Radio Show is a Go

November 15, 2009 was a red letter day for me. It was my first serious step towards creating my on-line radio show. You may remember that I spoke about an opportunity for me to have my own show a few month ago. However, that did not work out as planned. However, the idea and the dream did not die.

I decided that I would go ahead with the idea, but instead I would use www.blogtalkRadio.com instead. With BTR, I can do a show for free, and just get my feet web.  Check out my show at Around the Kitchen Table with Donna .  

So, yesterday I did my first show.  It was just a test run though, and I have since deleted it, but it gave me an idea of what I need to do in order to run a show.  It was a blast.  I had a few people phone in, and was able to figure out the process, as well as run music and manipulate the switchboard.

I already have a long list of ideas for future shows, topics that I think will be interesting.  I named it Around the Kitchen Table with Donna because I didn't want to be fenced in talk only about Happiness, but at the same time, it will be a great tool to promote my book.  I can talk about the book, how it came to be, how it has helped people,  read sections of it, and so forth.  I can build up an archive and material that I can rework to make audios and promos.

Blog Talk Radio has some additional features if I want to pay some money for them.  I may consider that for the future, but for right now, I am just going to use the free offer until I know what I am doing and see if it does help to get me exposure and experience.

The latest with my book is that I had sold a copy and donated a copy to the Ottawa Library.  Once it hit their shelfs, it became very popular.  It is now up to 39 people who have requested it, not included the 2 people that presently have it out.  As a result of the demand, the library has requested 6 more copies.  I love the fact that people are finding out about the book and requested to read it, but the library thinks it is now worth their while to get extra copies.  I am almost out of copies, and will  be soon ordering more, which I hope to place in other libraries as well.

In September, I was in Sorrento, BC.  I had the privilege of leading a workshop at a wonderful store called Beryl's Books and Beans.  The workshop was based on the book.  I recited from Dr. Suess, read a portion of the book, did a hands-on exercise and had an answer and question section.  I also had prizes and gifts.

It was a great success.  Many of the 10 people that attended bought a copy of the book, and one person who had purchased it earlier spoke to me to say she was enjoying it very much.  I had many possitive comments about the presentation, and one gentleman told me I had a very pleasing way about me.

I hope to go back someday, either to some Biography Workshop material or maybe Laughter Yoga.  Thank you so much for having Beryl.

So, to recap today's message:

• A great way to promote your book is to contact me to be a guest on my show  Around the Kitchen Table with Donna , or host your own show by going to Blog Talk Radio.
• Get you book into you local public libraries.
• Find book stores that will host a special event to feature you book.
• Have fun with you publishing and check out my services at Sassy Sunflower Books .

Cataloging in Publication Program

Before you publish your book in Canada, make sure to check out Cataloguing in Publication Program (CIP). ( For those publishing in the states, see below. )

This is voluntary program of cooperation between publishers and libraries. It enables the cataloguing of books BEFORE they are published, and the prompt distribution of this cataloging information to booksellers and libraries. The Canadian CIP program is coordinated by Library and Archives Canada.

They will send you a CIP description and text that should be placed on your copyright page. The one I received looks like this:

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication 

Hedley, Donna L., 1956- 
        Strategies for happiness : how to achieve your happiness potential / 
Donna L. Hedley. 

Includes bibliographical references. 
ISBN 978-0-9811504-0-6 

        1. Happiness.  2. Self-actualization (Psychology).  I. Title. 

BF575.H27H44 2009                      152.4'2                      C2009-903898-6 

Click here to see what my copyright page looks like.

In addition to the CIP, there is the New Books Service. This is an enhancement to the Cataloguing in Publication (CIP) program that assists publishers in promoting their latest titles, and helps readers to discover them. All you need to do is to complete the New Books portion of the CIP form, and they will create a record of each of your new releases featuring the graphics and promotional text you provide, along with the traditional authoritative Cataloguing in Publication data.

The website is located at http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/cip/index-e.html .

In order to register, you go to http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/cip/s15-1007-e.html and fill out the form.

Aside from the basic contact and publication information, such as publisher name and date of publication, be prepared with the following items:

1. Copy of title page;


2. Author(s), editor(s), illustrator(s), translator(s) names and functions as they will appear on the title page;


3. Full name, date of birth and nationality of author(s), editor(s), illustrator(s), translator(s) like in the following example;
   
   
   Smith, John, 1960-04-21, Canadian
   
   Smith, Jane, 1960-04-21, American
   



4. Any bibliography or bibliographic references the book may contain;


5. A summary of what is the book about;


6. A copy of Introduction;


7. A copy of Preface, if any;


8. A copy of Table of Content;


9. A copy of cover image;


10. A copy of a sample chapter;


11. Information about the author;


12. Information about the illustrator;


13. Any reviews, if any;


14. Any awards, if any; and


15. Any information about reading, if any.

When it came to sending a copy of sections of the book, I could not see anywhere where is specified what format to send, so I sent a pdf.

The site indicates it will take about 10 days, but I found that they are over whelmed with publications, so don't be surprised if it takes longer. Contact the office to make sure they received your application, and how long it may take. Every few weeks you may need to call back to prompt.

The first time I called was to confirm they got the application. I was told they were backlogged and to call back 2 weeks later. I was out of the country, so I actually called 3 weeks later. I was told it was still not ready. When I indicated I needed it because I was sending something out, she said she would get it to me by the end of the week, which she did.

I was not able to put the CIP in my first order of books, but I will be putting it in the next for sure.

Request for Library of Congress Preassigned Control Number

If you are publishing from the US, you need to contact the Library of Congress to get a card number. This will also need to appear on your copyright page.

It is a great way for possible customers to find you book without having to pay a search fee. There are a lot of libraries that use this number, and require it if they are going to stock your book. Here is the contact information for the program:

Library of Congress
Cataloging in Publication Division
101 Independence Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20540-4320
Phone: 202-707-5000
Web: http://pcn.loc.gov/pcn/pcn001.html
Another program is the Cataloging in Publications Program, which is only applicable to publishing companies, so you may want to see about setting up your own company. If not, you can contact an organization called Quality Books at 800-323-4241. They will set up in something called Publisher’s Cataloging in Publication (PCIP)

By the way, if want a great book to help you through the whole publishing process, check out The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing by Tom and Marilyn Ross.

Strategies for Happiness: Successful Launch

As of July 17, 2009, Strategies for Happiness is successfully launched. It can be purchased at www.S4HTheBook.com.

Strategies for Happiness is now Amazon ( ). Through Amazon, the book is now available to the whole world.

I have been busy working on promoting it. My main focus is developing my presence on Amazon, which will ultimately be my bread and butter, but I am also looking into bookstores, especially independents.

One thing I have done is to approached a local bookstore here in Ottawa, called Collected Works here in Ottawa about selling it in their store. They like featuring local authors and make it available on a consignment bases. They also have offered the possibility that I might come in sometime in the fall and do a "reading" of the book. I will be approaching other bookstores as well.

I also approached the local Roger Cable station about appearing on one of their shows. So, on Aug 4, I am going to be doing a segment on a show they do called Daytime (which runs from 11-12 weekdays).

Take a look at the press release I have created to promote the book. Feel free to pass it on to anyone you think would be interested.

Another thing that am involved in is I will also be sharing a take at a book fair in Toronto called Word on the Street. This will be a great opportunity to get exposure and sell some books.

Oh yes, another great opportunity is that I am going to be writing an article that will be included in a promotional ebook for a fund raising event call The Bear Hug. If you pledge $10 or more, you will get a copies of the ebook, which will contain 4 other excellent articles from other experts in addition to me. More on that later.

So, for anyone who is wanting to promote their book, I hope I have given you some ideas. Stay tuned, I will be bringing you more ideas shortly. Or you can take a look at Sassy Sunflower Books and let me help you get your book published.

Strategies for Happiness is Ready for Purchase

I finally got my permission for the quote I waiting for, and have applied a few final editing changes, so the book, Strategies for Happiness is now ready for you to buy.

Order your copy of Strategies for Happiness today! You can order your copy at Strategies for Happiness.

More Self Publishing Tips

Store Discounts

A few items to be aware of for your publishing business. When you are dealing with bookstores, they will want an up to 55% discount off the retail price of the book. From what is left over, you need to pay your printer, and you get what is left.

You might be able to get that discount down to as low as 20%, but often then, the book store will not consider you. It can be a balancing act to figure out what is your best option.

Returns

Another thing to consider is when you distribute to book stores, they will ask you if you will accept returns. If you say yes, they can return any books they purchased to you, and not only will you have to refund them the money, but you will also have to pick up the shipping charges. You can say no, and for the small publisher, this may be your best option, but then again, if you say no, the stores may not deal with you.

What some companies do is set aside some money in their budget to pay for these possible costs, or, they just say no.

Come back soon for more self publishing tips, or check out Sassy Sunflower Books for more information.

Strategies for Happiness Radio Show

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!!!


Something so amazing has happened! I have been given the opportunity to host my own talk radio show. Not only will this be an exciting experience, and something I can use to reach even more people with, but the potential for sales and promotional opportunities is mind boggling.

My show will focus on Happiness of course. I can do whatever I want with it. I can have guests, take callers, read emails, play clips, chat, and promote both my books and the books of my authors, and of course, Sassy .

The possibilities are truly profound!

My book is almost ready to go to print. It was such a thrill to open the box and see a copy, even if it was just a proof copy. Then I got inspired to start my own publishing company to help promote my book. This is a thrilling experience as well, it is such a perfect fit for me. I feel so right, so real, so perfectly suited to do this. I even have two author's that call me their publisher.


I have been busy the last few days with family things, so I have not had any chance to work on the book or Sassy. Tomorrow, I will back at it, preparing for June, when I will be publishing the book.

I will be putting together a list of radio shows and tv stations I can contact in order to get promo's time for the book. I will be providing this information through Sassy if anyone is interested. Keep an eye on Sassy for further information.

Bulk Sales of Your Book - A Big Step to Getting Your Book a Best Seller.

One of the ideas I have come across to help promote your book and make it a best seller is to find organizations that are interesting in purchasing large amount of books up front. Book stores may do this, but when you are self-publishing, they are not as interested in you, especially the big stores.

Finding organization that would like to co-publish a book with you, and therefore buy or sponsor your book is a good idea. You give them a few pages in your book to talk about them, and in return they purchase a large quantity of the finished product. You can ever work out an arrangement that makes it look like the book comes directly from that organization, with you being the author of course. They may do this for promotion of their business, or to use as training tools. With each organization, you can change the cover to suit their corporate needs. Since the book is yours, you can do this with as many companies you want, though I would think that each one would need its own separate ISBN number.

Another idea is to contact book clubs, like Double Day and see if they are interested in selling your book to their membership. I believe that if they do, they will purchase a lot of books up front.

Double Day looks a bit difficult as they require you go through a literary agent. Here is some information about what they require.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4494052_sumbit-books-doubleday.html

Book of the Month Club looks a little more promising. Here is some information about what they require.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2320177_get-book-book-month-club.html


Another link with some promising ideas:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4494420_get-book-accepted-read-book.html

I will let you know more as I find out more. I am open to hear what anyone else has experienced.

Follow Your Passion, and Everything Else Will Fall Into Place

I haven't posted for a few days, because I have been busy working on Sassy. Yes, that is what I am going to call her from now on, Sassy. The more I work on this project, the more excited I get. Ideas are exploding in my brain all the time of things I can do with this company.

I can use it to promote my book, to help and inspire others to write and be published and self-publish, to create new products, to sell domain names and web design/development services, to sell Sunflower themed products. To help charities raise funds.

So many possibles!

However, the main purpose of this blog is to keep you posted about my progress with my book. I am still waiting on some final permissions. I almost decided to remove some of these final quotes and when I got permission, put in a future edition. Then I decided to bite the bullet, go through the proper channels and wait for the permissions, even if it takes 6 weeks. These final quotes are important, and I would really like to have them in there.

This is another service I plan to offer through Sassy. If authors are wanting to put a quote into their book, I will track down a permission for them. If I can't find the permission, then there will be now charge.

In the meantime, I will work on the corrections and re-writes that I have found as I did another read through the book.

Once the book is published, I will be actively contacting radio stations and cable stations to set up interviews. I will use this time to start to pull together a list of such stations, so I will be ready to rock and / or roll.

I am having so much fun. What are you waiting for? Find your passion(s) and go for it. There are no excuses!!

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