Launch Pad Publishing

The Evolution of the Typical Writing Day

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:05:00 +0000

Prolific author and motivational speaker, L. Diane Wolfe, known as "Spunk on a Stick," shares a little about her typical writing day.

Her latest book is

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES WITH SPUNK!
THE KEYS TO LEADERSHIP & GOAL-SETTING

A typical writing day? Is there such a thing? When I began writing ten years ago, that was the only aspect taking time out of my day. I could spend five-six hours working on a manuscript. I wasn’t speaking very often and I didn’t even have an online presence. I’d been self-employed for three years at that point and was able to set my own hours, including the time I devoted to writing.

A misguided foray into subsidy publishing did reap one benefit - I learned about marketing. Most of this involved physical promotions, including numerous book signings and media appearances.

Soon I had a website and plunged into the world of social sites. I started a newsletter and a blog. All of these things took time away from writing Then I began offering seminars, and since the speaking circuit is very competitive, I poured a lot of time into establishing myself as a professional.

After the release of my first couple books, I discovered online promotions consumed even more of my time. Writing became fifteen minutes here and there. Finishing my sixth book on time was an act of God.

My typical writing day looks nothing like it did ten years ago. After finishing my sixth book, I began work on a teen version of Overcoming Obstacles with SPUNK, but it just wasn’t coming together.

After finishing my five book YA series, I really didn’t feel like writing another fiction book. I took a long break before finally turning to the book so many had requested - a written version of my publishing and promoting seminars. I’m now working on edits and hope the book will be available by the end of the year.

My typical day? Hundreds of emails. An hour or so of social media. Phone calls to set up speaking engagements. Writing and mailing letters and postcards. Working on client requests for consultation and book formatting. All the while keeping a husband and two cats happy.

And the writing? Let’s just say thank God for Dragon’s Naturally Speaking software!

L. Diane Wolfe Professional Speaker & Author www.spunkonastick.net www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com www.thecircleoffriends.net

Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” Wolfe is a member of the NSA and a motivational speaker. Overcoming Obstacles With SPUNK! The Keys to Leadership & Goal-Setting, ties all of her goal-setting and leadership seminars information together into one complete, enthusiastic package. She also conducts seminars on book publishing and promoting, and assists writers through her author services.

Her YA series, The Circle of Friends, features morally grounded, positive stories that appeal to both teens and concerned parents.

Wolfe travels extensively for media interviews and speaking engagements, maintains a dozen websites & blogs, and contributes to several other sites and newsletters.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES WITH SPUNK! THE KEYS TO LEADERSHIP & GOAL-SETTING BY L. DIANE WOLFE
Non-fiction/Self-help, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
$13.95 Print ISBN 978-0-9816210-2-9
$1.99 EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-2-1

But I Hate Sales? Never Mind, Don?t Write A Book

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:10:00 +0000

I know this may sound a little harsh, but if you hate sales, you might as well not write your book.

I can hear the “buts” and the “butts” burning right now! How could I say such a thing? Easily! Because you are going to have to market and sell your book if you expect anyone to buy it!

Did you know that there are more books being published now than ever before? Yup! About 400,000 a year, was a recent statistic I saw. So you have more competition than ever. In order to rise above the crowd, you have to be very creative, think strategically, and ask plenty of questions to determine who is your audience and how to find them.

Whether you have an opportunity to be published traditionally, or have opted for the more practical hybrid or self-publishing, you will have to do a fair amount of marketing and selling of your book. Otherwise no one will know it’s out there. The more you want to sell books, the more you have to connect with your audience in all sorts of ways.

Create opportunities where you can bulk sell your book to companies or organizations that have a good strategic fit with your project. You will have to contact those companies and offer them your book. Sure, you are calling and speaking with someone you’ve never met, and you are making them an offer. They might say “no” or they might say “yes.” But you are making the call with the intention of getting a “yes” or at least a request for more information!

If you have some fear of selling… just remember, kids are the absolute best sales people on the planet. They will sell you on the ice cream they want, or the bicycle, or the latest bit of technology. They don’t let up until you say “yes” or send them to their rooms. If one parent says no, they ask the other one (heading up the “corporate ladder”). If all else fails, they ask a grandparent or aunt or uncle. They’ll ask at a different time of day. They’ll do the dishes or mow the lawn, and then ask again.

They are persistent. Sure, sometimes they can be very annoying. But they are not deterred by the word “no” if it’s something they really want. And one day, they finally get a “yes” and all is right with their world.

They can be very creative about how they ask, especially if it’s something they think you’ll say “no” to on first glance. So they plan their attack very carefully.

You need to do the same. Get to know your prospect and how your book can make a difference for their business/employees/customers. Have your case together, along with supporting documentation that removes doubts and questions. (“Susie’s going, too. Her parents will drive us and said we can stay at her house after. You can even call them!” Wow! How can you say no to that?)

So if you’re shaking in your shoes over selling, take off your high heals or your wingtips and put your “P.F. Flyers” or “Red Ball Jets” back on from your kid days and get creative, think strategically, and ask plenty of questions to set yourself on a strong path to move ahead.

Otherwise, never mind—don’t write the book. (wink, wink)

Happy Writing!

Faye Levow, President

Launch Pad Publishing

Is Your Book Well-Covered?

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:50:00 +0000

Your book cover is going to sell your book. It has to appeal to your audience (so you have to know your audience). It has to bring out your message (so you have to know the message you want to communicate to your audience).

You want it to sell the sizzle. First, you need a strong, catchy title. Something that will “hook” people in your audience to pick up your book and look at it further. A good designer will be sure your spine shows off your title, too.

The front cover should grab your audience’s interest with colors and artwork that conveys your message. Again, if your designer has a marketing mindset, they will know how to put together a great cover.

The back cover of your book is critical marketing real estate. This is where you communicate the benefits of your book to your potential readers.

Keep It Simple! Start with a good headline (there’s that “hook” again). Then a few sentences of what the book is about, followed by a few bullet points about the benefits of reading the book.

Next, add a few testimonials or endorsements from people who carry some weight with your audience. Endorsements help with marketing your book and your credibility.

Finally, you want a good close that encourages people to make the decision to buy the book.

BONUS: Generally if they have been intrigued by what they have read on the back cover, people look at the table of contents. So, here, too, you want to have chapter names that keep people wanting more.

Working with a good graphic designer who has a marketing mindset, a good editor, and a good copywriter, will make the difference in having your book well-covered and doing the marketing job it was meant to do.

Happy Writing!

Faye Levow, President

Launch Pad Publishing

The Writer's Life with the author Dorit Sasson

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:15:00 +0000

Presenting Dorit Sasson, sharing about her life as a writer.

Her lastest release is as a contributing author to Pebbles in the Pond: Transforming the World One Person at a Time.

Hello everyone!

My name is Dorit Sasson, and I'm a contributing author of the book, Pebbles in the Pond: Transforming the World One Person at a Time.

I've been asked to share my experiences about how I write. So here goes:

For my chapter, "The Best Time to Get in My Way" for the transformational anthology, Pebbles in the Pond and for all my writing projects, I tend to write best in the early morning. I put my son on the school bus and I dash for the computer. That's when I am fresh, focus and the writing's tight. I believe that writers have their own rhythms which they should honor as best as possible. I've tried writing in numerous places including libraries, cafes and while waiting as my son plays the piano or goes to chess sessions and tournaments. But the quality of writing isn't usually good and I have to end up throwing most of it out.

There's something to be said about writing in silence in the comfort of my own home, in a sunny corner, near my only potted plant with a cup of coffee on one side of me and a water bottle on the other. I cannot do it any other way. the music must be off. The lights must be dimmed with the window slightly ajar. I am very sensitive to noise and other distractions. There have been times however, when I was able to work undistractedly because I was so "in my zone." But as long as I'm at home with little distractions, I'm good.

I sometimes will start the day with Julia Cameron's morning ritual of "morning pages" where I'll "sketch" 3-4 pages longhand to get the creative juices flowing. There's something to be said about this method. Writing on a computer is not the same as writing on a piece of paper. The ideas move slower and the brain does not thing so quickly. But in this digital age, like many other writers, I will usually head straight to the computer and begin typing away after a morning meditation. I keep a pad of all the ideas that trickle and sometimes at night I will journal about my day or weave those ideas into a blog post or an article.

I try to stick to a schedule as much as possible. However, this is not always feasible. When university is in session, I am usually teaching 2 mornings a week. So I aim to fit my writing into my life and not the other way around.

The amount of writing I will also typically do in a given day, week, month, etc., greatly depends on the type of writing project. For example, I'm working right now on a book that is under contract for Pearson education on teacher collaboration for English language learners. I've been working on this book for the last 10 months and I hope to be finished this August. I spend close to 10-15 hours on that book almost every week, and I write on a big block calendar the days and times of my writing schedule. This way, I'm sure to stick with it.

I will love to have you learn more about the kind of work that I did for Pebbles in the Pond: Transforming the World One Person at a Time.

So head on over to my blog, Giving Voice to the Voiceless to read more about Pebbles in the Pond.

Pebbles in the Pond is now Available for Pre-Order! Until May 20th!

Pre-order your copy now and receive a transformational BONUS pack of lots of goodies when you do!

Hear my Chapter on Youtube - The Best Time to Get in My Way

Stressed About Writing Your Book?

Sat, 12 May 2012 12:05:00 +0000

Have you ever felt overwhelmed or stressed about getting your book done?

One of our authors has decided to do some more writing on her book before it goes to the editing team. She was feeling stressed because we were off her original timeline. It’s all well and good to create a timeline and have an ideal launch date, however, when things change, it’s ok to let that timeline go and create a new one.

The point is you have to be patient with yourself. The creative process is not necessarily fast, usually not linear, and often uncontrollable.

What’s your preferred way of working? Can you write on the fly -- 15 or 30 minutes at a time? Do you need a couple hours? Or do you need 6 or 8 hours, uninterrupted? Everyone has their own way of working. But if you feel like you need a whole day and it’s really not working for your schedule, consider shorter periods that will work within your available time periods.

I understand that it’s sometimes tough to change gears in a short period of time. But maybe you are trying to do too much at each sitting.

If you are writing, write, don’t edit. If you are editing, and discover a section that needs to be further developed, make a few notes and do the writing during a writing session. If you realize that you need to do some further research for one section, save that for “research time” and just do that. You might find that you are more productive this way and can feel like you have made progress in the hour or two.

In addition, if you are able to work on your book even for an hour or two several days each week, you are moving the project forward. That’s what counts. It’s one foot in front of the other, so to speak. Just remember my friend, Eddy Rodriguez, who walked from Fort Lauderdale to Washington D.C. and beyond. Now Eddy’s working on his book… one chapter at a time.

One last thing, if you are someone who is more of a talker, and less of a writer, consider talking your book into a digital recorder and having it transcribed. You’ll be amazed at how fast your project will move ahead. Then you can edit the word docs, fill in what’s missing and send it all over to your editor. Now, a project that was taking months might only take weeks.

The team at Launch Pad Publishing are hear for you.

Happy Writing!

Faye Levow, President

Launch Pad Publishing

Writing Tips from Children?s Author Mayra Calvani

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:05:00 +0000

Introducing Mayra Calvani.

Her latest book is The Water Cycle: Water Play Series Book 1.

She is visiting with us to share her expertise on writing picture books. If you have thought about being a children's author, you'll find Mayra's post very valuable.

I love writing picture books. They’re like quick candy. I love the rush of finishing a complete first draft in one sitting. For this reason, I’m always writing new picture books while I work on a long novel. However, writing picture books and getting them published take a lot of hard work, persistence and determination. It isn’t only about talent—though that is important, too.

Here are 10 tips on how to get started as a picture book author:

1. Dream big.

It starts with a dream. When you dream, you set your intention. This makes the wheel of the universe start turning in your direction.

Imagine yourself receiving the call from an agent or editor. Imagine yourself signing your first contract, your hand trembling with excitement over the page. Imagine yourself as a published author, doing a signing at your local Barnes & Noble, the line of fans reaching all the way out to the street. Imagine yourself accepting a prestigious literary award in front of a huge, clapping audience.

Never stop dreaming.

2. Read critically.

A lot. I’m not talking about 2 or 3 picture books a month. I’m talking about going to the library each week and reading at least a dozen books. I’m talking about planning a 2-3 hour reading marathon each month and gobbling up 30 books in one sitting. How much do you want to become a published author? That’s how much you’ll have to read.

Pay special attention to the techniques and formats of published picture book authors. What is the point of view of the story? How soon is the conflict introduced? How bad does it get for the character? What strong verbs does the author use? How does the character solve the problem? How is the message or theme of the story presented to the reader? Is there a twist at the end?

Great writing is always great writing, but keep in mind that styles and trends change and this applies to picture books. Older picture books written twenty or thirty years ago will usually have a lot more "telling" and exposition than what is accepted today. If you want to know what editors want these days, focus on those books written within the last five years or so.

3. Study the craft.

Writing great picture books isn’t only a skill. It’s an art form. How do you expect to write a publishable story if you don’t know its elements, if you’ve never studied the craft? Can you drive a car blindfolded? Can you pass a calculus exam if you’ve never studied the subject? Just being a mother or grandmother doesn’t qualify you as a children’s writer.

• Study books on the subject. Writing Picture Books, Ann Whitford Paul, and Picture Writing, by Anastasia Suen, are two books you should thoroughly dissect and keep on your shelf. There are others, but in my opinion, these two are the best.

• Take an online class or a course. Anastasia Suen, author of over 100 children’s books, offers an intensive picture book workshop. Another great place to check out for courses is the Institute of Children’s Literature at http://www.institutechildrenslit.com.

The art of writing picture books, or any type of books, for that matter, is an ongoing process. Be prepared to keep learning, improving and evolving as a writer all your life.

4. Write.

Preferably everyday, but if that’s not possible, strive for a minimum of 2-3 writing sessions a week. Make a habit. The more you write, the easier it becomes and the better it gets. Can a violinist get better at playing by practicing only a few times a year? Can a runner win the gold medal by running only a few miles a month? (And yes, getting published by a top NY house IS like winning a gold medal!)

Writing isn’t any different. Don’t obsess over one single story. I’ve known aspiring authors who’ve been working on the same story for years without writing any new ones. Editing is essential, but so is producing new work if you want to succeed as a published author. Besides, editors and agents don’t like one-work authors. If an editor or agent becomes interested in your manuscript, then asks “So what else do you have,” what are you going to say: “Hmm, nothing” or “I have completed and polished 5 other stories.”

5. Edit.

We all know the saying, “Great work isn’t written. It’s rewritten.” It’s absolutely true. After writing a first draft, put it aside for a while (at least 3 weeks) so you can distant yourself from it. Then go back to it and edit it.

As a writer, you’re your own worst editor, which is why it is so important to have a set of objective eyes look over your manuscript—but, please, not your mother or sister or best friend (unless they’re published authors and knowledgeable in the craft). Join a critique group especially for picture books. A middle-grade or YA writer may not be familiar with the elements that make a great picture book (more about critique groups below). Always strive for great. Don’t settle for good or very good. That’s not enough in the competitive field of picture book publishing.

6. Submit.

If you don’t submit, your manuscript will never see publication. Don’t be afraid of rejection. Most published writers get a lot of rejections. I’ve probably gotten 1,000 rejections in the last ten years. Let rejections empower you and make you stronger as a writer. Use rejections as a motivational tool and let them infuse you with positive anger. Every time you get a rejection, slam your fist on the table and say, “I’ll show them!”

7. Plan.

Okay, so you have set your goal: to become a picture book author. Now, work out a plan to make it work and stick to it. Design what your writing, editing and submitting schedule will be like. Having a plan will help keep you focused. Start your writing week without having a clear picture of what you’ll be working on and you’ll find yourself wasting precious time and wondering about the million other things you should be doing instead of writing.

Not planning ahead is the perfect ingredient for low productivity, procrastination and writer’s block. I write on weekdays and take a break on weekends, so every Sunday I plan in advance what I’ll be doing that week. When Monday morning arrives, I know exactly where to start. I don’t have to waste time wondering about it.

8. Cut Off the Internet.

The Internet (including emailing) is one of the most—of not the most—distracting things for an author. Be sure to switch it off during your writing sessions. Use the Internet as a reward, after you’ve finished working. How do you expect to focus if you go online or check emails every few minutes while you write?

9. Join a support group.

• Join children’s writing groups such as Childrens-Writers. You can interact with other children’s writers, share information and resources, and ask questions about the industry and all aspects of writing for children. Check it out here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/childrens-writers/?yguid=74030160

• Join a critique group that specializes in picture books. A picture book has its own set of ‘rules’ that writers of young adult or middle-grade fiction may not know about. These writers may give you the wrong advice and even hurt your writing. Also, if possible, try to find a critique group that has both beginners and more experience writers. Chances are you won’t get great feedback from total beginners because you’re all in the same boat, whereas more experienced writers will know exactly what to look for in your manuscript. If you join Childrens-Writers (see previous paragraph), you can post a message to the group asking if there are any critique group openings.

• Join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). This is the organization to join if you’re serious about becoming a children’s writer. Benefits include local chapters and critique groups, conferences, an online forum, and The Bulletin, which comes out every two months and is packed with articles and submission information, among other things. Check it out here: http://www.scbwi.org.

10. Subscribe to Newsletters.

There are two newsletters worth subscribing to. One is Children’s Writer, http://www.childrenswriter.com, put out by the Institute of Children’s Literature. The other one is Children’s Book Insider, http://write4kids.com.

These publications will keep you up to date about the world of children’s publishing, current trends, submission calls, as well as offer writing tips.

Yes, it takes a lot of hard work to become a children’s picture book author, but the rewards are immense. If you’re committed enough and determined enough, you can do it.

About the book:

The Water Cycle: Water Play Series Book 1, for ages 4-8, follows the water droplets in their journey from the clouds to the earth and back to the clouds again. Written in a lyrical style, the book takes a new angle on the water cycle by showing the feelings it evokes in people. It also has fun learning activities at the end.

What reviewers are saying… “Written in Calvani’s delightful prose, “Huddle inside the CLOUD high up in the sky, the water droplets are excited,” While also complemented by the imaginative artwork of Alexander Morris’ fun illustrations, makes this book both easy to read and informative. The author also includes for her young readers a word search and glossary learning activity—a great addition to every teacher and homeschool parents’ teaching library.” –Carol Fraser Hagen, reading specialist and special education teacher.

You can read the complete review at http://www.carolfraserhagen.com/2012/04/30/reading-about-science-book-recommendation

Purchase The Water Cycle: Water Play Series Book 1 from Guardian Angel Publishing or at Amazon.com

About the author: Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults. and has authored over a dozen books, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews and articles have appeared on numerous publications such as The Writer, Writer’s Journal, Multicultural Review, and Bloomsbury Review, among many others.

Visit her website at www.MayrasSecretBookcase.com and get the first two lessons of her popular "Walking on a Rainbow Picture Book" Workshop free!

Book information:

Title: The Water Cycle: Water Play Series Book 1

Author: Mayra Calvani

Illustrations: Alexander Morris

Genre: Children 4-8

Print ISBN: 9781616332372; 1616332379

eBook ISBN: 9781616332389; 1616332387

Published: March 15, 2012

Pages: 20

Price: $10.95 print; $5.00 e-Book

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Writer's Life with author Terri Forehand

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:10:00 +0000

Introducing author Terri Forehand, member of The Working Writers Club, discussing her life as a writer, on day 2 of her blog tour.

Terri's new book is The Cancer Prayer Book.

I would love to say that my writing life is organized and steady, but alas, I would be telling a fib. I do write everyday, but never at the same time. I still work as a neonatal critical care nurse, so my writing time is dependent on the hours I work each week.

I have a writing office that I share with my husband, where I have a wonderful view of the outdoors. Even that can be a distraction at times, with sunny days and weeds calling me away from my desk, especially if I am stumped on where a character should go next.

I usually make a list the night before so I have tasks to complete each day. Those tasks, for the most part, are centered on reaching my three major writing goals for 2012. Still, I am easily distracted by emails or links to other writer sites. I have to be very careful to limit my research time or networking time because it can take so much away from my writing time.

I tend to write on paper first, then rewrite on the computer, making grammar and spelling changes as I go. I print that off and revise and add, then retype the changes and continue the revision process. I write blog posts and book reviews directly on the computer and always have a pad of paper with me for jotting down ideas. Sometimes, all those notes can be a distraction from the actually writing process.

Currently, I am working on polishing a prayer book for kids that a publishing house wants to see. Sometimes, the pressure of a publisher's interest in a finished product, puts me in procrastination mode, as my fear of success begins flaring its ugly head.

The prayer books I write are the most difficult. They require finding just the right Bible verse that goes along with the prayer, along with an emotional commitment to dig deep into what the reader may feel. The prayers need to be specific, yet reach a reader on an individual level. I often find myself in tears as I put together words that will bring out the readers' feelings.

Writing for children is also more difficult because you have fewer words to communicate an idea. It is more action than emotion, while still telling a story. It can be a challenge, but is the most rewarding part of writing.

Writing is the best life ever!

You can find Terri at www.TerriForehand.com

On Being Global -- It's a Different World

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:05:00 +0000

Introducing today's guest blogger: Dr. Greg Unruh, co-author of Being Global: How to Think Act, and Lead in a Transformed World, written with Angel Cabrera.

Gregory C. Unruh, Ph.D. is the director of the Lincoln Center for Ethics in Global Management at Thunderbird School of Global Management.

An outspoken advocate of environmental sustainability, ethics and corporate social responsibility, Dr. Unruh co-founded the Center for Eco-Intelligent Management along with William McDonough (renowned “green” designer) and also has served as a technical reviewer for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the group that shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with former President Al Gore.

Dr. Unruh has published numerous articles in the Harvard Business Review and recently completed Earth Incorporated, a business book on sustainability management from Harvard Business School Press.

Dr. Unruh earned his Ph.D. in international technology and environmental management from the Fletcher School at Tufts University; his MA in international affairs and business from Schiller International University in Madrid and Paris; and his BS in the earth sciences from the University of California.

Enjoy this excerpt from the book:

By studying global leaders we’ve arrived at three key characteristics: they have a global mindset which allows them to connect across boundaries, they are global entrepreneurs driven to create new solutions and seize opportunities, and they are global citizens inspired to contribute to the communities they touch. As the figure illustrates, these competencies are complementary and support each other in a systematic way.

Global Mindset: Connecting Globally

Global mindset can be defined as the ability to perceive and decode behaviors and situations in various cultural contexts. Culture is the social DNA that dictates the way we dress, the food we eat, the language we speak and the stories we tell. Global mindset is thus the capacity to appreciate the differences among cultures and bridge the interfaces between them. Leaders who possess a global mindset are able to view situations from a variety of perspectives, develop trusting relationships with individuals from different contexts and identify promising routes to successful collaboration.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I grew up in California where Iwent to college. Afterwards, I moved to Europe and lived in France and Spain, where I met my wife. We now live in Arizona with our two boys.

What do you do when you are not writing?

I teach at Thunderbird, School of Global Management in Arizona in the areas of leadership, sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I have been writing since grade school, but mostly academically. I completed my first book in 2010, Earth Inc, Using Nature’s Rules to Build Sustainable Profits published by Harvard BusinessReview Press.

How did you choose the genre you write in?

I have always been interested in the big problems and opportunities globalization and technological innovation create. Over time, I became fascinated by the leaders that are working to solve the problems or harness the opportunities.

Where do you get your ideas?

I do a lot of research and interviewing of leaders and their organizations. I also learn from my students, which include smart MBAs, business executives and international policy experts.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

Not really. There is just too much to write about.

Do you work with an outline, or just write?

I always have an outline and overall framework for the book before I start writing. But writing also evolves organically once you get into it.

What is your writing process? Do you follow a regular routine?

I write in blocks, one chapter at atime. I do best in the morning but will also escape in the afternoon for a writing session if I can get away with it.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

I loved Hemingway as a student, but had that style wrung out of me as I went through graduate school and became an academic.

Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

The real challenge was getting a publisher's attention. After that was done, it all fell into place for me.

If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel or getting it published that you would change?

I don’t think so. I have really enjoyed the ride.

How do you market your work? What avenues have you found to work best for your genre?

I write articles and blog as well as speak at conferences and events like the World Economic Forum.

Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?

No, I make sure that there’s a publisher that’s interested before I write the entire book.

Can you tell us about your book Being Global: How to Think Act, and Lead in a Transformed World?

It’s about how to become a global leader. There is a huge need for people who can operate and create solutions in a global world and this book is a guide to help people prepare to succeed as a global leader.

My experiences influenced heavily the book content. Its also based on interviews and case studies of successful global leaders make changes and creating value around the world.

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

My favorite part was the closing chapter where we bring all the pieces together and then call on the readers to get out there, experience the world and make a difference.

How did you come up with the title?

It was actually suggested by our editor. We loved it!

What project are you working on now?

I am busy developing a new online certificate program for corporate social responsibility that will train business people to take into account the community and environment in their decision making in ways that enhances their business and contributes to a better world.

Is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?

I’d like to focus next on sustainability leadership as a special type of global leader.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

Well, rejection is commonplace in the academic world, so you get used to it. The best compliment is when you see other people adopting and improving the ideas in your book.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Stopping. It seems like there isalways room for another revision. You just have to have the discipline to stopand say “it’s done.”

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Make sure you’re writing about things you care about and enjoy.

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

Thanks for your support and Iwill look forward to following your successes and hopefully documenting them in a future book!

What's for Launch in Your World?

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:10:00 +0000

These days, so many business owners are tweaking their programs, brands, websites,etc. Others are launching what they have tweaked.

I'm really excited about my upcoming book OMG! My Parents Are Getting OLD!

Over the past weeks I've been feverishly editing chapters, coaxing my last few professionals to get their chapters in, and contacting family caregiver contributors to approve their lessons to be placed in the book.

It's a huge project, one that has been in the works for about two years. But one thing for sure, it won't be ready until it's ready! The team has to edit, proof, design, and index it, and these things all take time. I have to be patient, as excited as I am.

When you are preparing to launch a project, there is so much to attend to. In addition to writing and editing before your editing and design teams do their thing, you have to do your marketing plan, set up your PR team, put up yourwebsite, and more. Everything has to be set and ready to go when you launch your project.

I've also beem looking for corporate sponsors and opportunities for advanced bulk sales.

Finally, I'm preparing myself for media interviews and public speaking engagements, both mentally and appearance-wise, and putting together interview questions and signature speeches for different audiences.

When you work with Launch Pad Publishing, we put you in touch with the people you need to assist you at every level of preparation for your book launch.

Remember this when working on your book launch: Think Strategically, Get Creative, and Ask Questions.

Drop me an email and let me know what's for launch in your world.

Happy Writing...

To Your Authorship Success!

Faye Levow
Your Book-Writing Coach & Publisher

Being Your Own "Advance Team" Getting the Jump on Marketing Your Book

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:20:00 +0000

Marketing is one of those things can feel scary if you don't know what to do. But in reality, it's just part of the game to get the buzz going and once you know what to do, you've just gotta do it! There's two sections: online and off line.

Let's talk about online buzz creation first. Putting up an author page on Facebook and inviting people to "Like" it, is a great beginning. (I'll be doing that soon.) Blogging about your book, commenting on blogs that relate to your book's subject matter can really get your name out there. Don't advertise your book, just share your expertise and put your book info in your signature line.

Put up your website and let people know it's there. Have other people in your book's field do some guest blogging or make comments on your site. There are also author/book related sites, writer's groups, etc. where you can offer information and ask questions.

These are just a few things to get you started online.

There are many things you can do to work your magic offline:

Start finding places where you can speak about your topic -- places where you will find the audience for your book. Find out who books speakers and talk with them. Even though your book isn't available yet, you can still set something up. It's ok to do some speaking before the book is out.

Seek out companies and organizations that that have a good strategic fit with your message and speak with them about purchasing copies of your book in bulk. Get their order about a month ahead of your release so you can print more books inyour initial run and many will be pre-sold. It's a beautiful thing!

Go to some tradeshows where you can find your audience or companies that cater to your audience. It's a great place to make connections for speaking opportunities and bulk sales.

You can also find companies that will help promote your book because it is such a good match for their audience.

Think Strategically, Get Creative, and Ask Questions.

If you think of other ideas, drop me an email. I'd love to hear them!

I look forward to working with you when you're ready.

Happy Writing...

To Your Authorship Success!

Faye Levow
Your Book-Writing Coach & Publisher