want to get self published.....

Publishing a  book, can be a daunting task for anyone.

Then finding and receiving reputable folks to review even more challenging.

During my travel through self publishing I have come across some great people and information and thought I would share since so many have asked.  In addition, I have included what a professional review may look like.

My publishing experience 101

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you find it helpful.  I will attempt to make the dialog short and to the point because we are all so busy.

When I started my I tried to go with an American company Xlibris (I do not recommend them) Poor quality of product and much more. The process started and took me a year and ½ to even get a galley copy (proof).  HOWEVER, I learned allot about publishing so it wasn’t a loss. I’m thankful for the journey.

A few things I learned along the way:

Cannot TM a book, you can TM a  Journal that is why my book is in a Journal format.

I trademarked I’m Thankful. ard@blacklaw.com another resource for legal assistance.

Get a web site http://www.fritzerdesigns.com she will build, make logo’s and more at very good price.

She will build the site for you to maintain again less money out of pocket. 

Get yourself marketing.

Networking on groups like this is for the most part fee when on line, if you do not count the time you spend putting in to it. Regardless, get you name out there (If you Google my name it should be about three sheets deep: Sue Lundquist or I’m Thankful).

Publishing: If self publishing I recommend Lisa Umina with HALO Publishing, she will be an amazing resource for you from Book publishing, Press Releases to media kits and she WILL do a  great job.  Her knowledge and experience is vast  and she can be trusted another valuable quality in this industry.  Please out of respect for her VERY busy schedule, when contacting her have your questions ready contact@halopublishing.com  please tell her I sent you.

Web site resource:

www.Jacketflap.com where publisher, agents, writes, designers and artist go for their networking/business.

www.HARO.com (help a reporter out) This is a great resource when you are ready with a press release, get in the PRESS and to sell. This service is free. Please be sure to read all the RULES-they are VERY VERY serious about their queries and not wasting anyone’s time and effort. You will be booted out for any bad form or miss conduct, you do not want this- they are a valuable resource for FREE.

PR and Marketing:

Nancy S. Juetten,

Main Street Media Savvy Get Seen, Heard and Celebrated in Your Own Backyard ... and Beyond!

425-641-5214  - www.mainstreetmediasavvy.com

Katie B. Wilkinson
425.220.1125
katie@kpublicrelations.com

both are very good and again excellent resources please do not let that they are in Seattle sway you- they can handle it! Nancy just had a client in O magazine! Please feel free to name drop-tell them Sue Lundquist sent you.

I wish you all the best in your Journey and would be glad to talk via the phone too if needed?

BOOK REVIEW

STORIES FOR CHILDREN MAGAZINE

BOOK: I'm Thankful: A Collection of Thoughts for Bedtime, for a Lifetime

AUTHOR: Sue Lundquist

PUBLISHER: Halo Publishing International (2008)

ISBN-13: 978-0-9797429-5-8

ISBN-10: 0-9797429-5-1

READING LEVEL: both children and adults

RATING: 5 stars

REVIEWED BY: Wayne Walker

     This unique little book is exactly what the title and subtitle say that it is.  The author, who is a wife, mother, and charity advocate, asks two questions, "What was your favorite part of the day?" and "What are you Thankful for most" then makes several observation likes "I'm thankful I have my toys."   These questions are adaptable to any situation in life and can be adapted in a car, at the end of a football game, or whatever.  Next, she provides two or three pages on which the reader can journal his thoughts about the question or statement and also gives some good advice for maintaining a positive attitude.  Encountering some very challenging situations in her life, Sue wondered how to maintain gratitude through stressful times and how to  teach her children fortitude.  She hopes that these questions and statements will be a staple in mainstream family communication, saying, "I initially created this journal to instill values in my children....The I'm Thankful Journal is a teaching and sharing experience for everyone."

     It is very easy to grow up being selfish, so as parents, we want to raise our children to be appreciative.  This journal can serve as a great tool for parents and children to sit down with each other at the end of the day (or at any other time which is convenient), think of things for which they can be thankful, and write them down together--or draw pictures, or do whatever will remind them of their blessings.  It is designed to facilitate quality conversations between parents and children as opposed to mere yes and no answers.  The adorable black and white photographs, mostly of children engaged in various activities, should assist in stimulating such thought and conversation.  Hopefully, this practice will instruct individuals from a young age about the importance of compassion and gratitude beyond "please and thank you."  I highly recommend the book.

     Related websites: www.ImThankful.com (author),