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Time to Reinvent Yourself in 2012?

Dec 15th, 2011 by

During the holiday season I thought it might be ideal to personalize my message a little more.  This is the time when most people do some reflecting on the year that is coming to a close, and planning for the one ahead. Perhaps you would like to re-invent yourself in 2012?  

Maybe you’re thinking about the past choices you’ve made, and the changes you’d like to incorporate in the coming weeks and months; or what new things you want to learn, explore or accomplish. Not so long ago, I was invited to do a one-to-one TV interview on the topic of Reinventing Yourself. I’m happy to share, and my hope is that it gives you the inspiration, insights and encouragement you need, as you embrace the new year, set new goals and achieve your heart’s desire! …Perhaps a new career, your first or 5th book, a healthier you, stronger relationships … ? Why not?!

You’ll notice that the interview is divided into four segments … Please enjoy at your leisure! ‘& Although the show is called ‘Woman To Woman’, gentlemen, I’m sure you’ll find the content helpful and refreshing as well!

For those of you receiving this post via email, please click the word ‘video’ to connect to the video channel.

Video 1

Reinvention is an act, not a destination…

Life and change are easier when you work on yourself and embrace change. Become a better self-manager and get clear on what you do and don’t want in life. Learn to recognize the choices that you have and focus on re-framing your inner dialogue.

 
Video 2

It’s hard until you decide it’s not…

Stretching your comfort zone, addressing that negative self-talk and having a strong support system in place are keys to success. Learn to embrace who you are, and stay on a path of self-development.
Video 3

Make an appointment with yourself…

Keeping a wellness journal, and scheduling yourself in. Recognizing it’s not about being perfect, but becoming your best self. Owning your own circumstances and not blaming or passing the buck. Getting honest with yourself about what you truly want.  We all have a story.
Video 4

Get out of your own head…

Circumstances that stretch you happen for a reason. Start doing what you’ve been blessed and gifted to do.  Honour yourself. Be courageous.

I welcome your questions and comments. Here on my blog, you’ll get commentluv. This is a wonderful opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment.

‘Wishing you abundance in all things!

 

Warmest Regards and Happy Holidays,

Sheri

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5 Reasons to Have Professional Photography for Your Book Publishing

Dec 6th, 2011 by

Put Your Best Face Forward

Welcome to Insightful Communications Publishing!  This week, I have invited a colleague of mine to share with you some great insights about the importance of Professional Photography for your all your business projects, including book publishing.  Bob Kyriakides from Digital Light and Magic is focussed on ‘our best image’ and I hire him often.  You’ll find his message helpful, refreshing and easy to read.  Enjoy!

In today’s so very-digital world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of going the “DIY” route for your business photography. Let’s face it, almost anyone can afford a very well appointed camera, but… owning one and knowing how to get great pictures out of it are on opposite ends of the spectrum. When having your book published, you want everything to be perfect – especially what’s on the cover. When people check out your book, they’re going to look your picture – yes – they WILL look at your picture. So, it’s very important you put your best face forward by having a professional photographer take that picture. Let’s look at 5 reasons to have professional photography for your book publishing.

1. “You only get one chance to make that first impression.” Especially true of your business portrait or “headshot”. A headshot created by a professional photographer should represent you the way you want clients to see you whether that’s confident, funny, poignant or got-it-going-on! The headshot on your book cover should attract people to your book rather than have them thinking, “ouch, looks like that’s a self-portrait” or “too bad about the shadow”. You’ve gone to all this effort to have your literary work-of-art published… go the last mile and have the headshot that will grace its cover done right.

2. Reusing and recycling are good for the environment and excellent for branding. Clients often tell me people they meet for the first time say they feel like they know them. Why? Because my clients use one or two headshots EVERYWHERE… book covers, business cards, e-newsletters, websites, etc. A professional photographer can make those “just right” headshots happen.

3. You get what you pay for. How often do we hear that one? So true when it comes to headshots. Professional photographers don’t just snap your image then hand over the file. We agonize over every detail of your headshot in “post” (the work that happens after the photo shoot) before letting you see the proofs let alone handing over the finished file. That attention to detail takes time and talent.

4. It’s fun and soul-soaring. Yes, you read that right… photo shoots should be fun. They are celebrations of your unique awesomeness captured in still images. We are often so critical of our own appearance. A fun photo shoot generates amazing images and incredible confidence. You’ll remember that every time you look at your photo on your book. And yes, headshot photo shoots CAN be fun.

5. “If a picture is worth a thousand words, then video is worth a million.” Once you’ve got your headshot, you need to start thinking about video marketing for your book. Did you know… on average there are more than 400 tweets per minute containing a YouTube link and on Facebook over 150 years worth of YouTube videos are watched every single day? Your video, promoting your book, should be one of them!

Until next time… I remain focused on your best image.

Bob Kyriakides
Digital Light and Magic
info@digitallightandmagic.ca

 

 

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Meaningful Marketing Strategies – My Top 10 Recommendations

Nov 29th, 2011 by

When I was thinking about what to share this week, I found myself wondering why I hadn’t written about this topic much sooner than now – especially since I feel so passionate about it.  Sure, there are many tangible ways to promote and market yourself, in general; whether it be a book or other product or service you want to get out to the masses.  However, you can also get lost in the details and comparing yourself to others, if you don’t have a clear vision of what your message is and how ‘you’ want to communicate it.  And so, in this blog post, I will share some Meaningful Marketing strategies and my Top Recommendations to help you enjoy the process more and reach your goals!

1.    Stay true to yourself and your message.  How do you do this?  It’s relatively simple.  Know why you are writing (or have written) your book – and know how you want the reader to benefit from your story or teachings.

2.    Be yourself – your best self – no one can do ‘you’ better than you.  Comparing yourself to others is only useful if you admire that person, and you want to learn from and emulate them.

3.   Handpick your inner circle, i.e. those that provide personal and professional support that compliments your vision and philosophies.  This is not about selecting just those that will agree with you and your ideas, it’s simply about aligning yourself with others that ‘get you’ and are willing to communicate clearly and constructively, as needed.

4.    Be flexible, creative, organized and open to ideas and options that will enhance your work, and reach your intended audience.

5.    Know your budget and resources; to help you prioritize what to do first and what might need to wait.

6.    Know your goals, including the kind of revenue stream you would like from your book sales (and ensure that it is consistent with what you are willing to do to support and accomplish those goals).

7.    Discern what Social Media makes the most sense for you to use in telling your story.  Again, think about your audience.  For example, you could consider blogging about the message(s) you share in your book.  This can build rapport and curiosity quickly, as long as you are blogging correctly and to the right audience.  Be mindful of your time as well, and don’t try and do ‘everything’ all at once.

8.    Be well prepared when opportunities for TV interviews and/or keynotes arise.  Depending on the time you have, think of 2 or 3 main objectives you want to stay focused on.

9.    Tangible marketing items can range from book marks and post cards to 2’ to 6’ displays for events.

10.  Book or Message Marketing through photography and videography.  Technology and ways to connect and communicate continue to evolve, so must we!  Imagine creating a 1 ½ minute professional video … I’ve invited our Videographer to guest blog about the ‘behind the scenes’ and power of video!  Stay tuned.

Although most of my blogs currently speak to one’s writing and book publishing journey, I want to emphasize that many of the insights and tips I share can easily be applied to other areas of business.

In closing, I feel like I’ve just scratched the surface in many ways.  That said, I encourage you to remain open to all learning and opportunities; yet trust your instincts and what feels right for you!  Recognize your strengths and areas of specialty – and know when to call on others whose expertise will add to yours and help make your dreams a reality!

I’d love your feedback. Here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv. What a wonderful opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog.

Warmest regards,

Sheri

 

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Getting into Your Ideal State of Creativity

Nov 22nd, 2011 by

In last week’s blog post, we spoke about some of the roadblocks of putting pen to paper and making progress on our goals in general.  I also shared some great tools and insights on how to overcome those challenges, change the tide and make your dreams a reality.  This week, we’ll talk about how to get into your ideal state of creativity. I have one very powerful exercise to teach you called Mapping!  Read on.

There are many ways you can CREATE YOUR IDEAL STATE – of laser focus, confidence, clarity, empowerment and more!  In this blog, we’re going to concentrate on helping you to access and create your ideal state of CREATIVITY!

  • I encourage you to be mindful of your inner dialogue.  When you think ‘you can’t do something’ or ‘that won’t work’ – ask yourself, ‘What if that was possible, and What if I could…?’!  As you start to train yourself in this new way of thinking, I like to call it Solution Thinking; you will come up with better answers and options for yourself.
  • When it comes to ‘Getting Into and Staying In the Creative Zone’ – it is ideal to develop your own space in your home or office and fill it with all that inspires you!  Walking into this room or area can affect your state of mind almost instantly.  You can also meditate and / or journal about what you want to write – for added clarity, focus or inspiration.
  • Then there’s Mapping Your Ideal States – another *NLP term.  In practicing this technique with clients and using it myself, I have found it to be a truly amazing experience.  Working with a Practitioner does allow you to go deeper with this exercise to access even more resources; yet it is still often quite transformational when you learn and practice it yourself.

Are you ready?  Get comfy in your chair…

All you need to do, is think (or write) of a time in your life when you were highly creative and everything was exactly the way you wanted it to be: Step into this experience as if it was happening right now … Imagine your thoughts and words flowing perfectly …  Notice everything you can about this time, how you felt …  what your physiology was like, your breathing, your energy … what sounds and visuals you noticed that might be useful to you as you remember …

When you are recalling a time, keep it simple, it doesn’t have to be a grandiose moment to have significant meaning or impact for you.  Trust that what comes to you first, is likely the one that will be most useful for you to ‘map’.  Remember, you can always repeat this – and actually, you ought to for practice of course! 

Journaling through this exercise can also help you anchor the powerful memories and thoughts that come to mind!

Now, after even a few minutes, notice what is different about how you feel?

The more that you access this experience and imagine it as if it was happening right at this moment  – the more you will see and value its use when you want to BE CREATIVE NOW!

‘Here’s to your creativity and more new successes in the making! I’d love your feedback on how this works for you! Here on my blog, you’ll get commentluv. This is an ideal opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave feedback.

Until next time,

Sheri

*Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) has its roots in psychology, and is a fascinating study of how we think and communicate, verbally and non-verbally – and how we can reinforce and/or reprogram our patterns of behaviour to help us lead more fulfilling and successful lives.

 

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Is Life Getting in the Way of Your Creativity?

Nov 15th, 2011 by

I’m extra excited about the content of this blog and next week’s, since I believe these are some of the real secrets to helping people move into action and manifest their dreams – whether creating the content for your first book and/or next, developing a new product, program or service … or making changes to have a healthier, happier relationship!  We all have things that we aspire to creating; however, life can get in the way.  Why is this?  I suspect your answer might be because you’re too busy, the office needs you, the family needs you … and well, you do need to sleep, right?! [smile]

True enough, some of these reasons might be the cause of our immobility at times, although they can also mask the real reasons for not taking the steps we could be embracing ‘right now’!  Would you agree?

Perhaps you feel fear about the unknowns?  Perhaps you lack the confidence?  With all that you have going on in your life; you could find it hard to get into the right frame mind to ‘create’ – even though you want to?

Well, I have something profoundly simple and ‘hope-filled’ to share with you!  There are ways that you can overcome your fears and insecurities!

Keeping in mind, there are always more factors than one can write in a blog; what I am sharing can have an incredible impact on what’s next for you in your life – when you are ready!

Let’s get started:

Clarity – It is important that whatever your goal, you are clear about what it is (with detail) and what it isn’t – allow time to dream and think of all the possibilities.  Also be sure that this is something you truly desire – and that it is your goal, not someone else’s goal for you.

Another piece of wisdom to impart: be sure you have done your homework, acknowledge what you know and what you don’t – and research / access the appropriate resources and people to support you.

As you move through this process, you will gain more clarity, confidence and focus – and experience much less fear, as a rule.  That said, depending on how big your goal is; there is a certain kind of fear, anxiety or excitement (better called a growing edge, which you simply need to ‘grow’ through with the help of those around you).

And remember the bigger the goal, the bigger the rewards!

I encourage you to notice the synchronicities that start to happen around you too!  A great example of this was during and after I wrote my book, Hearts Linked by Courage, and decided to start I C Publishing to fill a need in our local and national community.  At every turn, I was hearing about or meeting others who were writing, self-publishing, wanting to be published and seeking the support that I had been previously looking for!

Ecology Checks – In my own ongoing personal development journey, I learned the skill of filtering information and input from others – in order to recognize what was / is most helpful to ‘me’ in any given situation.  When I started exploring the study of neuro-linguistics*, I found another tool.  It made instant sense to me – and I believe it is something that I’ve done at a sub-conscious level all my life.

Most simply put, Ecology Checks are questions you ask yourself about the ripple effect of your choices and decisions.  How will your circumstances change?  How will others be affected?  Are you good with the way things will likely play out – or do you need to consider any adjustments to make it more the way you want it to be?

When I became more consciously aware of using this technique, I found it even easier to make choices and decisions – TAKE THE NEXT STEPS and CREATE MY IDEAL OUTCOMES – as I’m sure you will too.

Once you’ve implemented the above as needed, you’ll want to read next’s week’s blog about how to ‘get into your ideal state of creativity’ and more!

I’d love your feedback! Here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv.  This is a wonderful opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment.

‘Here’s to living your ideal life and manifesting your amazing dreams!

Sheri

*Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) has its roots in psychology, and is a fascinating study of how we think and communicate, verbally and non-verbally – and how we can reinforce and/or reprogram our patterns of behaviour to help us lead more fulfilling and successful lives.

 

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Connecting With the Written Word

Nov 1st, 2011 by

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) has its roots in psychology, and is a fascinating study of how we think and communicate, verbally and non-verbally – and how we can reinforce and/or reprogram our patterns of behavior to help us lead more fulfilling and successful lives.  I’m sure you’ve heard some of the basic tips on body language and mirroring or matching; so in this blog post, let’s talk mostly about ‘connecting’ with the written word, as it is almost a dying art that needs reviving.

In part, NLP helps us to become more aware of how we ‘connect’ with others and how we can influence circumstances or situations for the better.

When you’re engaged in a great conversation, have you ever noticed the similarities between you and the person you are speaking with?  Your tempo and tone of voice is likely in sync and you might even be standing or sitting the same way.

On the contrary, have you ever felt ‘disconnected’ with someone and not sure why?  Perhaps there are times that you would like to be able to change this.  Being more aware of yourself and others is the first step.

This can apply on a business or personal level; whether you’re conversing face-to-face, in a group, over the phone or even by email.

There are very simple ways that you can create synergy between you and others; and even influence the energy in a room.

I’ll digress just a moment with respect to our internal language and speak to mine in particular.  I always make the effort to assume that others have good intentions and I hold them up to their best selves; perhaps in part, since I hope that others will do the same for me.

That said, there are times that we’ve all read an email or article, and then found ourselves re-reading it.  We often spend extra time, attempting to understand the message, sometimes second-guessing, and trying not to be offended or turned off by the language or brevity of the correspondence.  We’ll even put off responding until we have a bit more clarity.

Here are some tips to help you build rapport when corresponding by email, something almost everyone does everyday:

  • Ask yourself, “Does my message reflect my company (or my intentions or personality) positively, or have I left anything ‘up for interpretation’ (i.e. too brief can come across as aloof, indifferent or rushed)?”
  • When responding to someone, notice how they communicate and mirror it (within reason), being mindful still of the impression you want to put forth.  Also, do your utmost to reply in a timely fashion.
  • Check your grammar and spelling, especially of people’s names.  Take a second to review your email before hitting ‘send’, to ensure you’ve communicated clearly (to the best of your ability).
  • In business especially, create an automatic signature line, so your contact info is always easily accessible.  Also be sure to sign off on your correspondence with a simple ‘Thanks’ or ‘Kind regards’ and your name.

These are just the basics that most of us have learned at a very young age – good manners.  Don’t let the hustle and bustle of life distract you from the importance and value of simple niceties.  Quite often, there is a goldmine of opportunity awaiting us when we make the right things a priority.

In closing, and on a slightly different topic, given the focus of some of my recent blogs; if you are a writer / author of a book(s), blog or newspaper column, I encourage you to write with your reader in mind.  Perhaps reflect on the above article and how it pertains to your own writing and creative process … and your ability to ‘connect’ with your audience of one or many!   

‘Wishing you ‘Joy’ in the Journey!

What do you think? I love getting feedback. Here on my blog, you’ll get commentluv.  What a great opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment!

Until next time,

Sheri

 

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Basic Parts, Costs & Marketing of a Book

Oct 25th, 2011 by

While we’re still on the subject of book production and publishing, let’s break this down a little further and talk about the basic parts, costs and marketing of your book.

Whether you are planning to hire production and publishing services, do-it-yourself (i.e. self-publish), engage a PR company, or work towards acceptance through main-stream publishing; the following information can prove very helpful in your journey.

Book Cover Design

This consists of overall design preference, including colours, use of stock photo(s) or not, illustrations (which are often more significant in cost, although ideal for some books / themes), and About the Author and Book Promo Piece.

Book Title

The title should peak curiosity and be easy to remember – sometimes a sub-title is incorporated to further expand on what the book is about – you, your Editor or Publisher should research your title as well (to avoid duplication or confusion with another book with the same or similar name).

About the Author and Book Promo Piece

You’ll often see these on the back cover.  Things to keep in mind when writing this content:

    • Brevity for sure (due to space, and how long you have the reader’s attention)
    • Who are you speaking to – i.e. who is your audience, especially those who don’t know you, haven’t heard you speak or train, etc
    • What matters to the reader … what can you say in short that ‘connects’ you to someone picking up your book for the first time
    • Use words / language that builds rapport with your specific audience – if credentials and some technical language fit, feel free to incorporate it – although keep in mind how you personally connect with others, and make sure that comes through as well

Prior to submitting your manuscript for Type-Setting, to prepare your book for printing, here are the inside parts that need to be compiled, edited and proof-read.

Copyright Page

Usually created and provided by the Editor (or Publisher) – look inside any published books you have for an example of some of the things that go on this page – an Editor / Publisher will have a standard template developed that represents them and their authors the best.

Acknowledgement(s) or Dedication

This is simply an opportunity to say thank you to those that have supported your creative and/or publishing journey – or someone that may have inspired or encouraged you – it can be as generic or specific as you prefer (loosely keeping in mind the type of book you’ve written and for what audience).

Testimonials

When collecting testimonials, you needn’t provide the entire manuscript for a person to comment on – the preface, foreword and/or a couple of impactful chapters is usually quite enough (keep it simple) – testimonials can be used inside the book, near the beginning – and the back of the book is a great spot to include a strong, yet brief recommendation (testimonials should also be strategically placed in your Media Kit, on your Website and Social Media).

Preface

This is usually done by the author, to portray his / her intention and overall message of the book (as described in an earlier blog).

Foreword

Typically written by someone who knows the author and project well and/or has a high profile and excellent reputation in one’s local or global community – in part, the Foreword represents another third-party endorsement (as described in an earlier blog).

Table of Contents

Outlining part and/or chapter titles, and set up preferences if any.

Completed Chapters

All the above should be submitted all in one document in ‘word’, sometimes in hard copy as well (although some editors may have other preferences).

Basic Costs to Plan For:

Creative, Content and Design Support, Research, Editing and Proof-Reading, Type-Setting, E-Book and E-Reader Conversions, Printing On Demand or Volume

Other things that will affect the cost of your book: page quantity, custom illustration, colour on inside pages, special binding, hard cover versus soft cover.

Basic Marketing of a Book:

Book Launch, Book Signings, Pre-Marketing, Media Kit, TV Interviews, Blogging, Social Media, Amazon.ca, Amazon.com, In Store(s) Presence, Speaking Engagements, Publisher’s Website & Promotion, Your Website & Distribution, Working with PR Firm, etc.

I highly recommend that authors access the resources and professional support that is available to them – in full or in part.  You will gain considerable insights, lessen the chances of missing important steps and timing – and enjoy the process so much more!

In general, I believe that the keys to meaningful, substantial and long-standing success in all areas of life and business are:

  • Accepting that ‘we don’t know what we don’t know’
  • Asking questions is the only way we learn (barring going to school for ‘everything’)
  • Accessing and investing in other’s expertise allows us to do what we do best

Here’s to your success! Please share your ideas. Here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv.  This is a great opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave feedback.

Until next time,

Sheri

 

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Why Write a Book?

Oct 19th, 2011 by

This is such a loaded question.  Perhaps I can start by sharing with you why I wrote my first book in part, and why I am working on two others as well.  It’s really not as daunting as it sounds, it’s actually very exciting and freeing … In fact, it’s like the joy of birthing a new baby without the physical labour!  [smile]

However, back to why I wrote my first book, Hearts Linked by Courage; everyone’s got a story and stories inspire!  I wrote to share my experiences and to also give others a voice.  Things are rarely as they seem in all our lives.

“Hearts Linked by Courage has taken me on a very interesting path.  It’s uncanny and perhaps even divine, the people that have come into my life – especially with respect to creating this book.  I am inspired by those who have courageously shared their stories for the first edition of Hearts Linked by Courage, and I am humbled daily by their confidence and belief in this work.

The purpose of this book is simple.  It is to encourage compassion and kindness in others, and to look beyond what you see or hear.  Everyone has a story…”

So, what’s your story?  Have you always dreamed of writing a book, perhaps sharing about a particular time in your life, or about things you’ve learned that you are passionate to pass onto others?  Are you a business owner with a particular area of expertise?

Depending on how you are wired, you might be like many writers that feel they just ‘have to’ put pen to paper… they have something inside of them that just needs to ‘get out’ – and this can apply to non-fiction, as well as fiction.

Then there are others who have gained profound insights through personal or professional experiences that seem fitting to pass on in a book.

And there are still others who have learned and grown extensively in their area of education and business that are inspired to share their knowledge in writing.

If this is you, where do you start?

In one of my recent blogs, Key Steps to Making Your Book Concept a Reality, I do review some very helpful steps in the creative process.

To expand on that, if you don’t have a title, start there.  Keep it simple.  Usually it’s called a ‘working title’, and you can always refine it later.

I don’t think I’ve blogged about ‘idea bubbles’ either, although I often refer to them with respect to goal-setting, brainstorming and especially ‘creating’!  In case you haven’t heard of this process or something similar, I’ll elaborate:

Picture a blank page, with the title of your book ‘circled’ at the top.  Now, as you reflect on the possible content for your book, jot down ideas on the page and circle them.  Initially you can write as many idea bubbles as you like; however, what you will start to see is the how some of the ideas make sense as ‘chapters’ … and some fit more as a story or lesson within a chapter, etc.  You may also want to draw lines connecting the main thoughts / chapters directly to your title, eventually numbering them in the order that makes sense for you.  If you are like me, and a few others I know, some of those idea bubbles might end up being another book!  [smile]

Another great way to get the juices flowing is to write the Preface of your book first, simply telling the reader what the book is loosely about and why you wrote it.  Write it in ‘first person’ with the intention to make it a personal conversation with someone who has just picked up your book … and answer the What and Why for them.

This step (writing the preface) often provides some interesting clarity, especially when you are in the beginning of the creative process.  It should also help you explore further what the ultimate purpose of your book is, which will guide you down the road when it comes to making decisions about many other aspects of your book publishing journey (from marketing to production, costs and revenue stream).  ‘Time for another blog’…?!

In closing, my next literary project ‘Working From Home & Making It Work’ has a different feel and purpose than ‘Hearts Linked by Courage’, although it comes from the same passionate, creative place inside of me – a compelling urge to share the things I’ve learned to help others on their own professional or personal journey.

What about you?

I’d love your feedback and ideas for your books. Here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv. This is a wonderful opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment.

Until next time,

Sheri

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8 Essential Factors – From Final Manuscript to Published Book

Oct 12th, 2011 by

You have a close-to-final manuscript, now what?  I remember that feeling when I wrote and compiled Hearts Linked by Courage!  I had so many questions.  This week I’m going to share with you some of what I learned, providing you with a few key steps to take you from your final manuscript to a published book to help enlighten the publishing or self-publishing path.

1.  Self-Publishing

First, you have to choose whether you are going to self-publish or publish.  There is merit in both.  In brief, there is some financial savings in self-publishing, although you have to balance that with the amount of time you will need to invest (for research, product development and promotion).  It is still wise to consider hiring individual services, especially with respect to manuscript evaluation, creative feedback and editing.

2. Using a Publisher

Going with a publisher can take the edge off your time and offer you customized support in areas of manuscript evaluation and creative feedback, editing, proof-reading, type-setting, book cover design (front and back), ISBN numbers, title creation, set up, copyright insert, promotion, marketing (including pre-marketing), media kit creation, E-book and E-Reader conversions, book launches and more.

Further to this, some things to keep ‘top of mind’:

3.   Editing and Proof-Reading 

Both are essential!  Editing speaks to overall flow in story-line and content; and proof-reading covers grammar and spelling for the most part.

4.  Type-setting

Not all type-setting is created equal.  Highly skilled and experienced type-setters take your final, edited and proof-read manuscript and make it ‘look’ like a book you can be truly proud of.

5.  E-Book or E-Reader

E-Book and E-Reader conversions are two different processes.  Also, with E-Reader conversions, there are important details to pay attention to, to ensure you get the best quality formatting of your book, so it renders well on many or most E-Readers.  Having your book converted, so it can be enjoyed on an E-Reader tablet is almost essential in this day and age.  

6.  Preface, Forward and Testimonials

Other components sometimes overlooked, that contribute to the professional image and sale-ability of a book, is the Preface (which is usually done by the author, to portray his / her intention and overall message of the book), the Foreword (which is typically written by someone who knows the author and project well and/or has a high profile in one’s local or global community – in part, the Foreword represents a third-party endorsement), and then there’s Testimonials, Acknowledgements or Dedication.

7.  On-Line Presence

When you work with a publisher, most will have an on-line presence on Amazon (.ca and/or .com), where your book can be placed along with others.  As well, the publisher will have their website, often featuring their authors, their own work and affiliations.  This gives you more exposure (and ‘bang for your buck’, so to speak) for minimal or no cost.

8.  Goal Setting

Last but not least for now, what Goals do you have for your book?  What inspired you to write it?  What do you want others to gain from your book?  How do you want to market it?  Will the sales of your book be passive revenue to compliment your existing work, raise your profile as an expert in your field and/or take you on a mainstream speaking tour (etc)?

Knowing what you want and what matters to you (and what doesn’t) is an integral factor in you enjoying the process and realizing successful outcomes for yourself! 

I’d love your feedback! Here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv. This is a great opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment.

Until next time, ‘Wishing you a joyful journey…!

Sheri

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Key Steps to Making Your Book Concept a Reality

Oct 5th, 2011 by

Welcome back!  For those creative souls out there, let’s delve a little deeper into Writing A New Story literally-speaking … and explore some tangible ways for you to take your book ideas and concepts and turn them into reality!

Whether writing about your life experiences or business acumen, it’s good to have a theme of course (often one main theme, and several sub-themes likely divided into Parts or Chapters or both).

I also recommend reflecting on your writing / creating style.  For example, some writers need to pour everything they know onto the page – then sift out the key messages to leave in (or take out and consider for another project).

There’s no right or wrong way to create.  Others find the previous example a little overwhelming and prefer to think in chapters or segments (smaller themes or ideas).  This offers them the framework that they can build on in smaller, bite-size pieces.

What’s most important is that you select a process that is helpful to ‘you’, productive and as enjoyable as possible.  Yes, I tend to be a bit of idealist.  That said, I’ve had a lot of practice and successful experience finding the joy in the journey – although some days better wording would be ‘creating the joy’! 

  • When it comes to the amount of time to devote to see your literary project(s) to fruition, there are several factors to consider.  Some are obvious, like your existing time, family and work commitments.  Then there is your own creative style again.
  • With respect to your current schedule, if you are going to make it work, you need to make room in your life to write – just like you would a hobby, sport or course!  Very few writers can steal away for weeks or months at a time to create their masterpiece / best seller!  So what is Plan B?
  • If you are in the beginning stages of creating (or developing your craft), then you might find it best to set aside 15 to 30 minutes a day.  That said, if you are like most of us who have a passion and gift of writing, you’ll soon find that committing to a half day or full day / weekend on a regular basis, will allow you to open the creative floodgates fully!

Next, is that you have to set some time-lines for yourself, as to when you want to complete the pre-final manuscript.  And what goals and aspirations do you have for your book?  Let’s talk about this more in my next blogs.

  • It is also good to have an Editor, Publisher, Coach and/or Industry Expert (if a business project) provide you with some initial feedback, to ensure you’re ready to take the next steps.  A fresh pair of eyes is a gift to the best of writers – and will help you see anything you might have overlooked – and otherwise simply give you the added boost of confidence you need / deserve!

I’d love your feedback! Here on my blog, you’ll get commentluv. This is an ideal opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment.

Until next time,

Sheri

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Posted in Marketing, Personal Development, Publishing, Self Development | Comments (3)

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