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Is there a book inside of you? Self-publishing is today's top vehicle for branding your business and showcasing your expertise. We provide full, quality services for self-publishing authors of all genres, as a credible and affordable alternative to the BIG NAMES known for inflated prices and offshore affiliates. Visit our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Flair-For-Writing-wwwaflairforwritingcom/120323517999787?ref=ts.
A Flair For Writing (www.aflairforwriting.com)
Professional writing/editing service with recently expanded self-publishing division
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Article for Experts 1-2-3
Don't Get Scammed by a Vanity Press
Donna Erickson · June 11, 2010
Lots of new authors are opting to self-publish their books because it's quicker and easier than traditional publishing. Self-publishing allows the author to have more control--especially in the areas of cover design and publication title. When new authors begin exploring their options, they often conduct a search online for self-publishing companies, which leads us to this critical question: Are the most popular listings for self-publishing companies on the Internet necessarily the best?
The answer to that question is "no." The companies on the top of the list have simply paid the most to appear there. These companies pay top-dollar to pay-per-click search engines to get to the top of the list. Does that make them better than the others? Absolutely not! They are just paying more money per click to have you visit their site.
In fact, some of these companies have been sued for not delivering what was promised. Others are outsourcing customer service to offshore affiliates, and customers are complaining about the inferior service. Lulu.com outsources to India, Authorhouse has affiliates in the Phillipines, and customers are reporting they cannot understand their questions and neither are knowledgeable or highly accessible.
Authorhouse, Xlibris, and iUniverse are all owned by the same company, Author Solutions. Accusations have been made that both Authorhouse and Xlibris have added additional fees to list books on amazon.com--after assuring their authors there would be no fees. In addition, Authorhouse lost a libel suit, after claiming they did not publish a book that was indeed published by them, and was charged a hefty amount in punitive damages.
Before you give any money to a publisher, make sure you research their background and policies--especially on contracts and refunds. Don't become the next victim with a "nightmare story" to share about vanity presses.
Donna Erickson · June 11, 2010
Lots of new authors are opting to self-publish their books because it's quicker and easier than traditional publishing. Self-publishing allows the author to have more control--especially in the areas of cover design and publication title. When new authors begin exploring their options, they often conduct a search online for self-publishing companies, which leads us to this critical question: Are the most popular listings for self-publishing companies on the Internet necessarily the best?
The answer to that question is "no." The companies on the top of the list have simply paid the most to appear there. These companies pay top-dollar to pay-per-click search engines to get to the top of the list. Does that make them better than the others? Absolutely not! They are just paying more money per click to have you visit their site.
In fact, some of these companies have been sued for not delivering what was promised. Others are outsourcing customer service to offshore affiliates, and customers are complaining about the inferior service. Lulu.com outsources to India, Authorhouse has affiliates in the Phillipines, and customers are reporting they cannot understand their questions and neither are knowledgeable or highly accessible.
Authorhouse, Xlibris, and iUniverse are all owned by the same company, Author Solutions. Accusations have been made that both Authorhouse and Xlibris have added additional fees to list books on amazon.com--after assuring their authors there would be no fees. In addition, Authorhouse lost a libel suit, after claiming they did not publish a book that was indeed published by them, and was charged a hefty amount in punitive damages.
Before you give any money to a publisher, make sure you research their background and policies--especially on contracts and refunds. Don't become the next victim with a "nightmare story" to share about vanity presses.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Great Feedback on My Book, "No-Hassle Publishing: An Author's Guide to Today's Changing Industry"
So many new authors have no idea where to turn when the time comes to publish their book. I was recently told my instructional book is a godsend for new authors. If you know any new authors who could benefit from a professional guide that will help them avoid getting scammed, please refer them to my Bookstore on my website, www.aflairforwriting.com. I have uncovered information they are probably unaware of that could save them a lot of grief.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
WE WISH WE COULD PUBLISH YOUR BOOK FOR FREE...
But that’s impossible. Instead, we are offering an incredible bargain. We’ve listened to unsatisfied authors who have published elsewhere. Our platform is based on what today’s authors want and what appears to be lacking from many of the larger self-publishing services.
If you are tired of the misleading claims, hidden fees, and unscrupulous actions that have given self-publishing a bad name, then you have come to the right place. We are here to acknowledge the changing face of publishing and take a firm stand against the corruption in this industry. Our fees are reasonable, and our services are legitimate and of the highest quality. Our staff is comprised of the most experienced and talented individuals available.
We want to help you every step of the way and share in the excitement of your completed project. Publishing your book should be a pleasant experience with an affordable rate and unlimited customer service. We have been in business for 23 years as a writing/editing service, and now we are able to offer the same quality and service as a publisher. Please visit http://www.aflairforwriting.com/XX-publish.htm for full details. Then contact us to discuss your project and all of the attention it deserves.
Warmest wishes,
Donna Erickson, Owner/Acquisitions Editor/Marketing Director
A Flair For Writing – Publishing Services
If you are tired of the misleading claims, hidden fees, and unscrupulous actions that have given self-publishing a bad name, then you have come to the right place. We are here to acknowledge the changing face of publishing and take a firm stand against the corruption in this industry. Our fees are reasonable, and our services are legitimate and of the highest quality. Our staff is comprised of the most experienced and talented individuals available.
We want to help you every step of the way and share in the excitement of your completed project. Publishing your book should be a pleasant experience with an affordable rate and unlimited customer service. We have been in business for 23 years as a writing/editing service, and now we are able to offer the same quality and service as a publisher. Please visit http://www.aflairforwriting.com/XX-publish.htm for full details. Then contact us to discuss your project and all of the attention it deserves.
Warmest wishes,
Donna Erickson, Owner/Acquisitions Editor/Marketing Director
A Flair For Writing – Publishing Services
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
My First Book
By Donna Erickson
I’ve been asked this question hundreds of times: Have you written any books? I’ve always had to reply “no” and then explain what I do write. Finally, all that is about to change. I’m writing my first book and learning a lot as I go along.
After completing a major investigative search into my genealogical background, I suddenly decided the lives of my maternal grandparents would be great material for a book. The drama, excitement, and countless struggles they endured coming from Lithuania to this country--as they set the stage for future generations--could serve as the foundation of a gripping tale. I was excited about the idea and eager to begin. Although my book is based on their actual lives, I am writing it as historical fiction. Neither my parents nor my grandparents are alive today. I stare at their photos and wonder what information they would have for me--the unknown details of their lives and the lives of their parents. I recently received a picture from my cousin of my great-grandparents before they came to America. A lot of my story is written around that picture. Somehow, I feel more connected to them and able to imagine their trials and tribulations and what their personalities were like. None of my living relatives knew them or know much about the lives they lived. My cousin was helpful in providing important incidents I have recounted in the early chapters of the book.
It’s very strange “getting into the minds” of your great-grandparents to create the dialogue for the story. It’s also quite sad to imagine what they lived through–the terror, the persecution--and the courage they needed to flee their homeland.
I have completed a rough draft of Chapters One, Two, and Three and have prepared an outline for the remainder of the book. I am estimating a total of twelve chapters and somewhere around 250 pages. I found it helpful to have completed character sketches and plot points before beginning to write. The website www.writethatnovel.com has been especially helpful. There are forms you can download and print out to help you through the stages of manuscript preparation.
Researching the historical time period has been the most challenging part so far. I’ve had to find out about architecture of nineteenth century homes in two separate European districts, as well as the influence of the Russian Czar’s rulings on my ancestors and their daily lives. (Russia governed Lithuania at the time.) I never stopped to think just how bad conditions were for my ancestors. I remember the first time I saw the movie, Fiddler On the Roof, and crying at the end—yet the movie didn’t show the scenes of horror, death, and destruction these people later encountered.
Each day, I am trying to write at least one page (in addition to a full-time writing career) and more on the weekends. It may take me a year to complete, but I’m determined and motivated to get it done.
I’ve been asked this question hundreds of times: Have you written any books? I’ve always had to reply “no” and then explain what I do write. Finally, all that is about to change. I’m writing my first book and learning a lot as I go along.
After completing a major investigative search into my genealogical background, I suddenly decided the lives of my maternal grandparents would be great material for a book. The drama, excitement, and countless struggles they endured coming from Lithuania to this country--as they set the stage for future generations--could serve as the foundation of a gripping tale. I was excited about the idea and eager to begin. Although my book is based on their actual lives, I am writing it as historical fiction. Neither my parents nor my grandparents are alive today. I stare at their photos and wonder what information they would have for me--the unknown details of their lives and the lives of their parents. I recently received a picture from my cousin of my great-grandparents before they came to America. A lot of my story is written around that picture. Somehow, I feel more connected to them and able to imagine their trials and tribulations and what their personalities were like. None of my living relatives knew them or know much about the lives they lived. My cousin was helpful in providing important incidents I have recounted in the early chapters of the book.
It’s very strange “getting into the minds” of your great-grandparents to create the dialogue for the story. It’s also quite sad to imagine what they lived through–the terror, the persecution--and the courage they needed to flee their homeland.
I have completed a rough draft of Chapters One, Two, and Three and have prepared an outline for the remainder of the book. I am estimating a total of twelve chapters and somewhere around 250 pages. I found it helpful to have completed character sketches and plot points before beginning to write. The website www.writethatnovel.com has been especially helpful. There are forms you can download and print out to help you through the stages of manuscript preparation.
Researching the historical time period has been the most challenging part so far. I’ve had to find out about architecture of nineteenth century homes in two separate European districts, as well as the influence of the Russian Czar’s rulings on my ancestors and their daily lives. (Russia governed Lithuania at the time.) I never stopped to think just how bad conditions were for my ancestors. I remember the first time I saw the movie, Fiddler On the Roof, and crying at the end—yet the movie didn’t show the scenes of horror, death, and destruction these people later encountered.
Each day, I am trying to write at least one page (in addition to a full-time writing career) and more on the weekends. It may take me a year to complete, but I’m determined and motivated to get it done.
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