Showing posts with label publishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label publishing. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

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

Monday, May 17, 2010

Getting Major Promotion

Yipee! I am Special Feature ("No-Hassle Publishing: An Author's Guide to Today's Changing Industry")for the high-traffic premium promotional services site, http://www.premiumpromotions.biz with many 5-Star Amazon Reviews. If Amazon is out of stock, you may order from my website, www.aflairforwriting.com.


No-Hassle Publishing: An Author’s Guide to Today’s Changing Industry. A must-have guide for the novice writer, which contains a wealth of information not found elsewhere. Authors will learn everything about publishing--from choosing a publisher, signing contracts, and purchasing an ISBN, to insider advice on what to avoid. Price: $9.95 plus tax & shipping


For the small price of this booklet, you will save money in the long run by eliminating hours and hours of research and preventing costly mistakes. To order, e-mail donna@aflairforwriting.com or visit www.aflairforwriting.com.

Here's what one reader had to say:

I was totally thrilled to read Donna's book, No Hassle Publishing. Finally, someone has written a clear and concise document on the state of the publishing industry and the options authors can now choose from. Donna outlines the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing and lists all types of self-publishing companies that exist and how they are different. She talks about many specifics that authors need to know, such as how to use ISBN bar codes and what items to look for in a good contract. The book is an excellent overview for perspective authors, which will help them quickly decide the best publishing path to take. As an author and book coach, I will be sending all my clients to her website to read this book for up-to-date and valuable information about the publishing field. I am also delighted to see that Donna's company is now offering self-publishing services as well, as she is certainly an expert on how to do it right. Thank you for this fabulous resource.

Gail McMeekin, LICSW
Executive/career/creativity/life choices coach and expert; Author of The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women; The Power of Positive Choices; Boost Your Creativity, Productivity, and Profits in 21 Steps; The Path to Creative Success, and our newest project: Creativity Courage Cards. All are available at http://www.creativesuccess.com, as well as my Creative Success newsletters.

http://wwwaflairforwriting.blogspot.com/2010/05/getting-major-promotion.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.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

I'm A Published Author

When I published my ebook, I never really felt like a published author. I'm glad I did because it was a good way to work out the kinks and get started. But there was no tangible product for buyers, other than letter size pages to staple together. Since going to print and having an actual book to mail out, I've made my first sale and it feels wonderful. Now I feel like a real published author. Knowing I can help people by offering them "No-Hassle Publishing: An Author's Guide to Today's Changing Industry" is a great feeling.

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

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Link to My Radio Interview

Here's the link to my recent (short) interview with Michael Dresser, host of Dresser After Dark, a nationally syndicated program on blogtakradio.com:

https://rcpt.yousendit.com/787970356/93cddc13cc23c6568d31b2096643f2cb

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Three Testimonials For "No- Hassle Publishing"

“I read, ‘No Hassle Publishing’ and found it helpful. It was useful to read something straightforward and honest. I plan to use it as part of a guide I am building for myself.”
-Geremy Howard
Katy, Texas
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enlightening and extremely useful for all new authors.
- Veronica Dauber (aka Sarah Bradley), Toronto, Canada
Author of Mudslide, iUniverse.com, September 14, 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was totally thrilled to read Donna's book, No Hassle Publishing. Finally, someone has written a clear and concise document on the state of the publishing industry and the options authors can now choose from. Donna outlines the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing and lists all types of self-publishing companies that exist and how they are different. She talks about many specifics that authors need to know, such as how to use ISBN bar codes and what items to look for in a good contract. The book is an excellent overview for perspective authors, which will help them quickly decide the best publishing path to take. As an author and book coach, I will be sending all my clients to her website to read this book for up-to-date and valuable information about the publishing field. I am also delighted to see that Donna's company is now offering self-publishing services as well, as she is certainly an expert on how to do it right. Thank you for this fabulous resource.

Gail McMeekin, LICSW
Executive/career/creativity/life choices coach and expert; Author of The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women; The Power of Positive Choices; Boost Your Creativity, Productivity, and Profits in 21 Steps; The Path to Creative Success, and our newest project: Creativity Courage Cards. All are available at http://www.creativesuccess.com, as well as my Creative Success newsletters.

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

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, May 29, 2009

ATTENTION NEW AUTHORS: HOT OFF THE “E-PRESS!”

“No-Hassle Publishing: An Author’s Guide to Today’s Changing Industry.” A must-have guide for the novice writer, which contains a wealth of information not found elsewhere. Authors will learn everything about publishing--from choosing a publisher, signing contracts, and purchasing an ISBN, to insider advice on what to avoid. Price: $19.95

For the small price of this booklet, you will save money in the long run by eliminating hours and hours of research and preventing costly mistakes. To order, e-mail donna@aflairforwriting.com.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Care to add another comment on my articles?

Donna,

Congratulations! A new comment was recently left for your article, "Become a Better Business Writer".

You can view the comment here:
http://www.ezinearticles.com/comment.php?Become_a_Better_Business_Writer&id=2332686

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Become a Better Business Writer

By Donna Erickson

Article Word Count: 475 [View Summary] Comments (0)



Every sentence you put down on paper (or on a computer screen) identifies who you are and/or what your business offers. Poor writing, grammatical errors, and typos all deflect from the professionalism you want to generate and the image you want to create. The following tips are meant to help guide you, so your writing is clean, crisp, and clear.

1. Use the active rather than passive voice. This steadfast rule for professional writing is especially important for authors of both fiction and non-fiction. However, the advice is good for all writers creating any form of narrative, copywriting, or web content. Voice shows whether the subject performs (active) or receives (passive) the action of the verb. Instead of saying, "The film was watched by a large audience, say, "A large audience viewed the film." The use of the active voice allows for a more direct and aggressive type of writing.

2. Avoid linking verbs. Rather than saying, "She was honest and genuine" you could say, "Her proven honesty made her even more genuine." Add more power to the punch by staying away from linking verbs, such as is, was, seemed, or had. As soon as you are tempted to begin a sentence with there is, it was, or he had (for example), try coming up with a new approach, such as the one above.

3. Try not to use the word very. In most cases, the sentence will sound better without it. Most likely, you'll notice if you decide to remove it, you won't miss it.

4. Limit the word that. Its overuse in today's writing is abundant. Example: see the last sentence, in number three above. I could have chosen to write: most likely, you'll notice that if you decide to remove it, you won't miss it. You can see the word is not necessary. By the way, I just created another sentence without that (in the previous sentence).

5. Write to the reader. If you are writing to sell, be sure to use the word you more than the word I or we. You want the reader to identify with what you are saying.

6. Stay away from cliches and colloquialisms. Experts recommend limiting the use of them. Occasional use is okay, but I have seen writers who tend to write every sentence that way. Some examples to avoid include: chill out, pissed off, as fate would have it, on top of the world, bored to death, etc.

7. Keep sentences short. Rather than writing a long, run-on sentence of connected phrases, chop it up. Cut it into several short sentences or use the em dash (see below), and you'll see the readability will improve.
If you follow these rules, your writing should improve dramatically. You may even get more business - *because you will be keeping the reader's attention instead of losing a sale.

*( use of em dash)

Donna Erickson
"Your Publishing Guru"
Owner, A Flair For Writing
http://www.aflairforwriting.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donna_Erickson

Friday, April 24, 2009

Another Testimonial...

Donna -- good for you. This is definitely "Greater Good" work. Writers today don't know where to turn, or who to turn to! Great karma is headed your way. Mary Anne
By Maryanne Donovan Professor, English at St. John Fisher College
posted 18 hours ago

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

A testimonial from one of my discussion groups...

Donna Erickson
Senior Editor/Copartner at AG Press
Ryan has given you good advice. Double-check your proposal. You don't want any typo's. I happened to spot three in your posting. If you decide to have someone proof it, I can help. If you e-mail me privately, I can refer you to two small presses that won't charge--if you decide to go the traditional route and if they feel it is marketable. Good luck!

Best wishes,

Donna Erickson
donna@aflairforwriting.com
Posted 4 days ago | Delete comment
Ion Itescu
Experienced Book Seller, AdWords Marketer, Solid Background in Book Distribution, and Real Estate Investor
Both Ryan and Donna gave you good advice. You can also look into self publishing and POD. You left out the subject of your future book - the most important piece of info which almost always determines the route you need to take to being published.

Ion itescu
probizmanager@gmail.com
Posted 2 days ago | Reply Privately

Douglas Keeney
Founder at L. Douglas Keeney & Company, LLC
I don't know Donna E. but her point is so terribly important. Typos are deal killers. Typos are like finding a pebble in your pizza or bugs in a sandwich. Uch. Well, you have typos. You have typos in your question. You have typos in your LinkedIn Summary. Not good. But don't take any of this the wrong way. This comes from people who have been burned by their own mistakes. One of my books -- published by Wm.Morrow -- had a typo on the date of the attack on Pearl Harbor. We've been there. It kills your credibility as an author. Particularly on a pitch.

No typos. Get an agent. Or POD.

D
Posted 18 hours ago | Reply Privately

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.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Upcoming Reality Show Promotes Reading, Offers Book Deal to Writers

Contact: Cheryl Pillsbury, AG Press
978-300-5178/ 617-447-1554
www.AGPress.8m.net / www.poeticmonthly.com

Donna Erickson, A Flair For Writing
781-857-2396
www.aflairforwriting.com

To encourage literacy throughout the United States, Shadow Play Entertainment and its partners are gearing up for a historic literary journey of a lifetime: to find the next big thing in publishing. They realize that reading is not only important, but providing quality entertainment to the masses is also vital. Introducing "The Write Stuff" (http://www.thewritestufftv.com), a new reality show designed to assist individuals in their quest to get their work recognized, as well as network with those who have made it in the industry.

This new project will not only encourage creativity but also provide assistance to those who are looking to make it in the world of publishing. Hosted by Creator and Executive Producer Cyrus A. Webb (Shadow Play Entertainment/ Conversations Book Club), the show will take contestants who have drive, ambition and the willingness to succeed through 14 weeks of challenges to prepare them for the competitive literary world.

Airing in select cities (on the CW Channel and select My Network Channels) and ABC affiliates, the show will be seen by over 20 million households. After airing, all episodes will be available on The Write Stuff TV channel on Youtube found at http://www.youtube.com/thewritestufftv. As new markets open, previous episodes will be re-aired with the finale airing simultaneously.

"The Write Stuff" will put the contestants in the faces of those who can make it happen for them in the publishing world and those who can give them the tools they need to be successful. At stake is the ultimate prize for those who want to make their mark in the industry: a ONE-BOOK DEAL provided by AG Press! Along with the book deal and recognition of having "The Write Stuff," come a brand new Dell Laptop and a prize package of marketing tools and a promotional campaign worth over $16,000. There will also be features in Conversations Magazine (online and print), Poetic Monthly Magazine (online and print), Crunk Magazine (online and print), and Hype Magazine, along with other publications across the country!

The contestants for Season One are as follows: Tommie Townsley, Shanedria Ridley, Geremy Howard, David Dickson, Darrell Bruner Dr. M. F., Deana Davis, Justina Wheelock, Keyana Hawthorne, Sybil Presley, Powwah Uhuru, Crystal Johnson, Moffatt Nelson, JJ Harrison, Angela Brown, Ross Walton, Monique Williams, Lakeisha Young-Sanders, Jym Cherry, Jenelle N. Robinson, Pam Briars, Khpra Senwosret, R. Wolf Baldassarro and Stacey Cochran.

Judges include up-and-coming as well as best-selling authors from across the country. There is no doubt that this project will be one for the record books, getting national attention, as well as helping many contestants make a name for themselves---all while encouraging literacy for those watching at home and online.

For more information or to schedule interviews, contact Cheryl Pillsbury or Donna Erickson using the information above or contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com. Additional information can also be found at http://www.thewritestufftv.com.
http://thewritestufftv.webs.com/

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Tuesday, March 3, 2009

The Write Stuff - My Promo Video

Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC30EM7d-Iw