I have been a member of Facebook for a few years now. I have just recently incorporated a Fan Page to showcase my writing, published book and updates on my Book In Progress. I attempted to include a "like" button on my Blog to make it easy for readers to visit it, but after several attempts I have been unable to do so. I didn't think I was that computer challenged, but apparently in this case I am.
As I still have bolts and bolts of fabric on hand, I have listed packages of fat quarters on eBay. It would be good to part with this fabric as I do not have the room to store it. It is all quality 100% cotton and available in various prints. I am a quilter, but know I will not be able to use this much fabric anytime soon. These packages are great for anyone who wants to add variety to their fabric stash.
I have been making steady progress on my new book, which should be completed by June 30 of this year. That is the goal I have set, but sometimes snags happen along the way. I will post updates on my Facebook Fan Page as milestones are reached. I am quite excited about this one, and cannot wait to get it published. Now that the layout is complete I just have to fill in the blanks. A very helpful resource has been A Book Writing Template by Dan Poynter of Para Publishing. I encourage anyone who is contemplating writing a book to sign up for his newsletters and download a copy of the template.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Publishing Online
I recently learned a very valuable lesson when it comes to publishing. This pertains mostly to self publishing sites such as Lulu.com, but is "good to know" information for any publishing you will be a part of.
When submitting your book to the publisher, remember to include all the important stuff besides your actual text document. I am talking about the Copyright page, Table of Contents, page numbers, and any dedications or thanks you have in regards to your book. I was fortunate enough to have noticed errors I made before I ordered a pile of my book. I ordered only one to see what the print and cover quality was like, and when I received it I realized what I didn't do.
As there was a basic copyright notice brought up within the Publishing Wizard, I has presumed it would be printed. Sadly, I was wrong. It is very important to include a copyright notice in any material you publish, as others may take it as their own. Without proper documentation, there will be nothing you can do about it. I was fortunate enough to have noticed the error when I received my proof copy...it was quickly rectified.
If you are unsure of proper layout and what to include in a book, the best thing to do is to go through some books you have. Open the front cover, and make note of what is on the first few pages. This will give you a good indication of what should be included. Not all books have the information in the same order, but it is included. For a great resource on what you will need for publishing your own book, visit Para Publishing. I have found the Book Writing Template to be a great resource and guideline.
I wish I had known about it the first time around. I was able to utilize some of its information when I fixed my first book. It is my only resource for the majority of the next one, as far as layout goes. I will have many sources of the actual information I include, which will be listed as well.
When submitting your book to the publisher, remember to include all the important stuff besides your actual text document. I am talking about the Copyright page, Table of Contents, page numbers, and any dedications or thanks you have in regards to your book. I was fortunate enough to have noticed errors I made before I ordered a pile of my book. I ordered only one to see what the print and cover quality was like, and when I received it I realized what I didn't do.
As there was a basic copyright notice brought up within the Publishing Wizard, I has presumed it would be printed. Sadly, I was wrong. It is very important to include a copyright notice in any material you publish, as others may take it as their own. Without proper documentation, there will be nothing you can do about it. I was fortunate enough to have noticed the error when I received my proof copy...it was quickly rectified.
If you are unsure of proper layout and what to include in a book, the best thing to do is to go through some books you have. Open the front cover, and make note of what is on the first few pages. This will give you a good indication of what should be included. Not all books have the information in the same order, but it is included. For a great resource on what you will need for publishing your own book, visit Para Publishing. I have found the Book Writing Template to be a great resource and guideline.
I wish I had known about it the first time around. I was able to utilize some of its information when I fixed my first book. It is my only resource for the majority of the next one, as far as layout goes. I will have many sources of the actual information I include, which will be listed as well.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
My New Book
As I started to write my new book, I wasn't sure how to organize it. Since it is about a combination of many things, I decided chapters was not going to work. I settled on 'sections' instead and it seems to be working quite well.
I was able to acquire a Book Writing Template from Dan Poynter's website, Para Publishing. It has been a wonderful tool in getting my thoughts organized. I would recommend it to anyone who is contemplating writing a book. The nice part is it is a generic template. Once you have your ideas in mind, it is easy to put them down on paper in an organized fashion.
Another very helpful resource is Mark Shaw's e-book How to Become a Published Author: Idea to Publication. This particular book is available on Lulu.com for less than ten dollars. It is 268 pages of valuable information; well worth the price. The best part is it can be downloaded so it can be put to use immediately.
I have written many articles, and have written one book. I only wish I had found the listed information before I wrote my first book. I will be receiving my printed copy of it in the mail any day now, so I will be able to fix what needs to be fixed. Working with a company which "publishes on demand" is good in the aspect changes may be made without a ton of books having to be tossed. For those who have purchased it the information is still relevant; the layout is missing a couple of pages.
As for the contents of my new book it will include How To's on many different things; mainly aspects of every day life. There are a couple of sections which may be more specialized, but I feel it is going to benefit all who read it in one way or another. My goal is to have it become a book which is referred to frequently. Perhaps like a favorite cookbook?
I was able to acquire a Book Writing Template from Dan Poynter's website, Para Publishing. It has been a wonderful tool in getting my thoughts organized. I would recommend it to anyone who is contemplating writing a book. The nice part is it is a generic template. Once you have your ideas in mind, it is easy to put them down on paper in an organized fashion.
Another very helpful resource is Mark Shaw's e-book How to Become a Published Author: Idea to Publication. This particular book is available on Lulu.com for less than ten dollars. It is 268 pages of valuable information; well worth the price. The best part is it can be downloaded so it can be put to use immediately.
I have written many articles, and have written one book. I only wish I had found the listed information before I wrote my first book. I will be receiving my printed copy of it in the mail any day now, so I will be able to fix what needs to be fixed. Working with a company which "publishes on demand" is good in the aspect changes may be made without a ton of books having to be tossed. For those who have purchased it the information is still relevant; the layout is missing a couple of pages.
As for the contents of my new book it will include How To's on many different things; mainly aspects of every day life. There are a couple of sections which may be more specialized, but I feel it is going to benefit all who read it in one way or another. My goal is to have it become a book which is referred to frequently. Perhaps like a favorite cookbook?
Monday, March 7, 2011
Published on Lulu
As I write and learn more, I am happy to say I was able to publish my book on Lulu! It is a book laying the foundation for anyone interested in starting a home-based business. I have learned through trial and error, as I did not have guidance when I started. I am positive this book will help you avoid some costly mistakes, which I unfortunately made. It is available in both paperback and in a downloadable format.
I anticipate publishing
additional books this way as well. I enjoy writing
and helping people achieve their goals, whether it be success as a writer or as a gardener. I have a new book in the making which covers my interests and hobbies...with How-To instructions as well. I have thought about writing fiction, but do much better with what I have experienced and what I know. I will post progress and will provide the link when it is published.
I anticipate publishing
additional books this way as well. I enjoy writing and helping people achieve their goals, whether it be success as a writer or as a gardener. I have a new book in the making which covers my interests and hobbies...with How-To instructions as well. I have thought about writing fiction, but do much better with what I have experienced and what I know. I will post progress and will provide the link when it is published.
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