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Gold Making Bestselling

69-Year-Old First-time Author Turns Frustration Into Paperback Gold

A friend recently sent me a clipping from a small local paper that featured the story of a first time author who is enjoying runaway success with her book on shopping etiquette. Normally my first thought would be "Are you kidding? Why send me this?" but within a few seconds I realized why. It was written by Kathleen Small; a 69 year old grandmother who recently recovered from a stroke. Talk about the right attitude being crucial to success! Building on that winning attitude she took the most annoying things people do in stores and turned them into a paperback goldmine.

I was intrigued so I read the book and then called her for an interview for my newsletter. After a few minutes I realized this was one of those rare instances where the less you know about the writing business, the better. You see, Kathy had never even read a book on how to write let alone attended a workshop. Not surprisingly, she made some rookie mistakes. However quite surprisingly, they actually made her book better, which I can attest to after nearly choking on my Pepsi just two pages in. As it turns out, her book is very funny. Another pleasant surprise.

I started the interview by asking what made her think a book about shopping etiquette would sell? Her response? "I didn't. I just wrote it for fun and a when I showed it to some friends, they all asked where they could buy copies for friends and family. One of them commented that she thought it was a book just about anyone could relate to. And that got me thinking."

When asked where Kathy got her material I was surprised and impressed when she responded, "I did it like that old shampoo commercial. You know: And she told two friends, and she told two friends and so on..." It seems that, aside from solitaire, email is the only thing on her seven year old laptop she uses so she put it to good use by asking friends what bothered them most when shopping. And here's the part that made this magic. She added a small note that nobody could resist, and meant it sincerely "I know you've got a lot of friends. Do you think any of them would like to share a story?" Before she knew it, Kathy had enough material for two books. And it just keeps coming.

Having several close friends in the publishing business I know that even professional comedians have trouble getting humor books published. So when I asked Kathy how she pulled it off, the answer really floored me. "I didn't even bother talking to any publishers. I know a very talented writer who works her heart out then waits weeks or months just to get a rejection letter. I'm too old to play that game. I once heard that 'The Bridges of Madison County' was self published so I gave it a try. And I'm really glad I did. I'll never be famous and that's okay. To me, having my name on a book that some people really seem to enjoy is like winning the lottery."

I realized that Kathy struck gold with self publishing so I asked for details. Here's some info that can help you on your way to a bestseller:

Scott: "What publishing service did you use and why?"

Kathy: "I used one my son knew about called LuLu Press (http://www.LuLu.com) because it was free and looked easy to use. Money is tight so that was a big factor but I knew I made the right choice when the first copy was printed. It was beautiful and when I saw my name on it, it was all the sudden real. That was one of the most exciting things of my life."

Scott: "Now you said 'free.' Don't they charge for layout, typesetting and cover design?"

Kathy: "Yes. In fact, more than I could afford so my son did all that for me. He used MS Office to do it all. LuLu can accept Word documents but he converted it to PDF on his own and sent it in that way. Then he used their 'cover wizard' to make a beautiful cover."

Scott: "Your book has some great illustrations. Are you an artist?"

Kathy: "Not at all. Even stick figures are too much for me. I hired an artist through a website called Rent A Coder (http://www.RentACoder.com) that my son told me about. He hires computer programmers through it and told me I could probably find a talented artist who was trying to build his portfolio or earn extra money while in school. And he was right. The artist and I both ended up very happy."

Scott: "And finally, can you offer any selling tips to self published authors?"

Kathy: "I think the most important thing is to think of what's important to you and let that be your guide. For me that meant three things:

"First: Make it affordable... For me, on a fixed income, that meant under ten dollars."

"Second: Make it easy to purchase... For my book this involved my son buying the domain name http://www.KSSmall.com and then 'pointing' it to the sales page at LuLu.com."

"Third: Give people options... In this case I was able to make the book available for immediate download for half the price ($4.95 versus $9.95) because the printing costs were eliminated and, of course, there is no shipping fee to worry about. I recently found out that some people even went back and bought the download version after the print version, just so they could print as many of gag awards and game sheets as they wanted."

I make a living as a writer and I admit that I was humbled by the simplicity and common sense approach that works so well for Kathy. Each time I read her book I am amazed by how a first time author managed to spin her "everybody everyday" tales of frustration into gold, especially after overcoming so much just for the opportunity to try.

About the Author

The author of three books, Scott Jason makes his living as a copywriter. He can always be reached through his SEO copywriting Web site.

Events 4-29-11
This series, presented by the Friends of the Dennis Public Library, kicks off at 2 p.m. April 29 , with a talk by the multi-talented mystery writer Peter Abrahams, who has more than 25 novels to his credit, including the best-selling Chet and Bernie mysteries.
Gold Making Bestselling
Paiid | Low Level Gold Making Tips on the Auction House With My Level 20 Warlock - World of Warcraft

Perfect Gift for Your Love - Tanzanite Rings

You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived, are the moments when you have done things in a spirit of love.

~ Henry Drummond

As soon as this zoisite crystal was discovered in 1967, jewelers already were aware of this fact that, tanzanite would be a huge rage in world gem industry. A stimulating lavender-hued stone found only in Tanzania, it has also become a symbol of love for couples in mush.

This young and romantic gemstone is one of rare ones which is familiar amongst buyers. A much celebrated jewelry gemstone for all age groups, tanzanite jewelry is very popular all over the world.

To make this purple extravaganza available at wholesale prices, Angara has begun its initiative. Exclusively concerned with purely motivated thoughts for her, a perfect array of assorted impeccable tanzanite rings is offered.

Best-seller designs comprise of oval tanzanite ring in split shank white gold, solitaire round tanzanite in tapered shank white gold ring. Shanks are also accentuated with round diamonds channel set to enhance the beauty of tanzanite.

Two people loving each other unconditionally are hard to be detached. Pretty looking tanzanite and aquamarine butterfly ring reflect the same fervor. This masterpiece bestseller is set with marquise, tanzanite and aquamarine set within white gold. Channel-set diamonds complete whole look by giving it a chaste and innocent look. Express your deepest emotions of affection towards your lady by offering this artful conception complemented with spectacular gemstones like this.

Lilac gemstone in other brilliance exuding settings like princess, emerald and cushion cuts bring out hidden, balanced yet intense feelings of harmony in accord with your partner. Rejoice every moment of passionate life with violet excellence on her fingers. What best could be by choosing a multi gem or clustered tanzanite ring in white gold?

Apart from above discussed classic pieces, fancier tanzanite heart shaped rings in white gold make a style statement with gypsy set gems. Feel euphoric change in her mood and persona as her eyes twinkle in same way the tanzanite gem gleams.

However, your jewelry, too, needs to be especially cared to become durable through years. Since preheated to become that perfect purple to blue hued, the change is permanent. This process is called enhancement or treatment. Almost all cut and faceted, tanzanite rocks undergo this treatment. Usually the ones which are pale blue or translucent brown colored.

Tanzanite Pendants and Tanzanite Earrings

About the Author

I am an obsessive gems and jewelry person. Nothing to be scared about! Working for an online gemstone jewelry portal has made me one as I get updated about recent fashion twits around the world. If you want to tickle your jewelry knowledge for more updates and information about latest 'explorations and discoveries' in gemstone designs and launches, you can go through my featured articles.

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Gold Making Bestselling

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