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E-WRITER MAGAZINE – April 2004 Published by Llumina Press
IN THIS ISSUE:
* Becoming a Better Fiction Writer
*
3. NEWS
* My Battle with Cushing's Disease
* Jade
4. GALLEYS AVAILABLE TO REVIEWERS
5. WRITING NEWS
8. NEW RELEASES
9. COMING SOON
AUTHORS, GET PUBLISHED!
Llumina Press publishes “e” and print-on-demand
books, and pays higher royalties—60% on ebooks,
and 30% on Trade Paperbacks.
Check us out at:
http://www.llumina.com/ We’re giving
self-publishing a good name…
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A Note From the Publisher
Welcome
to e-Writer Magazine. E-Writer is a
magazine
for writers of all types at all stages
of
development from the novice to the expert.
In
these pages you’ll find interesting ideas
and tips on becoming a more effective
communicator, as well as book reviews, articles,
even poetry. We’re open to contributions from
our
readers and hope you’ll send us interesting
articles
and news. If you have something to
say,
say it here. You can
contact our editor
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POD is a relatively inexpensive way to test the waters for your book, allowing you to print copies as needed. If your book finds a market and is selling, we can also offer you the opportunity to do an offset run, greatly reducing your cost per book.
So try one of our POD programs along with a distribution and marketing/promotion package that is second to none, and then talk to us about printing in quantity.
There are so many reasons to publish your book with Llumina Press. We offer a reputation for publishing quality books, personal service, the best author discounts in the industry and the highest royalties (ours are based on list price). In addition, we’re the only POD company offering bookstore returnability through Ingram (and no loss in royalties) as well as bookstore representation.
What more could you ask for?
Call Deborah Greenspan at 954-341-5636
Toll Free 1-866-229-9244
or
E-mail: Deborah@llumina.com
FEATURE ARTICLES
You can turn your $200 fee to write a press release into $2,000 to carry
out an entire PR campaign simply by convincing clients to invest in
campaigns, instead of individual assignments. Campaigns achieve better
results and cost less in the long-term for clients, compared to
individual assignments. And, of course, as the freelancer, you get paid
much more for turning out a succession of assignments that assimilate a
successful campaign.
Here's how to multiply your writing sales by convincing clients to
invest in long-term campaigns, instead of short-term individual
assignments.
• Know the short-term and long-term results. A client approaches you to
write a brochure. He may or may not know that his product can also
benefit from other types of promotional pieces, such as ads, direct
mail, news releases, websites, and so on, to sell his product or
service. Your job is to educate the client. The brochure may be the
first promotional piece in a consortium of promotional pieces. Here, you
must know the short-term and long-term view results of the brochure.
The short-term results are the results the brochure will achieve for the
client; and the long-term results are the results the brochure will
achieve/contribute for the entire campaign. It answers the questions,
"How do the results of this brochure fit into the entire campaign?" and
"How can these results be strengthened with other forms of promotional
materials?"
Show the client how a campaign, that's comprised of a succession of
assignments, can achieve — and exceed — his expectations and outsell and
outdo the performance of a single assignment.
• Use "tie-in" services. Whenever a client approaches you with a single
assignment, ask yourself what tie-in services can supplement the single
assignment. A news release achieves better results when it's accompanied
with a photo. And a press kit — complete with press releases, photos,
brochures, and company information — can
achieve better results than a single press release. All of these extra
tie-in services can turn writing a single press release into multiple
writing sales.
• Offer the "concept to completion" benefit. Instead of pitching
yourself as a freelancer who can write newsletter copy, pitch yourself
as a freelancer who produces newsletters, from copy to completion. You
multiply your income by outsourcing parts of the job and delivering a
finished product, not a piece of the product. You
also can extend your "concept to completion" services by pitching
yourself as a marketing consultant, in which you make recommendations to
the client as to the best way to market the newsletter.
• Develop strong consultative skills. Besides selling your freelance
services, also offer consulting services. Clients pay you to explain
ideas, concepts, recommendations and turnkey solutions as to the best
way to achieve the results they desire. Consulting with clients can lead
to securing freelance work, since clients realize you have the skills
and expertise to undertake the task.
• Know the future needs of clients. Clients come with present needs —
and future needs. A client may hire you to write a newsletter now, but
they'll also consider you for future work if you know what their future
needs are and how to fulfill them. The company may be ushering in a new
product line, creating a new division within the company, sponsoring a
charity event, or creating a website. All of these future events need a
freelancer to do
promotional writing and freelance work. That's you. Your job is to show
clients how you'll address their future needs with solutions that'll
increase their profitability and/or productivity. This is usually
accomplished with a proposal through which you pitch yourself as the
freelancer who has the solutions to undertake the
future tasks.
• Use proposals to secure work. Proposals are an inclusive persuasion
tool to convince prospects that you can increase their profitability
and/or productivity with your freelance services. Proposals specifically
show the client how you intend to achieve the desired results, the time
and costs involved, and why you and your
solutions are the best choices to boost the company's profits.
• Adaptations. Any of your freelance writing services can be adapted for
websites, turning a single assignment into two assignments. Get paid to
write a press release or brochure, and then get paid again to adapt the
copy digitally.
• Add-on services, such as desktop publishing services, marketing
consulting, compiling and selling media lists, and project coordinating
can help multiply your work and your income.
Brian Konradt is a former freelance copywriter and graphic designer, and
founder of FreelanceWriting.com
(http://www.freelancewriting.com), a free website dedicated to help
writers master the business and creative sides of freelance writing.
Becoming a Better Fiction Writer – A Ten Step Guide
by Rob Parnell
The urge to write fiction seems God given for some, a learned skill
for others.
One thing is certain – it requires practice and a particular mindset.
But, if you're a beginner, where do you start?
The following 10 tips will help kick-start your writing habit, whether
you're a complete novice, or perhaps a pro who has lost their way!
1. Step Away From the Car, Sir.
Slightly detach yourself from your surroundings. Stop participating
and begin observing. In social situations, watch people, see how they
act and – more importantly - interact.
Don't pass judgment. Take it all in – and draw on it later when you
write.
2. Look Harder, Homer
Stop and look around you. Consciously notice the buildings, what's
underfoot, overhead, and what's right in front of you.
At home, look at something you take for granted. A lamp, for instance.
Find one and study it.
3. Write Thinking Will Be Rewarded.
A simple technique. Your mother is making tea and you are chatting to
her. Take a mental step back and describe the scene.
Similarly, when you're outside, describe your environment as though
you were writing it down.
4. What Reasons Do You Need?
Don't wait for inspiration – just write!
Force yourself to write anything at all. A shopping list. An overheard
conversation. Describe your bedroom.
It doesn't matter how personal it is, or how trivial, just get it
down!
5. Wakey Wakey!
Set your alarm clock for an hour earlier than normal.
When the alarm goes off, get up. Don't dress, bathe or eat. Don't even
make coffee. Just stagger to your writing space and write the first
thing that comes into your head for five minutes.
6. Oh God – Not That!
Think of the most awful and embarrassing thing you've ever done - the
more cringe-worthy the better. Now write about it. All of it, in all
its gory, horrible detail.
Then hide it away for a year or so before you read it again!
7. Like Your Style, Baby.
Don't limit yourself. Write poems, songs, dialogue, fact, fiction,
even practice writing advertising copy or horoscopes.
Your expertise improves in all areas – an improvement in one area can
reap benefits in another.
8. The Sincerest Flattery
Take out a classic book from your bookcase. Copy out a paragraph.
Think about the words as you write them. Don't get intimidated!
9. Wanna See My Invention?
When you're not writing, string together stories in your mind. Think
of plots, characters, settings, dénouements.
Ask yourself what you should do next to improve your writing. Develop
this technique into a habit.
10. It's A Goal!
When you start writing regularly, set yourself small goals. Anything
from 200 words a day, or just a commitment to writing in your diary.
Later extend to finishing a short story, or an article or a poem.
Perhaps one in a week.
The trick is to set goals you can achieve easily.
That way you'll get a good writing habit - and you won't forget to
enjoy it!
©robparnell 2004
Creating Better Writers
http://easywaytowrite.com
35
Quick Tips for Writing A Press Release Layout Format
A Lesson From "The Apprentice" That Can Make You
A Master
by Karon Thackston
I have to admit, I was curious. When I saw previews of a new
show called "The Apprentice," it made me want to at least watch
the premiere to see what was going on. Immediately, I was
hooked. The whole idea of candidates - from all walks of life,
not just college grads fresh from their commencement ceremonies -
vying for a position in one of Donald Trump's organizations
piqued my interest. What kept my interest were the real-life
advertising lessons every business owner needs to be reminded of.
Take, for instance, one episode where the teams were challenged
to create an ad campaign. I was, needless-to-say, on the edge of
my seat for the entire show. One team immediately decided to
phone the client and setup an appointment to find out about the
product, the end user, and other aspects that would make a big
difference in creating the campaign. (Smart move!)
The other team, however, said they didn't have time to talk with
the client. They were running behind schedule. Meeting with the
client - in their opinion - would just waste an hour or two that
could have been spent on more important tasks. (Excuse me?)
What happened? First of all, my husband came charging into the
living room asking, "Do you believe that? Even *I* know you have
to talk to the customer first!" Yes, he had been listening to me
after all.
In the end, the campaign from the team who did speak with the
client won the challenge. Once the losing team arrived in the
boardroom, the project leader, Jason (Mr. "We Don't Have Time To
Talk With the Client"), really got it from all sides.
Donald Trump's assistants, George and Carolyn, made a point of
bringing up the fact that the client was not contacted. Jason's
own teammates made a point of bringing up that the client was
never contacted. And Donald? To quote, Donald said, "That was a
HUGE mistake. you're fired!"
This was fairly early in the show so you would have thought the
other contestants would have learned from Jason's mistake. Not
so. There was yet another episode where an Apprentice put what
they wanted over what the client wanted/needed.
In this task, the teams were charged with selling Donald's new
product, Trump Ice (bottled water). The winner was simply the
team who sold the most in a given period of time. Nick, a
salesman by trade, was immediately confident his team would win
if they would just step aside and let him work his magic.
Ereka, the project manager for Nick's team, urged Nick to sit
with her at the computer and research the market and the customer
base for bottled water. Nick wouldn't even hear of it. To
quote, "Telling me how to sell is like someone telling the Pope
how to pray." So off went Nick using his same "high energy"
sales pitch on every customer and focusing on what Nick wanted to
sell - instead of finding the best benefits for the clients.
What happened? Nick flopped time and time again. A teammate
(Bill) jumped in during one sales meeting and helped the client
to understand the benefits of buying Trump Ice. Bill made the
sale.
In the boardroom, George immediately noted his disappointment in
how little the team seemed to know about their prospective
customers. And Donald chimed in by saying he had no idea why
Nick thought his sales skills were so great when he had no clue
about the customers he was selling to. Ouch!
The bottom line? The team lost. Why? Because Nick was busy
trying to sell what he wanted to sell, and in the way he wanted
to sell it, with no regard for the customer whatsoever.
The moral of the story? Know your customers. They are the ones
with the money. It doesn't matter what you like. If *they*
aren't happy with your site, your copy, your graphics, your
product, or your service. they'll abandon you cold.
When you're creating a business plan, when you're writing copy,
when you're creating a website, or developing a brochure, It's
not about you, it's all about them. If one of the richest and
most profitable businessmen in the world tells you target market
research is vital to success, you can bet it is a wise strategy
to follow.
Copy not getting results? Learn to write SEO copy that impresses
the engines and your visitors at
http://www.copywritingcourse.com. Be sure to check out Karon's
latest e-report "How To Increase Keyword Saturation (Without
Destroying the Flow of Your Copy)" at
http://www.copywritingcourse.com/keyword.
by Catherine Franz
1. 1-2 pages in length.
2. Double-space.
3. 1.5 to 2 inch margins.
4. Use company stationary with logo and slogan.
5. Avoid bright or dark-colored paper.
6. Center "News Release" at top.
7. Place a "release date" under "News Release".
8. On second page, type "page 2".
9. Use company stationary with logo and slogan on page 2.
10. Leave out "release after" date on second page, all
else should be the same.
11. At end of press release, type "-30-" or "# # #".
12. Include both black & white, color, and a variety of font
sizes (but no more than four).
13. Inverted pyramid (biggest point or major message first).
14. Straight to the point at the beginning.
15. First and second paragraphs devoted to your main
message.
16. Secondary information comes AFTER main message.
17. No pussyfooting around, be clear up front, at the very
beginning.
18. Don't go on and on.
19. In the third section, establish a connection with you.
20. Use a problem/solution format.
21. Comparing and contrasting ideas can be inside the
problem/solution format.
22. Be careful of your facts, spelling and grammar
23. Only one news release per e-mail or envelope.
Information to Include
24. Newsworthy information, not sales copy
25. All the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How elements.
Their order depends on level of importance.
26. Enticing headline which summarize the material/news.
27. Photos if available, or where they can be accessed
in press section of your web site. No stock images.
29. No cover letter.
Distribution
29. Don't send press release out in a mass e-mailing
30. Don't pester contacts
31. Editors will not distribute anything sloppy, difficult
to read, or understand.
32. Mail release by first class mail.
33. Don't use any type of labels, including your return
address.
34. Add "PRESS RELEASE" and "Release Date:" on outside of
envelope.
35. Places to send press releases: writers@[magazines];
writers@[newspapers]; trade journals in your industry;
print magazines on the topic; online agencies that
distribute news releases.
(c) Copyright 2004, Catherine Franz. All rights reserved.
Catherine Franz, is a certified life and business coach
specializing in marketing and writing,Internet and
infoproduct development. For other articles, and ezines:
http://www.AbundanceCenter.com.
Catherine Franz, 15 year business coach, specializes in
marketing and nonfiction writing, She is available for 1-
on-1 and group support. She also instructs teleprograms and
workshops. Additional articles, ezines, and blog available
at: http://www.AbundanceCenter.com.
NEWS---NEWS---NEWS
MY BATTLE WITH CUSHING'S DISEASE
FORT LAUDERDALE, May 2004: Cancer, heart disease, and diabetes are the causes of great suffering among hundreds of thousands of Americans each day. But one painful ailment that is less known, yet just as much of a predicament is Cushing’s disease.
“Cushies,” as the disease’s victims are called, are afflicted with hair loss, excessive eating, urinary tract infections, and other devastating conditions. Coping with this disease is often nearly impossible for recently diagnosed individuals.
But there is hope! Linda Garnier has given for guidance her account of dealing with suffering in My Battle With Cushing’s Disease. She offers solace and comfort to others who are experiencing this horrible affliction. For she, too, has had to sludge through the murky despair of coping with the onset of Cushing’s disease, and she wants to help others who have not yet had her fortune of identifying with a fellow “cushie”.
Though the life-changing ailment of Cushing’s disease can be devastating, it is much easier to endure when you have an experienced friend with whom to walk hand in hand, easing your pain. Let Linda Garnier be that friend, and realize the comfort that her friendship can bring.
My Battle with Cushing's Disease
Author:
Linda Garnier
Trade Paperback ISBN: 1-932560-68-8
Pages: 68 Subject: Self Help
Price: $ 9.95
Size: 6 x 9
Available from Llumina Press, Ingram, and Baker & Taylor.
Toll Free Orders Line: 1-866-229-9244
Or visit us on the web at http://www.llumina.com/store/mybattlewithcushings.htm
Or e-mail us at orders@llumina.com
ON THE HUMAN CHESSBOARD, ALL MOVES ARE POSSIBLE
FORT LAUDERDALE, MAY 2004: Bryan Matthews settles into life at Whitman College and seemingly has it all. Considered the most promising American chess player since Bobby Fischer, he pledges the top fraternity on campus and falls in love with a raven-haired “townie” named Lydia Redstone. On a hot summer night, the teenage lovers drive out past the moonlit wheat fields and park in the abandoned and desecrated Stubblefield Cemetery. There, a confrontation with a predatory police officer turns ugly and in a few precious seconds their lives are changed forever. Certain their story will not be believed, Bryan sets into motion a brilliant and dangerous plan that surpasses the most daring moves he’s ever attempted in a chess match. Only this time he’s up against the most formidable opponent he has ever faced. And the stakes are higher . . . much higher!
"A smart psychological thriller that packs a narrative wallop. Stubblefield offers an inspired premise, complex characters, intricate plotting and a riveting conclusion. Welcome to a new, compelling voice."
--BRENDA PETERSON, author of Animal Heart
Stubblefield Author: Stanley Wilson
Hardcover ISBN: 1-932560-91-2
Pages 372
Price: $ 32.95
Size: 6 x 9
Publication: Fiction First Print Run: On Demand
Available from Llumina Press, Ingram, and Baker & Taylor.
Toll Free Orders Line: 1-866-229-9244
Or visit us on the web at http://www.llumina.com/store/stubblefield.htm
Or e-mail us at orders@llumina.com
FORT LAUDERDALE, May 2004: Jade Highland, CIA operative, is facing the toughest assignment of her life—she must go on after the murder of her husband, Drake. She returns to her home, an Arizona ranch to put the pieces together, hoping to remember the one clue that will lead her to the killer. But when she returns to the home of her childhood, she is drawn into the mystical world of her Native American ancestors.
As if to test the strength of her newly discovered shamanistic powers, Jade is called upon to save the life of a young boy who has mysteriously disappeared. And she discovers along the way that she’s not who she thought she was.
Jade loves deep and hurts deep. But in the end, like all strong women, she will bounce back.
Jade Author: Bonita McGarrah
Trade Paperback ISBN: 1-932303-82-0
Pages 220
Price: $16.95
Size: 6 x 9
Publication: Ficton First Print Run: On Demand
Available from Llumina Press, Ingram, and Baker & Taylor.
Toll Free Orders Line: 1-866-229-9244
Or visit us on the web at http://www.llumina.com/store/jade.htm
Or e-mail us at orders@llumina.com
Ft. Lauderdale, May 2004: With so many men and women risking their lives to defend our great country in this horrible war, it is a tragedy to see that many important values still seem to be lost to some of us in our popular culture. Honor, dignity, respect…those aren’t things that are usually thought of when we look back on our summer vacations that have passed- we usually remember rites of passage, growth, and friendship. With Shipwreck at Sleeping Bear, Robin Shutt takes us on an incredible journey that proves that getting ‘shipwrecked’ isn’t always a setback- its just a pause to gain some knowledge and understanding that would otherwise be lost in our race to conquer.
Shipwreck at Sleeping Bear pays homage to the natural beauty of northwest Michigan and the spiritual magnificence of Great Lakes summers. It is an adventure that celebrates the value of personal character, promotes cultural diversity, and honors true love. As summer breaks on Little Traverse Bay, three young adults struggle with timeless issues. One youth comes from wealth, another from a working-class family, and the third from an ancient village hidden deep in the forest. Each is following a clear path to adulthood on a trail their ancestors have blazed for them. No one questions his or her direction. No one, that is, until this fateful summer, when the trio helps two very different civilizations learn to live together.
Take a walk with Cole, whose goal in life has been to gain acceptance and love from his wealthy parents. Being accepted by the local community does not come from his wealth, it only happens when he falls in love with the beautiful Kate, who has to live with the local gossip about her bohemian mother, and the issues she deals with from having lost her father to the sea. Meet the spiritual Aupetchi, a native to the land who must seek answers within himself on how to save his tribe from extinction. These three individuals take you on a journey that includes competitive swimming, spiritual meditation, appreciation for natural beauty, and, when someone’s about to lose it all, the breakthrough that happens that makes these teens realize what matters most. By summers end they each gain a deeper appreciation for personal character while helping the reader understand the true meaning of love, virtue and honor.
Shipwreck at Sleeping Bear Author: Robin Shutt
Trade Paperback ISBN: 1-932560-76-9
Pages: 240
Price: $ 17.95
Size: 6 x 9
Literature/Fiction
Available from Llumina Press, Ingram, and Baker & Taylor.
Toll Free Orders Line: 1-866-229-9244
Or visit us on the web at http://www.llumina.com/store/shipwreck.htm
Or e-mail us at orders@llumina.com
FORT LAUDERDALE, MAY 2004:
As a car crashed into the bedroom of a Massachusetts home just days into the New Year, the bed, and the very startled man sleeping in it, were pushed outside through the opposite wall of the bedroom. What a way to wake up.
We have probably all experienced a rude awakening at one point or another in our lives. In such instances, it may be difficult to get a grasp on our new surroundings and circumstances.
Similarly, the awakening experienced by PFC Ernest Deal, the leading character in Lt. Col. Frank F. Johnson’s Twice Departed, is truly like no other. He awakens on a flying horse, being transported through the night sky by an armor-clad woman, en route to Valhalla.
An enchanting journey from life into death, Twice Departed presents a look at the afterlife that embraces the necessity of survival throughout battles like nothing for which PFC Deal has been trained, and even the possibility of love and romance, all with a mystical tinge.
Will Deal successfully adapt to his new surroundings and achieve victory in his new battles, or will his rude awakening prove to have been just too harsh? Find out in Twice Departed.
Twice Departed Publication: 2004
Author: Frank F. Johnson
Hardcover Trade Paperback
ISBN: 1-59526-310-1 ISBN: 1-59526-309-8
Pages: 260 208
Price: $28.95 hardcover $15.95 paperback
Size: 6 x 9 7.5x9.25
Available from Llumina Press, Ingram, and Baker & Taylor.
Toll Free Orders Line: 1-866-229-9244
On the web at http://www.llumina.com/store/twicedeparted.htm
orders@llumina.com
Galleys for Make Sure You Get Paid, Big Island,
Truth According To Scripture, Art of God , Something Borrowed, Something Blue are available.
Contact deborah@llumina.com if you'd like a galley copy for review.
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*****************************************************************
Robert,
Thank
you so much for signing my guestbook at
www.edithmholmes.com. It means a lot to me. You are good, your
work on my cover is a high example of your professionalism. I am lucky,
but LLUMINA is the most luckiest to have you on their staff.
Again, thank you for all the help.
Edith Holmes
Author of 'PRESSIONS: Memoirs of a Southern Cat