Logical Expressions Blog

This week, I took a drive down south to Spirit Lake for a photo shoot with Cami the Wooly White Dog. If you're on Facebook, "friend" me and then you can check out a few of the pictures from the shoot. Cami has quite an expressive and occasionally hilarious face:  http://www.facebook.com/susandaffron.

In other news, James just returned from a bike ride down to the mail box and brought back a package for me from the Apex Awards. It turns out Publishize won an Award of Excellence in the Books & Ebooks category.

This award is the second one Publishize has won, so I need to take some of my own advice in this week's article and start promoting!

Enjoy!

Ten No-Cost Ways to Promote Your Book Today

by Susan C. Daffron

Ten simple book marketing activities that cost nothing, except some of your time.

Today on my way into town, I met the UPS man who handed me the proof of my tenth book Funds to the Rescue: 101 Fundraising Ideas for Humane and Animal Rescue Groups. I haven't given it a really thorough once over yet, but it looks good so far. I think tomorrow I can log into Lightning Source, approve the proof, and put the book into production. Yay!

I've just about finished the Web site for the book, so by the time it's available on Amazon, the Web site should be ready too. The basics are done, but I plan to add a video of the photo shoot we did with our dog Cami for the cover image. Let's just say that the wooly white dog was less than cooperative. (I posted the cover image on Facebook if you're curious.)

As you can tell, getting a book done involves a lot of planning, which happens to be the subject of this week's article.

Enjoy!

Why Most People Fail to Finish Book Projects

by Susan C. Daffron

The reason most people don't finish their book projects is not lack of desire; it's lack of planning

At the moment, we are having a thunderstorm, which means the Big Dog is panting furiously. He really doesn't like storms. I confess that I don't either.

Between storms and distractions, it's been one of those low-concentration days for me. I had hoped to send my book off to the printer, but it was not in the cards. As Scarlett O'Hara pointed out, "tomorrow is another day."

Along the same lines, this week's newsletter is about meeting deadlines even when you're not having a stellar day.

Enjoy!

5 Easy Ways to Jump Start Your Writing

by Susan C. Daffron

If you are having one of those days where you don't want to write, try out these 5 tips to meet your deadline

James has been telling me about this Google group for the last few days. He even had me write down the recipe for the vegan rhubarb bread I made from our first week’s CSA bounty. (The bread is mighty fine, by the way.)

Visit the Group

Anyway, we’re big supporters of locally grown organic food and are members of the Greentree Naturals CSA here in Sandpoint. Every Wednesday, I head down to the farm and pick up my bag of goodies. When combined with the produce we grow ourselves in our own organic garden, you’re looking at a LOT of veggies to use every week.

However, I’m proud to say that in the last two years, we’ve been CSA members, we have had virtually no waste. As we’ve gotten more into canning, we’ve figured out ways to deal with copious quantities of vegetables. Even beets! (James loves pickled beets on his salad.) I confess that the turnips and kohlrabi are a bit challenging, but we’re working on it ;-)

The Cooking Away My CSA group is only a few weeks old and already a community has grown. It’s very cool seeing people supporting local farmers around the country!

Today, I drove down to our local organic farm and picked up our first CSA of the season. For those who don't know, CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. You buy a "share" of a farm's produce. I can report that the yummy food from our CSA is one of the best things about summer. Tonight, I'm lobbying for a salad made from some fine organically-grown leafies to accompany dinner.

When you are a member of a CSA, you also learn where your food comes from and how much work it is to produce. It gives you a new appreciation for how dedicated farmers have to be to bring food to your table. They make an amazing commitment to their work.

This week's newsletter also happens to be about commitment. Book authors commit to a book, even when the going gets tough.

Talk Versus Action: Why Isn't Your Book Done?

by Susan C. Daffron

What people say often has little resemblance to the actions they actually take.

This week, the weather has been beautiful. I love this time of year. The last two weekends we've taken our kayaks out on the "big lake" (Lake Pend Oreille), and it's been great fun paddling around, watching wildlife, and soaking up lots of sun. When it's this nice, I confess it is really challenging to sit down and write much of anything. Even now, I'd rather be sitting on the back screened-in deck sipping a cold drink and listening to forest sounds. In fact, that sounds so good, I think I'll just go do that after sending this out.

So without further ado, here is this week’s article.

Enjoy!

Why Self-Publishers Should Write a Book Proposal

by Susan C. Daffron

Creating a book proposal forces you to think about the book before you actually write the book

There was a small delay in writing this week's newsletter, since I just completed the canine "neat feet" program. For those who don't have hairy dogs, breeds like golden retrievers and Samoyeds have huge tufts of fur that grow out of the bottom of their feet.

At this time of year, all that footie fur collects sticky cottonwood seed pods and pine tree pitch. Obviously, walking around with forest junk attached to your feet is uncomfortable for the dogs, so they spend a lot of time chewing on their feet.

This afternoon, I decided it was time for some canine maintenance, so I got out the scissors. Although normally Cami is a bit of a pill about the neat feet routine, she had half a tree stuck in her paws, so even she was patient as I trimmed away.

This week's article has nothing to do with fur, forests, or feet, but it's based on a question I've received many times: how do I work with a cover designer?

Enjoy!

How to Work with a Book Cover Designer

by Susan C. Daffron

Understand what's involved and what you need to provide the designer to get a book cover created

This week, we have been doing things related to the end of the Self-Publishers Online Conference. I've sent out many emails and am getting the artwork and audios together for the fulfillment house for those who purchased CDs.

If you were able to attend, you know it was an amazing 3-day publishing education. If you were there, I'd appreciate it if you could fill out our quick survey when you get a chance. We'd like to know what you thought, since we do plan to run the conference again next year.

In other news, on Friday I found out that my book Publishize: How to Quickly and Affordably Self-Publish a Book That Promotes Your Expertise won two Next Generation Indie Book Awards. It was a finalist in the How to category and the WINNER in the Writing and Publishing category. Yes, I am mighty pleased ;-)

Speaking of writing, that happens to the be the subject of this week's article.

Enjoy!

Unleash Your Writing Voice

by Susan C. Daffron

With practice you find your writing voice, which makes it easier to churn out a lot of words quickly

Greetings from all of us at SPOC world headquarters ;-)
The conference wrapped up with loads of information about how to
take your book and build your business, info-products, speaking
career--all to make more revenue.

If you joined us, you heard some big name gurus of the writing and
publishing world giving the "how-to's" for getting your message out
there--lucratively. 

Here are a few gems of what they shared, plus, in case you missed a
call, how you can get the audio downloads, CDs and other must-have
items for the soon-to-be author.

And just because the conference has come to an end, don't think
this is good-bye! We will be in touch with more information about
publishing and promoting your book and other follow-up news.

QUOTES from LISTENERS

This has been a fabulous 3 days of information. Thank you!
     ~ Kim in Chicago

You James and Donna ROCK! Thanks for the best darn Conference in
the self-publishing world!!! I have learned so much and the
information has been invaluable!
      ~ Susan

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
SPOC: GEMS FROM “PLATFORM DAY”

Friday was "Platform Day" and featured speakers and their quote
gems included:

**Donna Kozik - "Bringing It All Together: Building Your Book into
a Business"

Quote gem: "The one thing in common successful author/business
owners have is that they go into their book with a STRATEGY. Think
about what you want to achieve, write it down and use that as a
guiding document as you write, publish and promote." 

**Michael Port - "Think Big Manifesto: Think Bigger About Who Your
Are & What You Offer the World with Your Book"

Quote gem: "Being a 'big thinker' means different things to each of
us, however they tend to embrace life, get fired up and play a big
game."

** Q & A with Susan Daffron, James Byrd & Donna Kozik

Since this session wasn't recorded for the privacy of the
participants, you had to listen live to hear answers to questions
about using Facebook, creating PDFs, interior book design and how
to deal with family and others who don't support you. (Authors deal
with a lot!)  Well received, it will mostly likely return as a regular feature in
the next Self Publishing Online Conference.

**Patrick Snow - "Build Your Information Empire"

Quote gem: "Everyone is an expert at what they're most passionate
about. Write one book and market it for the rest of your life."                                                                                                                                                              
**Melanie Jordan - "Beyond the Book! Achieve Maximum Audience &
Revenue for Your Knowledge"

Quote gem: "Your information delivered as information services can
result in thousands of dollars.  Present 'what you know' in every
format you can to make it easy for your audience to access your
content on your own terms."

GET THE DOWNLOADS AND/OR CDS and OTHER GOODIES

There are two options available so you can hear the self-publishing
wisdom and how-to's from Dan Poynter, Peter Bowerman, Brian Jud,
Penny Sansevieri, Michael Port, plus the other 10 presentations
from the conference. 
To get the audio downloads or CDs, just go to
http://www.SelfPublishersOnlineConference.com/ and click the
"Register" link at the top of the page.
To upgrade your (free) Basic Pass to a Standard or Premium pass,
just select the kind of pass you want and go through the
registration process again, requesting a different login user name.
If you have upgraded, make sure to log-in with your NEW username to
get access to the downloads.
The Exhibit Hall will remain open for a short period of time for
more great self-publishing information. Login at
http://www.SelfPublishersOnlineConference.com/

We welcome your feedback--please use the visitor contact form found
at http://www.SelfPublishersOnlineConference.com/ and let us know
your thoughts about SPOC. 

So, until we "talk SPOC" again...live long and publish!

James Byrd, Susan Daffron & Donna Kozik,
SPOC organizers
http://www.SelfPublishersOnlineConference.com/

Greetings from all of us at SPOC world headquarters ;-)
The second day of our conference, "Promotion Day," brought more
gems and insights. If you joined us, you heard some big name gurus
of the writing and publishing world giving the "how-to's" for
marketing and promoting your book.

Here are a few gems of what they shared, a preview of what's coming
today on "Platform Day," plus, in case you missed a call, how you can
get the audio downloads, CDs plus other must-have items for the
soon-to-be author.

=====================================
"Promotion Day" Recap & Gems
=====================================

Today was "Promotion Day," and we heard from some big names in the
field. Here's is a recap of their presentations & a few golden "quote gems."

"Social Media for Book Marketing: Build Communities of FANS!"
~ Shel Horowitz ~

Shel offered an overview of most important social media when it
comes to promoting your book: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Yahoo
groups and others and why social media is the book author's best
friend.

Quote gem: "The best thing about social media when promoting your
book is that it offers a higher return for a lower dollar
investment."

"How to Build Buzz for Your Self-Published Book"
~ Sandra Beckwith ~

If you heard this one, Sandra gave you information about how to
snag priceless media attention for their books, whether your book
has been in stores for one week or 101 weeks.

Quote gem: "Forget the flavor of the month for book promotion.
Instead, spend your time on proven tactics that will help you reach
your audience."

"Red Hot Internet Publicity 2.0"
~ Penny Sansevieri ~

If you think you have your Internet marketing covered with just a
web site, you might be missing out on a bucket of Internet gold.
This class was packed with information with everything from
understanding social media to monetizing sites like Facebook,
Squidoo, and Twitter.

Quote gem: "The point of social networking is not WHAT it is, but
HOW you use it. It's a tool. Like the telephone."

"The Buck Starts Here"
~ Brian Jud ~ 

More than half of all books sold every year are sold to non-bookstore
buyers. Brian talked about creative ways to find and contact buyers
in airport stores, supermarkets, discount stores, book clubs, catalogs,
corporations, associations, schools and government agencies.

Quote gem: "You're not selling a book--you're selling information!"

"After the Launch: Will you Sink or Swim?"
~ Carol White & Debi Flora ~

This fact-filled, entertaining session from two book pros gave lots
of ideas to fill your "to do" list for the next several months as you
attempt to "swim" with your book.

Quote gem: "Your marketing plan is not an 'optional activity.' It
doesn't do you any good to produce a beautiful book if you aren't
able to sell it!"

=====================================
QUOTE from a LISTENER

"This is my second day on the Conference....and I want to say this
event has been SUPER! I have learned from every speaker, been
inspired, motivated, educated and directed. Thank you for the
tremendous effort and GREAT line up of speakers. Kudos to the SPOC
TEAM!'
~ Susi via email
=====================================

Miss the calls (and other quote gems?) There are two options
available so you can hear the self-publishing wisdom and how-to's
from Dan Poynter, Peter Bowerman, Brian Jud, Penny Sansevieri and
all the other presentations from the conference. 

To get the audio downloads or CDs, just go to
http://www.SelfPublishersOnlineConference.com/
and click the "Register" link at the top of the page.

To upgrade your (free) Basic Pass to a Standard or Premium pass,
just select the kind of pass you want and go through the registration
process again, requesting a different login user name. If you have
upgraded, make sure to log-in with your NEW username to get access
to the downloads. We've been able to post them within an hour of the seminar.

Friday is "Platform Day" and featured speakers include:

(All times PACIFIC)

9 a.m.
**Donna Kozik - "Bringing It All Together: Building Your Book into
a Business" 11 a.m.
**Michael Port  - "Think Big Manifesto: Think Bigger About Who Your
Are & What You Offer the World with Your Book"
1 p.m.
**Jill Lublin - "Guerrilla Publicity: Connect with the Media for
$50K in Free Publicity"
3 p.m.
**Patrick Snow - "Build Your Information Empire"
5 p.m.
**Melanie Jordan -  "Beyond the Book! Achieve Maximum Audience &
Revenue for Your Knowledge"
You can listen in for free during the conference, get handouts (for
those presentations that have them), and access our Exhibit Hall
for more great self-publishing information. Log-in at
http://www.SelfPublishersOnlineConference.com/

Live Long and Publish!