Showing posts with label publisher. Show all posts
Showing posts with label publisher. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Read My Book Before You Publish Yours.

A Display of Testimonials

Here's what some recent clients have had to say:

Testimonials:

From a client who ordered my free report on Writing Tips:

Donna,
I can not thank you enough. This article was so succinct. This has really tightened up my current manuscript.
I certainly appreciate your help!
Gina


Editing Clients:

I LOVE IT....Thank you sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much
Kimberly Harris

Your expertise and kindness through this process were very appreciated and meant a lot to me.
Looking forward to working again in the future and excited to receive last chapter(Sammy The Snake) from you to progress to next level of this process for yoga book.(exciting stuff!!)

Renee Sherkness
author/educator/certified children's yoga instructor

Sometimes I experience writer's block and just cannot organize my thoughts. But primarily I use A Flair For Writing because Donna is the most conscientious individual I know. She always helps me present my best.

Jaisun McMillian
Author, Marketing Consultant

I am, of course, delighted with our ongoing collaboration. I have occasionally "teamed" with other writers and/or editors, but never have I found anyone as competent and thorough as you. Let's keep it up!! In haste, -- Lenny

Publishing Testimonials:

Thanks for your honest opinion and truthfulness, which is hard to find at a lot of places now days. It did a wonderful job on the video and I think that perhaps you are right in that it might be a little costly of an adventure for me right now. I didn't realize all the hurdles I would have to take as a new author. You really opened my eyes. Before I undertake publishing my book I need to research every avenue of marketing and publishing in order for my book to be a success as well as save up some more money.

I am so sorry for taking up your valuable time. It means a lot to me that you have helped me this much and may God bless you for your kindness in going out of your way to help a small fry like me.

Kind regards

Ricky

You know what, Donna? With all of the people in this industry that don't give a hoot about people, you keep doing you and staying true to yourself...my dear you just might become a publishing maverick. W. Granville Brown

Donna's work as a publisher is absolutely amazing!
She has the insight and understanding that an author needs to publish a book. A Flair for Writing gives the support an author needs to produce a top quality book. After searching for a publisher, I found A Flair for Writing and feel that I hit the jackpot. Donna has strong business ethics and with her honesty and integrity, which is rare in the business world today, she will guide the author to publish a book that is of outstanding quality. A Flair for Writing is the type of publisher any author needs to support them in their creative endeavors.

– DiDi

Monday, November 22, 2010

Are there any other honest publishers out there?

I was checking my Facebook page and noticed one of my connections had published her first book. I saw the publisher was Tate Publishing--a name that sounded vaguely familiar. After a little bit of investigating, I discovered that Victoria Strauss has listed them in her Writer Beware site for deceptive practices.

Now, if you are going to charge people for publishing, why call yourself a traditional, royalty-paying publisher? Traditional means no fee. Authors are dishing out thousands to this company ($4,000 on average, I hear, and it appears to be a big operation with dozens of departmental staff members). If their book does well, Tate may refund their money, they say, but how often does that happen? Has anyone looked into it?

I'm tired of all the deception out there in the publishing world. It's rampant, and it's what led me to add in our publishing division. We are upfront about our fees and services. A little honesty can go a long way.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Become a Facebook Fan

Before You Publish Your Book, Read Mine.

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

Self-Publishing Breakthrough

I call it Alternative Publishing; they call it Custom Publishing. Whatever you call it, it's here to stay.

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/book-news/religion/article/4lter4182-self-publishing-changing-model-getting-respect.html

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.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Letter From Who's Who

Dear Donna Erickson,

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy and healthy New Year, and to thank you for your continued support of Marquis Who's Who.

As a member of the Marquis Who's Who family, you play a key role in upholding a tradition of excellence that spans more than a century, one that can be proudly shared with family, friends, and colleagues.

Only with your participation, and the careful review of your biographical information, are we able to produce accurate and up-to-date publications, relied upon by many of the world's most prestigious libraries and corporations.

We're honored to have you as a biographee, and wish you continued success in 2010.

Sincerely,

Fred Marks, Editor-in-Chief
and the entire Marquis Who's Who team

Thursday, December 24, 2009

A War is Waging Right Now.

I'm not talking a about Iraq or Afghanistan, but rather, one that's happening right here in the US: the war on publishing.

Twenty-five years ago, authors had two choices. They could either query a traditional publisher or break down and publish with a vanity press. With the advent of self-publishing, all that has changed. Unfortunately, the industry hasn't kept up with defining the terms of various options available today. The industry still wants to take any publishing company that is not traditional and cram it into the category of vanity publishing.

The time has come to rise up and take a firm stand against this unfair action.
Some publishers have progressed to call themselves independent presses or hybrid publishers, but they still don't fall neatly into the two, already established categories of traditional vs. vanity publishing.

I propose we introduce a third category: alternative publishing. All of the other publishing models will have a name to fall under. There will be three types of publishing available today--traditional, vanity, and alternative.

As an alternative publisher, we are able to offer a new platform to our authors who deserve better choices than the confining (and often unobtainable) limits
of traditional publishers or the fraudulent schemes of vanity publishing.

Why We Are Different From A Vanity Press

I'd be happy to explain the differences:

1) A vanity press will publish anything for your money. Unlike them, we are extremely selective in what we will publish. We may lose a lot of authors that way, but I don't want my name associated with junk. I've worked hard the past 23 years to achieve an untarnished reputation as a professional writer/editor, before expanding into publishing.

2) Many of the vanity presses sacrifice quality to save money. They offer minimal editing (often by unqualified individuals), and there have been complaints about the quality of the books. I searched meticulously for the finest editors. They are all required to pass a skills test, and some have scored a perfect 100%. My contracted printer has invested in a multi-million-dollar piece of equipment (the only one in the new England area), and his quality is unmatched.

3) I spoke to many authors before writing my e-book, "No-Hassle Publishing: A Guide to Today's Changing Industry." Many complained about the lack of customer service and the inability to understand offshore personnel. We offer unlimited emails and domestic phone calls and have made our accessibility a priority. My Production Manager will answer any technical questions authors may have.

4) In doing my research, I discovered many vanity presses have been charged with fraud and have not delivered on services promises. They are paying punitive damages for misleading claims. Basically, they are operating as scams. I warn new authors to investigate carefully to avoid falling into this trap and being scammed themselves.

5) We saw a need for a legitimate and credible service for authors interested in self-publishing who don't know where to begin. We have the highest quality designers, illustrators, proofreaders, and formatters--along with our talented editors--to ensure a product that is worthy of distribution.

We haven't cut corners, skimped on quality, or misled our authors to get their money. We saw a need for a legitimate service based on sound business ethics, and that's why we are here.

Here's a great, enlightening article entitled, "Don't Call It Vanity Press," which appeared in Time Magazine:

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1617545,00.html

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

A lot is happening!

After launching the self-publishing division on September 25th, we signed our first author on November 30th. Author Susan Ronne is writing an imaginative children's book soon to be edited by our own Jane Mackay. We are working with a second children's author and compiling her stories into one manuscript.

Genesis Magazine will feature us in their January edition, which will focus on my e-book, "No-Hassle Publishing." We are preparing the book for print to be sold in online bookstores.

I was invited as a guest on blogtalkradio's nationally syndicated program, Dresser After Dark and was interviewed by well-known host, Michael Ray Dresser. Funny guy.

Jim Farrell, owner of PR First, has invited me as a guest to appear on his cable television program (in the Hanover, MA area) in March.

My printer, Ernie Foster, says, "You're on a roll!" I guess I'll keep rolling along...

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

Friday, September 4, 2009

A FLAIR FOR WRITING EXPANDS INTO GLOBAL SELF-PUBLISHING

A Flair For Writing, Abington, MA is offering Publishing Services to authors worldwide. The company will officially launch in September, 2009 with an introductory half-price special offer (to qualifying authors).

Donna Erickson--Owner of A Flair For Writing, since 1989 and editor of five published books--and Production Manager Charles Davis (owner of www.charlesdavisart.com and www.davisimages.com) have collaborated on creative projects in the past and look forward to meeting the needs of self-published authors.

Erickson said, “We are a new, independent press offering products and services we find lacking today. The face of publishing is changing by the minute. We saw a need to offer a reliable and credible service, in contrast to all of the scams, frauds, and misleading claims from some other self-publishing companies. I wrote and published an e-book to help new authors avoid being scammed because I have heard too many ‘nightmare’ stories.”

With more than three decades of combined experience, the two professionals complement each other well. Davis will be in charge of book layout, production, distribution, and some administrative services, while Erickson will handle operations, customer service, acquisitions, editing, accounting, and marketing.

For those focused on publishing traditionally, Erickson recommends hiring a good literary agent who can get their manuscript into the right hands. Still, the odds of getting published are not encouraging, as they average in the 2% range. Among the names of famous authors who were rejected by a large publishing house are Jack Kerouac, George Orwell, and Sylvia Plath.

Realizing this, a number of authors (even best-selling ones) turn to self-publishing because it is quick and easy. “Nothing is cheap today, although we think our services are a bargain compared to most others,” said Erickson.

The company will be utilizing the highest quality services available today for book printing and binding. Their team of affiliates includes highly experienced and talented illustrators, designers, editors, marketing consultants, and public relations firms.

Erickson and Davis are determined to take a firm stand against the corruption that is rampant in the self-publishing industry, as well as inform and educate their authors. They will assist authors through every step of the process to help them succeed in their publishing journey.

For full details, visit http://www.aflairforwriting.com/XX-publish.htm

Saturday, July 25, 2009

OUR PUBLISHING MISSION

The face of publishing is changing by the minute. We saw a need to offer a reliable and credible service, in contrast to all of the scams, frauds, and misleading claims out there today. I wrote and published an ebook to help new authors avoid being scammed because I have heard too many "nightmare" stories.

If you are focused on publishing traditionally, I would suggest you get a good literary agent who can get your manuscript into the right hands. Still, the odds of getting published are not encouraging, as they average in the 2% range. About 98% face rejection. "Harry Potter" was rescued from a wastebasket, and Stephen King endured close to 100 rejections before making his first sale.

Realizing this, a number of authors (even best-selling ones) turn to self-publishing because it is quick and easy. Nothing is cheap today, although we think our services are a bargain compared to most others. Another publisher boasts of his free services but then requires his clients to purchase 2500 books--making his costs far more than ours. Victoria Strauss (the "go-to-guru" for exposing publishing frauds) advises against using his services, as well as many other of today's publishers.

We are here to help change the face of publishing, eliminate the corruption, and inform and educate our authors. We help them through every step of the process to succeed in their publishing journey. I wish you the best of luck in your writing career.

Friday, April 17, 2009

What You Need To Know About Publishing Today

A Guide To Today's Changing Face of Publishing

I don't know what's changing faster--technology or ways to get published. I've been the owner of a writing/editing service for 23 years. Within the past four years, I've gone from a local business, serving a regional clientele in my home office, to a virtual business servicing clients worldwide. Since 2007, I have been editing books, after being hired as an editor by a celebrity on-line. From there, I was contracted with a publishing company as Senior Editor/Copartner. I have edited five, published books available in online bookstores. This has been an exciting year for me. My previous Who's Who listings were Who's Who in America and Who's Who of American Women. This year I am included in Who's Who in the World, so I know my influence has become global. I have clients in the UK and Ireland, as well as throughout the United States. I also got involved with a reality television show this year. I am a Production Consultant/YouTube Judge for The Write Stuff--to be aired on the CW Network-- which will reward the next best-selling author with a book deal and other literary prizes. All of this exposure has given me a great deal of enjoyment, but it is also a lot of hard work.

I am hearing over and over again that new authors want to know how to go about getting published. I have the answers. I am putting together a booklet which will soon be available on my website www.aflairforwriting.com. My comprehensive guide for the aspiring or novice writer will help them avoid pitfalls in the industry. I have worked for a publisher for over a year now, and, in that short amount of time, I have gained enough knowledge-- about this ever-changing industry--to write volumes.

You'll be hearing a lot more from me. I want to help authors understand exactly what their options are, what is the best way to go about getting published, and what to expect. More and more individuals are making the decision to write a book, now that self-publishing makes it quick and easy. But there's a lot they don't know ,and I am here to educate them. I will explain what to do and not do. I have seen too many people learn the hard way, after they have invested time and money, to later question whether they have taken the right steps. My comprehensive guide will help direct "wannabes" in the right direction and untangle the messy confusion of possibilities available today.

What You Need To Know About Publishing Today

A Guide To Today's Changing Face of Publishing

I don't know what's changing faster--technology or ways to get published. I've been the owner of a writing/editing service for 23 years. Within the past four years, I've gone from a local business, serving a regional clientele in my home office, to a virtual business servicing clients worldwide. Since 2007, I have been editing books, after being hired as an editor by a celebrity on-line. From there, I was contracted with a publishing company as Senior Editor/Copartner. I have edited five, published books available in online bookstores. This has been an exciting year for me. My previous Who's Who listings were Who's Who in America and Who's Who of American Women. This year I am included in Who's Who in the World, so I know my influence has become global. I have clients in the UK and Ireland, as well as throughout the United States. I also got involved with a reality television show this year. I am a Production Consultant/YouTube Judge for The Write Stuff--to be aired on the CW Network-- which will reward the next best-selling offer with a book deal and other literary prizes. All of this exposure has given me a great deal of enjoyment, but it is also a lot of hard work.

I am hearing over and over again that new authors want to know how to go about getting published. I have the answers. I am putting together a booklet which will soon be available on my website, www.aflairforwriting.com. My comprehensive guide for the aspiring or novice writer will help them avoid pitfalls in the industry. I have worked for a publisher for over a year now, and, in that short amount of time, I have gained enough knowledge-- about this ever-changing industry--to write volumes.

You'll be hearing a lot more from me. I want to help authors understand exactly what their options are, what is the best way to go about getting published, and what to expect. More and more individuals are making the decision to write a book, now that self-publishing makes it quick and easy. But there's a lot they don't know, and I am here to educate them. I will explain what to do and not do. I have seen too many people learn the hard way, after they have invested time and money, to later question whether they have taken the right steps. My comprehensive guide will help direct "wannabes" in the right direction and untangle the messy confusion of possibilities available today.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

A Flair For Writing is a Platinum Sponsor Of New Reality Show



This reality show will be aired in June 2009 on the CW Network, Channel 56 and on ABC in some areas. It will be broadcast in more than 9 million households, and I am proud to be a sponsor.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

A Published Article About Me


Recently, I was selected to be profiled in the Patriot Ledger/Brockton Enterprise. The article appeared on December 2, 2008 in the Her Story section of the Womyn Zone pages.

Monday, November 3, 2008

6 EXTRAORDINARY MONTHS - Recollections From the Editor by Donna Erickson

“I’ll take that one.” Those were my words when Cheryl Pillsbury, owner/publisher of AG Press, offered me my first editing assignment. She had rattled off four or five titles, but when she uttered, “Witch of the Nissitissit” (the original name for the book), I was intrigued. I had just begun working for Cheryl and found her enthusiasm contagious. I was eager to begin and felt immediately drawn to this project. All I knew, at the time, was that the book was about a ghost. I have always been interested in the occult –even more so during the past decade. You see, I have discovered that I have clairvoyant abilities--and this was “right up my alley!”

And so I began my winter project. The bleakness of February 2008 set the stage for long hours at the computer—perfect for that time of year when much of my writing business slows down. The experience was rather lonely at first. I had no communication with the author. Rose was in Florida and wasn’t due back until spring. I knew I would be spending a lot of time with this work in progress. Being the first draft, it needed major editing. But I enjoy turning sentences inside out and removing wordiness. For me, it feels like I’m removing clutter, which is one of my great pet peeves (just ask my family).

When Rose returned, she came back with another 70 pages. Not having an ending already planned, she was suddenly fueled with new ideas. She finished writing the book and headed back home with it. When she arrived, I added it into the 250-odd pages she already had completed. I had a manuscript more than 300 pages long to revise—line-by-line, word-by-word. I was busy for a lot longer than I had anticipated.

At least I had contact with Rose, and we could bounce ideas off each other. She decided to have me just read for a while, so I would become more familiar with the characters, plot, and sub-plots. So, I worked each day, and every night I curled up with the manuscript and entered the imaginative world Rose had created. I began to feel connected to the book and the characters. Rose told me she had even dreamt about the characters while writing the book. Weeks later, I began dreaming about living in the 1800’s.

Rose had warned me there had been a legend about a curse. She had read that anyone who writes about “the witch” will be cursed and die a horrible death. I thought, “Oh great! Now you’re telling me this!” I shrieked out loud, “What??” “Don’t worry,” Rose replied. “The more I read, the more I realized there’s no truth to it. Plenty of people have written about it and are either okay or they died normally.” What a relief.

Rose and I worked well together as a team. She seemed to appreciate my revisions and we were in agreement most of the time. I had my own ideas about some of the characters and happenings, but, ultimately, the final decisions were hers. We had some nice chats, and when I finished (six months later), we both missed the daily e-mails. Toward the end, I said to Rose that I dreaded the final chapters. I had become so attached to the story and characters, that I felt an actual loss when I was done. Rose told me she had experienced the same emotions—even more so. Although we felt as if we were losing something at the time, we were actually gaining a lot. Now we have the personal satisfaction of seeing the book sell and hearing the wonderful feedback from the many readers who have enjoyed it.

Donna is the owner of www.aflairforwriting.com .