Reasons Why Publishers Will Buy Your Book

Reasons Why Publishers Will Buy Your Book. Editors will buy a book for one or more of the following reasons. By knowing what these reasons are, you can then design a marketing plan with these features in mind.

• The author's previous books have sold well.

• They love the book and think it will sell.

• They think the book will sell.

• They love it enough to publish, regardless of its commercial potential.

• It's a book that deserves to be published because of its value to a cause or the country.

• An editor is passionate enough about it to overcome any doubts the house may have about the book.

• A new editor has arrived from another house and is building a list.

• The publisher has the opportunity to reflag a successful author from another house.

• The book will be the first in a series with strong growth potential.

• The idea for the book is brilliant.

• The idea for the book is timely.

• The writing is superb.

• The title alone will sell books.

• An author's promotion plan guarantees a book's success.

• The author is a media magnet who can guarantee enough publicity to make the book successful.

• The author has a national platform such as a column or a radio or television show that will guarantee continuing exposure for the book.

• The publisher thinks that the book will back list and become an evergreen (like evergreen tree -- sells for a long long time).

• The book has subsidiary rights potential including book clubs, audio cassettes or foreign, electronic or movie rights.

• The book has adoption potential in schools or universities.

• The house has published similar books with success.

• The book is on a subject that the house has or wants to build a list on.

• Overcome by auction fever, publishers convince themselves that, despite the profit-and-loss statement rated to determine the book's value, they pay whatever it takes to outbid their rivals.

• The author wants to switch houses.

• The editor discovers the book on a trip to a book fair and thinks it will sell, or is caught up in the excitement surrounding the book, or wants to justify the trip.

• The publisher is sending the industry the message that because of new management or despite changes in the house, the house is a player.

• The book being sold may not be a big one, but future books will have bestseller potential.

• The author has a personal connection with someone in the house with the power to buy the book.

• Publishing the book will enhance the house's prestige.

This is not a definitive list. John Saul, a novelist, observed if publishers don't want to buy a book, they say "It's been done to death." If they do want to buy that book, they'll say, "Always works."

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_4392_50.html

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Ways To Keep Your Speaking Inspiring And Creative

Ways To Keep Your Speaking Inspiring And Creative. When stressed or blocked, it is wise to make a change so that we don't stay in that place. Yet, many times we forget some of the simple things that we can do for ourselves, quickly and easily to bring our inspiration back and increase our creativity.

• If you usually type your speech first, hand write them. Nothing compares to seeing the ink mesh into the paper and display what you have created.

• If you spend too much time at the computer, take a break every hour. Go for a walk or just sit outside in the sun. Even five minutes in a winter sun does wonders for the mood and for your creativity.

• Flip through magazines or books. Their colors and ideas will give you sparks and switch your attitude. Blue and green can reduce your stress levels by 30% or more.

• Add strong smells to the room. Light scented candles around you, visit the fruit isle at the grocery store, or go to a store that is heavily scented. Find an orange or strawberries and smell it. Both will change a mood or create inspiration. Smells awaken your creativity. Smells trigger memories and are great methods to rekindle stories from the past.

• Go see or rent an inspirational movie. Relaxation time is important. Watch the movie with a notebook and record inspiring phases or ideas that pop in.

• Read a book on the topic that stirs and sparks your creativity. Poetry can do the same.

• Look at bold and bright colors for a few minutes. These can change your mood.

• Talk with a friend about your topic to flesh out ideas, titles, and content. Tape-record the conversation so you don't miss anything. You would be surprised at how much we think we hear and how we actually do.

• Write an email to a friend to tell him or her what you want to accomplish. If you are stuck, say so and ask for help.

• Check in with your vibrational energy and do something to switch it into high gear. Take a shower. Go for a walk or dance naked in the moonlight.

• Hire someone to transcribe your recording so that you can stay focused on the creative end of the speaking.

• Authentic, flat-out, raw laughter frees the psyche and opens the creativity process.

• Find a setting with lots of trees and flowers and feel nature. If the weather permits, take off your shoes and socks and feel the grass between your toes. Nature has a way of freeing our spirit to let out the flow of our best material.

• If you are used to practicing your speech in a quiet place, create noise and practice. You will learn to speak with distractions.

• Go for a quiet leisurely drive and practice your vowels, outlook expand your voice range.

That was exciting, wasn't it? Post this list in a conspicuous place so that it is readily available when needed. Do one or two of these daily to keep your thought process clear and attracting. Your audience is waiting.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_4383_50.html

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Ten Easy-to-learn Tips On Handling Interruptions

Ten Easy-to-learn Tips On Handling Interruptions. Imagine this, a co-worker enters your office and says: "Cathy, could I talk with you for a minute? I'm having a real problem with...." You glance at your watch and think of the report that's due in an hour. What do you do?

What would happen if you were Cathy's supervisor?

Let's continue. You're cooking dinner, starting to destress, the food preparation timing is coming together-- for once--and your mother calls: "Could we talk? It's important. I need someone to talk to?" What do you say?

What we would like to say and what we end up doing is usually two different things. Good news, tactfully saying no is a learned skill. It requires know-how and practice. Let's talk about ten how-tos and alternatives that can help you practice.

Tip 1:

There are three parts to meshing a "no, but not no" response. The first part acknowledges and empathizes. The second part gives a situation statement. In the third, and last, part is an action statement.

An example of an empathy or acknowledgment statement: "Sam, I'm sure this problem is important."

Next, add the second part, a situation statement. For instance: "I'm working on a report that I promised to have completed within the next hour."

The third part, an action statement, needs to describe what you will do or offer as an alternative: "Let's get together after I've completed my report. How about 2 PM this afternoon in your office?"

Instead of saying no directly, you have said no without saying no.

Tip 2:

What if it's your supervisor interrupting you? What do you do? Here's how to mesh the three parts into a no, without any further interruption, and into a win for both.

Sandy, your supervisor enters, "Lisa, I hate to interrupt you, but we have a real problem in the field, I need to talk with you right away. Could I see you in my office?"

First, the acknowledgment statement: "Sandy, I'm sure this is an important problem." Second, the situation segment: "I'm working on that report you requested by noon." Third, adding the action: "Would you like me to defer the report until 3 PM [its imperative to offer an exact time] so we can meet now? Or would you like me to complete this and then come to your office?" This response allows your supervisor to see your perspective and situation and to make a decision.

Tip 3:

Discouraging professional interrupters. These professionals make a career out of interrupting. They start talking and don't stop. They go on and on and when they finally stop to catch a breath, and you get to say something, they interrupt a few minutes later. How do you handle these?

Movement is the key. If cornered behind your desk, stand up, and move. If you are already standing up, begin walking out. If sitting down, stand up. You can also change momentum by dropping something or turning sideways. Reach for something that has nothing to do with the conversation or excuse yourself to the restroom.

Interrupt in the same manner they use with you. It's okay, they do it because it appears normal to them even if it feels brash to you. Here are a few template statements: "Where is this leading?" "What's your point, I've gotten lost in what I think is the trivia?" "You have jumped around so much on topics, I don't know which one to address."

It's important to practice patience throughout this process. Professional interrupters don't usually hear you the first few times you ask your question. If need be, become a broken record. Continue to ask again until they do hear you. Identify what is it about their communication style or interruption process that annoys you. Provide this feedback and communicate your preferred style of being interrupted in a positive manner.

Tip 4:

What about the few that don't get your hints or listen to what you are saying? Sometimes they even follow you down the hall or talk "at" you instead of "with" you? This is a rude interrupter. Be firm, direct, and abrupt. If they appear to be bruised, don't let it bother you. They will not take what you said personally even if they say so. Their "taken-aback" expression is just for show. Actually, it is a form of manipulation. Don't play and don't apologize.

If they persist go ahead and give them an ultimatum: "You rudely interrupt me. I've tolerated this in the past; however, it has to stop NOW." When they finally realize you are not playing their game, they will stop. They will either totally avoid you in the future or return with respect. Generally, they will return with a new awareness about themselves. When they do, accept their apology. But don't count on it. And if they don't return, you haven't lost anything.

Tip 5:

If you can, keep doing what you are doing. Look up, smile, point to a notepad and pen, and then return to what you were doing.

Tip 6:

Sometimes the position of your furniture invites interruptions. Especially if your office is beautifully designed, or contains natural ingredients, like plants. Others want to be around this energy. It's attractive. It's renewing to them as much as it is to you. There's only one suggestion when this occurs. Suggest that they change their office to reflect a similar energy. Afterwards, they will not want to leave their office as easily.

Tip 7:

If you frequently get trapped behind your desk. Plan and practice various escape routes and methods. Again, consider rearranging the furniture to allow for escape routes.

Tip 8:

Discourage squatters. If your interruptions are due to people consistently coming in and just sitting and talking, remove any empty chairs. Place them outside your office so they are available when needed but not too close to the door that they can easily be dragged in when someone enters.

Tip 9:

Do people wait for you to get off a phone call? Place a sign on the desk: "If I'm on a phone call, please leave me a note. I'll check back with you as soon as I'm off the phone."

An alternative: Train others in a silent hand code. Use your fingers to indicate how long you are going to be. One index finger explains that you will be off the phone in a minute or two, please stay. Full hand with a wave says, "I don't know how long and I'll get back to you." This silent code allows you to continue your focus, acknowledges them, and also allows them to make a decision on their time.

Tip 10:

Many of these ways for handling interruptions at work can also apply at home. Here is one that transfers well.

Name a "personal spot." An area you can call your own. It can be a den, sewing room, shed, or an extra bedroom. This means this spot makes you off limits to interruptions. If you have children, explain to them what interruption means, why you need some personal space, and give them the same opportunity and courtesy.

Purchase a clock sign at the office supply store -- the same type retailer's use on their front doors -- to indicate what time you will be available again. Or you could add a white board so they can write their note. Like college students use on their dorm room doors. A magnetic board would work well for younger or smaller children. Create magnets for each family member that they can move to a spot already written: "Bobby wants you."

The Other Side Of The Coin

The other side of this perspective is using interruptions to boost productivity. People sometimes use interruptions to push themselves into overdrive. This helps some people while it disrupts others. This habit gets them to move past their own procrastination habits to complete their tasks. This need can also be an addictive behavior sometimes disguised as "workaholicism."

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_4381_50.html

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Ten Reasons Why People Attend Book Signings

Ten Reasons Why People Attend Book Signings. This is the survey result of 325 people conducted by myself so I can improve at my own book signings. After completing the survey, I saw the wealth of insight it had given me. I felt it was important to share it with a wider audience. I also interspersed some personal experiences.

The survey was conducted by Catherine in-person with people who attended book signings at area bookstores in Northern Virginia metro area between January 2004 and September 2004. A total of 325 people completed the survey.

Here is their response to one of the questions: Why do you go to book signings?

If you are wondering how this can help you in marketing your book. These 10 items are extremely important. They tell what authors need to give to their audience in order to increase their books sales and to connect with the audience. When you know what your audience wants, what they expect, the guessing fades and transforms into a great book signing event.

Here are the top ten responses in answer to the first question:

1. People desire to be acknowledged for taking their time to come

by you, the store, and others that came. Participants who have either already read the book, come to meet other like-minded people. They have a social intention and you need to give it to them. Most book signings don't have any social aspect to them so create one. When you include ways, you will definitely increase sales. People want connection, they don't want to be ignored. Get them to talk to the people around them. Introduce one person you just met to the next person to them. There are many techniques or create some of your own. A seasoned author learned to do this over time. Learn to do it sooner.

2. Curiosity.

People are normally curious about authors and how they write, or how they got their book published. Tell them about your journey with all this. For the wanta- be or gonna-be writers there because their vision includes what you are doing, give them that feedback. It creates immediate connection. Even if they didn't come to buy your book, usually they will change their mind, just because you settled their curiosity.

3. Entertainment.

Yes, you need to be entertaining. People do want that and they stick around (meaning they don't get up and walk out) if they get it. Show energy, use hand gestures, and please stop reading from the page (number one pet peeve). Over and over again, I saw people leave when the author continued to read his presentation from the page. People don't expect perfection. They had a heavy week, or day, and they want some way to lighten it up. Even if your book is a heavy topic, lighten it up. Comical anecdotes about yourself are great!

4. Oh, the old, "what's in it for me" discussion.

What are the benefits for them to read the book? Is there some information that will help shift their thinking on anything? Use testimonials, ones that have some meat on their bones. Yes, you may need to make some assumptions on where the audience is at. Go ahead and do that. Create a few that cover a wider perspective and it will deliver to a wider audience.

5. There is nothing wrong with encouraging more sales.

Who else might be interested in the book. Their boss, friends, sister, who? Go ahead, give gift ideas. What holidays or events can you tie the book to? Is Christmas, Mother's Day coming up? Tie your topic and the holiday together if you can. Mention the type of people who like to read this sort of book. No, don't say everyone and anybody. This is sometimes hard for authors because they attach it to "selling." Drum roll...heaven forbid...selling. When an audience is so enthralled in a book and its story, their mind isn't on buying two books. They walk out with one and then when turning page three or five, a flash appears, "Ooops, I should have bought one for my boss." I guarantee you that it is very unlikely they will return to the bookstore to buy another copy at that point.

6. Do some things where you make extra connections with the audience. Just don't sit behind the table. Stand up, shake hands

no limp ones either, and look them directly in the eyes when you ask them, "Who would you like me make this out to?" Ask if they would like another book made out to someone else?

Here's a SECRET tip. It makes a BIG connection. The Japanese do this all the time. Put down the pen. When you hand over the book, hold it cover up facing them with both hands, present it to them slowly, purposely, as if it's worth a million dollars and a very special gift. Look deep into their eyes at the same time (okay this part is different than the Japanese), and say silently in your heart and in your voice, "Thank you." Watch them light up. Of course, smile.

7. As mentioned earlier, audiences come with a hidden agenda

to have a good time. To enjoy themselves. Create that space of joy and lightness for them. Don't think you don't have any control. The store wants you to succeed. Share with them what type of experience you want the audience to have. Ask for recommendations, ask for things that haven't been done before too. Give inspiration in language, in thoughts, and in stories. Stories that pulls the heart strings. If there isn't one in the book, find one.

8. There is nothing wrong with giving away a trinket, toy, item, that comes from one of the characters.

Or even it isn't directly and just somewhat related. You don't need to spend lots of money on promotional items. Think. This might require approval by the host store. You will usually find that as long as it usually doesn't cost them anything and it increases book sales, they will encourage it. Give a gift if they buy two or three copies. Find a unique magnet, or something funny, something that doesn't cost much but it just ads to the incentive to buy more than one. Sometimes the book store is returning something and can give you a remainder sale price. Ask.

9. You can't say thank you too many times.

Remember to smile, say thank you, and be there with a loving and open heart. This creates an attractive energy and pulls people towards you.

10. Share tidbits about how the idea of the book came to you.

Did you write 15 minutes a day, a certain word count? Did you get help from others, who? Did you struggle with some part or something? Was there someone there for you that inspired your journey? Please not the spouse comment all the time. To singles this is boring and people said, a turnoff. Share tidbits about your childhood. There is a child in all of us. Share your childhood with your audience. Especially funny screw-ups.

Well, I hope you enjoyed learning what audiences want at book signings. This process was definitely an eye-opener for me. It gave me a real taste of people and their expectations. Maybe another future survey would be to get people to tell me why are they leaving early.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_4377_50.html

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Five Powerful Article Writing Tips

Five Powerful Article Writing Tips. Writing articles is one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful methods of building your reputation and your online business. Not only do you get unlimited exposure, but it is fre^e as well!

If your article is well-written, you will probably get listed on numerous websites as well as in several ezines. This will establish you as someone who knows what they are talking about and will more than likely bring you many visitors and subscribers.

People will start to come to you when they need information or products or advice. This is a great way of establishing your online presence.

Writing articles is not as hard as you may think. You do not have to be a professional writer to produce an effective article. Below are some tips to help you get started.


1. Don't worry about big fancy words.


People are looking for easy to understand, down-to- earth articles to help them learn. They are not interested in being impressed with encyclopedia language skills.


2. Advertise in your resource box, not the article.


Do not use you article as a big sales letter for a product or program. Give your info in the resource box. I would recommend you just try to get people to sign up for your newsletter or free report/ecourse in your resource box. Save the selling for later.


3. Make yourself accessible if someone wants to get in touch with you.


People want to know that they can get in touch with you if they have questions about your article, website, etc. Always make it easy for them to find you.


4. Provide basic, real, useful information as well as resources to go along with the info.


When writing your article, try to list some useful resources that your readers can utilize along with the information you give them. This will further give people a reason to want to stay in touch with you or your website.


5. Write from the heart!


Do not be afraid to let your personality shine through in your writing. This will make people more apt to trust you and will also make them more comfortable. Write as if you were talking to a friend and let the real you shine through. I think people appreciate this more than trying to sound like something you are not!

Do not let your doubts stop you from writing articles to build your reputation and your business. I did for awhile, but then took the plunge. My first article did surprisingly well and yours can as well!

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1348_50.html

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Religious TV jeopardizing pluralism

Religious TV jeopardizing pluralism. A recent episode of an Islamic religious program aired on a private TV station broached the topic of tattoos, questioning whether they were haram (prohibited) or halal (allowed).

The TV show presenter then pointed his microphone to people with tattoos, asking if they knew the marks on their skin were prohibited under Islamic law.

The episode in itself begs the following questions: Was singling out people with tattoos in a religious program right or wrong?

How about other minorities whose lifestyles are not in line with certain religious teachings, such as gay men and lesbians, or people who drink alcohol?

How would broadcasting a strict right or wrong label on people affect the pluralist nature of our society?

Pervasive medium: Three people watch a television program in a shop at a railway station in Jakarta. Activists argue that many religious TV programs play a symbolic rather than a substantial role in religion, and tend to marginalize minority groups. JP/Nurhayati

Religious programs, which have been around since the early days of TV — when the country only had one public television station, TVRI – usually take the form of sermons delivered by ulemas, priests or Buddhist monks.

In recent years, producers of religious programs have been experimenting with reality-TV types of shows. While some shows focus on one particular topic, such as debating whether something is halal or haram and then interviewing people about the matter, others are a blend of reality shows and religious programs, with family members attempting to get their relative who has strayed from religion to return to it.

Through religious programs, TVs are bringing into everyone’s living rooms strict interpretations of religious teachings in a modern context, which could jeopardize pluralism and religious tolerance.

The head of the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI), Sasa Juarsa Sendjaja, said Indonesian media was generally doing a good job promoting pluralism.

“However, there are attempts, here and there, from the majority to dominate the minority,” he said.

The majority of people in Indonesia are Muslims. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has often stipulated divisive edicts or fatwa. In 2005, the MUI released an edict stating that pluralism, liberalism and religious secularism were haram.

Since then, a number of fatwas have been released, including a ban on smoking, women riding on the back motorcycles, hair straightening, hair-dyeing and on taking pre-wedding pictures.

Marginalized people: Two transvestites perform a Javanese traditional dance at an international conference in Bali. JP/R. Berto Wedhatama

Artist and politician Guruh Soekarnoputra said TV programs promoting intolerance reflected the changes permeating Indonesian society.

“We’re not a Pancasila country anymore,” he said, referring to the country’s principles. The country has a motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika or Unity in Diversity that represents Indonesia’s pluralistic society.
KPI, Sasa said, regulates what can and cannot be broadcasted on TV.

“And one requirement is that television stations should respect pluralism. Minority groups like gay men and lesbians, not just people from different religions, should also be respected,” he said.

After all, the KPI – through the Press Board (Dewan Pers) – monitors news, entertainment or infotainment programs to ensure they adhere to a code of journalism ethics.

“For talk shows or regular television programs, we do the monitoring ourselves,” he said. “There are programs that could be construed as fuelling intolerance. But we have to see to what extent,” he said.
Director of the Jakarta-based International Center for Islam and Pluralism (ICIP), M. Syafi’i Anwar, said many religious programs on television acted more as symbols than anything else.

“Television makes sure religious programs are merely entertainment,” he said.

“The programs are artificial and symbolic. Therefore we see a lot of people go to haj but corruption is still rife; many mosques are being built while many people are still homeless,” he said.

Because programming on TV channels is driven by ratings and profits, much of the preaching or dakwah on TV is not educational, Syafi’I went on.

“Sometimes, the programs even contradict religious teachings.”

Syafi’i said dakwah should not be judgmental. “It [the preaching] should be persuasive instead.”

“Dakwah should be carried out with wisdom… meaning we should not be judgmental,” he said.

Even if religion disagrees with certain activities or attitudes, one should not be judged by them, he added.

“The only good way to preach is by highlighting role models, or leading by example, not by being judgmental.”

Islam spread across Indonesia through persuasion and dialogue, Syafi’i said. The nine wali or saints who spread Islam in Java in the 15th century used local arts and culture influenced by Hindu and Buddhist culture.

“That’s why Islam in Java has rituals such as sekaten… because of the mix of culture,” he said of the ritual welcoming the Islamic New Year.

From various sources. JP/Irma

Television is a very important media to promote pluralism, Syafi’I said. Religious leaders in TV programs should use a persuasive method that will give religion a friendly face.

Progressive Islamic scholar Maman Imanulhaq Faqieh who leads the Islamic boarding school Al-Mizan in Yogyakarta said intolerance stemmed from religious leaders applying religious teachings out of context.

“Some religious leaders lack wisdom when examining the problems plaguing society,” he said.

“Religion is supposed to be the energy that can bring change and promote messages to humanity.”

However many religious programs in Indonesia are still very shallow and do not touch the substance of complex problems in society, he said, as they have misunderstood how to apply religion to modern life.

“Therefore, [religious] TV programs now are merely judging and blaming people for society’s ills.
They do not try to delve into the problem, and in the end it alienates religion from society,” he said.

Maman said the current religious programs on television reflected a more Arabic interpretation of Islam, with preachers wearing long robes and sermonizing about strict interpretations of the religion.

When preaching religion, Ma-man said, religious leaders should focus on the liberating and emancipating aspects of the religion, and address human rights violations and other social problems in the community.

“It is time for religious leaders to tackle societal problems seriously. There should be a dialogue between religious leaders and the community, in which both parties respect and appreciate each other,” he said. ( thejakartapost.com )

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Being bored could be bad for your health

Being bored could be bad for your health. In a commentary to be published in the International Journal of Epidemiology in April, experts say there's a possibility that the more bored you are, the more likely you are to die early.

Annie Britton and Martin Shipley of University College London caution that boredom alone isn't likely to kill you - but it could be a symptom of other risky behavior like drinking, smoking, taking drugs or having a psychological problem.

The researchers analyzed questionnaires completed between 1985 and 1988 by more than 7,500 London civil servants ages 35 to 55. The civil servants were asked if they had felt bored at work during the previous month.

Britton and Shipley then tracked down how many of the participants had died by April 2009. Those who reported they had been very bored were two and a half times more likely to die of a heart problem than those who hadn't reported being bored.

But when the authors made a statistical adjustment for other potential risk factors, like physical activity levels and employment grade, the effect was reduced.

Other experts said while the research was preliminary, the link between boredom and increased heart problems was possible - if not direct.

"Someone who is bored may not be motivated to eat well, exercise, and have a heart-healthy lifestyle. That may make them more likely to have a cardiovascular event," said Dr. Christopher Cannon, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard University and spokesman for the American College of Cardiology.

He also said if people's boredom was ultimately linked to depression, it wouldn't be surprising if they were more susceptible to heart attacks; depression has long been recognized as a risk factor for heart disease. Cannon also said it was possible that when people are bored, dangerous hormones are released in the body that stress the heart.

Britton and Shipley said boredom was probably not in itself that deadly. "The state of boredom is almost certainly a proxy for other risk factors," they wrote. "It is likely that those who were bored were also in poor health."

Others said boredom was potentially as dangerous as stress.

"Boredom is not innocuous," said Sandi Mann, a senior lecturer in occupational psychology at the University of Central Lancashire who studies boredom.

She said boredom is linked to anger suppression, which can raise blood pressure and suppress the body's natural immunity. "People who are bored also tend to eat and drink more, and they're probably not eating carrots and celery sticks," she said.

Still, Mann said it was only people who were chronically bored who should be worried.

"Everybody is bored from time to time," she said.

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