Austria (after Vienna and Graz), but when his parents retired a few years ago, they moved to the small village where my father-in-law grew up. His mother (Dietmar’s grandma) was the schoolteacher in the village, so everyone there knows my in-laws.

One weekend we were arriving near midnight and to our surprise, a police car followed us all the way through the village until we pulled into my in-law’s driveway and got out of our car. We thought that was a little odd, but it was made even more odd when the following weekend my father-in-law mailed us a copy of a story that had been in their local paper that week. Basically the story said, “The Exlers of Hochscharten Street were visited this past weekend by their oldest son and his family who live in Germany. Their arrival was monitored by the police who noted the German license plate on their black sedan.”

I’ve traveled all over Europe, and the only time I’ve made the news here is when I arrived late one night in a small village in Austria.

Do you have questions about being a self-published author or entrepreneur? Feel free to write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. I'd love to hear from you!

3 Quick Tips for Selling Your Comic Book

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000

If you have a self-published comic book to sell, here are three quick tips to help you get started:

1. Check all online listing options.

There are a number of sites that let you do this and you need to figure out which best suits your needs and budget. My site, www.jexbo.com, for instance, charges 10¢ per month to list your book and takes 5% of the sales.

2. Look in your local phone book for comic and record shops.

Find out if you can leave copies of your book there for sale. Also, see if they have bulletin boards where you can leave ads for your book so readers can contact you directly.

3. Use sites such as Facebook, www.facebook.com, and Twitter, www.twitter.com.

Start spreading the word about your book on various social-media sites and provide valuable information. This can generate interest in your book, and it can direct readers to you.

These are just three quick ways to start selling your comic book. For more free tips and information, visit www.jexbo.com. And if you have questions about marketing and selling your self-published books, please let me know. I’d love to hear from you!

How to Make Back to School Fun

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Summer is flying by, and before you know it, it will be time for the kids to go back to school. With this in mind, try to do a few things to prepare now so you can save time, money and reduce stress later on. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Do as much as possible in advance.
Check with the school to find out what your child will need for the next year and make a list. Then, keep your eyes open at garage sales and sales at local stores for things on that list.

2. Set up a schedule and go over it with your children before the school year begins.
A new school year can be fun, but it can also be stressful, so the more a child knows what to expect, the better. Put up a calendar showing sport practices, piano lessons and other scheduled activities so your kids know which days they have certain activities and which days they have free.

3. Plan some fun activities the kids can look forward to enjoying.
Don’t have your children associate summer with fun and the school year with work. Instead, try to plan fun activities each month. Here’s an idea. Throughout the entire year, have your kids write down ten of their favorite activities (such as a trip to the zoo, going to a movie, or even choosing what you’ll have for dinner). Then, put the ten choices in a bag and schedule a day each month when your child can reach in and pull out a choice for a treat that month. It’s a fun way to make your child feel special and spend some quality time together.

Back-to-school doesn’t need to be a stressful time and abrupt end to fun. Instead, take a little time to prepare now, and both you and your children may look forward to the cooler months ahead.

Do you need help selling your self-published books and being a Mom entrepreneur? Please let me know here or at www.jexbo.com. I’d love to hear from you!

3 Tips to Survive Tough Economic Times as a Writer

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0000

If you are having trouble selling your self-published books right now and simply surviving as a writer, don’t lose hope. Take action! Here are three things you can do now to enhance your writing career and prepare for better times ahead.

1. Consider teaching a class.
Think of something you’re good at and then check with local, adult-education programs or community colleges. Sometimes you can design an entire program yourself teaching something you specialize in… whether it’s writing, cooking, knitting, photography, or another area of expertise.

2. Do Internet searches to find places to sell your self-published books.
There are a number of magazines and newsletters that pay for submissions, but also consider those that don’t pay because your writing will still get exposure.

3. Don’t stop writing even though times are tough.
It can be easy to give up when things aren’t going well, but do what you can to keep your spirits up. Surround yourself with helpful friends who will encourage you. Keep writing. Then, when the economy picks up, you’ll be ready for success!

Do you have questions about selling your self-published book, comic, romance, fiction, or non-fiction work? Please let me know here or visit www.jexbo.com. I’d love to help you market and sell your self-published books!

Three Ways a Mom Entrepreneur Can Get Time to Herself

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:00:00 +0000

During the summer months, things can get crazy if you are taking care of your children and running a business. In fact, it may seem like it’s impossible to get any time to yourself. However, it is possible with a little planning.

Here are my three, quick tips to find some extra, personal time to refresh and re-energize.

1. Always work ahead whenever possible.
As you run around taking care of your business and all of your work priorities, you never know what’s going to pop up. By completing projects and errands in advance, you’ll be prepared for unexpected issues.

If everything goes smoothly, you’ll have some extra time in case you need a break. And when this happens, try to do something for yourself – paint your nails, read your favorite book, talk to a friend, or take a nap.

2. Plan activities for your kids that get them out of the house.
There are many ways your children can have fun, learn, meet new friends, and give you a few minutes to yourself at the same time. To start, check with your local library. They often offer craft programs, movies, reading events, and more free for participants.

And during the summer, many cities offer drop-in programs at local parks where the kids have supervised play. Conduct a little research. You may find that your gym or spa has child-activity centers. Another option is to work with friends to develop joint, play dates. This way, each Mom can get a break on a regular basis.

3. Change your hours.
Try to get up an hour early to get work done while everyone is asleep. If you’re not an early bird, stay up an extra hour at night. You’d be surprised how much extra time you have to accomplish things when the phone isn’t ringing and your children are not making requests.

And note that you don’t have to do this every day. Rather, you might try this just a couple days a week and find that it gives you all the extra time you need.

These are just a few tips from one busy Mom entrepreneur to another. For more help, check out www.entrepreneur.com/mompreneur/index.html, http://www.startupnation.com/series/131/1237/advice-entrepreneur-moms.asp and www.bizziemommy.com/

Do you have questions about being a busy Mom entrepreneur or selling your self-published book? Please let me know here or at www.jexbo.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Formalities of Germany

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Howdy from Germany! I’m very happy to have this opportunity to tell you what it’s like to live and work as a foreigner in this beautiful country. I thought I should start off with the formalities, which are actually different here than in the U.S. This is a country where formalities are taken seriously, starting from a very young age.

It could come from the fact that German is one of those languages that has more than one version of “you.” The informal “du” which you use with your family and close friends is the English version of “thee” – so we have an equivalent, we just don’t use it anymore. There is also the formal “Sie” which is for everyone other than “du” and it’s also the plural version of “you.” As a foreigner, I am somewhat excused from following this strictly. If for example I mistakenly use the informal “du” when talking with my son’s teacher, she would just think it was a grammar mistake because German isn’t my first language. It becomes tricky for my Austrian husband though. When we meet other parents at school functions, my husband will whisper “do we ‘du’ or ‘Sie’ them?” and I’ll answer with me it’s about 50-50 what I will call them, so he should do what he would do without me.

Another formality here is that I am virtually always called “Frau Exler” (Mrs. Exler), even by women I consider good friends and have known for years. If someone knows that I have a doctorate, they might call me “Frau Doctor.” Because my husband also has a doctorate, I am also “Frau Doctor” by virtue of marrying someone with a doctorate. This can be handy if you forget someone’s last name, but remember their profession – it’s perfectly acceptable to say “Hello Mrs Butcher” to the butcher’s wife if you pass her on the street.

Before my son was born, I taught English in Frankfurt and the school where I worked encouraged us to have our students call us by our first names. One man refused to call me Jill, and insisted I call him by his last name as well. He told me, “If we didn’t play in the sandbox together and we don’t have the same last name, we should not use first names when we speak together.”

My son is growing up learning these formalities, and he not only shakes hands with his teachers, he shakes hands with his fellow classmates as well. If he’s invited to play with friends after school, he knows to shake hands with his friends as well as their parents, and his friends all shake hands with me when they play at our house. My son was called by his nickname Ali for his first two years of elementary school, and he used “du” with his teachers. In third grade, school in Germany becomes more formal (more on that in another blog), and he is now called Alexander, and uses “Sie” with his teachers.

So as an American, I am happy to introduce myself to you as Jill, but if you do not feel we are close enough to speak so informally yet, you may call me Mrs. Exler.

___________________

Do you have questions about self-publishing your book or finding a unique gift? Please let me know here or at www.jexbo.com. I'd love to hear from you!

Advertising Your Child in Germany

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +0000

I'm very excited because I'm going to be the featured guest on the "Mind Your Bizness" radio program on July 1st at http://www.mindyourbizness.com/. If you'd like some tips on selling your self-published book, check it out.

Also, I recently thought about something interesting...

There are some things I notice here in Germany that I cannot imagine ever seeing in the U.S. One of them is the habit of buying stickers showing a baby with the baby’s name written under it and sticking it in the back window of a car. It’s not unusual to see stickers announcing “Horst,” “Susanne” and “Fabian,” and three car seats in the back of a car.

I always comment to my husband that this is advertising your child’s name to every nut walking down the street, who can then use the information to say, “Lili – your mama sent me to get you,” and kidnap your child.

But just as I tend to defend the American way to my husband, he tends to defend the European way to me, and tells me there are far fewer kidnappings in Germany than in the U.S. This may be true, but there are also 200,000,000 fewer people in Germany than in the U.S.

So anyway, that’s just an observation of life here in Germany, and something I would highly recommend against. First of all, I think the “cute” factor wears off quickly. Second, why risk endangering your child? And finally, once the cute factor wears off, you’re stuck with what I saw this past weekend… stickers showing babies in a window with “Hans” and “Lia” written underneath, and two bored teenagers sitting in the backseat!

__________________________________________________

Do you have comments about this or need help selling your self-published book? Please let me know here or at www.jexbo.com. I’d love to hear from you! Thanks!

How to Survive While Waiting For Your Big Break as an Author

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Did you just finish your book?

Congratulations! Now, like many new authors, you may be waiting for your big break.

Well, while you wait for that publishing house, editor or producer to call, here are a few tips to help you get through these trying times while being productive.

• Do freelance work.

You’ll want to continue to improve your skills… so keep writing. Check with your local newspaper, or find neighborhood organizations that pay for submissions to their newsletters or magazines.

Also, research online for groups that may be interested in what you’re writing, and offer to prepare an article specific to their needs. You’ll also find freelance work at sites like http://www.elance.com/, http://www.craigslist.org/, http://www.guru.com/emp/index.aspx, and others.

• Consider teaching a class at a local adult education or community college program.

You might be able to set up an entire program yourself and teach something extremely focused in your area of expertise.

Or, you can branch out and discuss a topic you feel passionate about. You’ll be energized sharing your knowledge and increase your credibility as an author at the same time. Check with your local college, university or library to get started.

• Work as a volunteer somewhere that will help you promote your book.

For instance, if you’ve written a book about art, volunteer a couple hours a month at a local gallery. Perhaps you can develop a joint reading activity or event relative to your book that offers benefits for both parties?

To start, check out http://www.thevolunteerfamily.org/Volunteers/Default.aspx?gclid=CPD6zJ3igJsCFRYiagodFH66eQ, http://www.volunteermatch.org/ and your local phone book.

Now is the time to get out and promote yourself and your book. Don’t be shy. After all, you are your best cheerleader.

And while you work on your skills, spread the word and generate interest for your book, your phone just may start ringing.

Do you have questions about selling your self-published book or comic book? Please let me know here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. I'd love to hear from you!

How To Use SEO to Sell Your Self-Published Book

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0000

If you haven’t taken advantage of search engine optimization, or SEO, to sell your book yet, you’re missing out on a great opportunity. By adding appropriate keywords to your Amazon, jexbo or personal Web site page, potential customers will have a much easier time finding your site.

For example, if you write a book about rose gardens in England, key words for your book may be “rose garden” and “England.” Then, when people enter these words on a search engine such as http://www.yahoo.com/ or http://www.google.com/, a link to your Web site may come up.

And don’t worry. It’s not difficult.

Simply visit free sites like http://freekeywords.wordtracker.com/ and http://www.keyworddiscovery.com/search.html. Enter a keyword related to your book, and these services will produce a list of popular words that people search for related to these words.

Then, take these keywords and use them to write some articles on your Web site. Provide valuable information specific to your target market. After all, the search engines look for beneficial copy, not just keywords.

This is a start, and you’ll see an increase in site traffic in a matter of days. But for additional training and to improve your SEO results, check out sites like http://www.seomoz.org/, or hire an SEO copywriter.

It’s well worth your time and effort. After all, if potential customers can’t find your books online, they’ll just buy something else to read!

Do you need help selling your self-published book? Feel free to write to me below or at http://www.jexbo.com/. Thanks!

How to Make Money Selling eBooks

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:32:00 +0000

If you’ve written a book and are choosing to sell it as an e-book, rather than the traditional paper copy, there are a couple things you need to keep in mind about selling it.

Consider your target audience. They will either need an e-book reader, such as Amazon’s Kindle or Sony’s PRS-500, or they will need a computer which might require additional software (such as Adobe Acrobat) to read your book.

There are several advantages to selling your book in an e-book format. First of all, they are easier to self-publish than a book in a paper format. Generally, they can be emailed directly to the buyer, or downloaded from a Web site that stores your book for you.

This is a big plus to a buyer who might appreciate the instant access to your book. Buyers might also like that they can adjust the font to their likeness. Some readers prefer large-print books, and if your book is in e-book format, you don’t need two different copies printed to reach the market that wants the larger font size.

Do an online search to find where you can reach your target market and consider leaving messages in chat rooms and forums to let readers know you have a book they might be interested in. Some sites such as http://www.craigslist.org/ let you list your book for sale for free, but you are limited to 30 days at a time and have to remember to renew it after it expires.

You can easily sell your e-book online once you have it ready for purchase. For more information, please visit my Web site, http://www.jexbo.com/. We have an e-book format option when you list your book for sale. For 99¢ per month, you can list your book and print out bookmarks. These bookmarks will help you market your books to readers and let them know where they can buy a copy.

Need help selling your self-published book? Please send me a comment here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. I'd love to hear from you!

How to Sell Your Self-Published Comic Books

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0000

There’s a booming market in self-published graphic novels and comic books right now, and if you’ve just written one, you’ve got a number of choices to sell it yourself.

Contact your local media.

One way to get some free publicity is get in touch with your local newspaper. They might be interested in a story about you or your comic book, which would help get the word out locally at no charge to you.

Check with local businesses.

Research local clubs and organizations in your neighborhood that may be interested in your comic books. You can ask to be included in their newsletter or purchase advertising.

Also, most large cities have stores that sell comic books and graphic novels. Check to see if you could leave some copies with them to sell. And if they have a community bulletin board, ask if you can post an advertisement selling your book.

Don’t forget to check out your local bookstore or library too. See if they would be interested in selling your book, or letting you come in to give a presentation, host a book signing and sell your book yourself.

Go online.

If you want to reach a worldwide audience, list your book online on a site like http://www.jexbo.com/. For 99¢ per month, you can have a Web page to list your book. This includes uploading images for readers to check out before purchasing. You can also print out bookmarks including information about your book and, “Buy my book at http://www.jexbo.com/” so buyers will know you have a book, and where they can purchase a copy.

There are many cost-effective ways to sell your self-published comic book. It just takes some time and effort, networking with the right people and using the appropriate services.

Do you have questions about selling your self-published book? Please let me know here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. I’m here to help! Thanks!

Get Ready for Summer Break

noreply@blogger.com (jexbo) — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Summer will be here before you know it, and there’s a lot you can do to get ready for the warm months ahead (and even fall).

To start, find out from your child’s school what books and supplies your child will need for September (if possible). Everything you can put together and store in the front closet will be one less thing to worry about in the rush to get ready for the first day of school.

My son always needs light-soled gym shoes too so these are also stored over the summer break with the new school supplies. Why frantically search for them in September at the last minute when we can have them in advance?

And if you have any friends or family with birthdays in the summer, go to a dollar store and stock up on birthday cards. I keep them in a stack by month, and at the beginning of the month, I sort out what needs to be sent and when.

Another idea is to check your local library about summer programs for kids and sign them up in advance. Sometimes there are a limited number of places, and they fill-up fast. Also, check with the recreation department in your city, and find out if you can purchase pool passes in advance.

Print out a calendar (try www.printablecalendar.ca or www.printfree.com/calendars.htm among others) to keep track of everything you’ll need to do. I keep my calendar on the refrigerator, but you can also print more than one copy and keep one in your purse, or make copies for the family.

These are just a few of my tips for preparing in advance for the summer (and fall) months ahead. After all, by getting things ready now, you’ll have that much more time for summer fun with your friends and family!

Have questions about being a Mom entrepreneur, selling a self-published book or small business in general? Please contact me here or at www.jexbo.com. I’d love to hear from you!