Read My Book Before You Publish Yours.

How to Become a TRUE Expert

Lots of people call themselves experts. But how do you become a TRUE expert to others in your field? What can make you become the "go-to-person" for your profession?

The answer is simple: write a book. With the advent of self-publishing, you can now establish your brand by writing and marketing to a targeted group. You're no longer limited to the previous hallmarks of expertise, such as broadcast media exposure, advertising campaigns, or being the subject of a feature story.

Years ago the brochure was the way to get noticed. Today, social networking enables business professionals to reach unprecedented heights of exposure. But the best vehicle for establishing yourself as an expert is to become an author. If your book is marketed effectively, you'll gain instant credibility, develop a dedicated following of readers, and will enjoy the TRUE meaning of success.

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.

CHECK IT OUT! My Book Trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-WhPzceL5w


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 or www.amazon.com.

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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

I'm Co-Sponsoring a HUGE Event!

NEWS ALERT Just For Authors

Over 1 Million New Books Published Last Year

How Are You Expected To Compete With Those Numbers?

Here Is What We Know:


Over 1,000,000 books were published in 2009 -- up from about 300,000 books published in 2006.

Yes, that's 1 MILLION books published last year.

But, listen to this:

Non-traditional, print on demand books EXPLODED to 764,448 -- up from just 21,936 in 2006.



How are you supposed to compete with the fact that you have 1 MILLION COMPETITORS?



Annie knows and Annie tells.



Don’t miss this free SPECTACULAR LIVE PRESENTATION offered via Teleseminar on
Wednesday, July 28th.



FREE Teleseminar:

The 18 Spokes Of The Book Marketing Wheel

Wednesday, July 28th
3:00 – 4:00 PM ET
12 N PT, 1 PM MT, 2 PM CT

FREE "Strike It Rich" CD: All who sign up get the free CD "Strike It Rich" that showcases a real author and expert, just like you, who tells in his own voice how his publicity outreach not only sold books but also caused him to get so many new clients he had to turn over 40 away.

Teleseminar Sign Up: http://www.anniejenningspr.com/18spokes.htm - There is no charge for the Teleseminar.



GRAB YOUR SPOT: Hurry and sign up to secure your spot on this Teleseminar. According to the bridge line company only 1,000 participants will have access to the bridge line due to the technology limits.

“If I could, I would share this strategy with all ONE MILLION book authors,” says Annie, whose mission is to see authors everywhere living the life of their dreams. “Only 1,000 authors will be able to get seats on the call.”



SHOW UP, LISTEN, LIVE THE DREAM: Annie Jennings PR is not offering a recording or replay of this Teleseminar. “My dream is for authors to show up and demonstrate their commitment to their success," says Annie. “Intentions are good, action is better.”



Annie Jennings PR is the creator of the FAMOUS 18 Spoke Platform Strategy that has swept the publicity industry and has helped thousands of authors and experts to build a strong and powerful reputation.



Annie Jennings reveals the blockbuster, all encompassing book marketing strategy, the 18 Spokes of the Book Marketing Wheel, in an upcoming LIVE & Free Teleseminar.



HER IDEAS SPREAD LIKE WILDFIRE: Previously, Annie’s insight on how to create an influential presence for yourself and your ideas spread like wild fire throughout the publicity, branding and marketing industries. Suddenly everyone was “platform building” and yes it made a big difference in their success.

Authors and experts got the chance to experience their mission in motion, the unfolding of their creative energy and the chance to live the life of their dreams.



DON’T MISS THIS: Annie’s presenting the newest most powerful book marketing strategy you can lay your hands on. Don’t waste a single dime on old-fashioned and out-dated book marketing ideas that just don’t work.



TELL EVERY BOOK AUTHOR YOU KNOW: Please copy and paste the promo and invite your community and ask them to invite theirs as well.

More About The Book Stats:


How Do We Know? The world’s leading provider of book industry information, Bowker, reports that in 2006 only 21,936 non-traditional books (includes print on demand, self publishing and reprints however this figure does NOT include e-books) were published compared to the staggering runaway numbers of 2009, for the same non-traditional books, to 764,448.


Traditional Publishers Are Steady: By the way, it is interesting to note that traditional publishers, those familiar names we all know in the publishing industry, showed publishing numbers that ranged from about 274,000 to 288,000 from 2006-2009.



Book Publishing Stats For 2009:



288,355 Books published via traditional publishing

764,448 Books published via non-traditional publishing. Non-traditional means print on demand, reprints and public domain.



Total Books Published In 2009: 1,052,803



***************

Wouldn’t You Rather Do Business
With Annie Jennings PR?


TODAY!
All heart, Annie

*******



TODAY! Annie

Annie Jennings PR 908.281.6201



Thousands Of Experts Booked With The Media

#1 Most Powerful Radio Campaign Your Money Can Buy







Real Stories Of Client Success:
www.anniejenningspr.com/publicitypro.htm



Get Your Free CD & Let Us Know About Your Area Of Expertise:

www.anniejenningspr.com/experts.htm

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.

Self-Publishing Going Through The Roof!

Annie Jennings, national PR guru for 35,000 authors and experts (including Maya Angelou, F. Lee Bailey, Sylvia Browne, Deepak Chopra,and Louise Hay) asked me to do some research for her on the latest self-publishing statistics. Turns out RR Bowker (the only agency to issue ISBNs to worldwide authorized agents) reports that in 2009 there were one million books published and 700,000+ were self-published and micro-niche publications. Annie wants to write a book containing her PR tips for self-published authors and have me edit it. I'll keep you posted!

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

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.

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.

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

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

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...

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.

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

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

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.