Kamis, 26 Februari 2009

How to Market Your Book by Teaching Others What You Have Written About and Sharing Your Expertise

By Connie Ragen Green Platinum Quality Author

You will make more money from explaining your book than you will from the sales of your book. This may sound like an unbelievable statement, but it is so true. Many of my students have done very well by explaining what they have written through a variety of methods and techniques.

One way is to become a consultant in the specific area your book is about. This way you can take on clients who need to put your expertise into practice, but are having difficulty relating it to their particular situation. You can meet with them by telephone or in person at regular intervals so that they can benefit from your knowledge and experience.

In order to reach an even larger audience, you may want to hold teleseminars so that you can get your message and information out to many people at once. This method will increase your effectiveness and allow you to serve groups who are all interested in the same aspect of your knowledge.

You may want to encourage people to purchase your book first, and then offer them a free teleseminar when they prove they have ordered your book online. This is a simple process, and will increase book sales as well as bring you prospects for your training.

Holding a one or two day live event may also be a possibility. After many people sign up for a paid series of teleseminars, present this idea to them and see if they are interested. Many authors have turned one book into a series of teleseminars, courses, live events, and consults, just by teaching the information they already know.

Download a free teleseminar on building your online business by visiting http://www.EbookWritingandMarketingSecrets.com to learn how to write articles, blog, become involved in social networking and learn the technology needed to build a profitable online business.

Connie Ragen Green has been online since 2005 and teaches people how to build their own online business in record time, offering free teleseminars weekly, as well as online courses in a workshop environment with webinars.

Biology Book Review - Human Anatomy and Physiology

By Lance Winslow Platinum Quality Author

It's amazing that so few people understand the human body, especially considering that they live within it. It's perhaps the only thing you can truly say that you completely own. Many kids in school do not get an adequate education in biology, which is a travesty considering the full-importance of health care, longevity and living free from disease.

If you are one of the millions of Americans who have received less of an education on this subject than you think you need then may I please recommend an extremely valuable and easy to understand book for you?

"Human Anatomy and Physiology" by Kent M. Van de Graaff, R. Ward Rhees, Patricia Brady Wilhelm; 2001

This work boasts a crash course in biology, specifically human anatomy and physiology. The book is part of the Schaum's Easy Outline series and includes exercise questions, tips for mastering the physiology and human anatomy topic, and everything a student will need to pass a college course or final examine in the subject. The book is jam packed with information from the introduction forward.

Learn about the cell structure, tissue and cellular chemistry of the human body in the first few chapters and then the books goes on to explain the central nervous system and skeletal system, as well as the integration of the muscular components. The cardiovascular system and blood flow from the heart to the other organs. The respiratory system is completely described.

Learn how the body digests, gets rid of waste and metabolizes the food delivering the nutrients. Understand the body's use of water and electrolyte balance. Understand the miraculous reproductive system and how the life cycle continues.

"Lance Winslow" - Lance Winslow's Bio. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/.

Watchmen - Comic Book Literature, A True Graphic Novel

By Raphael Soohoo Platinum Quality Author

Superlatives can sometimes be given carelessly, and can lose meaning. When one thinks of the ultimate deconstruction of the superhero genre, however, there is one piece that lives up to that superlative. For the past two decades, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen has captivated comic book fans and the uninitiated alike. This work paved the way for later writers to write what we think of as the modern graphic novel. It also helped people to see how serious superheroics can be, and how imperfect these larger than life people actually are.

The story appears at the surface to be a murder mystery, but as Moore and Gibbons weave their tapestry in the graphic novel, we see layer upon layer of depth of personality in each of the heroes. We understand why they became heroes, the flaws they are forced to deal with, and the compromises they must make. The characters, loosely based on characters created for Charlton Comics decades earlier, also share certain aspects with iconic characters such as DC Comics' Superman and Batman.

In Watchmen, Nite-Owl is a retired hero who relies on a slew of crimefighting gadgets. His direct correlation is to Charlton's Blue Beetle, but the Dark Knight Detective is also renowned for the wonderful gadgets and weapons he uses in his war on crime-from the mighty Batmobile to the mysterious Batcave. Also like Batman is Watchmen's Rorschach, a mysterious masked man who is doggedly determined to find the truth. Rorschach's relentless determination is shown to be the result of his childhood, just as Batman's was formed when young Bruce Wayne witnessed the death of his parents. The character of Rorschach is very popular among Watchmen fans, but he is also the book's most extreme personality, and frightening at times. How can one man undergo so much trauma and not be a little insane? While Batman is still in control of his faculties, Rorschach is not always, and if he is a more plausible version of Batman, he is nevertheless a more horrifying one.

Another character paralleling a famous hero is Dr. Manhattan. A being who sees in all four dimensions, including time, Dr. Manhattan is able to manipulate all matter at will, and he is in Watchmen the backbone of the U.S.'s defense program, the first living WMD. He sees humanity with a cold, distant logic, having become disconnected from humanity. In contrast, Superman is a very powerful being, arguably comics' most powerful, yet while he is alien, it is his humanity that makes him one of the greatest heroes. While Manhattan was for a long time a U.S. government agent, Superman is concerned for all, and does not actively serve one nation to the detriment of others. In reality, a being of such enormous power really would in all probability be taken in by the government and turned into a weapon. It's frightening to think what would happen if another country were to wield one, reassuring if your own nation has its own. Dr. Manhattan upsets the balance of power in the Watchmen world, and his presence makes all the difference. .

With the pending release of the movie, Watchmen sales have soared, and the title has become a household word. In response, DC Comics has issued three versions of this classic: Watchmen, a paperback graphic novel; an oversized edition called Absolute Watchmen, which showcases Gibbons' breathtaking art and contains extensive information on the development of this graphic novel; and a beautiful Watchmen hardcover, including sketches and exciting bonus material. Many people have been purchasing this graphic novel since the movie's trailer was released earlier in the year, and it is a highly recommended read, both for comic fans and anyone who enjoys intelligent storytelling and quality literature.

One of the best places to find Watchmen in all of its forms is Midtown Comics. Midtown Comics carries all the Watchmen collections and also has signed copies of Watching the Watchmen, an art book by Dave Gibbons which highlights his work on the series with exclusive behind-the-scenes sketches, roughs, and promotional art. Midtown has two New York City locations (one of which is the location of the Gunga Diner in Watchmen!) and a comprehensive website for your graphic novel needs, especially this classic. I hope you will now give this historic graphic novel a read, as it will open your eyes to the power of sequential art, and the vulnerability and depth of superheroes.

For further information, please visit: Watchmen by Alan Moore.

Raphael Soohoo is an English Literature graduate of Hunter College who has read comic books studiously for many years, and is an authority on their relevance to the worldwide popculture landscape.

Reading a Book is a Good Source of Knowledge and Entertainment

By Alden Jerry Platinum Quality Author

The invention of television and Internet has dragged a considerable number of people to depend on these audio visuals for information as well as entertainment. This is because television and Internet are easy means of communication. What holds maximum importance here is the fact that, visual communication are much more attractive and interesting then written words. On the contrary, it does not allow you to use your imagination or creativity because everything is provided readymade. You are no longer required to shuffle through the encyclopedia to obtain the information that you require. Everything is made available in a nutshell. Therefore, it is often recommended to maintain reading habits. It is still considered one of the best source of information that enforces your imagination and helps you to a have a good grasp on the language.

Other than just gaining knowledge, 'reading' has also become a good source of entertainment. It may be unbelievable for many, but most people find it more preferable to read various stories or articles rather than staying glued to the television or the Internet. Books can be categorised as fictional and non fictional. Fictional books have become very common now-a -days because they are interesting and presents everything as a story. The main feature of fictional books, that differentiates it from others, is that, it deals with concepts that are either fully untrue or partly untrue. Exaggeration is the main tool for the success of fictional stories. Everyone likes to read about things which are a kind of fantasy. Sometimes, it also comes up with concepts which are mythological. This means that it may deal with things or supernatural living beings that are partially believed to have been present in the past. There are a dozen books on dragon hunters, supernatural kungfuu warriors etc. Because of its fantasising concepts and plots, these fictions have become utterly popular among youngsters and kids. It is infact one of the best pastime while you are travelling by train, air or bus.

Novels are a good example of fictions. The success of a Novels depends on its plot, setting, themes and characters. It is in fact not restricted to a typical topic. It can be whimsical, serious or controversial. Novels are basically famous for its narrative impact, that most often prompt various directors and producers to make a movie out of it. Some of the famous novels are 'The Alchemist' and 'The Monk Who Sold His Farrari' by Paolo Coelho, 'Silas Marner' and 'The Great Expectation' by Charles Dickens and many more. In fact various other novels like 'The Godfather', 'Lord of the Rings' and the very famous 'Harry Potter' has fared tremendously response in the world market for their narrative excellence. In fact, they have also been screen played as movies and have come up with tremendous success.

On the other hand, there are a number of non fictional Books that have also become famous for their informative content and descriptive pictures. For example the encyclopedia is still considered to be one of the most accessible source of all information along with detailed description and realistic pictures. Non fictional category of novels depict historic subjects like 2nd World War, Gulf war, Mughal empire, Industrial revolution etc.

Alden Jerry is an author of Xpert4u a Price comparison site that provides the relevant information on various Games, electronics and mobile phones products. Cheap Books, Romance Books.

So, You Like Westerns - Here is a Book Review for You

By Lance Winslow Platinum Quality Author

What was winning the west really like, how have those days gone by shaped our civilization today? You might be quite surprised how although things have changed, such as cars, trucks and planes, the wild west is still in us all and this is one of those books that takes you there and back again full circle until you realize this very fact. To which book do I refer you ask? Well, the book title is appropriate to its message, memory and madness:

"Western Madness" by Harvey T. Boyd - 1994.

The reader will get a history lesson of the old west and the history of Arizona from the ancient Indians to the first newspapers that brought information to settlers. Learn about Bisbee Arizona, in its hay day, learn about outlaws, mining and the reality of "okay coral" and what really happened in the day of Tombstone. Historical fiction at its best, that is the best of the old West; from that areas inception thru the 1940s.

The book takes us through Show Low, Holbrook, Winslow, the Navajo Nation, Hopi Indian Territory, in the 1920s,30s,40s and beyond and how that effects current events in the present period. This book was well researched and quite intriguing. The story is great, but best of all is all the Arizona history you will learn along the way and in the end you will find that the wild-west is still alive and well today.

Few authors are able to tell such a story bathed in history and delivering such a power punch of reality to all we are and all we know. I highly recommend this book, by two, one for a friend.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Blog Content Service. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance Winslow's Bio

Selasa, 24 Februari 2009

Can E-Book Publishing Make You Rich?

By Ethan Evans Platinum Quality Author

Not long ago I received an asset valuation statement from my primary brokerage firm. It showed that for the first time, this particular account had surpassed a key milestone that for a lot of people represents being rich. The odd things is, I don't really feel rich. I'm still the regular guy I was a few years ago when I was stuffed into a cramped cubicle working a job that was slowly driving me insane. My hair is a lot longer now, but otherwise, my personality hasn't really changed that much. So can eBook publishing make you rich? I don't know about you, but it has certainly played a major role in helping me have financial stability.

Here's what you need to remember when it comes to information publishing in general and eBook publishing in particular. The profit margins are extraordinary. We're creating a product that enjoys a nearly 92% profit margin -- sometimes close to 100% profit.

What other industries have profit margins like these? I can only think of a few, such as software. Here's the difference between the software business and the info product business as far as we're concerned: most of us aren't software engineers. But all of us have the ability to create a digital information product that helps solve someones problems. Do you realize what a powerful opportunity you have to make a lot of money? So the next time you hear someone asking if eBook publishing can make a person rich, the answer is a resounding yes.

For more FREE information about how to make money on the Internet with your own home based eBook publishing venture, visit the eBook Secrets website by clicking on this link.

You'll discover a fantastic resource that I've put together for you that will help you launch and grow a profitable home based eBook business WITHOUT having to spend a lot of money on startup expenses. You can literally get started today. So go ahead and visit my eBook Secrets website today.

Yours For eBook Profits,
Ethan Evans

Book Early For the Best Cheap Holiday Deals to Tossa De Mar

By Wayne Bromiley Platinum Quality Author

Finding cheap holiday deals to Tossa de Mar may have seemed like an impossibility not so very long ago. With economic trials and tribulations making headlines around the world; it is currently easier than you might think. It seems the first thing that many people cut out of the budget is holiday travel. Bad news for airlines and resorts spanning the globe can become good news for travelers seeking family holidays to Tossa de Mar and other exciting destinations.

Other than booking early, or at times like these when hotels and resorts are offering deep discounts, you can also find a few excellent last minute holiday deals to Tossa de Mar as well as all inclusive holidays to Tossa de Mar that allow you to get food, entertainment, transportation, and lodging for a set price that is often much less than you might believe it to be. Holidays to Costa Brava will give you and your family many great memories for years to come.

If your budget is exceptionally tight but you believe that holidays are important family time or very necessary to regain focus so that you can return to work refreshed and renewed then you might be interested in finding out about holidays with free child places to Tossa de Mar. It is possible that you will find an exceptional bargain for your family that is too good to pass up.

For a glimpse of Old World charm you will want to visit Villa Vella (or the Old Quarter), which is filled with cobbled roads and ramparts, and towers. There are plenty of other cultural and historic attractions to enjoy during your cheap holidays to Tossa de Mar so be sure to plan to enjoy them all.

If you prefer to enjoy your holidays in the great outdoors you will find plenty of beaches and water activities to keep you occupied. It is also possible to take a short trip to Lloret de Mar where you can enjoy the largest water park in Europe or see if you are brave enough for bungee jumping.

If you have a love of animals or want to add an educational experience to your family holidays to Toss de Mar, you will not want to miss Marineland, which is a short drive from Tossa. Other day trips that are worth considering include a trip to Universal Studios near Tarragona and a day trip or overnight venture to the fascinating city of Barcelona-where the nightlife is second to none. The mountains of Montserrat are home to the Benedictine Monastery and quite a few rock formations that are a sight to behold.

Cheap holiday deals to Tossa de Mar or anywhere else may seem just beyond reach at the moment but that really isn't the case. You can find many wonderful last minute deals to Tossa de Mar as well as quite a few extremely reasonable all inclusive holidays in Tossa de Mar. Tough times are ahead but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to enjoy the best that life has to offer.

Cheap Holidays...

Cheap Holiday Deals Search4sun.com


E-Book Publishing Strategies - Turn Your Low Priced E-Book Into a Higher Priced Publishing Package

By David P Hurley

If you want to write an e-book to help boost the number of visitors to your website and increase the amount of interest in your product or service, there are a number of factors to consider that go beyond the technical question of "How do I do it"?

One of the first set of questions you will want to consider is: Who exactly you are pitching to? Which segment of your niche market are you aiming the e-book at? What problem or set of problems will you be addressing?

Once you have answered those questions you will have a better idea of how long your e-book will need to be to cover the issues you wish to discuss.

Do not be afraid to publish a lengthy book if your subject merits it. Put in all the information that you feel is necessary. People will not usually complain about "too much" information, provided the information is free of waffle and rich in relevant detail.

What do you aim to achieve for your business with your e-book?

Are you aiming to offer your e-book as an incentive for visitors to your website to sign up to your newsletter? Or are you going to sell the e-book and then hope for follow up sales based on the content of the book?

If you are aiming to sell your e-book rather than give it away, then you need to think about the price bracket you are aiming for.

When publishing their first e-book, many people have a tendency to sell themselves short by setting a single figure price when you could easily add a second digit to the number and increase sales at the same time.

Of course, there may be a good reason for setting a lower price.

An e-book with just thirty or so pages for example would have to have some killer content in it for the reader not to feel ripped off at paying $35 for a 2,000 word pdf file!

Another reason for a lower price might be that you have a great one-time-offer (OTO) to hit the seller with, or a great offer to make on the back end after laying out your case in the content of the book.

However, in many cases, the perceived value of an e-book project can be greatly enhanced by taking some care over the appearance, by using some illustrations and so forth.

Another way to increase the value of the product and raise the price is to go beyond writing a single e-book and think in terms of producing a cohesive package of related products which you would use to brand yourself as THE expert in your chosen niche.

Supplement the e-book with a series of spin off reports. Then produce a podcast and a video series in which you introduce the concepts behind the book, discuss it in an interview, go into the story of how you conceived of the need for the e-book and so on.

Set up a blog about the books and write a series of posts discussing different topics that feed into the subject of the e-book package.

What I am suggesting is that you can greatly enhance the value of your e-book by turning it into something bigger, an online media event that will add to the perceived value of the e-book and enable you to offer it for a realistic price that will be several dollars higher than the price you first pulled out of thin air.

Remember, once the project is completed, you can sell it over and over again without making any more effort.

David Hurley is a regular contributor of articles on Internet marketing techniques. His website, which focuses on Internet markting success strategies, is at => http://grasp the nettle.com.

Book Review - For the Love of Rhinoceros and Stag Beetles - 2nd Edition

By Jayson Wong

Very few books can claim that it is the "Bible of ..." However the second edition of For the Love of Rhinoceros and Stag Beetles reaffirms its title in the domain of beetle breeding. In 2001, the first edition of the book was published simultaneously in English and Chinese and written by Jonathan Lai. It was neither a volume about insect taxonomy nor a book about insect vulgarization. It was all about the art of beetle husbandry, an unheard hobby at the time. Although beetle rearing was already very popular in Japan and finding beetle literature in that country was easy, getting hold of information about beetle breeding was a rarity outside the Land of the Rising Sun. The first edition was beautifully illustrated and covered the major genus (Lucanidae, Dynastidae and Cetonidae) that were reared in the hobby.

It single-handedly launched the popularity of beetle keeping in Taiwan and helped numerous other beetle breeders around the world. The second edition of For the Love of Rhinoceros and Stag Beetles is co-authored by Jonathan Lai and Ko Shin-ping, a professional beetle breeder. It is published in a two-volume set and includes both English and Chinese instructions. It picks up where it left off with everything a breeder needs to know to successfully raise beetles. It covers many of the same material as the first edition. However the author has gained further experience since the first edition and, with the collaboration of other professional breeders, the book now includes further beetle rearing knowledge, more breath-taking time lapsed pictures and even corrected facts from the previous edition.

Volume I explains the different level of decay found in wood which is needed to make successful beetle substrate. It also reveals the secret of making flour-fermented wood substrate (a question often raised but seldom explained in beetle rearing forums) to encourage your beetle larvae to reach maximum size. It covers most of the major Rhinoceros (Dynastidae) Beetles such as: Megasoma, Chalcosoma and the various Dynastes species such as D. granti, D. tityus, D. hyllus and D. neptunus. A very extensive chapter is dedicated to D. Hercules and its various forms, all shown in life size photos.

One single chapter summarizes the Flower (Cetonidae) Beetles while another one is dedicated to the Goliathus beetle. To the newcomer who wants to try his hand with the Goliathus, this chapter contains information which is crucial to the success of its rearing. However, to the experienced breeder who has perused the net to find breeding info about Goliathus rearing techniques, he will find that it is the same article printed on Natural Worlds by German breeder, Karl Meier. Finally, the volume is completed by Rutelini scarabs (by well known American breeder, Orin McMonigle) and Long-arm scarabs (Euchirinae), a genus missing from the previous publication.

Volume II is mostly concentrated on Stag (Lucanidae) beetles such as the various Dorcus, Prosopocoilus, Odontolabis and Lucanus genus. Identification keys are included to differentiate the different subspecies and maximum specie sizes (when available) are given. Other subjects included are: Mating and Oviposition, Larval Sex Determination and Mites. In my opinion, the Holy Grail is the recipe for making your own kinshi bottles. Kinshi has been the one factor which has allowed Japanese breeders to dominate the beetle breeding hobby. All the record size specimens have been produced in Japan. The magical kinshi consists of allowing mushroom mycelium to colonize a wood substrate. Stag beetle larvae who consume such substrate grow at tremendous rate and emerge into major adults. The step by step illustrated instruction is just priceless!

The two volumes consist of individual chapters, each explaining the specific rearing techniques in terms of breeding conditions, egg laying requirements and larval care of a particular specie. Pictures of the beetle in various states (egg, larva, pupa and imago) are illustrated. As an owner of the first edition, I realized that much of the information would be repeated in this new version but the addition of the new photos and the updated breeding techniques were more than enough to make it an enjoyable experience. However, one flaw which was present in the first edition was again found in the new one: the under-representation of the Flower Beetle (Cetonidae) family. Flower beetle species consist of 30% of all species found in breeding and yet, only two chapters (one general Flower Beetle chapter and one Goliathus chapter) were included. Comparatively, the Dynastes hercules family was described to all the known sub-species.

In conclusion, the second edition of For the Love of Rhinoceros and Stag Beetles is a must have for all serious coleopterists, whether breeder or not. Much of the information surrounding the breeding behaviors of beetles has come from the beetle breeding community. The authors succeed in passing all the required knowledge from A to Z to all newcomers and experienced breeders are bound to find a few surprises.

The book is available: here.

Authors: Jonathan Lai, Ko Shin-ping
468 pages/850 full-color photographs
43 chapters
Text in both English and Mandarin Chinese
Each set contains two books and one box
The whole set is 4 cm thick
Dimensions: 19.4 cm x 27.4 cm
ISBN: 978-957-41-5817-1

Jayson runs Insect-Collection during his free time. Although he does not breed beetles himself, he knows many breeders from around the globe.

Book Review - "Connections - Everyone Happens For a Reason"

By Nickolove Lovemore Platinum Quality Author

"Connections: Everyone Happens for a Reason" is a beautifully crafted book not just from the literary perspective but in its visual presentation as well.

The symbol of jigsaw puzzle pieces is used throughout the book and so makes for an apt analogy here. Imagine taking jigsaw pieces from numerous different jigsaw puzzles and trying to make the pieces fit together. Your first reaction might be,

"Well, that wouldn't work - the pieces won't fit together."

However, this is what co-authors Dennis Berlien and Jerry Davich have achieved.

The stories of the individuals featured in this book, including those of the authors, are skillfully interwoven. The authors take you by the hand and gently guide you through a wonderful journey of self-discovery because as you read this book you can't help but reflect upon your own life and the connections you've made, missed or have yet to make.

To facilitate this process the book is designed so that there are spaces for you to record your thoughts and respond to the probing questions that are asked throughout the book. The book therefore becomes an interactive journal.

Like in the popular TV series Colombo where you know 'who dunnit' from the outset, you can guess the outcome of some of the stories. Still, that doesn't spoil your pleasure of reading the story for it's the loving detail in which these stories are told that fascinates. Several of the stories have unexpected twists which adds to the intrigue. And sometimes you are taken by surprise even if afterwards you say to yourself that you should have connected the dots. However, this is the power of this book to draw you through it without you trying to figure it out as though it were, for example, a thriller.

This is a book that you can easily read in one sitting but a book that you'll also want to read again. It's very inspirational and touching. You'd have to be as hard as nails not to find yourself moved to tears by some of the stories.

Other stories will give you goose bumps as they unfold the power of synchronicity. You'll recall instances in your own life where a seemingly random chain of events suddenly collate with dramatic consequences.

The poignant stories also make you realise that there can be two interpretations of the phrase "everyone happens for a reason". The first is that everyone who enters your life, however fleeting, does so for a reason. The second is that if you're here on this Earth then you are definitely here for a reason. Your birth was no accident. You have a purpose in life and as Oprah says,

"The work of your life is to discover your purpose and get on with the business of living it out."

You'll find your purpose and you'll be able to live your life on purpose through the relationships you make in your life.

And especially, in this the 21st century, we have unprecedented opportunities to be able to connect with each other. The Internet allows you to connect with people all over the world almost instantly. The popularity of Social Media sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace and Twitter demonstrate our desire to interact with like-minded people.

Nonetheless, despite our technologically advances there are still millions people who feel isolated and lonely. This book reminds you that in order to connect with others, in a meaningful manner, you first have to learn how to connect with yourself. You have to look inwards before looking and reaching outwards.

Ironically, one of the most delightful tales from this book is about an individual who shunned all the high-tech ways of communicating. The comparatively primitive and simple manner he chose didn't even have any guarantee of success but he was successful and in ways in which he couldn't have imagined.

Reading this book and honestly answering the questions that lie within as well as the questions that will certainly arise from within you as you read this book will undoubtedly enhance the quality of your life. This is the kind of book that is worthy of keeping a spare copy to give to a friend or a stranger.

To discover the true meaning of connecting and how to develop more meaningful relationships in your life visit http://www.ConnectionsBook.com and learn more about "Connections" and the individuals featured in this book. Plus, if you'd like to listen to an interview with the authors send an email to Are You Connected?

Senin, 23 Februari 2009

Internet Marketing - Book Your Next Paycheck

By Mathieu Delaborde Platinum Quality Author

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Children's Book Review- Pearls Adventures Volume 1

By Helen Rogers

Variety is the spice of life. Children need to have a variety of reading experiences if they are going to learn to make good decisions. Children's books should be food for their thought process. There are two separate stories to each volume. This Manuscript is a story about a bear named Pearl. Pearl lives on a boat with her Mum and Dad.

Readers Report: DORRANCE PUBLISHING

"The first adventure Hide and Seek reveals that Pearl was named after a pirate ship named the Black Pearl. Pearl cannot leave the boat without an adult because she might fall in the water.

Pearl enjoys playing Hide and Seek with her Mum and Dad on the boat. Pearl climbs up the ropes of the boat to play the game with her parents. Pearl's Dad finds her.

After she is found, Pearl helps her Dad to find a pulley and fix the boat. After the pulley is found Pearl holds the wheel straight. After helping her Dad, Pearl is tired and goes in for the day.

This manuscript aims to show children what it's like to live on a boat. It also shows the love between a child and his or her parents."

Letter from Managing Director Dorrance Publishing

"My editorial staff has completed the review of 'Pearl's Adventures Volume 1: Hide and Seek' and has provided me with the attached readers report. I am pleased to advise you that we think your work would make a positive addition to our Dorrance Publishing list of titles."

ROPES and COLOURS is the second story in PEARLS ADVENTURES VOL 1. Pearl is being shown the use of each rope on the boat. The ropes are different colours so Pearl can remember what they are used for.

Pearl also gets to play, and tidy the bundles of rope that are not being used. Sometimes she gets in a real mess, but Pearl tries to remember to always play safe.

Pearl listens very carefully as her Mum explains what the colour of the rope is and what that rope is used for. Not long after they had finished Pearl decided that she would like to tighten some of the ropes.

Pearl insisted on doing this until Mum gave in. Pearls Mum had already tried to explain that she may be too little, but that didn't stop Pearl from trying.

This manuscript aims to educate children on some of the basics on the handling of a boat. It also shows that children do not always agree with their parents.

If you are short of something to read to your child tonight click here and download now.

http://stores.lulu.com/slapdashink1

Written by Helen Rogers.

Graphic Novel Reviews - The Problem With Comic Book Critique

By Carl Doherty Platinum Quality Author

Comic book and graphic novel criticism is rarely found outside of niche publications such as Wizard, or the many fan-driven sites that litter the web. Occasionally a mainstream newspaper will publish an article on the medium as a whole, or offer a retrospective on an under appreciated author, usually Alan Moore; but for the most part it is rare to come across comic reviews in any shape or form. I used to believe that this was simply down to media prejudice - and largely it probably is - but when I decided to dedicate my precious spare time to the joys of graphic novel criticism, I soon learnt that the "funny books" were far from the easiest medium to offer an objective evaluation of.

In the era of Stan Lee, comic plots rarely extended beyond an issue. The Fantastic Four would thwart Doctor Doom's plans for world domination and still be home in time to laugh at the Thing's working class idiosyncrasies. While this limited the writers somewhat, it did allow for episodic adventures that were entirely self-contained. Casual readers could pick up the occasional issue and never be far behind the soap opera antics of their favourite characters. Of course, pre-80s comics were considered an enjoyable but disposable pastime. Most were binned after being read, and forgotten soon after.

Naturally, things have changed. Sequential art is now accepted as an art form, though whether such an acceptance entails any benefits is another matter altogether. The contemporary comic book has become a far slower affair, with the sort of storyline that would have filled a single issue back in the sixties now stretched across several. While this makes for far superior graphic novel narratives, it does alienate the casual reader, and leaves the regular collector dangling on tenterhooks before the serial has had time to resume. More importantly, this approach to serial storytelling has rendered the reviewing of individuals comic issues a little pointless - who reviews the first half of a film, or a television drama only up to the first commercial break?

Of course, we could leave the reviews until our favourite series are collected in trade paperback format, but this approach is equally problematic. Many series have reached double digit number of volumes. Should each volume of The Sandman, The Walking Dead, or Y: The Last Man be reviewed individually, or should the series be critiqued as a whole? If comic book critics were to wait until a series had concluded before laying down their position, then very few new books would get the endorsement that quality appraisal offers.

Of course, there are no answers here. The comic medium will continue to suffer the prejudice of literary circles, and isolate those with only a passing interest. But I love the fact that any individual can have his say on the internet, and would rather be guided by the opinions of another comic enthusiast than the tepid, uninspired drivel from a mainstream film or videogame magazine that has temporarily jumped aboard the superhero zeitgeist. With or without mainstream attention, the comic book appears to be stuck comfortably in its niche. Is that such a bad thing?

Carl Doherty occasionally assumes the guise of a freelance writer specialising in cultural nonsense of the pop and junk varieties. For more of his pungent diatribes on the twisted world of comic books, including a daily graphic novels review, and his weekly webcomic The Scribe, visit holycr4p! Graphic Novel Reviews

A Book Review of Peef - The Christmas Bear by Tom Hegg

By Denise Willms Platinum Quality Author

"The stockings were hung by the chimneys with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there."

-from The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clark Moore or Henry Livingston

Does your family celebrate Santa Claus? In some families, he's part of the magic of Christmas, and parents have fun finding ways to keep the Santa magic alive.

When I was growing up, my family didn't celebrate Santa. With our first child, my husband and I carried on the tradition and didn't celebrate Santa either.

My younger daughter did believe in Santa, though. When she was small, I ran an in-home daycare, and all the kids who came believed in Santa - so it was just easier to let her believe as well. Except the year that Peef the Christmas bear arrived. That was an exciting one.

In fact, we all were willing to believe in Santa that year.

Peef: The Christmas Bear by Tom Hegg is a delightful storybook about a magical bear Santa creates one Christmas. Peef is never quite satisfied with his life as Santa's helper. His real dream is to find a home where he will be loved by a child. And, because it's Christmas, Peef's dream finally comes true!

This book is a perfect gift for a child to find under a tree on Christmas morning, especially when you bundle it with the Peef Bean Bag Bear. That's what my daughter received the year she was three, and she was convinced that Peef had chosen to stay with her.

Now that my daughter is almost a teenager, she fondly remembers Santa Claus, but tells me she's glad I told her the truth when she was old enough to ask for it.

I asked her, "Do you remember Peef?"

She got the same look on her face that she had 9 years ago when she first received the bear and his beloved book. "I loved Peef," she said wistfully, remembering that magical Christmas morning too.

If you're looking for an easy way to sprinkle some more magic into your child's Christmas morning, I suggest you share the beautiful story of Peef the Christmas Bear with your child. My daughter and I just read the book again tonight, and the last lines still make us smile and want to believe:

"And as he vanished, one small child was thrilled beyond belief.
For right beside a pillow there, a little bear said, 'Peef!'"

-from Peef: The Christmas Bear by Tom Hegg

Denise Willms is the owner of http://www.WAHM-Articles.com, where you can find more great articles for moms. Would you like to add more magic to your family's Christmas this year? Denise's Christmas e-book, Saving Christmas, has Christmas ideas, tips and stories that will help you do exactly that, and comes with $100 in bonuses to share with family and friends.

Unique E-Book Covers and How to Find the Best Solution For You

By Kieren Moran

Yes I know, one should never judge a book by its cover but to be honest, I don't think that applies to ebook covers. In fact, the cover of an eBook, can in many instances be the deciding factor of whether that book sells well or not. If you're wanting to see impressive sales of an eBook you're selling, then you really should look into get a good cover designed, whether you're the owner or not.

Let's face it, when you're wanting to sell your ebook to the world, you'll be competing with hundreds, if not thousands, of other like-minded people so essentially, the more dynamic your cover is, and the more it stands out from the crowd, the greater your success will be. In today's online market, hiring the services of a professional eBook cover designer is tantamount to success.

What Should My eBook Cover Design Do?

Essentially, your eBook covers need to stop browsers in their tracks. As they browse through a listing of titles, or as they scroll through your site, you will find that you want them to pause when they come to an image of the eBook that you're offering. It should be engaging enough to distract them from what they are doing.

Admittedly, your eBook may be packed to the brim with top quality information but remember, until they buy the book, or until they download it, browsers will never know, and for this exact reason, you need to sell it through the cover design. Likewise, even when you're offering it as a free download, the cover has to convince the browser that looking deeper is in their best interest.

How Can I Make My eBook Covers Engaging?

When you are looking at promoting your eBook, remember that you should check out the composition of your ebook covers. Where does your eye fall when you look at it, and what things stand out the most? Make sure that you consider where your title is and how easy it is to read.

Why Use an eBook Cover Designer?

First and foremost, a designer gives you the leading edge over your competitors. Additionally, if you've ever browsed some eBooks yourself, you'll no doubt have realized just how uninspiring the vast majority are, judging from the ebook graphics being presented, of course. And you need to ask yourself, do you really want your ebook to be part of that collection?

Let's face it, it's highly unlikely that you'd leave the design of your website in the hands of someone who is at best, incompetent, so if you're serious about all this, exercise the same caution with your eBook covers. In order for an eBook to sell, the ebook graphics need to be of such a nature so as to instantly win over any human browser. If it manages to do this successfully, you can rest assured, you're in running to establish a new lead or even sale.

Before I end off, I just want to stress the importance of good ebook covers one more time. If your ecover leaves a lot to be desired, the only indication you'll have, will be hardly any sales.

Kieren P. Moran has been creating his own ebook graphics and helping with friends' ebook covers for years now. As a profession, his specialty is making ebook covers for clients the world over and would also like to help you with your ebook marketing for a very low price!

Rabu, 18 Februari 2009

How to Write Social Media Book Author Profile Pages to Attract Potential Readers

By Phyllis Zimbler Miller

If you are a book author who wants potential readers to find you on the internet, you want to be as visible as possible in places that those readers might be. And in almost every social media place that you sign up for - such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn - you are given the opportunity to write a profile about yourself.

What should these profiles say to effectively attract potential readers?

Twitter Has Only 160 Characters for Your Bio Info

Let's start with Twitter with 160 characters max for your bio. Obviously you are going to put that you are a book author (perhaps fiction or nonfiction) and presumably you will have a book website URL for the "more info URL" field in your profile. What else are you going to say in those 160 characters? That depends.

Do you have a business besides being a book author? If so, you may want to put info about that business in your bio. Or is there a particular hook about your book that you want to get across in your bio? Perhaps your book is a novel based on a true story.

Your goal in the brief Twitter bio is to make yourself interesting enough (although all true) that people can find "connections" to you and want to follow you.

This means that you must not leave this bio blank. If you want people to follow you on Twitter, you have to be willing to share about yourself.

And remember that you can change this info easily. For example, if your book wins an award, you should consider changing your Twitter bio to reflect that award. Revisit your bio every couple of months to ensure that it presents the most up-to-date version of yourself.

Facebook Has Much More Space for Bio Info

Now let's move on to Facebook, which has a longer bio section under info on your profile page with the ability to include as many of your own website URLs as you want.

Now here's the often-overlooked extra of Facebook:

You can have a very brief bio section under your photo that people can see when visiting your wall page as well as your info page. This is a golden opportunity to get the most important points across in a very short space. Because, honestly, how many people are going to read all those long entries on your info page? (And for the long entries, do use lists instead of long, dense paragraphs.)

Take advantage of this brief, easy-to-read bio with the info you most want to share with your Facebook friends. Note that this may not necessarily be the same as the info you choose to share with your Twitter followers, even though in both cases you want to emphasize that you are a book author. And, again, update this brief Facebook bio every couple of months.

LinkedIn Has Its Own Peculiarities

Now for the third social networking site - LinkedIn. This site gives you a very brief space to put a few words under your photo along with the opportunity to provide a brief summary of your business. Book authors should take advantage of both places to convey their most important information. Then the rest of the profile info on LinkedIn is more job and career-oriented.

There is one important "trick." LinkedIn only allows three website links. But don't click on "My Company" or "My Website" or "My Blog" before putting in the links. Click on "Other" in each case. Then to the right of "Other" put descriptive words such as "Book Blog" or "Book Site." You want potential readers to know they can find out about your book(s) at your sites.

As with your other social media profiles, revisit your LinkedIn profile info every so often to ensure that the info is up to date.

In conclusion, don't make the mistake of thinking that these profiles are unimportant and thus you dash off writing the info. These profiles provide the information that helps make you interesting to potential readers. Spend as much time writing and revising these social media profiles as you would spend writing and revising any paragraph or page in your novel or nonfiction book.

For the free report "7 Tips for Creating a Call-to-Action Website" visit Phyllis Zimbler Miller's site http://www.MillerMosaicLLC.com. Phyllis is also the author of MRS. LIEUTENANT: A SHARON GOLD NOVEL (http://www.mrslieutenant.com) and the co-author of the Jewish holiday book SEASONS FOR CELEBRATION.

Spanish Apartments to Rent - Book on Costa Del Sol in Puerto Duquesa - Book Clever and Save Cost

By Clive Long

The Duquesa port has long been considered, for some reason, a lesser holiday spot than its big sister town, Estepona. However, many experts say that Duquesa is the best-kept secret of the Costa del Sol. A tourist, looking for great value, would recognize the simple beauty of Spanish apartments to rent in the Puerto de la Duquesa. Now the question is: Can you beat the tour operators on cost? Yes, you can. If you book apartments or villas with pools direct - no middle men - it can work. You can do this by simply putting phrases such as holiday villa Duquesa, owners direct Spain or even Spanish apartments to rent etc. into your browser. Regardless, when you do find a website, you should make sure that you are booking direct with the owner, rather than booking with a website agent or tour operator who will take a commission out of your holiday funds. So book directly with the owner and save money!

Turning to this holiday gem and booking an apartment holiday rent Spanish in this superb location of Duquesa. Firstly, Duquesa is positioned just 40 minutes from Malaga Airport located on the Costa del Sol and is less than 25 minutes from Gibraltar Airport. Do surf the net for cheap flights to Spain offers. It is debatable however whether you should book your Spanish apartments to rent first or your flights. In most cases, experts say it should be flights first as the prices can rise and fall dramatically sometimes overnight whereas a holiday Spain villa - rental will normally remain the same for a given period. Be that as it may, this superb area offers a range of wonderful attractions and events. The port itself has a pleasant assortment of cafes and restaurants for the perceptive tourist to linger and enjoy. Duquesa Port is an ideal place to choose an apartment holiday rent Spanish and then launch your holiday with splendid days out visiting the various attractions which are on offer throughout Andalucia.

A holiday Spain villa - rental in Duquesa is the ideal type of accommodation to find on the Costa del Sol. Due to its geographical location, it is possible to visit any number of cities and towns such as Malaga, Marbella and Puerto Banus not to mention Estepona, the big sister of Duquesa, where Spanish apartments to rent can be booked.

While children will definitely have fun days out playing on one of the many wonderful beaches in the area, spending a day away from the sea will add further joy to their holiday. For this purpose, Selwo Safari Park is the perfect day's outing for the family. This is Spain's version of Animal Kingdom with an African theme and containing over 2000 animals. What makes this even better is that you don't need your car; you are driven in a safari Jeep to the different parts of the park. This drive to Selwo is only about 18 minutes drive in the direction of Malaga on the A-7. Just before the famous Las Dunas Hotel take a turn to the right and from there you simply follow the posted signs. However if you arrive at the entrance to the Club de 'Golf' el Corto it means that you have missed your turning to Selwo Safari Park.

Mentioning 'Golf' there is no doubt about the popularity of this sport in Spain and renting a golf villa in Spain-Duquesa is extremely popular. There is a plentiful supply of top quality Spanish apartments to rent with golf courses within a stone's throw of Duquesa Village, the closest being 'La Duquesa Golf and Country Club.' However there are so many prestigious golf courses in the area, it would be impossible to list them all let alone play them. For example you have Puerto Banus golfing valley to the east and to the west Sotogrande where some of the most superb golf courses can be found. So if a round or two of golf is what you desire, then book your holiday Spain villa in Puerto de la Duquesa.

Hopefully this article has really made you crave an apartment holiday rent Spanish in this outstanding getaway locale. Nevertheless, you should always bear in mind that, although we suggest that you reserve directly with the owners of your Spanish apartments to rent and also book directly with airlines, we strongly urge that you utilize the services of a reliable travel insurance agent to ensure that you get expert guidance and superior coverage for the lowest possible expenditure.

Puerto de la Duquesa on the Costa del Sol has Spanish apartments to rent. Do however book your flight before you book your apartment holiday rent Spanish Duquesa which is a 30 minutes drive away from Malaga Airport and your holiday Spain villa which can be booked direct with the owners. Clive Long, the author, is a Director of http://www.holiday-villa-select.com, a website offering cost-effective, holiday villa rentals in Spain booked direct with owners who advertise their holiday villa-apartment on this website. No commission is charged.

"Getting From College to Career" - Book Review

By Dan Keller

I just finished reading "Getting from College to Career" from Lindsey Pollak. As a career consultant, author and owner of a job board that focuses on jobs for high school and college students, I have read almost every book in this niche. In my opinion this book ranks among the best in the after college niche. The author stresses three themes throughout the book, she encourage entry level job seekers to be smarter, faster, and better.

What I like most about the book is that the author really stresses the importance of attitude. I have seen this time and time again in my experiences with young job seekers. If you have a great attitude you are destined to achieve and if you are miserable and have a negative attitude it will be very difficult to land a job. I also like how the author emphasizes the networking portion of the job finding phase. I like when she says that networking is not about who you know, it is about who knows you. Her advice to students to set up a linked in account and make sure that their MySpace and Facebook pages are sanitized for employers is great relevant advice to students.

My major criticism is that some of the information is rather basic and seems like she added some fluff at times to fill some pages.

In closing, I would recommend this book to all college students that are close to graduating. The book is up to date and provides a lot of relevant tips and suggestions that should help you land your first job out of college.

Dan Keller is the CEO of the popular Teen Job site called TeenJobScene.com. He also runs several Teen Forums

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Blasphemy Book Review

By Tonia Jordan Platinum Quality Author

Blasphemy by Douglas Preston tells the story of an age-old conflict - science versus religion. The world's largest supercollider, named Isabella, is built within an Arizona mountain. Its purpose is to look deeper into the Big Bang theory, to peer into the event which some believe started the universe. Forces are at work against the project, though, as a televangelist, Reverend Don T. Spates, speaks out against the blasphemous project, and then the machine itself begins to malfunction in a very strange way. Wyman Ford, an ex-monk and ex-CIA agent, is called upon to find out the secret that the team of scientists seem determined to keep from the rest of the world. Once the secret is discovered, though, will Ford betray the scientists or help them?

Readers interested in conspiracy theories, religion and philosophy will love this one! Blasphemy presents not only a good mystery, but tons of ideas to think about. It presents a complex argument from various sides, all the while presenting a gripping story with action, romance and mystery.

For me, the best part of the novel was the philosophical ideas it presented. I can't go into much detail without giving away important plot points, but the novel presents a "different" way of looking at the universe, one that strays from the norm. I found it presented clearly and convincingly.

The only thing I didn't like about the book was its stereotypical aspects, like the rekindled romance between Wyman Ford and Kate Mercer. When they reveal their feelings for one another, the scene just seemed incredibly trite and contrived to me. It was such a small aspect of the book, though, that it didn't really affect my overall experience reading.

When I finish a Preston novel, I tend to want to find another one right away that I haven't read. Trouble is, I've read them all by this point. I'll just have to wait for the next one.

Douglas Preston has written a number of successful books, including collaborative works with Lincoln Child. Their very successful "Pendergast Series" is a favorite of mine. Truthfully, I tend to enjoy the collaborative works far more than Preston's solo work, though this book was an exception for me. Often, I'm disappointed with Preston's solo novels, as I find them not up to par, but Blasphemy definitely deviated from my usual leanings.

I recommend this book partially because of its controversial aspect. Critics have said this novel is anti-Christian, but I don't believe it is. The author himself has stated that wasn't his intention. I'd suggest reading it for yourself to make the decision on your own. It certainly presents some interesting ideas to the reader.

Tonia Jordan is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers.

Her portfolio can be found at http://www.Writing.Com/authors/spidergirl so stop by and read for a while.

Stretch and Relax While Reading a Fiction Book

By Alden Jerry Platinum Quality Author

Books have always been the best pastime and this is evident in lots of books being sold. Fiction books are the ones which are sold the most among all other categories of books.

The stories in these books are of many types and belong to different categories. Therefore, some of the fiction books have horror stories, which have ghosts and other horrid creatures terrorising human beings. There are also comic stories which are capable of making the reader fall of his chair laughing uncontrollably. Then there are stories which have love as the central subject. Fiction books are therefore different in their approach.

Fantasy and fairy tales are some of the recent subjects, which have fiction books written about them. These stories have characters like elves and knights and many other fantastic creatures. One of the variation of fiction books based on this subject is books which have magic and wizards in them. The interest in these books is, therefore, visible as everybody likes to read these type of stories.

Some of the latest fiction books that are being published are extremely interesting. One of them is a book called 'The Brass Verdict'. This book tells the story of a lawyer who finds the right case to launch his career towards success after a series of wrong choices. Written by the well-known writer Michael Connelly, this book features the famous detective 'Harry Bosch' and is perhaps one of the most interesting books written on the subject of law and crime. This is a book, which when read will be able to entertain the user.

Another interesting book which can be read is called the 'Sea of Poppies'. This is a wonderful book to read and has been written by Amitav Ghosh, who is quite a well known writer. The story of this book is an interesting one, and is not boring at all. In fact, this book from start to finish, is one which is fantastic to read.

These two examples form just a simple example of the wonderful books that are being written in the category of fiction. Fiction books, as shown by these two examples are written in a simple way. The language used in these books also have normally used words which are known to everybody. Hence, one does not need to have a dictionary beside him while reading one of these books. Get childrens books.

Being simple is, therefore, one of the major feature of fiction books. They are popular for being easy to understand books to be read for relaxation. The basic aim of reading these books is to relax. Good fiction books are those which enable the readers to relax and have a good time.

Alden Jerry is an author of Xpert4u a Price comparison site that provides the relevant information on various Games, electronics and mobile phones products. Get cheap books & fiction books.

Selasa, 17 Februari 2009

Book Review - 50 Simple Things You Can Do to Raise a Child Who Loves Math

By Nola Redd Platinum Quality Author

This was a great, albeit quick, read. I really enjoy books with suggestions for math games and integrating them into real life. Although none of my kids hate math, I like to find ways to make it a part of their day, and I appreciated the various suggestions this book made. I also thought that the author's idea of breaking the book into various sections, including one actually explaining to defunct parents how to handle things like word problems, algebra, geometry, etc would be very helpful. (It certainly made me feel better to retain most of the information, LOL!)

I finished the book last night, and this morning put one of the suggestions to use on our upcoming vacation. Although I had already been planning to have the kids help me map out our destination, I took it a step further and had my seven year old "measure" (using both string and a ruler) the distance from Pennsylvania to Disneyworld, and then try to determine whether it was shorter to bypass Atlanta and the trip to Grandmommy's house. (Luckily, the two came out about the same! Of course, we would have stopped anyway...maybe...) Tomorrow, we'll take it a step further and determine that if we travel 50 or 75 mph, how long will each leg of the trip take us? I am hoping that this will help remedy part of the problems with traveling, as well. Of course, the best part was that my 7 year old had been struggling a little with adding three and four digit numbers - or several three and four digit numbers - and carrying, but she performed brilliantly when math was in action!

We also found a fun card game, "My Ship is Sailing," that I have never heard of before but that my 3, 5, and 7 year old all enjoyed playing.

Anyway, this short brag on my (brilliant!) children was primarily to show how well math can be integrated into our daily lives. This book is sure to spark off various creative ideas in your minds, as well, especially since it take the time to give various age-appropriate suggestions throughout the text.

The book was simply and clearly written, and things such as communitive and associative properties are spelled out. The point was made that, while a child's geometric proof may take longer than the "fastest" response the teacher determines, we should remember that finding the solution is the goal most of the time, not being the fastest or shortest (although there are times for both). In short, I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to parents whose children are struggling in math - and those whose children are not!

Nola Redd is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Poetry Visit her online bookstore, Redd's Read Books to find something else great to read!

Book Queries That Get Noticed

By Sunny Nash

Writing a good query letter shows book editors your ability to think precisely, to use language efficiently and to advance your inquiry in a seemingly effortless but elegant manner.

Before you write a query letter, study the book market to learn which publishers may be interested in your subject. It is a waste of your time and the editor's if you send your fishing book query letter to a publisher that only publishes romance novels.

A tightly constructed query letter may consist of the following parts: 1) an opening sentence that describes your book's category, such as sports, cooking, romance, mystery, how-to, travel or other; 2) a statement describing the premise of your book; 3) a brief list of the especially good credits that qualify you to write the book (no lengthy biographies, please); 4) a list of your books or book contributions; 5) a statement of how your book will distinguish itself from similar titles; and 6) a formal closing: Thank you for your attention and your name.

Do not use paragraph indentations in your query letter. Single spaced paragraphs and double spacing in between are standard. By no means use a fancy hard-to-read font. Easy-to-read fonts like Times Roman or Arial, twelve point, are best. If you wish to send the letter via email, create it in MS WORD and attach it to an email note so the editor has your email address for ease of reply. MS WORD is a standard document creation software that all editors have on their computers. Using other software may prevent editors from opening your attachment.

Create a plain letterhead for your query letter that includes your name, postal address, email address, website address and telephone number. Date your letter, send it to the appropriate editor and make sure the publisher's name and address are correct. If you are printing the letter to be mailed, use professional weight paper (8/12 x 11) in the brightest white and print at a high-quality resolution. Include a self addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for the editor's ease of reply. If you do not include the SASE, you probably will not hear from the editor.

Carefully proof your query letter to free the document of errors. Nothing turns off an editor faster than misspelled words and grammatical mistakes, which the editor may associate with the book you are proposing to write. Remember, writing a good query letter is your first introduction to the book editor and your first chance to make an impression. Making a good impression improves your chances of a book editor asking you for a more lengthy proposal in the future. Relax. It could take several weeks before you get a reply.

Book editors take their positions seriously and still look more favorably upon formal query letters than they do casual email notes that many of us are becoming too accustomed to in cyberspace. Because of its instant nature, email is sometimes hastily composed, inviting sloppy language use, absence of punctuation and poor spelling. Error-strewn email messages will not garner attention and consideration equal to prudently created formal query letters. Remember, book editors base their decision to examine your book proposal on your query letter.

Sunny Nash, an award-winning writer, public speaker, photographer and independent producer, created http://www.sunnynash.com to help writers, photographers, producers other creative artists find information and links to help them in their careers. Sunny Nash is the author of the family memoir, Bigmama Didn't Shop At Woolworth's and creator of Shopping For Hope, a black-and-white photographic study of storefront churches across America.

The Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes - A Great Review

By Nick Bynoth

It has become a bit of a family tradition to get Dad something a bit young and wacky for Christmas and last year was no exception. Two years ago I was given The Dangerous Book for Boys and had great fun with my young son showing him everything from growing crystals to making go-karts. In amongst the gems was a design for a paper airplane.

Joe, my young son, loved it but I couldn't help remembering a lad called Alan Jones at school who could fold the most fantastic paper planes that could cross the classroom in a perfectly straight line or the gliders that he made that could swoop gracefully around before coming to a controlled landing on the teacher's desk. The quest was on to find the definitive paper airplane design.

This year my seven year old daughter found me the Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes. Ok she probably had a bit of help from her mum but who cares, the thought was there and this book is Wow! It has been out for about four years but for anyone who hasn't found it yet it is the definitive guide to paper airplanes. Ten designs covering darts, gliders and stunt planes and everyone one of them flies like a dream. This book really does do what it says on the box. Not only that but it also gives you forty sheets of assorted paper in loud colourful designs that mean that your planes not only fly well, they look totally cool as well.

The Spy Plane that you launch vertically upwards just to watch it swoop gracefully back to earth. How can something without an engine stay up so long. The Headhunter in tiger skin print will fly in a dead straight line for thirty feet without any problem. The Flying Ninja in red and white stripes can fly straight and true or swoop softly if thrown more gently. Joe's favourite is the Swashbuckler made from treasure map print paper. He is amazed by the graceful patterns it makes as it swoops and dips around the room.

We had a fantastic hour taking all ten designs to the park on a frosty morning in the Christmas holidays test flying each design and only had to give up when the planes started to go soggy from landing on the frost.

So if you want to be the coolest Dad and teach your kids how to have good old fashioned fun without using a games console, then the Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes is the book for you. Try it, you will not be disappointed.

My name is Nick Bynoth. I am an older Dad to a young family, Keen on staying young and enjoying quality time with my wife and family. To this end, we have set up our own on-line business in order to maintain the work life balance and enjoy my children as they grow up.

ChameleonTrading.com is an online retailer of Electronics, Books, Gadgets, Computers, MP3 Players, Video Games, Cameras, DVDs, Electronics, Toys, Games and much more with all prices in US dollars. Linked to the Amazon.com site you are able to search a vast selection of merchandise and shop secure in the knowledge that our site is backed up by the strength of Amazon, one of the largest retailers on the web. We are able to offer customer reviews and product information on a huge range of products to help you with your shopping choices and provide free shipping on qualifying orders over $25. Visit http://www.chameleontrading.com for a great shopping experience.

Use the excellent search facility on Chameleon Trading to find the things that you want

Trent the Racing Turtle by Bill Franklin - Book Review

By Matthew Feliciano Platinum Quality Author

"Trent the Racing Turtle" is about a turtle named Trent who has wheels instead of feet. He likes the wheels because he can go really fast. He has two best friends that he has all sorts of adventures with; they are Jesse and Mina. One day, Jesse got Trent into a race against Vane, an evil treasure hunter. He was also the commander of the Scorchies, who are little red creatures who do not listen very well (just like me!). The winner of the race gets the golden Isols statue.

Mina's uncle once worked with Vane and knew that one day Vane would find the third Isols statue. If Vane won the race, he would melt all of the gold and make himself more jewelry. He was trying to get rid of Trent so that Trent couldn't race by having the Scorchies build a monstrous racing machine. Mina's uncle told stories to help give them guidance.

Trent won the race and saved everyone from the bad guy. The end of the book made me look forward to more books with these characters. The only two things that need to be fixed a little is the way the book is typed because it doesn't look like a real book. It looks like something just printed off a computer. There is no space when a new chapter starts. Also, the cover is cute but it looks like it could be for a little kid's book and this is a book for big kids.

I liked "Trent the Racing Turtle," by Bill Franklin, a lot and Trent and his wheels were fun to read about.

BookSurge (2007)
ISBN 9781419679940

Book Review For "A Woman in Berlin"

By Steph Burkhart Platinum Quality Author

"A Woman in Berlin" tells the amazing story of the fall of Berlin in 1945 and the subsequent Russian invasion before the allies arrived. The author paints a riveting picture of the war's aftermath and chronicles in brutal detail what she had to do to stay alive.

The novel is told in a journal format and starts on Friday, April 20, 1945. The story is by an anonymous woman who describes herself only as a thin, pale blond who wears the same overcoat. Her first entry presents a graphic scene. Berlin is under siege by the Russians. The author knows the Russians are about to liberate the city and she's dreading it. They don't have a good reputation as liberators. She lives in an apartment building with several other residents. The rations are poor, there's no radio, and there's no electricity. Gas stoves, central heating, and hot plates are all "gifts of the modern age," but ineffectual if there's no power.

The bombs intensify around Berlin. The fighting heats up and then nothing. An eerie lull settles over he city. The author writes with unflinching honesty noting how the German society was built around the strength of their men, but now shattered, their men are miserable and powerless, leaving the German women at the mercy of their conquerors.

On April 27, the author notes that the Russians have entered Berlin. They've quickly earned the nickname of "Ivan." She realizes that in order to be safe, she had better find a Russian officer to watch over her. She knows that in order to earn his favor she'll have to be intimate with him, but it's a risk she's willing to take.

The author is candid. Having worked as a reporter previously, she can speak Russian. The initial Russians she meets are surprised by her. She seeks out a Russian lieutenant, Anatol, and becomes involved with him. He's good to her and she gets used to him. Their relationship is short-lived. He's soon transferred and a man known at the Major comes into the author's life as her new lover and protector. The Major is tender and respectful of her, something that is stunning to her.

Slowly, but surely, Berlin starts to come alive. Basic services are beginning to be restored. By the end of the novel, which ends on June 16, with her own announcement that she intends to stop writing, the author meets with her fiancé, Gerd, who after discovering how she's slept with several Russian men after the city's fall, leaves her a final time. The novel concludes with the announcement of American and British forces taking over the southern part of Berlin, giving the author a sense of hope after the Russian misery she's endured.

One of the main themes throughout the novel is the rape of Berlin after the city falls - not only of it's possessions, but of it's women. The author chooses to give her body to Russian officers, (the officers have a reputation of keeping a woman relatively safe, whereas an enlisted man was known to rape a woman) but she still feels no better than a whore. After a pregnancy scare, she wonders how many other women have done what she has only to end up pregnant by a Russian soldier.

The author humanizes a slice of history that is slowly fading from our view. The book is raw and honest, discussing uncomfortable truths that today are still uncomfortable. Rich in history, "A Woman in Berlin," is a stirring and poignant read.

Book Review for: "A Woman in Berlin"
Written by: Anonymous
259 pages
Picador
ISBN: 0-312-42611-9-51400
$14.00
5 Stars

StephB is an author who can be found at http://sgcardin.tripod.com In her spare time she likes to read many books and a variety of different genres. StephB is an author at http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.

Kamis, 12 Februari 2009

Bonfire of the Vanities - Book Review

By Kiya Sama Platinum Quality Author

The author of this book: Thomas Wolfe

Summary of the book: It's the 1980s - a time when Wall Street ruled, Park Avenue was the place to be, and the Bronx was seen as the 'darkest' section of the city. The Bonfire of the Vanities, manages to combine these two vastly different sections of New York with a tale of infidelity, racial and social/class divide, and a justice system that leaves the reader with more questions than answers about the final verdict.

This type of book is good for: Lovers of thrillers, drama (crime), and Thomas Wolfe

I especially liked: The characters. Their stories and lives. One thing about Wolfe is his ability to paint each character in ways that make you either identify with them, or make you 'see' them before you. You are right there in their situations, wanting to see what happens next and how things go from there. The dialogue seems to jump out at you, every injection, accent and emotion is definitely felt.

I did not like: The ending. It almost felt rushed and I was a bit confused as to what really happened to the main character - Sherman McCoy. We see his 'demotion' from Park Avenue/Wall Street son or rather 'Master of the Universe' - to a struggling man trying to escape the clutches of incarceration.

This book made me feel: Enlightened. The setting might have been in the 80s, but some of the issues talked about are still prevalent today. Racial tensions between black and white, the unfairness of the justice system, and the unscrupulous way the press will go for a story...no matter what it takes.

Final comments: As mentioned above, it will show you just how society operates on not just a macro scale, but in your very living room. It takes one into the mindset of the rich and famous, how superficial their lives are - of the black community, run by a man who seems to put his political agenda first than his own people...anything to be popular. Or a district attorney, who only cares about his image and less about his clients - all these elements bring about an explosive story that makes one see how this book could have been a national best seller.

Kiya Sama is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/

which is a site for Writers.


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Mechanic's Lien Source Book - Can You Include Damages in Your Mechanic's Lien Claim?

By Sue Malone

A mechanic's lien is a powerful device to enforce payment on a construction project. But is there a limit to the amount you can claim? What about damages for breach of contract?

I am not aware of any state which would allow direct or consequential damages to be inserted into a mechanic's lien. The reason is that such claims are strictly limited to the labor, materials, and equipment conferred to the project which results in some form of permanent improvement. Your damages, over and above the amount owed on the contract and change orders, would be outside this scope.

Here are some examples of damages which could not be included:

Loss of profits on other jobs. As a result of not being paid $10,000, you were unable to use that money to advance labor and materials for another large job you were just awarded. You had to turn that job down and lost a profit.

Lack of productivity. Assume there have been so many changes and miscommunications on the job, that you had to start, stop, mobilize, demobilize, expand, shrink, fabricate, re-fabricate, and change your work force and productivity. You have lost countless hours and had to pay your employees out of pocket. This is normally not included in the mechanic's lien.

Delay damages. You have been delayed in the start of the project as well as during the course of construction.

Extended overhead. The architect has made so many changes to that you have been on the job much longer than expected and have had to carry a substantial overhead.

It is important to remember that although these items may not be included in your lien, you can include them in a lawsuit or arbitration for breach of contract and consequential damages against the person you have your contract with.

Sue Malone
442 Diablo Road, Suite 137
Danville, CA 94526
Email: info@NationalLienLaw.com

Sue Malone is the owner of National Lien Law, a site devoted to contractor forms for use in the construction industry. For Mechanic's Lien Forms and more information on this subject, including free lien law summaries and time deadline tables for all 50 states, visit our website at: http://www.NationalLienLaw.com Or call (925) 899-8449 and ask for Bernie. All representatives are graduates of an accredited law school, but are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice. Please consult with a construction attorney if you wish legal representation.

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