How to Write, Publish and Market Your Own Book

While all of the kids in the neighborhood were out playing tag, riding their bikes or roller-skating down the city sidewalks, I was sitting in my bedroom, pen in hand, writing the next world's greatest novel. I wasn't much of an artist, but I did my best to draw little illustrations to accompany my mythical stories about travel to faraway places and other equally exciting adventures. I had a great imagination!
At age 5, my first manuscript was published, a column-long poem called "The Little Black Horse" in the Chicago Tribune newspaper. Time moved on... I finished school and worked at many types of jobs. Still, I had that childhood dream of becoming a famous writer lodged deeply in my heart.
But, just how do you become a writer anyway? Then, once you become a writer, how do you get anybody to read your book? College journalism classes are helpful, but I never went to college and never took a formal journalism class either. So, if I can do it, so can you! I want to encourage you... everybody has a story worth telling and every story is worth documenting in a book.
This is very simplified because of limited space, but the best way to start is to start! Like with any project that seems overwhelming when you look at the whole of it, the best thing is to take that first step, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Sit down and write down 5 to 10 major points to your topic or story (whether fiction or non-fiction). Fashion those points into Chapter Titles; then place each one at the head of your paper or Word document.
Ok, now jot down everything you want to talk about under each of these sub-topics. Some people call this brain-storming. Don't worry at this point how it looks or sounds; just get it all down on paper or on your computer. After you've done this, it's time to go through each page and "fine-tune" it. Add adjectives and adverbs to make your writing more interesting and exciting.
Check all of the spelling and grammar for accuracy. You might ask a friend that's good at writing and English to help you or invest in a creative writing book or course. When this is all finished (be sure it is typed and double-spaced), you have a manuscript!
Congratulate yourself on a job well done. This is a great accomplishment!
This is how I wrote "The Answer Book for Troubled Times," which you can preview on HealingForAmerica.com if you'd like to investigate the results.
Ok, so now you've got your manuscript completed. What next? Well, every writer needs to get their book published. In years gone by, only a very small percentage of books that were written were actually published and an even smaller percentage of those books made it to the bookstore shelves. Today, it is a different story - almost anyone can get their book published.
There are different types of publishers you can consider. First, and most coveted, is the traditional royalty publisher. You give them your manuscript; they review it to see if it fits their target audience. The publisher determines whether your future book will be "saleable." Does it have a message or story line that will "sell" and make money for them - and you?
The benefit of this type of publishing is that they absorb the costs of editing, design, marketing and printing your books. But, since the publisher assumes the risks and expense of the project, they also will hold the rights to your book and receive the larger percentage of profit from the books they sell. You will probably receive a 5% to 12% royalty for each book sold by the publisher.
Unfortunately, we live in a society where "brand name" counts and none more so than in the publishing industry. Sadly, most would-be or "no-name" authors do not receive publishing contracts from traditional royalty publishers. However, even famous authors had to start somewhere, so it's still worth checking into. Who knows? You could be the one to write the next million-copy best-seller!
More likely, for most of us, there is another option. Scores of "self-publishing" companies have risen up on the publishing horizon. One word of caution though. . . Check these out carefully on their websites including reviews from other authors who have used them. Most self-publishers will allow you to retain the rights to your book, which means you can seek other avenues of publishing and marketing apart from their efforts.
The self-publisher will take your finished manuscript, design the book covers, edit the text, obtain an ISBN number and barcode, and assemble it all together into a professional-looking book. You will pay a fee (which varies from publisher to publisher) for their services upfront for which the self-publisher will produce your book, and then market it online, to media and to distributors.
From both types of publishers, you can purchase copies of your own books at discounted prices and sell them at retail value; therefore, making a larger amount of profit. But then, you also have to figure in your marketing, storage and shipping costs. Both types of publishers will also expect you to do some marketing on your own (the subject of my next article #3) and not rely totally on the publisher's marketing efforts.
As for my book, The Answer Book for Troubled Times, I decided to self-publish and wholly retain the rights to my book.
There are many good online and printed sources of information to help you locate publishers, and learn the ropes of how to present your manuscript and what to look for when choosing and negotiating with a publisher.
Some authors who publish with traditional royalty publishers leave all of the marketing up to the publisher. With this type of publishing, you are likely to receive more extensive marketing efforts on behalf of the publisher because they cannot recap their cost investment nor make any profit without marketing and selling your book.
Self-publishers may publish thousands of books with limited staff and they receive fees for their services upfront, so their motivation for marketing your book is not quite as strong as that of a traditional royalty publisher. The self-publisher will probably get your book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble.com, and other online book sources as well as submitting information about your book to the major book distributors, from whom bookstores usually order the books they stock on their shelves. For an extra fee, the self-publisher will also create a press release, which they will send to various media sources. Also, for an extra fee, they offer signs, postcards, even video trailers, and other marketing tools you can utilize yourself.
As mentioned in my previous article, only a small percentage of the thousands of books written daily ever get into the bookstores. However, you can send your book along with the requested information you will find on websites such as Barnes and Noble, Borders and other large booksellers. Follow their instructions carefully because they receive so many submissions that they only review those that are submitted correctly.
Even though the bookseller may not carry your book on their store shelves, your book will probably be listed and available through their distributor for store sales personnel to order when people ask for it by title or author.
Space here won't allow me to give in-depth descriptions, but following is a partial list of marketing avenues you can pursue (in addition to your publisher's efforts in your book's behalf) to get the word out to the public about your book:
1. Book signings can be arranged at major and smaller bookstores.
2. Sometimes, smaller bookstores will accept your books on a consignment basis.
3. Send news releases to TV, radio, newspaper and magazine editors for free publicity.
4. Contact guest coordinators for television and radio talk programs to book interviews.
5. Look for book fairs and other locally-based events where your book may be show-cased and exhibited.
6. Send copies of your book with an interesting introductory letter to book reviewers.
7. Contact airports, hotels, grocery stores... anywhere you see books for sale; and ask how they purchase their books. Many of them work with distributors. Get the contact information and you can follow up with the distributors to ask them to carry your book and stock it in the stores they service.
8. Social media: Feature your book on your personal Facebook page, Twitter or My Space. Or, start a group or fan page especially for your book.
9. You can set up an affiliate program, where affiliates will advertise your book on their websites for a portion of the profits you receive from book sales.
10. Create your own website (or hire a web designer to do this) where you can advertise and sell your book. Some self-publishers give you your own book page on their website.
11. Many other traditional forms of advertising are also available to help you get the word out.
12. Public Relations firms or literary agents can help by booking speaking engagements and talking up your book with their many contacts. Check with local schools, libraries, etc. for opportunities to speak about your book.
As a sample book website, please feel free to view my website and note the elements, information and links that are included on the various pages. You can find my website at: http://www.healingforamerica.com.
There are also many other good website examples and more, detailed information online to help you implement some of the marketing ideas listed above.
Hope this has been helpful and thanks for reading.
Holly Lewerenz


Holly Lewerenz, founder of Jesus Healing House Ministries, is a licensed minister of the Gospel as well as the author of THE ANSWER BOOK for Troubled Times, and other books and products which reveal the truth about the liberating and healing power of God. Having been a Christian for 30 years, she has experienced many great miracles, and has a deep desire for others to experience freedom from sickness, habits, hurt, fear and lack. Holly is available for seminars and consultation to pastors and other ministry leaders to establish God's Glory Care Centers in their churches and communities. To find out about starting a God's Glory Care Center in your community, read Chapters 6 and 7 in This Troubled Times, and click here: Jesus Healing House Ministry

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The advantages of learning how to garden

There are many advantages to learning how to garden.
Gardening helps maintain and raise the value of your home, it is good and satisfying exercise and you can grow foods and vegetables for fun and savings.
If you own your own home, you are responsible to maintain it. In the process, learning how to garden can raise its resale value and therefore be profitable as well as satisfying.
The simplest maintenance to your property may involve no more than mowing the lawn and removing weeds. Even such a simple task benefits from knowing at least the basics of how to garden. In the past, we would just spray weedkillers to control weeds, but now that we know the real dangers to health of chemical weedkillers, we need to learn other, healthier techniques about how to garden.
Landscaping a property can be simple or extensive, but will always include a garden. In its most basic form some shrubs and trees will be planned, and some colourful flowers and blooming plants can add some dramatic appeal to the property. Seeing your property beautified through your own efforts is extremely satisfying. In addition, if you have ever bought or sold your home, you know what an effect the appearance of your home from the street has on potential buyers. Knowing how to garden is one of the most effective ways to maintain your home's curb-side appeal. In addition, a well maintained and attractive garden in a private area of your property will provide a peaceful haven for relaxation.
Gardening is a relatively low intensity form of exercise. As you get older you will find that you can't keep up the level of activity you used to. Yet it's important to keep active to keep fit. Gardening can be the perfect physical activity as most of the activities involved put a relatively light strain on your bones and muscles, yet enough to keep them in shape. It is also a good brain exercise, since it is necessary to plan and understand your garden, which means learning about plants, soil and climate and planning accordingly.
When planning your gardening activities, consider that there are different activities with different levels of physical exertion. For example, moving heavy wheelbarrow loads of earth is more demanding than the repetitive motions of removing weeds or planting seedlings.
Another benefit of learning how to garden is growing your own food. This can range from growing food for interest, such as berries and fresh vegetables, to a complete vegetable garden to live frugally on a limited budget. Some plants can provide benefits of both food and beauty. For example, a blossoming apple tree adds great beauty to your garden in spring and ripe apples in fall. Some edible berries also have beautiful blossoming shrubs.
Vegetable gardening can help reduce your food budget as well as being healthy. If you have your children help you in the vegetable garden, they will be enthusiastic about eating the vegetables they helped grow! While it can be a lot of work, a vegetable garden can be very beneficial to maintaining a well balanced diet.
These are some of the many advantages to learning how to garden. It is a lifelong skill which is very satisfying.

The How-to-Garden website team is pleased to bring you this article on the many advantageous of learning how to garden. Visit http://www.how-to-garden.info for lots of info on How to Garden.

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Travel Planners for students

Travel Planners: Making travel easy and fun for students 

The bigger learning is right outside school. That is why you can find travel planners for schools offering their services in order to plan and prepare the perfect trip for students, parents and educators. Taking educational trips moved to the highlight event for most students since it allows them to travel across different places across the world. However, it is not just regular field trips that they offer.
College tours For aspiring students here and abroad, the commitment of higher education is close. Seniors that are about to take part of a new journey in some months can take advantage of these college tours to be able to give them actual experience of what are the school is, what they are noted for and if it is the right choice for you. International students may also participate in this program as long as they secure the mandatory documents and papers. The travel planners normally can help students in their travel documents for straightforward processing.
Performance and sports group travels There are lots of schools that compete in national competitions or are inspired to perform for special presentations in nearby cities or states. It is a great pleasure to participate and represent the institution to others. Travel planners provide these services to different schools to help make it easier for them to organize and plan the event especially when the event requires immediate confirmation and action. From choirs, bands, dance groups, theater groups, academic teams, debate societies to athletic groups, travel planners can help the school in all aspects of the trip.
Taking a trip is fun and exciting be it for educational purposes or immersion. There are also students who find they becoming representatives plus they can develop sales and marketing techniques in order to permit other schools to participate within the program. The perks of those students are salaries, free trips, plus an experience of a lifetime traveling to different states throughout the US and even going abroad for any real immersion in international schools and also the unique cultures.
A lot of schools may take place in educational trips, college tours, and immersions both locally and abroad. It is a fun way for students to comprehend travel, to explore new things and most importantly, to learn about new things in everyday life. There are so many fun things that may be experienced and since the world is breaking is barriers more and more, it is necessary to take advantage of the assistance of companies that make it easier to set up trips at most convenient prices.
Traveling is actually an attractive word. To go somewhere and explore something totally new can open up the eyes of students, parents and educators alike. With the help of travel planners, it becomes easier to achieve the goals and ensure that the students can enjoy the trip with no hassles or worries.


College tours is a great approach to expose students to a different type of learning experience. Click here to get more information about College tours.

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