Scottsdale Author launched by

Scottsdale Publishing Firm

in time for your Holiday Reading List

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Patricia L. Brooks, president/founder

Brooks Goldmann Publishing, LLC

info@brooksgoldmannpublishing.com cell 480-250-5556

December, 2009 - You may not know the name Kiki Swanson, but chances are her books have been in your midst.  Right where the lump in your throat meets the place in your heart, she gives us hope that retirement living in Scottsdale can be rewarding with her new book Remnants – ready for new life.

WHO:  Kiki Swanson, author www.kikiswansonbooks.com discovers for us five women coming together in Scottsdale after a life time of joy and heartbreak to rekindle their lifelong friendships in their senior years with her new fiction release. 

WHAT: Swanson writes about these unsung heroines in her new book Remnants – ready for new life.  Those humble types who live ordinary lives until circumstances such as divorce, death widowhood or alcoholism force them to rise above the grief and pain to discover greater truths such as “life is for the living to the end.”

WHEN:  Remnants - ready for new life, recently released by Brooks Goldmann Publishing, LLC of Scottsdale, AZ, is being launched now in time for your holiday reading list.

WHERE:  www.kikiswansonbooks.com Kiki Swanson, Scottsdale, AZ author kikiswan@cox.net

ISBN#     978-0-981-7881-4-2

WHY:  People are yearning for earnest heartfelt stories they can relate to and learn from and Swanson delivers.  Our society discounts the importance of the senior community in our society, while other cultures admire and honor them.   Swanson kikiswan@cox.net aims to change all that with the 2010 launching of her book Remnants – ready for new life.

HOW: Swanson seeks to find the extraordinary in what appears to be ordinary lives.  Her lead character has gentle courage, a spunky and funny demeanor, while quietly doing the “right thing”, to make us smile.

Her readers will see themselves in her subjects; their strength, love and courage too.  Swanson understands it is people’s lives she is dealing with and that they are important to the storyline.  She peaks our interest often in short chapters that tie together nicely.

AUTHOR INFORMATION:  As a minister in senior issues at her church, Swanson was an “advice source” for many.  Now her advice is on paper in a loving and humorous fashion.  She never forgets that even in this fiction work, she is writing about real people in some way. 

Many told Swanson about their stories of loss and grief in her church ministry with seniors.  She heard hundreds of stories – probably thousands – over the years.  It was almost a relief to write Remnants so people would come up to her and talk more about friendships.

Swanson did not want to write a personal “tell all” and feels honored by those people in her life who trusted her to use their stories.  She knew she had to be sensitive, a trait she honed during her many years as a practicing minister.

This is a book about women with friendships that span a half century, says Swanson, because these women have too much to offer at this age: love, friendship and wisdom.

She fills in critical details and emotions needed as she weaves the lives of Daisy and her friends together like Remnants onto a warm winter quilt.  With the permission of her friends to embellish their stories and change names to produce a “new fiction” work, Swanson is cautious but strong in her pursuit of a good read.

PUBLISHERS COMMENTS:  Swanson’s goals were met.  She is emphatic, sensitive and touching in her portrayal of the women and their connections to each other.  She’s both girlish and womanly in her revelations of these women and their issues later in life.

Are Swanson’s books good? (See www.kikiswansonbooks.com for others) Yes, some are dramatic, or inspirational, some spin a life into an engaging narrative, and another is oddly entertaining.  Her books reflect our hopes of the world we want to know latter in life; filled with love and friendship, happiness and “busyness.”

With our country in two wars, a floundering economy and horrible stories on the evening news, we can get inside Remnants for 60 short chapters about women who have stayed friends forever, men who love and support them and a dog named Curly who teaches them the importance of loyalty one more time.

It is with earnestness that Daisy bonds with her friends at La Ventura and reminds us to stick to our convictions in laughter and in tears.  Thank you Kiki Swanson for a fine read.

This captivating volume will appeal to lovers of warm climates, active retirement communities, volunteerism, paying it forward and living life to the fullest in retirement.

In early 2004, Daisy Mac Duff moved into the active and well-appointed retirement community of La Ventura located in Scottsdale, AZ.  She left behind many friends over the years when she moved with her husband on many transfers, eventually moving to the desert of AZ.

Her children also live in AZ and, on occasion, keep her busy with their lives.  But Daisy needs the camaraderie of “soul” mates, friends her age who share happy memories of her past and her current pursuit of happiness.

Her grief for her husband had consumed several years of her life and now it is time to share her future with friends, new and old.  She seeks the companionship of her women friends from all parts of the country by writing and asking them to join her in Scottsdale. 

Soon a strong and steady flow of letters begin to appear in her mailbox.  Both the flamboyant red-head pianist Clarissa and the demure preacher’s wife Beth write immediately.  Others come in as quickly as you can say “out west”, such as Martha, the one seeking a new AA recovery group.

Daisy accumulates the letters, which often stretch into reminiscing of old places that bring back memories, such as with Mary Ann, Martha’s sister.  While some were meant to just read and smile or listen to what was really being said.  Beth is one of those with her quiet tone and gentle way.

From the window of Daisy’s retirement life at La Ventura you sense her yearning for the friendships she knew in the past with each of these women responding.  You will visualize Daisy with her friends enjoying their later years being productive in community while dealing with what life gives out. Practicing her mother’s philosophy, Daisy learns again how to accept life without losing her own character as some say yes and some say no to her suggestion to community life with her and the others.

You imagine the startling effects of a group of women coming together by one woman’s will to make them a family.  This joining of creative, active, senior women together in a new life with a fresh start from a divorce or widowhood, retirement alone or loneliness of any kind, gives them “wind at their backs”.  They go into the unknown of “later in life” friendships in a commune environment.  With Daisy behind them, pushing them with a force in the direction of giving back, serving God and enjoying every moment as if it were their destiny is their new life.

This is the story of a community formed and developed by a bunch of well educated, interesting, creative and productive caring women who with no real plans for their later years take a “leap of faith” and let a long time friend bring them together.  Because of this, they later will write their recipes for success, their ideas for mentoring, their last wishes, their obituaries and their insights and feelings about things they hold dear in their Tuesdays at Three writing group.

Some still have strong feelings and reservations about the success of the idea, such as the couple of men Daisy befriends early in the story.  But at the onset, the five of nine women who say yes “let’s just do it” are more than happy to reach out to others and not isolate elsewhere.  The men in turn become vital to the women’s friendships.

Here you will learn about many things, from loss and grief (incurred by all of them) to alcoholism (the elements of AA) to the medical issues too familiar to all of us.  The spring writing group for life’s philosophies gives many insights into all of them, and surely in to you too.

It is a satisfying and rewarding read and you get the feeling they are having a really wonderful time living out their lives together in a “village.” Being grateful for everyday, their mantra is to rise above the past, adjust to change and hear the music.  If humor and good taste can be a contradiction in terms, Remnants defies the idea and makes you smile as you look for the sunshine in life.

Kiki Swanson is fearless as she addresses real issues for all seniors (Baby Boomer types too) such as divorce, widowhood, alcoholism, dating, health restraints and life’s disappointments while believing resiliency is the key.  There is a lot of good old fashioned fun here that anyone considering a retirement community or living in one now can relate to on many levels.  Maybe the putting of these things in writing, including their last wishes, is more entertainment than any part of sadness and is what endears them to us.

One of my favorite parts of the story is the thread that weaves their leader Daisy and her perseverance in making things happen, sharing conversation with her dog Curly and learning late in life of her husband’s “secret life” and her son’s need for “care and understanding.” The mystery and unveiling is part of the intrigue.

Remnants-ready for new life acknowledges that it is not above the fray of recognizing the human frailty in all of us.  Everyone has moments of despair and sadness, coupled with anger.  Realizing in this read that it is in fact the ride of taking us “home” to our friends and faith in our “golden years” that sustains us, Kiki Swanson shows us it is possible to succeed to the end.

We have all spiraled out of the darkness of grief and divorce or alcoholism or life’s disappointments and up into something beautiful because someone listened.  We have all known love because someone cared, someone was there when we prayed about it and God answered.

Surely Remnants-ready for new life will be that kind of eye opening, heartwarming book you want with the memory of your life.  This work and these stories will help you put the past right where it belongs and your life ready for the surprises that lay ahead.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM

Publishing Consultant, Author, Speaker

BROOKS GOLDMANN PUBLISHING, LLC

 www.blog.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

Cell 480-250-5556

BROOKS GOLDMANN PUBLISHING, LLC – features their authors:

·       Kebba Buckley Button – book signing: Sat. 10-12 noon

o   Discover the Secret Energized You

·       Cay Randall May – book signing:  Sat. 1-3 p.m.

o   Healing and the Creative Response

·       Michael J. Lyding – book signing: Sun. 10-12 noon

o   Gratitude a Verb

·       Mia Pratt – book signing: Sun 1-3 p.m.

o   The 100 Golden Keys

SATURDAY and SUNDAY

NOV. 21^ST and 22^ND

For more information on the event:       www.bookstreetaz.com  

FREE – ONE HOUR CONSULTATION w/attendance at this event – just pick up a card from Patricia L. Brooks.

For more information about publishing consultation and book shepherds see:             www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Patricia L. Brooks, president, founder

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

RSVP - 480-250-5556 – patricia@plbrooks.com or  info@brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

WHAT:           Scottsdale Society of Women Writers Monthly Meeting

WHERE:        Meeting Location: The Marriott Old Town, 7325 E. Third Ave.

 at Scottsdale Rd., So of Camelback, turn E at the light

WHEN:           5:30 to 7:30, Wed. November 18^h    Please RSVP*

WHY:             The Scottsdale Society of Women Writers gives members access to events of interest, a format for exchanging ideas, an opportunity to network with other women authors, an alliance with businesses relating to writing and publishing and camaraderie and support.  

HOW:             *RSVP now to Patricia at 480-250-5556 or patricia@plbrooks.com  

HOLIDAY DONATION:  Please bring a new adult book to the meeting on the 18^th to be donated to the Crossroads for Women half-way house for their new library.   The Scottsdale Society of Women Writers holiday charitable donation for 2009 offers the books in time for the Holidays.  Thank you in advance for your contribution to the women.

VandeVrede has been in high-tech public relations for more than 25 years, working for startups such as KnowledgeNet, iMemories and Sequencia, mid-size companies such as Viasoft, and large multinational corporations such as Honeywell and Data General. Many of the strategies and concepts she uses to help increase brand awareness and reputation are described in her book, Press Releases Are Not a PR Strategy, which won the Arizona Book Publishing Association Glyph award in 2008.

Public relations and press releases have evolved significantly over the last few years because of social media.   The days of creating and mailing one press release to the masses are over.   Instead, these are the days of creating “social media releases” and reaching diversified and segmented communities in the manner in which they choose to be reached.   This presentation provides an introduction to what constitutes “press releases” and tips on what to write, when to write, and various ways to distribute in order to get the maximum benefit of book publicity.      

Contact:          Brooks Goldmann Publishing Company, LLC

Address:          7970 E. Camelback Rd., 710, Scottsdale, AZ  85251

Cell                  (480-250-5556)

Email:              egoldmann@cox.net or patricia@plbrooks.com

Web Site:        www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

Blog:               http://blog.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

Brooks Goldmann Publishing Company, LLC

 launches Healing and the Creative Response

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, September 28, 2009 –To find healing in our creativity is the ultimate satisfaction on our quest for peace and harmony.  That was accomplished this past week by author Rev. Cay Randall May, PhD as Brooks Goldmann Publishing Company, LLC of Scottsdale, AZ enhanced the launch of her high quality self-help production Healing and the Creative Response.  This new book de-mystifies natural healing

            In today’s political firestorm over health care alternative forms of medicine are overlooked.   “Healing and the Creative Response:  Four Key Steps Shared by Healers and Artists explains how to use prayer, laying-on-of-hands, Therapeutic Touch, Reiki and Energy Medicine to promote well-being.  In addition to reducing the emotional and physical distress of illness and injury, Randall-May asserts that applying the steps in her book can enhance self-expression through a process she calls the Creative Response.

Randall-May, who represents prayer healing and medical intuition on the national Council for Healing and serves on the American Board of Scientific Medical Intuition, is a faculty member of the Energy Medicine University where she teaches natural approaches to healing.  Readers who sample this richly illustrated book and CD online by visiting www.HealingCreativeResponse.com will be opened to the possibility of achieving greater well-being while engaging more than the usual senses. 

As a published author herself, Scottsdale business woman, Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM of Brooks Goldmann Publishing Company, LLC endorses this book on what she considers “the ultimate subject for all of us.”  Patricia knows the author is a spiritual soul having worked with her on the publishing process.  Brooks also contributed her own experience to its content.  She assures us the work’s examples are thought provoking.    

The Brooks Goldmann Publishing website www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com provides more information on this publication, as well as detailed information on their publishing services available to you.  Patricia can help you as your “book shepherd” while you travel the writing and publishing maze.  You can also visit her many posts on writing and publishing on their blog http://blog.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

Contact Patricia at 480-250-5556 or patricia@plbrooks.com to set a date for your FREE one hour consultation and coffee meeting.  Begin to take the path of your writing passion.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Patricia L. Brooks, President, Founder

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

RSVP - 480-250-5556 – patricia@plbrooks.com

WHAT:           Scottsdale Society of Women Writers Monthly Meeting

WHERE:        NEW MEETING LOCATION: The Marriott Old Town, 7325 E. Third

Avenue, off Scottsdale Rd., South of Camelback – turn at the light - parking near hotel

WHEN:           5:30 to 7:30, Wed. April 29^th, Please RSVP

WHY:             The Scottsdale Society of Women Writers gives members access to events of interest, a format for exchanging ideas, an opportunity to network with other women authors, an alliance with businesses relating to writing and publishing and camaraderie and support.  

HOW:             RSVP now to Patricia at 480-250-5556 or patricia@plbrooks.com  

BIO:  Pam Swartz, nationally recognized author of the award-winning Arizona Getaways for the Incurably Romantic: 45 Sensational Destinations for Lovers and Dine Out Phoenix: Where to Eat from Chic to Unique, is widely recognized as an expert on Arizona’s dining scene and getaways for the romance-minded traveler. The founder of Cloud Nine Press, LLC, a publisher of travel books and dining guides, Swartz is also a contributing writer for a number of publications both locally and regionally.  As the creator of Dine Out with the Chefs: A Celebration of the Culinary Arts, an annual benefit for the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Swartz celebrates the Valley’s exciting dining scene, attracting the top chefs in town. As the Cultural Arts Director for Lon’s at the Hermosa, she directs the inn’s popular “Artist in Residence” series, with guests that have included Jane Seymour, Diane Ladd, Aaron Elkins, Tito Puente Jr. and more.  Swartz brings her marketing expertise to clients nationwide on select projects that include developing an initial concept to drafting and executing the strategic plan, to advising on the promotional campaign.  Swartz was named as a ‘Women in Business 2007 Honoree’ by The Business Journal and the 2005 recipient of the Korwin Award for Visionary Leadership, an award given in recognition of an act or service by the Arizona Book Publishing Association. She is a past board director for AZ Book Publishing Association and a current member.

Robin Reynolds is hardly the first woman to write the self-help, feel good book for adults or children on life’s lessons, but this creative soul chose an unusual route to what appears to be publishing success.  She has taken the “traditional” self-help, life lessons concept and written it from the voice of her late pet Max who has personality to “the max” and keeps you turning pages.

By passing clichés she writes clear and concise messages with one-liners on lessons for all ages along with the story and experience of this lovable dog that could have only been in Robin’s household.  She has taken the children’s book genre to a new level by including the “big kids” like you and me.  With the reminders we love to remember and the lessons we hold dear, Life to the Max is a journey back in time and you should not miss it.

Originally awarded the “gift award” by the AZ Book Publishers Association this past year, this book has transcended that arena and catapulted itself into self-help.  By gently taking us on a path only a well-bred, sophisticated pooch like Max could take us, we travel all the way to his most critical lessons in life.

Many books about dogs are sappy, and I like dogs, many books for children are not educational, and I am a demanding teacher.  Many books in the self-help genre are insulting and I read about one a month, but this book Robin has written takes all of that to task and shines through a different view – that of a lovable family pet.

Robin has found her niche in children’s books by utilizing the voice of an animal to tell “big kids” and children about life.  Her work should be lauded for its fine writing, graceful lessons, good humor, beautiful illustrations, and fun photos and of course the philosophy behind it all.

I commend Robin and Max for doing an outstanding job, along with the other characters she developed to make this a family we would want to know and have as neighbors.   I recommend this book to any of you as a gift giving idea for any “big kid” or smaller child on your list – self-help genre is a natural for gift giving. 

We are in challenging times and many are seeking quiet and spiritual moments.  I was moved to tears while reading this beautiful book and all the issues it addresses and all the lessons it reminded me were possible to revisit and love again. 

Thank you Robin www.nicecreative.blogspot.com for rolling the dice and taking a shot at a new type of writing for you, we are all the better for it.  We appreciate your courage in telling this very personal and heartfelt story that needed to be out there to be useful to many readers young and “forever young.”

The AZ Book Publishers Conference www.azbookpub.com 2009 offered a lot of great ideas, tips and techniques thus allowing me to take my clients/writers to the author stage in new and different ways.  The result of this day well spent is positive and productive.  I share some of that now with you. 

Here are my comments and analysis from my notes on the first talk addressing the author’s platform and the web.   Please take what works for you and contact me via comment or cell 480-250-5556 for a first hour consultation FREE to writers/authors.   Look forward to hearing from you - enjoy!

·         Why do buyers buy your book?

o   They have a specific genre and topic in mind and have enjoyed this area for a long time, or have discovered it recently and it fits them.  They are seeking your topic for research, education, information or pure enjoyment.  Give them what they want and make it easy for them to find you – Marketing 101.

o   They are interested in what you write because you have “touched a nerve” and you are someone they know or believe they can trust for information.  They may have been inspired by your other writings.

o   They have heard of your book through word-of-mouth, friends, family, co-workers, social networking sites and so you have inadvertently started your “author’s platform” and made yourself available to them and them to you – congratulations!

SIDE BAR…There is no more effective way than to have someone say “I just read ……..and I loved it, and I think you would love to read …….”   That is why when I read a good book, and I read about 2-3 a month, I love to tell people by putting it on my www.twitter.com/PatriciaBrooks  or by writing a review on Amazon for that book.  For my authors, it would be a book review online on my Facebook  http://profile.to/patricialbrooks or my blog and telling my friends, family and colleagues in any form needed. 

·         What is an Author’s Platform?

o   You need a “team” to help you spread the word in this highly competitive marketplace.  It is extremely unlikely that a direct mail piece; and I still believe they have their place, will be enough. It is really rare that a press release and a one-time article in the paper will be thing that “pushes you through the eye of the needle”, again I love media coverage.  Remember, you must fall in “love with your laptop”, “work the web” and “ink the internet” with as much writing as you can by obsessing on you and your book.

o   People who know you is only the start of it.  There is a world out there of people who (1) think like you, (2) believe like you, (3) socialize like you, (4) grew up like you, (5) read what you read, (6) live their life like you do and (7) want to know you.

o   Your work, family, friends, Facebook, Twitter, blog, website are your “teammates” and all of them and their connections and friends are your team along with your database that you are building.  We called it our “Hot 100 Hit List” decades ago when I embarked on a sales career and collected business cards and kept in touch with people regularly, while building my Rolodex, I still do that and keep one for back-up.  Guess that comes from being in Camp Fire Girls, we always had a plan B.  My contacts, friends and family always know where I am and what I am doing.

SIDE BAR… Life in the world of writing and publishing is now about social networking as much as anything and keeping in touch in all the electronic ways out there, or at least 2 or 3.  I prefer my blog and my Twitter, my LinkedIn page and now my FaceBook to compliment my two websites and those business cards and emails I have been collecting along the way.  I fondly refer to them as “my tribe”.  Sometimes I feel so connected I wonder if I have to wear lipstick to take out the trash! 

·         Why do I need an Author’s Platform?

o   Determining if anybody knows you is the easy part because of course many do.  By making a list of all the organizations you have been involved in, all the places you have worked, all the clients you have worked with, all the events you have participated in and all the places you have lived curing your adult life you will have a pretty good list as a starting point.  For me, it is 30 plus years in business in AZ in several careers that have lead to other things including two home-based businesses and memberships in several key organizations.  The books that have come from those personal experiences, as well as professional wisdom and contacts seem endless and for that I am most grateful.  It will be that way for you too.  You just need to start writing your lists and checking them twice!  Start from today and go backwards and list everyone before you screen them.

o   Your credibility statement is already partially out there with your bio and resume and vitae, but it can be condensed and fine-tuned, polished and made better with a professional editor.  You want to be sure you “shine as bright as the North Star” and are showing your true colors as you project yourself to the world.  Do not be afraid to show your personal side.  Remember:  People do business with people, not companies and they buy products from people they know and like. 

o   Selling online is critical to your success and paramount to your being able to compete in today’s world.  If you are squeamish about being on social networking sites or are afraid to “toot your own horn” because you are a shy writer read “The Shy Writer” By C. Hope Clark www.fundsforwriters.com  and hire someone to help you with your marketing and PR.  You need a good web person like my friend Danita with www.DLWebWorks.com.

SIDE BAR…“You are nobody ‘till somebody loves” your blog, email, Twitter, online newsletter, Facebook, website “so find somebody to love” and they will love you back.  That is the way this social networking works and happens.  It is like “online dating” when you don’t want to be dating and dislike dating and love being married, like me and my husband, but we are on Facebook and Twitter and have websites and a blog.  It is reality and you do want to live in reality don’t you?

·         Who are they and how big can “it” get?

o   Friends and family, colleagues, co-workers, trade organizations and anyone else who has crossed your path in your life qualifies to be in your “social network” and should be if they will be a positive force for good in your life.  Subscribers to your blog are the “most beautiful people in the world” so pay attention to your list and it will make you a player online.  Barbra Streisand was right, “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world” so make your services needed, leave good content online.

o   Those who bought your last book are the breath in your step, the song in your heart and the most valuable source for keeping the “buzz” about you going to catapult your next book to a new level and take the first one along for the ride. 

o   Those who read your online newsletter are your loyal tribe of do-gooders who will be relentless in telling people about your writing.  They should have found many great things in your newsletter that have helped them and so your book will be even more beautiful in their eyes if you pay it forward.

o   Those who have attended past events/engagements are part of your delegation because not only will they come to you online in their home, but they will get dressed and drive to you and participate and be in attendance because they believe in you.  Do not dismiss the importance of this special group that is like no other.

SIDE BAR… Online networkers are those crazy, lovable people who cannot wait to check email, collect things for their Twitter and keep making notes for their next blog.  They are always looking at other websites for ideas and fell in love with Facebook the first time a friend from their class of 1968 found them – yes that is yours truly and it will be you too if you are receptive to giving it a try to sticking with it and making it work for you!

·         Why is Online more attractive than Offline marketing?

o   Easier and less time consuming is the obvious answer, but it is also what the majority of people are doing these days.  We need to be willing to compete and keep up, or go more than the extra mile and exceed all expectations.  You deserve your rightful place in the world of publishing as much as I do, or anyone else.

o   Less expensive is good in this case, but Online should be supplemented with Offline ideas to personalize your overall marketing efforts.  No one idea is the “end all” for you and with a good marketing plan in place, you will make the right decisions to balance your marketing budget and put forth your best efforts.  Do the footwork and it will pay off in the end.

o   Easier to do and lasts longer are two of the components that make Online so attractive.  You do not need to be anywhere but in your home office with your laptop and you can teach yourself most of the areas we have discussed so far.  The last longer part is true because the web is somewhat like a sponge, it soaks up everything, and lets it out when you release it, but it will not allow anything to dry up, even if you remove it from your web world. It is there for the duration, be careful what you wish for in this case.

SIDE BAR…You will be able to grow your network to be of value to your long range goals while savoring your experience when you are away.  This is my favorite part because the Twitters keep chirping and the blog comments keep blowing my way and the Facebook entries keep funneling into my life and I love it.  I can leave one for a couple days and go back and visit and everyone is still there and basically happy.  My email will keep me aware of what is going on in my “web world”.  It is as if the party never ends!

·         Why do I need Websites and Blogs for my Author’s Platform?

o   Technology can show you off in a way that you could not have imagined just a few years ago.  It is moving very quickly and is ready everyday to make you look better.  You must take advantage of most of it to compete. 

o   Blogging must be faithful because if you expect loyalty you much be loyal, just like any relationship, trust and loyalty are the keys to building that solid foundation.  They will not leave you if you do not leave them.  No abandonment issues in blog life.

o   A good money investment if maintained because you are not paying for an expensive four-color brochure that needs to be updated every year because the numbers or people or addresses or products have changed.  You can do most of this yourself, or hire a web person like I do to help out and be another set of eyes to make things better and generate more ideas.  Looking professional and competing with the “big guys” is now possible for a fraction of the cost we once knew.

o   Search engines are critical and are the caboose to your cause.  “The Little Engine that Could” was one of my favorite books as a kid.  It comes to mind because it is the story of optimism and the American Dream.  If you have not read it you should and you will understand all there is to know about search engines, online marketing and why you should keep going despite today’s challenges.

o   Track hits, sell product; keep notes, finish project.  Pretty much the same thing said in two different ways.  If you do not know what is happening in your life, how can you use this valuable information to the best of your ability? Why would you throw away the present and keep the box or the wrapping paper?  Why would you not at least look at all the ideas given to you before making a decision?

SIDE BAR…Social networking is “touchy feely” and we can learn to love it and think we can handle it because somebody loves us, but we must know what you are doing. All of the social networking arenas have “how to do” info pages and instruction, and yes a lot of information, but take it one item at a time.  When all else fails, read the instruction book.  This is a learning curve item like many others; you can do business math, you can change the tire on your car in an emergency and you can learn to be a good social networker!

INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERVICES what we will do for you!

LEVEL ONE CONSULTATION

Being there for you!

THE FOLLOWING INTRODUCTORY CONSULTATION SERVICES CAN BE AVAILABLE to you with guidance by

Patricia L. Brooks, president/founder

Earl L. Goldmann, manager/partner:

        I.            Consultation – to guide you in making the best possible decisions necessary to take your completed manuscript to fruition by taking you through the self-publishing process in a clear and concise manner

      II.            Management  - to assist you with what you have in an idea, research and writings by helping you put it all into an outline that will become your book by helping you to conceptualize the theme and purpose of the book

    III.            Coaching – to mentor you in structuring your thoughts and passion into a saleable manuscript ready for a “peer” review and editing while giving you insight into what needs to happen to make it unique and different

    IV.            Idea Generation – to brainstorm with you for more and better ideas for your marketing plan and publicity campaign that are the critical 60% of your future success as an author

      V.            Ghost Writing – to offer a partnership to your writing and to put your thoughts on paper by bringing your work to the forefront of your dreams and an opportunity to be a force in your genre

LEVEL TWO flaunting your style!

THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTION SERVICES CAN BE PROVIDED to you by our many vendors in a “bundled” package offering to prepare your manuscript:

A.      Photography – enhance your book with a professional in the book photography industry

B.      Art Design – develop your book cover as the “point-of-purchase” with a professional who will design it with your ideas and their vision to attract the public and send the right message

C.      Graphic Design – augment your book so the size and type style of the letters praise your work set the tone of voice

D.     Editing – cultivate a “must read” book with a professional editor that has improved the voice, structure, flow and story line to your liking

E.      Proofreading – mature the book with proper grammar and punctuation

F.       Peer Review – a look at the book with “fresh eyes” and an open heart

LEVEL THREE Taking care of details!

THE FOLLOWING PRINTING RELATED SERVICES CAN BE PROVIDED to you through the publishing entity of the company for the completion of your manuscript:

1)      Typesetting – proper formatting, spell check and minor corrections

2)      Conversion to PDF format to be sent to printing source

3)      Copywriting – submission of necessary paperwork

4)      ISBN Numbers – submission of necessary paperwork

5)      Barcode – submission of necessary paperwork

6)      Printing – research on best prices and highest quality

7)      Distribution – research and suggestions

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

To be considered now: 

v  What size, in dimensions, are the manuscript and the anticipated book? 

v  Is it to be hard cover or soft cover or both; will it be an e-book later? 

v  How many estimated pages now and in the final book? 

v  What paper type will be used, cream, white, acid based, 50#, 60#? 

v  What additional inside graphics, illustrations, charts, photos are required?

v  What type of cover design, photos, artwork, and colors will be used?

LEVEL FOUR helping to let you shine!

THE FOLLOWING MULTI-LAYERED MARKETING SERVICES CAN BE PROVIDED to you through our marketing/PR division:

a.      Successful Value Selling – research and guidance to take advantage of opportunities on websites, newsletters, blogs, E-magazines, catalogs and special promotions to create need

b.      ‘Marketing Plans Made Magical’ – consultation and guidance to develop and write a 12 month/10 part plan of magic to differentiate your book and platform’s branding

c.       Publicity Campaign – consultation and guidance to develop and write a 3-6-9 or 12 month campaign for the growth of your platform and maintenance of your image

d.      Press Kits – consultation on the necessities of a packet that will get attention with the media outlets and help you to be successful in your efforts to obtain critical exposure

e.      Positioning Consultation – overview of how to approach your marketplace, target your market, find your niche and set your goals to “hook” your audience in your genre

Please consider accepting this proposal of our company and services.  Please review it entirely and then ask yourself the following SEVEN questions.  If you answer yes to all or most of them, we should proceed to build a working relationship.

We look forward to hearing from you and to discussing the possibilities of a partnership to “launch your book out” into the marketplace.

Regards,

Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM

Earl L. Goldmann

480-250-5556 cell

 info@brooksgoldmannpublishing.com  

www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

PUBLISHING “PARTNERSHIP” questions to ask at this time:

·         Do you want to be in “partnership” with the publishing process?

·         Do you want to learn the publishing process?

·         Do you want to go through the process of book publishing quickly?

·         Do you want to have control over your intellectual property?

·         Are you able to look at your book and you as a business?

·         Are you willing to commit to the marketing efforts needed to launch your book and promote yourself?

·         Are you willing to learn more about marketing and PR?

If you missed my talk at Barnes and Noble on the 8th of January here in Scottsdale - this is a copy of my handout.

Enjoy and let me know what works for you and what questions you have for me.  Patricia

Gifts that Keep on Giving- - sharing the journey of writing

Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM

Speaker, Author, Publishing Consultant, Faculty

www.plbrooks.com  or www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

§  Begin Writing Inspiration

–  Your memory – no new ideas – your “spin”

–  Hopes, dreams, fascinations, fears, longings

–  Take ideas, wants, needs, fantasies home to the written word

–  Keep the creative juices flowing!

§ Prepare to be an Author

–  Workshops and conferences – the “buddy” system

–  Books and courses – call yourself a writer

–  Festivals, writers groups, networking

§ Writing Plan will happen

–  Notebooks and outlines – build your book

–  Thoughts in building blocks – storyboards

–  Set-up writing “space” – mind map

–  Schedule most alert hours – discipline - timeline

§ Research Rules – primary and secondary

–  Research thoroughly – internet and more, interviews

–  Read authors you admire – bookstores, libraries

–  Preview competition – gets stats

§  Revision Roads – macro-micro-fine tuning

–  No revisions for a year – write to the end

–  Expand, cut, polish over and over again – read aloud

–  Respect your readers – your voice - thesaurus

§ Birth of my Baby

–  Trust yourself - be proud – set it free!

–  Ghostwriters

–  Professional Editor or proofreader

–  Peer Reviewer - expertise

§ Publishing Possibilities – it’s not easy

–  Self-Publishing – more control, money up front

–  Print on Demand – business model - digital printing - cost

–  Traditional Publishing, Agents, Publicists

–  Book Proposals – pitch story

§ Launch Live – the real challenge

–  Web Sites, blogs, social networks, online

–  Hot “100 hit list” – Coming Out” Party - partnerships

–  PR packets – Media, bookstores, libraries, book clubs

–  Specialty, catalogs, Associations

–  Business cards, bookmarks, postcards

§ The Big Picture

–  Charity and advocacy

–  Purpose, goals, objectives, strategies

–  Many markets – CD’s, E books, audio books, foreign, magazines

–  Business Plan and a Marketing Plan

§ Suggested Reading:

–  If You Want to Write – Brenda Ueland

–  Writing Down the Bones – Natalie Goldberg

–  Your Life as Story –Tristine Rainer

–  The Artist’s Way – Julia Cameron

–  Lessons from a Lifetime of Writing – David Morrell

Thank you for coming, Patricia

patricia@plbrooks.com - Cell 480-250-5556 

http://blog.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com