icp-blog

How to Format your Poetry Manuscript for Submission

Sat, 21 Dec 2013 19:42:37 +0100

How to Format your Poetry Manuscript for Submission

1 Establish your Final Book Size

6 by 9

5 by 8

5 ½ by 8 ½

8 by 10

8 ½ by 11

2 Set Word Document up to appropriate Size *

3 Set Margins accordingly *

Top : .75inches

Bottom : .75 inches

Left 1.0 inches

Right 1.0 inches

4 Text must be Single Spaced

PLEASE DO NOT CODE THE PAGE FOR SPACING

5 Font : 12 pt. Times Roman

6 Titles must be Underlined

with 2 spaces between Poem Body

7 Do not insert Pictures / Graphics in Manuscript

(must be sent as separate attachment)

8 Construct a Table Of Contents (TOC)

as your work appears

9 Send in separate attachment the following as applies

About The Author / Bio

Preface

Forward

Acknowledgments

Credits

Endorsements

Pictures / Graphics

Table of Contents (TOC)

10 Cover Page should include the following

Title of Work

Author’s Full and Legal Name

Author’s Mailing Address

Author’s Telephone Number

* How to Set Up A Word Document

Word 2003

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/measure-up-with-the-horizontal-ruler-set-margins-indents-and-tabs-HA001122686.aspx

Word 2007

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/change-or-set-page-margins-HP001226492.aspx

Word 2010

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/change-page-margins-HA102350538.aspx

Word 2013

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/set-page-margins-HA102850056.aspx

If you have any questions . . . please feel free to drop us a line at :

intouch@innerchildpress.com

or visit our Web Site at : www.innerchildpress.com

Writing Opportunities . . . for the Dedicated and Serious Writer

Fri, 13 Dec 2013 00:04:52 +0100

Team Work

Sun, 01 Dec 2013 18:11:58 +0100

Team Work

There is no doubt whatsoever that publishing a book is the epitome of Team Work. Of course the Writer / Author is the most integral aspect, however without the contributing components and talents of others, the greatest works / writings quite often go unnoticed and do not receive their just due.

When we examine a book, the first thing we see is the Cover. Covers themselves have been responsible for many disappointing purchases by the consumer. Conversely so, poorly designed covers do not entice the potential market to investigate beyond its presentation. Covers are the “Window Dressing”. It is essential that a cover be not only appealing, but somewhat enticing to the onlooker. A well themed and designed cover will at least give your writing a fair chance to be discovered and appreciated. This not only is directed at the Front Cover, for most often that is what gets all the attention, however the back cover content aids and abets the purpose of you publishing . . . to be read. What does your back cover say to further your aspiration for the potential buyer to take your book to the register ?

The next aspect of your book content is just that . . . how does the content appear to be arranged ? This is simply Book Formatting and Design. Some questions . . .is your understandable, neatly ordered and navigation-able for the reader. Many a book i have pick up and purchased of which i have been thoroughly disappointed with simply because of the sloppiness and non attention to detail in its design and layout. Unfortunately i never made it to the subject matter in many of these offerings, for my sub conscious analogy was if they are sloppy on this end, i wonder what are they attempting to say in their writing. Far too often, the presentation elucidates what is to follow.

Graphics . . . they are important. Are they distinguishable ? As we are well aware, most book interiors are rendered to Black and White / Grey Scale. Even still, good resolution of the graphics and photos make for a more pleasant experience for we, the reader. Those graphics and pictures that do not meet such minimal standards should be put under consideration to be replaced or left out.

And finally, but not least on the list is Editing. They say the best editing comes after Publishing. Unfortunately this is so true. But let me say this, i have seen far too many book offerings that do not appear to have been edited at all. when considering an Editor, make sure they are adept at their craft and have a good grasp of Language Usage, Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation. There is no greater “Turn Off” for an avid reader then a poorly executed piece of work that assaults all that we have learned about language. Perhaps i should have edited this piece a bit, but this is a fine example of our laziness to go beyond and strive for a higher degree of excellence in our writings that we offer to the world.

in conclusion, as is the theme of this piece, to publish a book that displays our commitment to our work is the result of Teamwork. Choose your team wisely and enjoy the journey.

Bill

Inner Child

www.innerchildpress.com

Editing ~

Sun, 01 Dec 2013 18:10:45 +0100

Editing ~

It is said that the best editing always comes after your work is published. This truism reigns true for most writers, but more especially for the novice or “First Time Author”.

The importance of editing your work to make sure that you are putting your best work out is integrally important, for you are representing your self. Your personal level of excellence is clearly stated in the quality of your work.

As a Publisher and Writer my self, far too often i have the opportunity to read work that has not been read through or scrutinized for some very basic aspects of writing such as punctuation, spelling, grammar, and misused words. There are many tools we as writers can utilized to assist us in striving for a higher degree of quality in our written expressions, eg : a Dictionary, a Thesaurus, and of course “Google’. Personally many times it is because of my own “Zeal” or “Laziness” that i too fail the litmus test of excellence.

One of the first things every writer should do is to set aside time to read their own work. From there you may wish to have a friend or associate read your work through thoroughly as well. I must warn you to ask someone who is qualified and familiar with the rules, for their feedback can be as damaging to your purpose as our ignorance.

When considering any work, i am a firm believer of my 3 “C” rule. This is Content, Construct and Clarity. I strive to arrest my concerns in this area that what i have to say does reach the minds of my potential reader. Without the proper use of the “Rules of Grammar” i am surely doomed to fail. Much of the feedback we receive as writers is usually from people just as ourselves who too are seeking “Clarity” in their lives and through our words attempting to work it out. Our diligence in how we construct our content becomes inherently important.

To make a long digestive write short, let me simply say this. Join a “Reading Circle” where you can enlist seasoned writers who know the rules to provide you with some honest critique; make friends with individuals who are proficient in language and it’s use or hire a Professional Editor who is familiar with your chosen genre of work.

In the mean time . . . . WRITE ON !!!!

How to Become a Best Selling Author

Thu, 09 May 2013 20:28:17 +0100

How to Become a Best Selling Author

Wait . . . yes, that’s it . . . wait !

But there are some things you must do before you begin the waiting process and during as well. Don’t worry, it is not that painful.

1 Get off your ass . . . stop dreaming and get to work. It may not be easy, but it is

rewarding !

2 Let people know every day, every opportunity that you do have a

Book “FOR SALE”!!!

3 Tell other people to let other people know.

4 and tell those same other people to tell other people as well.

5 Visit your Local Library and Let them know You have a Book. Local Libraries

ARE interested in Local Authors

6 Call upon your Local Newspapers, Radio Stations and Tell them “I have A New

Book and it is FOR SALE!”

7 Invest in your self and have a Poster or two done with your Book and your self

and post it around town

8 Read Stories about other Successful Authors and learn how they got it done !

9 Arrange for as many Book Signings as you can Handle. There are Churches,

Ladies and Men’s Auxiliaries, Schools, Libraries, Supermarkets, Chambers of

Commerce and the list goes on.

But before you do all of this . . . there is one thing you must be VERY CLEAR about . . . and that is

1 Why do i write ? Do i write for my own personal enjoyment ? If this is the case,

you are already successful by and large because you are published. That

demographic alone represents less than 1% of our World’s population . . .

Congratulations !

If you are writing for Commercial Success . . . well then it is time to put your

Boots On and get to work !

2 Why does the prospective Customer need to Buy and Read your Book? You

must be convicted and confident about your purpose. If you are not, chances no

one else will be either!

The final analysis of any successful endeavor is that the individuals involved are Prepared, Informed and Motivated . . . Are You ?

. . . this has been an Inner Child Perspective.

Bless Up

bill

www.innerchildpress.com

www.iaminnerchild.com

www.innerchildmagazine.com

www.iamjustbill.com

Editing Poetry

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:05:27 +0100

Editing Poetry

Editing Poetry can be one of the most difficult and daunting tasks of any Editor, Publisher or 3^rd party. Poetry being one of the most misunderstood and interpretive genres within the Literary Community often escapes the conformity to the rules of Grammar and many other aspects within the dynamic of written communication. Many Poets take license to circumvent these rules either deliberately or not. It is good to establish an understanding for the Editor and Poet that the process of delivering a well written and understood piece of work is offered to the reading public. Though writers of all genres can be eclectic with their own particular voices, Poets enjoy a very unique and special place when we consider the “Do’s and Don’ts” of writing.

Poetry tends to be a very subjective form of writing in it’s styling and it’s voice. Many times we Poets when expressing our individuality and creativity will do such things as : a) Create New Words; b) employ colloquial expressions; or c) alter words to fit in with our schemes of verse or rhyme. None of this is against the Law, however there should always be a “Sacred Trust” between the Writer and Reader. What i meant by that, is simply this. What good is my writing if it is not clear nor understood because of the style with which i communicate. Many times in my experience it may be a carelessness or as i mentioned before . . . deliberate.

Below are a few guidelines to consider pertaining your construct to assist not only the Reader to comprehend what you are saying, but we Publishers and Editors as well in performing our duties to make the Writer / Poet look good and be understood.

Splee Check

Even though i meant to say “Spell”, it does not matter, for i did not do my duty in making sure my work was clear. Most word programs do have this Tool, ‘Spell Check’ . . . use it. Be mindful that Microsoft Word and other programs do have an “Auto Fix” feature and will at time arbitrarily fix your words according to its Dictionary Database. My suggestion is not only to run the “Spell Check” but to take the time to thoroughly read your work over again and again. There is no bigger turnoff than to read a brilliant piece of work from a Lazy Writer.

Some times as i said earlier we take license to deliberately alter a word or create a new one. That being the case these wurds or wurdz should be italicized or single quoted such as ‘wurds’ to alert the reader of this deliberate election to do so. Do not “Double Quote” because it is not a Quote !

Microsoft’s Spell Check also has a Grammar Check feature. Be mindful of it’s instructions and deployment, for far too often it and Poetry do not get along.

Quotations Marks

Quotes are just that . . “Quotes”. Titles are generally not quotes, so therefore do not use quotes on your Titles unless they are quotes. Learn and utilize the particulars of Punctuation properly and your writing will win the respect of your readers.

http://www.grammarbook.com/english_rules.asp

Capitalization

Again this is an area that either Writes do not understand or choose to totally disregard thereby making their writing as so . . . not taken seriously. To ‘capitalize’ is the means by which we elevate the voice of the written word. This excludes sentence beginnings. In the old school of Poetry writing, the first letter of every line was called to be capitalized. Outside of that, when i see a piece in all Capitals i do not read it as do most of my Industry Contemporaries. To Capitalize throughout the entire write is the same as screaming. This falls under the rules of grammar. Any writer who deliberately chooses to break the rules to accommodate their voice should first be aware of the rules they violate in the realm of written communication. Ignorance of the Law and the Rules is not a valid excuse for poor writing, however the latitude allowed or taken is the individual creative responsibility of the writer.

http://www.grammarly.com/handbook/

Phrasing and Clarity

Do you want people to understand what it is you are attempting to say or convey ? Read your work thoroughly and carefully. Ask ‘qualified’ others for feedback. Work with your phraseology to consider another way of saying the same thing. Employ the use of a thesaurus for alternative words. Look up your words in the Dictionary to make sure you are utilizing your elected words in proper context. Clarity is of the utmost importance if you wish to grow your audience. Remember if you are not growing, chances are your audience and readership is not either. Eventually it will disappear if your Clarity and Phraseology is weak. Also, Poetry is not about the brilliant Metaphors alone. They can be charming to some degree, but if you are the type of Poet / Writer who depends to heavily upon them it will begin to display your weakness as well as your strengths. Consider it.

A good Poem is one that corrals the mind of the reader and leaves the gate open. ~ wsp

Stanzas

In the age of Free Verse, this is a very arbitrary topic. These days, quite a few Poets write in the Narrative thereby engaging the reader in a ‘story telling’ in first ort third persons. This is an exciting freedom that allows anyone to express themselves in the form we are beginning to accept as Poetry. Most of these writing in truth are more Prose oriented than Poetic, however we are not here to judge form. So . . . when i speak of Stanzas, many times they are absent. Many writers these day writing in what i have termed a “Snake” form. This is fine. But consider this. when you are writing a narrative or commentary type poem, this is not unlike a Newspaper Column. Even they have paragraph breaks. This assist the reader to understand the strengths of your message. If you are saying something significant, then allow it to be so. Consider the when and why of stanzas and how they may make your message that much more prolific.

Punctuation

As mentioned earlier, Punctuation is an integral part of our Language that not only lends clarity and understanding, but it also serves to assists the reader in adopting and embracing your phrasing which includes End Statements as in Sentences by utilizing periods, pauses by employing Commas, Semi Colons and Colons, etc. One of the most common things we see, is the lack of use of Accents or Apostrophes. If you are dropping of the usage of the ‘G’ as in Hanging vs Hangin, you must employ the Accent / Apostrophe to let the reader know you are employing your Creative license to do so for the sake of expedience or Rhyme. This may appear to be a courtesy, otherwise your work will show up as a Misspell.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/6/

http://englishplus.com/grammar/punccont.htm

In Conclusion :

There are far too many resources available to us on the Internet to cling to the idea that “I am Doing Me”. I feel that as a Poet, we need to hone our skills of communication so that we are that much more understood. We all have something to say, so say it clearly by making sure that your work approaches the realm of excellence.

If you have a question . . . “Google” it and you will be given a myriad of choices filled with perspectives and answers to make you a better Writer and reward your Readers with a richer experience.

William S. Peters, Sr.

Inner Child Press

www.innerchildpress.com

Dear Author

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:49:40 +0100

Dear Author,

Are you employing all the known possibilities and resources you have at your fingertip[s to get the notoriety your Cherished Work deserves ? Are you sitting, waiting for that “Knock on the Door”; “Phone Call” or “E Mail” informing you that you have won the Publisher Clearing House Free trip to Wealth and Fame ? . . .Yeah, me too. But in the mean time perhaps we can assist the World in coming to understand and accept that we have something to Say and Share with them. Here are some of the things we can do.

1 Write a Press Release :

In the writing of your Press Release you should be clear about your work and why you feel so committed to sharing it with the world. You need to clearly establish the benefits to the prospective Buyer and Reader. Also . . . DO NOT FORGET to inform the Readers as to where they may purchase your Book with a Direct Link to the “Point of Purchase”. People these days are seeking “Instant Gratification”. If you send them on a wild goose chase as so many Authors do, they will become easily Bored or Frustrated and dismiss you. Too many Authors are informing people “You can find me on Amazon” . . . Wake Up Call . . . i am not going to go to AMAZON to look for you !

2 Establish an Empowerment Network

Selling Books is the Commercial Arm of our Artistic Expression, TREAT IT AS SUCH !

Like any SUCCESSFUL Business, there are Owners and Employees. In Corporate America, very often there are a Board of Directors. Think Successfully. Structure your Product / Marketing Campaign around these fundamental Principles of a Successful Enterprise. When i was involved in Corporate America Finance, we were very well developed. There was a definitive Hierarchal Structure, and each level of the Marketing Team had it’s own duties. There were Salespersons, Middle Management and Upper Management personnel. There is a very significant and empowering dynamic that synergistically comes about when there are People playi9ng with One Team Vision . . .TO WIN. Who is on your Team ? Very often in Corporate America, a Board of Directors is comprised of persons from a variety of backgrounds and Industry. This allows you to tap into their insights and additionally lends to you their resources. In Finance we called them in “Centers Of Influence”. For and Author, they can be Business Owners, Bankers, Teachers, Janitors, librarians as well as Web Site Owners, Bloggers and other Authors as well. Do not surround your self with just like minded individuals, for you DO LIMIT your possibilities. Try Something Fresh. Do not be afraid to take chances in the unknown territories. Be inventive.

3 Readings and Appearances

I have said this time and time again. Make your self available wherever you can. If you do not pursue notoriety, who will know of you ? I once had an Author who did an appearance on a Saturday at his local Supermarket. In the space of a few hours sold 20 books or so. Also consider the depth of people that are now connected. I also remember being in New York City on the Subway. An Author boarded the Train with a rolling suitcase and between stops in the space of about 5 minutes sold about a dozen of his books because he had the audacity to put aside his fear and tell the people on the Subway his story. I purchased a book, which to this day I have never read.

In conclusion

The main thing i would like to leave you with is this. It is not a chore if you are having fun with it. Create the mental picture of this and then go about enjoying sharing your wonderful Self and your Book with the World . .. they need it don’t they ?

Resource Links :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Press_release#

http://service.prweb.com/go/psg_press_release/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=psg_press_release&mkwid=se7hkGfLf&pcrid=19575568375&pmt=b&pkw=free%20press%20releases&gclid=CIvQ9pKa9bUCFVGf4AodJhwADg

http://www.ereleases.com/welcome27c.html?gclid=CJL_ipSa9bUCFRCf4AodQUMAqw

www.rapidpressrelease.com/?mtc=g2all&gclid=CInH5ZWa9bUCFdFT4AodtSQARA

http://www.prlog.org/

William S. Peters, Sr.

Inner Child Press

www.innerchildpress.com

Publicity Costs . . . make the Investment

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 19:50:22 +0100

Publicity Costs . . . make the Investment

All Artists, whether you are a Writer, Musician vie to have their creativity embraced . . . to some degree. For this a Publicity Campaign is required. There are 2 basic options as to how one may approach this. Either you hire a Publicist, which can cost you up to several thousands of dollars . . .or you become one!

Most Creative Individuals are not prepared nor capable of taking off their garbs of inspiration and cloaking themselves with the Suit of Business that is required so that the Buying Public know you exist. Many Artist, specifically Authors are content with just saying those New Age famous words . . “you can find me on AMAZON” or some other Web Site. When i consider this, i see just how delusional i have become in thinking that since i Authored a Book that the world is going to come knocking down my door to purchase what i have to say . . . NOT !

Being your own best Friend and Publicist, there are a few less invasive things we can do to assist the accomplishment of our aspirations we have for our products. If you are vying to sell . . .you must SELL ! If you are satisfied with just having Published your Book or releasing your CD, then do not fell any compulsion to read any further, for it does not apply to the True and Dedicated Artist . . . or does it ?

As i said earlier, most Artist do desire to be appreciated for their contribution to the world by way of their inspiration. The most definitive way to accomplish this is by letting as many people know that you have something to offer them. There are a few rules we should be aware of before we engage. First one needs to be circumspective and honest with themselves. For example, why do i need your offering, what is it going to do for me, the buyer ? This is a critical and integral part of promotion. Of course we can shell out a few Bucks and hire a Publicist who would them do all these things for you. The alternative for those Artist, which is most of us, who are working with finite funding, is to do some research and figure out how you can do many things your self. Of course, the Publicists, if you hire a good one has a myriad of experience at this as well as some allegiances and contacts which can circumvent the hard work and diligent efforts that are required on this journey.

Here are a few more things we need to ask ourselves about our objectives . . .

Do you have a Web Site ?

Do you have a BLOG ?

Have you approached the Local Libraries ?

Are there any Reading Groups you can join ?

Have you submitted to any Book Clubs for possible review ?

Have you considered putting together a “Power Team” ?

Who are you affiliated with and can you do a link exchange ?

Have you done a press Release ?

Have you gone Public with TV, Print Media or Radio ?

How often are you telling people about your product and how ?

Have you considered any other alternatives ?

Are you networked with other “Like Minded” Artists, and what are they doing that you are not ?

Have you considered doing Readings or Public Shows to spread the News ?

What is your Advertising Budget and how are you using it to deploy your message ?

Does everyone you know and everyone they know, know about you ?

Why NOT ? . . . They Should !

These are but a few of the things one should consider in their quest to be seen and move their product. There are many tools and resources available to those who have the Passion, Desire, Determination, Will and Fortitude. In the end your lack is what you allow in your life. If you want more . . GO GET MORE ! Knock on Doors and ASK EVERYONE to assist you in any way they can . . . the worst they can say is NO . . .which you have already been telling your self.

Happy Hunting

Bill

Inner Child Press

www.innerchildpress.com

Bill aka William S. Peters, Sr. is a Publisher, Writer and so much more. For more information about Bill or Inner Child Press, visit his Personal Web Site at www.iamjustbill.com or go to www.innerchildpress.com .

For All Things Inner Child

www.iaminnerchild.com

Resource Links

Free Pres Release Sites

https://www.google.com/search?q=free+press+release+sites&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Book Club Listings

https://www.google.com/search?q=Listings+of+Book+Clubs&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Book Reading Groups

https://www.google.com/search?q=Book+Reading+Groups&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Free Blog Sites

https://www.google.com/search?q=Free+Blog+Sites&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Free Publicity Sites

https://www.google.com/search?q=Free+Publicity+Sites&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

These are but a few ways to get started . . . Remember Google is FREE as well . . . just ask questions and search for the answers that best fit you !

If you Want Nothing . . .Do Nothing !

Selling your Book ~ The Passive vs. The Proactive

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 19:59:41 +0100

Selling your Book

The Passive vs. The Proactive

If you are like myself and most Authors, we feel a great sense of accomplishment just because we have a Book in Print with our name on it or in it. Books do sell ! There are the “trickle” sales and there is something quite different and dynamic . . . . and of course there is a wide expanse of experience in between the two. This leads to our sub title of this article “The Passive vs. The Proactive”.

First let us examine this simple question . . . “Why did you Author a Book?”. We must be honest with our selves about this topic, for in the answering perhaps you will get a glimpse of your perspective and position about your Book Sales. Many of us do vie for the notoriety, success and various other accolades that goes with the imaginings of selling volumes of books, and that is fine. Usually like most other dreams in our lives, our visions are based upon things and other factors that do not lend themselves back to any particular reality. I know this is a somewhat harsh truth, but at some point in our personal lives as well as our professional careers we must face this dynamic of “what am i willing to do to achieve my objective. This is the core emphasis of this article, “the Passive vs. The Proactive”.

If you have ever had the opportunity to speak with or read the story of any best selling Author, you realize that their success did not come of it’s own volition. It did not happen because they announced to the world a few times “You can find me on AMAZON”, or “My new Book is out”. It also does not happen because you post your Book Cover and Links intermittently on FaceBook. Selling Books is a lot of work! It takes a bit more . . . NO a lot more commitment than writing does ! Most Authors in my experience do have the Zeal necessary to succeed . . . in the beginning when they are so “Amped” up, then something happens which should be examined individually and collectively as a writing community. It is easy to find the reasons as to why our book is not selling. Simply ask your self some of the following questions.

1 What is my realistic Objective ?

2 What is my Plan to achieve this objective . . . Daily, Monthly and Annually ?

3 What “Centers of Influence” have i established to assist me in achieving this end ?

There are some things we can do to assist us in our objectives for those who are willing to make the careful, considerate analysis required.

1 As mentioned above, Network with people who can assist your objective . . .”Centers of Influence” we can also do voluntary readings and Book Signings.

2 We can donate our book to the Local Libraries and other organizations who are willing to give our books prominence on their shelves or counters.

3 We must also be diligent in letting the world know that we do have a Book for sale and where it may be purchased.

4 Note: always put your prospective buyer in a decision position to say either Yea or Nay. In other words, if you say “you can find me on AMAZON”, chances are i am not going to look! If you provide me a link that takes me directly to the “Point of Purchase” there is at least a 50 / 50 chance.

5 Another way of achieving this end of keeping your product in the faces of the people is to do regular mailings (E-Mail) and share excerpts from your Book.

6 Work at targeting your audience . . .get them excited . . explain to me why i need to buy your book. Or you may also opt to having someone do this for you like a Publicist or Agent . . . they charge for their services. Nothing In . . .Nothing Out !

7 Do you have a BLOG or Web Site ? Why Not? . . and you want to sell books ?

8 There are many tools available on the world Wide web to assist you in your Book Promotions such as FaceBook, Twitter, Google Plus, Pinterest, Goodreads,Yahoo and the AMAZON Author Pages. This is just to name a few.

9 And Finally . . .Read and Research where the opportunities are. Google Search is a great Tool to seek on. Ask the questions and it will find the answers.

10 PS Wikapedia is FREE !!! . . . establish yourself an account and a page . . . like why not . . you could be the next Dr. Wayne Dyer or Paul Coelho waiting to awaken . . . if you wish to sell books, think of your self as famous already, believe that your words are worthy of being read by the world, then go make it happen. It will not happen by it’s self because you are a nice guy and wrote a wonderful Book . . . you have to let the people know about it. Happy Hunting

In the end, understand that NO ONE can promote YOU like YOU !!! Do not depend on your Publisher, your friends or anyone else to put in the committed effort to making you a success. If you are looking for someone to do this for you, consider employing an Agent or a Personal Publicist. It is your Product, your Creative Property, your Life and your decision as to how much personal effort you are willing to invest in your success. Only you have the vested long term interest !

bill

The Technocratic Aspects of Books

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 18:40:07 +0100

The Technocratic Aspects of Books

We live in such an Automated, Technocratic world these days, that we often lose touch and identity with what matters.

When i consider the “Business of Books” and Publishing i am simply amazed at the progress as well as the transition the industry has gone through. And yes, let us clearly understand that it is an “Industry”. Many moons ago when i first began writing, i can honestly say that i did not even know a writer personally, and i definitely had no “Author” influences to model my self after. In these modern times there is a myriad of Authors, Writer and Gurus who one can grab a seat and take a study to help clarify the path of their own. While there are many success stories, with the absence of verifiable statistics, i would feel absolutely comfortable to say that for every success story there are thousands of stories and experiences that have not been fully developed, stagnant or perhaps a work in progress.

In today’s Publishing Market, there seems to be a disconnect with many New Authors and the Seasoned as well. With the demise of the old Publishing Paradigm and the Rise of such entities as Amazon and other On-Line / Web integration, many of us have become very passive with our energies and how we go about making the Public at Large aware that we have produced and made available something viable to read.

Additionally with the Automated-Technocratic mindset, we have allowed ourselves to be disconnected from our potentials . . .unwillingly and unknowingly. With the advent of Electronic Transfers and Automated Shipping we have been removed from the equation and thus the intimacy that may be provided when we directly interface with our Fan Base and Readership.

Now for those of us still avidly seeking Appearances, Book Signings, Speaking Engagements and the such, this does not apply. KUDOS to you.

For me as a committed supporter of the Literary Industry and the wonderful people who take time to write and share their magnificent words i am encouraged. I say this, for there are many more People / Writers / Poets / Essayist / Novelist who have determined that they have something they wish to say and share with the world. Where my concern lies is that many times in such an intimate examination of our thoughts, feelings and insights, we become disconnected once we get to the stage of fruition and allow our selves to be removed from the equation. Now what am i saying here. As a Patron of the Arts, i buy to support the Arts themselves, but most importantly i gravitate to that Artist that distinguishes themselves and touches me in a relative way, whether it be their Music, Their Paintings, Sculptures or their Words. What i liked about the “Old” way of things and Book Signings and Showings, is i get to connect to the Creator of that particular piece of art i so admire.

One of the things we as Authors can employ to empower our connection with our market, respective Fan Bases and Readership is to take the time to SIGN OUR BOOKS and CDs and personalize them for our patrons. As a patron myself, this tends to make me feel a bit more committed to the Artist and important enough that they had the time to consider that my dollars i spent with them was meaningful. Most Authors these days do not want to be bothered as if the world owes them something. A little personalized gratitude does go a long way. Something we at Inner Child Press have been doing lately with our Authors is to make Custom Book Markers. We send them along with the Purchased Book. It may not seem like much, but trust me, for a small investment in our product, it does distinguish us from the “All So Rans”.

I did not write this article for the purposes of self promotion, but then again i did. In the final analysis, we as Artist / Writers must take “first Seat” responsibility for our own destiny. If my desire is to sell, then i must promote. . . if i want a committed following to be a part of my journey as i continue to produce new offerings, then i must be committed to my Believers and Followers and those who so graciously spend their money with me or our Company.

Let not this Technocratic world dictate our Humanity . . . let our Humanity dictate our course.

Thank You

William S. Peters, Sr.

www.innerchildpress.com

William S. Peters, Sr. is the Managing Director of Inner Child Press. For more reading of Bill’s thoughts and other Articles, visit the Blog on the Web Site.