THE INITIAL CONTACT:

Meeting our authors for the first time is usually serendipity through my knowing another woman writer or a contact from one of my speaking engagements.  Some come from our website and many have my card when they call, given to them by a friend or found in a coffee shop.  We immediately start talking about writing, usually sitting in a coffee shop.  Our relationship is cemented.

Some of our potential clients share mutual acquaintances with us and know our coming together was meant to be.  They seek us to help them independently publish their book.  I write this reflection of 2009 as part of a greater plan for both their books and our time together.  We help writers in various ways and are eager to give back to the community. 

THE FIRST MEETING:

Our first meeting with the budding author is to discuss taking their manuscript or notes (if a ghostwriter is needed) through the independent publishing process and launch their work as a tangible book to enhance their goals and purpose.   Most writers ask me to help in the post-marketing of the book too with a book review and media release.  While being available to them early on with a peer review and commitments in our proposal and contract, we pledge to our author to continue with them long after the initial launch. 

While answering the writer’s inquiries into what needs to be done to make this all happen, and their determination to get the book out, we accept the challenge.  To look at all the opportunities available in the many facets of publishing, we make this experience function exceptionally well by setting up a team and selecting the best vendors (ghostwriter, editor, designer, printer to name a few) for the client.  All plans are in writing, including the proposal and contract with us and the contacted vendor.

THE INTERVIEW:

The writer relates their creative side by sharing their experiences as a professional or novice writer.  They elaborate for us how they opted for a traditional career in life “to earn a living”, but now want to be a writer first, and “to have a life” as a published author.  Using a more avant-garde approach to their creative life today, they relate to us over and over again that they write first for themselves and then for the reader.

We talk in our first meeting about their childhood and young adult encounters with writing so I can have a full picture of their writing life and commitment, as well as how writing has sustained them.  Most of these writers are eager for us to give feedback on their manuscript (first 30 pages or first three chapters) before we embark on a contract.  Since our paths could easily have crossed earlier in our writing life, our souls have some stories that resonate with each other in all of the manuscripts we select.  I enjoy the peer review process and give a full report to them after reading their submission.

THE DECISION:

When asked to be their publishing consultant and to read their manuscripts or chapters as a peer reviewer prior to the proofreader, editor or designer, I am honored and accept immediately (my partner husband also does peer reviews).  Although I am flattered about the peer review, I know it will be one of the most difficult aspects of our relationship and I do not take it lightly.  My feedback must be honest and sensitive.  Being the publishing consultant enlists my expertise, but to accommodate the author’s voice and honor their vision in a peer review I know I will be challenged. 

 In accepting the job of peer reviewer whole heartedly and with fierce abandon, I begin reading daily 10-15 pages each morning.  Doing the exercises and questions I prepare for myself will be part of my final report to the writer.  While opening my heart to the possibilities of their work and learning more about my new writer friend, I forge ahead enjoying each new day.

Although I realize as I proceed through their writing, which can be daunting due to unedited drafts, that their views and ideas are not necessarily mine I enhance my life with the read.  We are very selective about the types of books we publish, so I set aside an hour early each morning for this reading time.  My days are enriched because I view their work as a gift and value it greatly.

THE PROCESS:

My goal is to help another up-and-coming author. My objective is to take their work through the step-by-step process for a quality book and visualize the reader involved in this endeavor as well.  Transforming their life as the author did only a few years earlier, the reader will be forever changed from the experience of the book.  Good and honest work in the peer review is part of our strategy for success.

Possibly spanning the course of several years, the author may have ended suffering and challenging experiences with a wonderful turn of events that tells a story of inspiration with ideas for the reader’s life too.  A book well worth reading has to play a role in saving the life of the author and/or protagonist in some way while allowing the reader to hope they too can witness a transformation.

Most authors are bold and courageous in their telling of their stories and are not afraid of the risk if it means helping another soul on a spiritual search.   The self-help and memoir genres are alive and well.  Most people today are on a spiritual quest.  I realize in my morning readings that the books we review and publish are similar creatures in many ways.  Being completely involved in the manuscripts in doing the peer reviews, I see them as an opportunity for me too and take the review to fruition in a positive manner.

THE INSIGHT:

None of us, me, my husband or the authors we work with, takes rising above the “ashes of life” lightly or looks past the obvious to realize a happy life.  Reading and critiquing our authors’ manuscripts or chapters is a responsibility taken to heart.  It is the sweetness of the process and a critical area on the successful journey of what we can offer the author.

Just as the author’s philosophy shines in their book, it also chooses to thrive in the challenges and opportunities of launching a book to market.  Our authors look to us for intuitive and creative ways to find solutions to the questions they pose for themselves in their writing plan.  Their positive attitude is paramount when we accept them into our program and take responsibility for making the book launch happen for them.  We share a common belief with our authors that there is something larger than ourselves involved in the creative and writing process, and that creativity is as much a part of healing as a pen is to paper. 

We published three wonderful books in 2009 in the genres of self-help, spirituality and new fiction.  They are written by creative and artistic souls who love their art and admire other’s art too.  They come to see their life’s worth sharing in writing as well as in art.

As stated throughout many of the books we publish, the path of life is sometimes simple; it just isn’t always that easy to achieve. We help you break-out and launch your first book or another book quickly and easily.

THE FEEDBACK:

Our peer reviews captivate an approach to faith and love, courage and the science to saving the voice of the writer’s work.  Most of our authors share their mind, body and spirit experiences in a mix with creativity and a love for the written word.  This philosophy and attitude carries forward. 

Having experienced our latest author’s work for many weeks, this philosophy is enhanced, and I have learned a lot.  All of the books (listed below) have pushed me to places I have neglected overtime.  It has been a wonderful journey.  Thank you, Mia, Cay and Kiki for an enlightened 2009.

It has been a privilege to meet Mia, Cay and Kiki as writer clients.  We have become friends through our working together and I encourage them to get their message out to the public with appointments on Internet Radio and online social networking, speaking to women who are in need of their message and blogging to the general population who in these difficult times needs to be part of the psychology of hope.

THE APPRECIATION:

We are pleased to be a part of three more important and inspiring books.  Each one of these women truly touches a chord for anyone who needs to know life can turn for the better with a slight change of attitude, a chance with faith or the courage to try new things.  Cay and Mia’s books are especially for the “baby boomer” generation that feels so many times to be in a poor light.  All three books show us how to appreciate our lives just the way they are and to be grateful for what we have and give back.

All too often, this “baby boomer” generation of mine finds itself lost and confused when in fact we continue to make a tremendous impact on every aspect of our society.  These three women author’s books should be part of Wellness Community and Life Long Learning programs for early retirees and third career people who need to take stock in just what they are worth and where they can go from here. 

My husband and business partner Earl, and I, would especially like these three beautiful books  The Secrets of the 100 Golden Keys, Remnants-ready for new life and Healing and the Creative Response to be compulsory reading for the many displaced “middle aged” workers who feel they have nowhere to turn and no solutions for a life interrupted.  Whether you are a “baby boomer” considering a new career or a “young-at-heart” senior person seeking answers and spiritual truths about yourself and your life, these books stand out like the artwork featured in them.

Happy New Year and enjoy the reading. 

Recommending this year’s books launched fall 2009:

ENTREPRENEURIAL MOTHERS ASSOCIATION

 

 

November 10, 2009 11:30 pm to 1:00 pm

EMA-Northeast Valley features:

Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM

publishing consultant, speaker, author

Stone Creek Golf Club – 4435 E. Paradise Village Parkway, Phoenix, AZ

Please RSVP for lunch - 602-432-2537 with Bebe Heng.

 

 

 

Marketing for Less         Patricia L. Brooks          MAOM           Publishing Consultant author, speaker

 

 

 

Patricia takes you on your first step to Marketing for Less with Passion because she believes you must know you can do this yourself.  The journey is fresh and uplifting in its account of how she prepared to go from being a small home-based business owner and part-time university professor in 1996 to a published author and sought after consultant.  She is president and founder of the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers and owner of her second business, Brooks Goldmann Publishing Company, LLC.  www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com   Her perspective is generous and worth noting as she shares with you how to get Focused on your goals, objectives and strategies in the “new wave” of social networking and technology that is available to all of us.  This entrepreneur shows Wit, Courage and Faith during times of challenge by sharing ideas to help you become more competitive from your own vantage point.    Along with insight into a philosophy of business worth emulating; she will Motivate you.  Regardless of your competition, you will be shown how to launch your Vision for Marketing Success in the New Year.  You will learn how to take advantage of the promotional opportunities that are available to your business.  Patricia asks you to think about your Vision for new business, and seek the advantages beyond your current efforts.  She wants you to be Honest about how much Commitment you have made, and how Prepared and Willing you are to be critical at all check points in your marketing plan.  She expects you to ask yourself what makes you a candidate for success.

 

 

 

 

}  PUBLISH YOURSELF AS THE EXPERT!

}  Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM – www.BrooksGoldmannPublishing.com  

 

}  QUESTIONS to ponder

?     What do you READ?

?     Is reading and writing a PASSION?

?     Why do you want to WRITE?

?     Why do you want to be PUBLISHED?

 

}  Understand What Moves You

?     Don’t think about the READER as you write

?     Don’t think about your past SUCCESSES

?     Envision what you want the BOOK to be

 

}  Understand What Moves Them

?     Remember it’s not what they HEAR in your work

?     Remember it’s what they are EXPERIENCING

?     Remember they want a passionate TEACHER

 

}  Develop a Personal Mission

?     Get out of your COMFORT zone

?     Learn to deserve your AUTHORITY

?     Make it VIABLE

 

 

 

}  Honor for Whom you Need to be a VOICE

?     Evaluate your ideas in terms of your AUDIENCE

?     Note how they will be impacted in a POSITIVE Way

?     Show your PERSONALITY, let them get to know You

 

}  A Winning Writing Plan – THE DO’S

?     Remember the opening is the immediate HOOK

?     Begin in the right place with the BEST info

?     Give them good stories with your EXPERTISE

 

}  A Winning Writing Plan – THE DON’TS

?     Don’t open with anything but the TRUTH

?     Don’t bore us – get to the POINT

?     Don’t push HUMOR, let it flow naturally

 

}  A Winning Writing Plan – THE BRAIDING

?     Do an element of SURPRISE for the reader

?     Use THREE topics or approaches in Braiding

?     Allow for “NATURAL” organization in your structure

 

}  Five W’s of Good Reporting

?     Who, What

?     When, Where

?     Why

 

}  Practice Strict Research Rules – Interviews

?     Be professional and RESPECTFUL

?     Be humble, patient and INVOLVED

?     Be accessible and SPECIFIC

 

}  More Research Rules – learn your topic

?     Don’t tell us, SHOW us what you Know

?     Build your vocabulary with POWER words

?     Don’t over explain, LESS is More

 

}  GOALS – steps to consider

?     Write a book that is VISUALLY appealing

?     Produce a GOOD Product then GOOD Marketing

?     Avoid a condescending APPROACH

 

}  OBJECTIVES – destinations to seek

?     Give them what they WANT

?     Tell them stories with HEART and SOUL

?     Grab the reader and KEEP them

 

}  STRATEGIES – action plan ideas to ponder

?     Consider a co-author for COLLABORATION

?     Be both analytical and emotional – LEFT/RIGHT

?     Keep a distinct TONE and PACE

 

}  Research for YOU

?     Look to the Future – follow TRENDS

?     Push the Positive – seek RISKS

?     Press Ahead – MONITOR your plans

 

}  Develop a Pre-marketing Plan

?     Set goals (steps) for getting a “BRAND”

?     Include objectives (what) for getting a business “MINDSET”

?     Be CREATIVE in all your “Strategies” (how)

 

}  The FINAL Analysis

?     Why are you the EXPERT?

?     What is your EXPERTISE?

?     Have you LIVED your Book?

?     Are you willing to be AUTHENTIC?

 

}  Be HONEST with Yourself

?     Why would anyone CARE?

?     Will your Topic hold INTEREST?

?     Are these ISSUES really Important?

 

My Offer ONE FREE HOUR of consultation on publishing or writing

?     Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM     CELL - 480-250-5556

?     EMAIL - info@brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

?     www.blog.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Web Site:        www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

Blog:               http://blog.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

 

AMERICAN BUSINESS

WOMENS ASSOCIATION

to feature Scottsdale Author and

Publishing Consultant Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM

 

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, June, 2009 – The American Business Womens Association – Turquoise Camel Chapter will feature publishing consultant “book shepherd”, author and Scottsdale business woman, Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com on Wednesday, July 8^th at their monthly dinner at Anzio’s Italian Restaurant, 12418 N. 28^th Dr., Phoenix, 6:00 p.m. 

 

The American Business Womens Association continue their speaker series with Patricia’s talk Publish Yourself as the Expert.  Patricia shares her inspirational portrait of the relationship you want to develop with your writing as you take the many steps needed to produce fine work and instrument change.   Please RSVP for this dinner to Donna Tucker 602-788-3121 or abwa-phoenix@att.net priced at $21.00.  Thank you.

 

Ø  Publish Yourself as the Expert.  Patricia takes you to writing with passion because you must be an instrument for change.  The journey is fresh and uplifting as she shares with you how you too can be enthused as a writer of non-fiction while enhancing your career.  Her perspective is generous and worth noting as she helps you: (1) Understand what moves you (2) Develop a personal mission and (3) Honor for whom you need to be a voice. 

 

Ø  Develop a Winning Writing Plan.  Patricia shows wit and courage during these times of challenge by giving you suggestions for goals, objectives and strategies.  Along with insight into a philosophy of writing life worth emulating, she motivates you to launch your vision for success by being well organized and prepared in your writing.  With a timeline and emulating others you admire, she reminds you of the five W’s of reporting good information for a non-fiction publication.  She prepares you to write.

 

Ø  Practice Strict Research Rules.  Patricia asks you to do your homework, understand research, practice good interview skills, read, experiment, observe, survey and learn your topic well.  In thinking about your vision for the book, and what your philosophy is behind the book, you will understand yourself completely.  She wants you to be honest about how committed you are to do this work and how willing you are to be critical with a follow-up plan.  She expects you to ask yourself why you feel compelled to write what you want to write.

 

n  INTRODUCTION - publishing your book can be an effective and efficent process if you make it easy on yourself by asking for help from a “Book Shepherd”

 

l  Do less by letting things go that have no value to the final project such as holding on to old stories or photos that you know do not add to the work. 

 

Work smarter by prioritizing your timeline and organizing a schedule so you can

achieve success such as how long by addressing such items as how long will it

take you to do the first revisions, the second revisions?

 

l  Organize your work by taking the time to set-up a plan that will work for

you and one you will stick with to the end such as writing three hours a day or

the first three hours of the morning to complete the revisions.

 

Prioritize what you will actually do to get the end of the project by not allowing

distractions to come in such as less writer projects and by doing the revisions

correctly the first time, cooperating immediately with the designer and asking

all the needed questions up front of your “Book Shepherd.”

 

l  Take Action by working on the highest priority at the time such as making

decisions on the photos or illustrations when the designer needs them so they 

will be used and evaluated promptly before you finish your part in the plan.

 

Determine if you should proceed in that manner again or if some of these items

should be eliminated by being flexible and willing to listen the designer.

 

  

n  “I would rather be a failure at something I love to do, than a success at something I hate.”

 

l  George Burns, actor

 

 

n  PARKINSON’S LAW

 

l  “Work expands to fill the time available for it’s accomplishments.”

 

 

n  REFLECTION

 

 

l  “Why is there never enough time to do it right and always enough time to do it over?”

 

 

n  PERSONAL MISSION - critical to the success of your book, your commitment

 

l  Your most vital activity is publishing your book and sharing your voice

l  Make it positive by visualizing your successful launch at all times

l  Keeps you focused on the goal, makes it memorable

l  Chooses your path, don’t take it lightly, a book is being born

l  Becomes your roadmap to how you will market your book and celebrate

 

  

n  “If it were not for the last minute, nothing would get done.”

 

l  My Mom, the philosopher

 

 

n  RELFECTION

  

l  “The better decisions are not necessarily the result of waiting for more facts.”

 

 

 

n  TWO GOLDEN DAYS but we only have today, live in the now, don’t project

 

 

l  Yesterday and tomorrow are for the memories, not for the job at hand. 

Dont waste time dwelling on what might happen if one member of the team

does not perform because worrying will deprive you of a wonderful experience

now and you will miss publishing’s wisdom.

 

l  The battles of just one day are enough when launching a book, keep your

eye on the ball and do not make things more difficult than needed.  You have a

team helping you, take advantage of the sources of information.

 

l  Stay in the now and enjoy the publishing process, be willing to learn from

it so your book is compliant and a successful launch is possible. 

 

l  Enjoy one day at a time because this is a learning time. but an enjoyable

time as you see your book go from a written piece in the laptop to a printed

form in a book with a beautiful cover.

 

l  Seize the moment! This is your chance to do it right if you are ready and willing to make it good for you and are available to the “Book Shepherd”, the designer of the cover and the printer.  Be a strong part of the team!

 

 

 

n  “Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just stand there.”

 

l  Will Rogers, humorist

 

 

n  REFLECTION

 

 l  “We must not confuse urgency with importance.”

 

 

 

n  UNDERSTANDING TIME means it is elusive and we all only have 24 hours

 

 

l  What is it but an intangible that can help us with the tangible such as our

book if we see it (time) as our friend and use it wisely.  Make it work for us by

learning all we can about what is going on with our book every step of the way

in publishing.  Ask questions and be teachable.

 

l  Where does it go if not round and round for all of us, so take it (time)

seriously.  Know that three to four months is critical to the launch of your book

and that time should not be wasted as the process of taking your book to

fruition has a flow to it that must be followed.

 

l  Take control of yourself and be in charge of your process, but remember

the “Book Shepherd” is there to serve you and get you through the

publishing process.

 

l  Make habit decisions such as working with the team of editor, cover

designer, page layout person, illustrator, photographer and printer with a good

attitude. Your moves impact all of the others involved in finishing the book to

your liking.

 

l  Use your Intuition when you made decisions about how much you will

accept from the editor and cover design people for your final work.  It is still

yours and you have the flexibility to say no this is what I want done.

 

l  Do not make decisions by default because this is your baby and being

assertive in the publishing process is paramount to the success of your book.

You may not pass this way again, make it the best book the first time.

 

l  Remember, there is no deadline if you plan ahead and set priorities for the

team in what you expect in your front and back cover, your layout and the

printed final product and what you will do to take your manuscript to

fruition.  Be a part of the teamwork!

 

 

 

n  “The whole point about getting things done is knowing what to leave undone.”

 

l  My Conscience, the last word

 

 

n  SIX PIECES OF THE PIE means your goals need to be in place from the start

 

 

l  Set Goals (steps) for your book launch and marketing efforts that relate to

the budget you have planned and the time and energy you have alotted.  This is

now a business and you must break it down into the six areas of most concern

such as budget, promotion, PR, charity, advocacy, and other areas that pertain to

your particular work.

 

l  Visualize Objectives (destinations) such as what you will do in the first 90

days, 120 days with regards to media, bookstores, online promotion, specialty

marketing etc.  You must see yourself as a successful author.

 

l  Develop Strategies (action plan) to make what you want to do

understandable in how you will do it such as:

(WHAT) reaching 12 TV media outlets in 30 day

(HOW) by sending out media packets to 100 contacts and follwing up with a

phone call for a 33% return on investment.

 

l  Make the Right Kind of List that works for you if you are interested in

online marketing as a priority versus face-to-face contact, or specialty

marketing to airports versus work with an association or foundation.

 

l  Commit to a “Not to Do List” by addressing the things that do not appeal to

you or do not work with your book and would be a waste of time such as calling

on bookstores cold in lieu of a media pack mailed in advance and a planned

phone call later.

 

 

n  REFLECTION

  

l  “Is what I am doing or about to do getting us closer to our objective?” 

 

n  “Work is the greatest thing in the world, so we should always save some for tomorrow.”

 

n Earl, retired and happy

 

 

n  PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT is always about what is working for you and why you chose to launch a book in the first place.

 

 

l  Motivation covers many things, but whatever it was for you be sure that you

do not waver in remembering we write for ourselves first.  This book is a

personal commitment to you and your future work.

 

l  Passion represents the things you hold dear and your launch and marketing

efforts should reflect those feelings and be critical to your “Book

Shepherd” and the rest of the team.

 

l  Desire to have a successful book launch is an integral part of every author’s

dream and with your book it should be no exception.

 

l  Time Line is yours only so be sure when you plan the launch and all the

meetings to get to that point that you make them yours.  Your book will be

better for it and so will you.

 

l  Zoom into your future with the attitude that this is what you are supposed

to be doing and that you are not concerned about all the other books being

published this year.

 

 

n  LIVE HAPPILY WITH LIFE’S LIMITS because the book business has its share with independent books stores closing and printing costs rising, more books being pubished to add to the competition and fewer opportunities for the best seller list.

 

 

l  We cannot do it all and that is why we need a “Book Shepherd”.

 

l  We are not perfect and there will be mistakes, but with the professionals on the team, especially the right editor, your book can compete well in any genre.

 

l  See Interruption as opportunity if your editor says “go back to the drawing board” as this is usually a good time for reflection.

 

l  See delegation as growth and birth that baby with the editing process and be open to the ideas that will come your way.

 

l  See procrastination as an omen that you have waited too long to do this and when you are stuck on your revisions, the time is now to have an editor take a look.

 

 

n  SELF-MANAGEMENT is the only way the life of the lonely writer works.

 

l  Plan for results and expect only the best from the team.

 

l  Visualize success and your book in the hands of a large audience who has just listened to your every word as you read from your work.

 

l  Make a commitment that you will not give up and that you will try any and all marketing ideas that are out there, or at least consider them seriously so you are fair to yourself and your book such as the social networking sites.

 

GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY BOOK LAUNCH 200(!

 

 

 

 

Write Your Book! Sharing the journey of writing

IMPACT FOR ENTERPRISING WOMEN

Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM

 

Write Your Book!

Sharing the journey of writing

 

• Patricia takes you on the path of Writing Inspiration to your writing with passion.  Her journey is fresh and uplifting in its account of how to Prepare to be an Author with a perspective on the Writing Plan for Organization that is generous and worth noting. 

 

• Patricia shares her inspirational portrait of the relationship you want to develop with your writing as you take the many Revision Roads needed to produce your final masterpiece.  

 

• This author shows wit, courage and faith during these times of challenge by giving you Research Rules before the Birth of your Baby.  She has insight into a philosophy of writing life worth emulating, as she inspires you regardless of the Publishing Predicaments and challenges to Launch Live your vision for success in writing. 

 

 

 

WHERE:  Phoenix Grille, 5816 N. 16^th Street, Phoenix

 

WHEN:  February 27^th, Friday at 11:30 a.m. network, lunch, speaker

 

PLEASE RSVP early for the lunch

602-817-8210

 

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

 

 

 

Brooks Goldmann Publishing Company, LLC

 launches Gratitude a Verb for a spiritual connection

 

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, January 5, 2009 –A spiritual connection is the ultimate need satisfied on our quest for peace and harmony.  That was accomplished this past week as Brooks Goldmann Publishing Company, LLC of Scottsdale, AZ, launched another high quality self-help production with Gratitude a Verb, by Michael L. Lyding. 

 

“This 12-step recovery meditation reader makes a difference for our time in its practical view of spirituality.” says Brooks.  The author, Michael L. Lyding, of Grateful not Smug, and now Gratitude a Verb, www.improvespiritualconnection.com shares his mission for the book as “a spiritual tool to help improve your conscious contact with God.”   He is praised by his peers for “proving that meditation can be easy and exciting.”

 

As a published author herself, Scottsdale business woman, Patricia L. Brooks, president and founder of Brooks Goldmann Publishing, endorses this book on what she considers “the ultimate subject for all of us.”  She knows the author is a sincere and spiritual soul having worked with him in the publishing process of this book.  Patricia assures us the meditations are well written and thought provoking and were revised with love after being written with hope.    

 

The Brooks Goldmann Publishing website www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com provides more information on this publication, as well as detailed information on the publishing services available to you.  She, and her husband and partner, Earl Goldmann, can help you as your “book shepherds” while you travel the writing and publishing maze to launch your book.  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 on the journey to Prepare to be an Author guided by her perspective to Launch Live your work. 

 

Patricia L. Brooks is also president/founder of the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers, a member of the AZ Authors Association and the AZ Book Publishers Association.

 

She is owner, with her partner/husband, of P. L. Seminars, LLC (www.plbrooks.com) and Brooks Goldmann Publishing Co., LLC, (www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com).  She is associate faculty at Arizona State University, has resided in Arizona for over 30 years and been active in the business community for all of that time. 

 

Patricia holds a Masters Degree in Organizational Management, the Advanced Toastmasters designation and has been named to “Who’s Who of America’s Teachers.

She can be reached at patricia@plbrooks.com or 480-250-5556.  

The Psychology of Hope is a phenom that has been researched by many with the goal of finding an enduring level of happiness.  We should ask ourselves some questions at this time of year as we look forward to our writing life and publishing adventures for 2009.

• What are my barriers to becoming happier with my writing and/or publishing efforts in 2009?
• How can I raise my level of happiness and be more productive in these areas in 2009?
• What factors are under my control when I visualize my success in 2009?
• Am I truly optimistic about my writing and/or my publishing future?

The BARRIERS to becoming happier in our writing and publishing goals could be in the genetic mix we have brought to our writing, both the positive stories and ideas of our life, and the negatives that make for a good story.  In all writing, we flush out what will stifle our creativity and launch what will be an experience like no other for the reader.  This is where we do our revisions over and over again until it feels like it is the best we can do and is time to move to an editor’s side.  In our heart we will know when this time is right.  It is our voice.  Do not take this part for granted and believe in your expectations!

The RAISING of the level of happiness is centered around our life’s circumstances and has so much to do with our social life, the negative emotions we choose to carry along with us (some make for good writing), the money and health issues of our time, our diversity in education, race, culture and gender and of course our religion and spiritual quest. 

• Remember, any of these areas can be the beginning of a great day of writing and the pivotal event topic for an essay, poem, movie script or a best selling book! 
• Know that what makes you happy in your writing is what you need to write, no matter what it is because it is what must get out.  
• Take an inventory of yourself, your positives and negatives, and then write. 
• Go easy on your critical eye and write with fierce abandon.  It is what you will want to publish and will publish after the editor’s eye is done.  
• Do not put it in the back of the closet with that other manuscript you wrote 10 years ago! 

The FACTORS under your control relating to your past are not to be dwelled on unless they are part of your research for a great piece of writing or for learning what you will do differently with your next publication.  Most research shows that early past events do not influence our lives much, but that recent past events can and will if we go there. 

• Go back with the idea that you are savoring the events only to learn and grow for the new year.  
• Remember that you are grateful for the experiences and the opportunities they afford. 
• Be available to yourself for forgiveness. 
• Know that we all make mistakes - that is life - there is a new year dawning.  Everyone has released something - an essay, a book, a poem, a script, a short story - that they wish they could do over again. 
• Do the work - you can revise it a little and produce it under another ISBN number. 
• Change the title in some small way and re-launch that baby and clelebrate! 
• Live in the now, look to the future, enjoy the moment! 
• Rejoice in the new year and feel liberated from the past year in any way that works for you so you are free to write and produce beautiful work.  The world is waiting.

The present is always under your control because it is your body, mind, soul and spirit that is at work to produce your work, develop your creativity and spring forth your voice to the world.  Allow yourself all the pleasures of nature and the universe.  Be mindful of the beauty that abounds so your writing is pure and free, yours and pleasurable for us. 

The OPTIMISM for your future in writing and publishing will be increased automatically with the actions taken above.  You will feel free to write your daily “to-do-list” and your monthly goals of at least three major items that you want to achieve that month.  Your annual list of 12 objectives to attain for 2009 will happen.  Practice mindfulness, that awareness of the moment at all times. 

Try contemplating the thoughts noted below and ”clear the plate” before you write any goals or objectives, remembering the strategies are the action (the how) and the objectives are the destination (the what) you want to reach with the goals or the steps. 

• Do not put unrealistic expectations on yourself. 
• Feel empathy for yourself and your situation. 
• Forgive yourself for anything that did not happen last year.
• Communicate exactly what it is you want and will do and expect. 
• Hold on to that vision for the good times and the challenging moments, they will return.
• Envison the most important thing you have to do in 2009.
• Breakdown the challenges in your way.
• Evaluate the subconscious feelings you have about goal setting.
• Determine the big “payoff” for doing this activity.

Best Wishes and Happy New Year - God bless you and keep you in 2009!

“Dance as if no one were watching, Sing as if no one were listening, and Live every day as if it were your last.”     Irish Proverb

Patricia L. Brooks

Publishing Consultant, Brooks Goldmann Publishing Company, LLC

 

 

 

 

Brooks Goldmann

Publishing Company, LLC

Thank you for all your support this past year while my husband and I built up our publishing business. 

We are pleased to be “Book Shepherds” in self-publishing consultation as we offer professional help in a team format that takes the author’s vision to fruition.

While guiding manuscripts through the self-publishing maze, we are the solid partner.  Being of service is an honor and our commitment.

Ø Ghostwriting

Ø Peer Review

Ø Editing &Proofreading

Ø Cover Design & Page Layout

Ø Compliance & Printing

Ø Distribution

Ø Marketing

We wish you a World

of Peace and Happiness.  May the Splendor of this Season be yours through any Season. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com  http://blog.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

Patricia L. Brooks, President          

Earl L. Goldmann, Manager

BROOKS GOLDMANN PUBLISHING COMPANY, LLC