Fresh Start

Wow, a year has come and gone. GOD has blessed us. Now that we are well rested and recovered from the Holiday Festivities we must get back to work. We as self-publishers do not have time for New Year’s Resolutions, like loose weight, going to the gym and stuff like that. We have books to write, publish and market.

So what do we do first?

First, we must pull out those business plans that we have tucked away, dust them off and make the necessary updates. I know with all of the networks I have joined in just 2008, I know my marketing section needs to be updated along with adding the virtual book tours and blogradio shows that generated some revenue.

Second, pull out those first editions and look them over…is it time for another edition with a little flare? My friend just revamped her first book by making some suggested changes and is making more revenue from the second edition than she did with the first.

Third, look at your team, the people surrounding you. Think about what you did not like and what you will not stand for in 2009; address it now tomorrow will be too late. We never want to make the same mistake twice especially in our business, it cost us too much. Basically kick them to the curb, yes I know the pain of finding someone else is time consuming but it is better than settling when you are suppose to be in charge so take charge

Fourth, review your networks and myspace pages. Get rid of the ones you don’t use, try to consolidate the ones that over lap. I know I have so many NING accounts I am staring to get 10-12 emails from the same people because we are friends on so many of the same networks. If you must keep all the networks try to put them all on one page for easy access.

Lastly, enjoy what you do, stay strong and motivated. Distance yourself from the naysayers. Surround yourself with positive people, smile, believe in what you do and again enjoy yourself. We as self-publishers knew this was going to be hard work, sleepless nights in some cases and trying on the nerves at times, but we love it. Yes, the work is hard but look what we have accomplished. I am so proud of all of the people I have met since I decided to self-publish and proud to carry that positive relationship into my 2009.

Happy New Year Everyone….GOD Bless!

I love what I do

I love what I do, I love meeting new people I love this. I have met so many people doing such wonderful things it amazes me everyday. I told someone yesterday, this is all worthwhile! Yes, I want to sell my books and make money but THIS is more than I expected. I have to talk about this book I love it, I love the message. When I first saw the cover on the Book Marketing Network I just had to ask the author who did the illustration. Since that first question Adonya and I have been communicating off and on about certain things and it is great.


In My Mind...
The World through the Eyes of Autism
by Adonya Wong

"“In my mind, I see many colors, bright like a rainbow, shooting about like comets in a night sky.” Take a closer look… What do you see? In My Mind, by Adonya Wong, explores the inner world of an autistic child—the world that no one else can see. From exciting adventures to silly games and conversations with friends, look closely and see how a child with autism sees the world…and how the world sees him. "

You have to go to her site M.O.C.H.A. Mothers of Color for Holistic Alternatives is a not for profit community based organization that sees as its mission to promotion of healthy, natural alternative and life choices for underrepresented minority women and their families.

So for those of us new to the POD game and still learning, try seek out people who will help. Yes, you will have those that want to keep the information to themselves but forget about them and move on. I love to share information and I love to receive it as well. Every good deed is recognized by others and by GOD. We believe in what we are doing and if we band together and believe in ourselves as a group, we would be a force to be reckoned with.

Watch the trailer for In My Mind

Find more videos like this on Book Marketing Network

Praising Networks Again

Praising networks again, I met another self-published author doing great things on Book Marketing Networks. Ms. Chaun Archer wrote the children's book "Wonderful Wigs" a story of an 8 year old girl copying with cancer and hair loss. Wonderful Wigs makes it possible for cancer patients and survivors to have beautiful, quality wigs at little or no cost. You have to check out her site Chaun Archer and see what great things she is doing. Her book is currently available on Lulu or contact her at sales@chaunarcher.com. You can also become friends with Chaun on her MySpace page. Another example of Wonderful people doing Great things, that's what networking is about sharing the information and encouraging creativity.

The Pain of finding an illustrator

Okay most of us have been there. Trying to find an illustrator for our books and as the search goes on you get more frustrated. So now I'm here to tell you to take a deep breath, relax and refocus, use all of the networks you belong to and make them work for you. I will tell you for my Simon Says series of children books I have the best illustrator in the game Mr. Mike Motz, he was able to put every vision I had on paper. The illustrations came out great, no they came out perfect. My Simon Says series are going to sky rocket because of his creativity.

For my second book, I wanted to use someone else, not that I don't love Mikes work I just wanted to give someone else a shot, it's a about creativity but it was back a square one. So I took a deep breath and started my postings and for a couple of days not response but then it happened on my Book Marketing Network a friend on my page Bobby Ozuna gave me a name and I contacted him not only was he available he nailed my book cover on the first go, so THANK YOU BOBBY for the hook-up. I was at work when I opened it and let out a scream of joy I love it so THANK YOU Marcello for the excellent cover, you are a natural talent.
So for everyone out there going through the frustrations of finding an illustrator, proofreader, graphics artist, promotion material etc use your networks, that's what they are for. So now when someone says happy hunting, they mean it. Have a Wonderful Holiday.