Book Business
When you look at a newly released book, you notice the title, author, front cover, back cover, size and price. But do you notice the paper? A freelance writer for 40 years, I am acutely aware of paper—the quality, the weight, the color, and even the smell. Thank goodness my 42nd book, Grief Doodling: Bringing Back Your Smiles, is printed on heavier paper.
The reader uses a felt-tip, gel, doodling or ballpoint pen to illustrate grief prompts. Terri Leidich, President of WriteLife Publishing, chose 70-pound paper for the book. (Magazines are usually printed on 50-pound paper.) The heavier paper prevents ink from seeping through to the other side. Paper costs have risen a whopping 25 percent, so this is an investment for WriteLife Publishing.
What are the reasons for spiking paper costs? According to the article, “Top 6 Factors Affecting the Cost of Paper,” the reasons are higher pulp prices, decreased supply of pulp, transportation costs, tariffs, fewer paper mills, and exchange rates. These factors affect all print publishers. Grief Doodling is easy to read and, because of the paper, easy to use. Here is the link to pre-order your copy: https://www.amazon.com/Grief-Doodling-Bringing-Back-Smiles/dp/1608082520
Please view our Ready, Set, Lead! book trailer at https://vimeo.com/499283217. Kathy Kasten and I are excited about our leadership book. When you see it you will be excited too.
Reviews
The Firebird Book Awards gave Grief Doodling the First Place award in the Self-Help category. This award differs from others in a significant way. Entry fees support women and children who are living in long-term shelters. The Firebird symbol was chosen to represent something rare. I am grateful for this meaningful award. To learn more about it go to https://www.speakuptalkradio.com/author-harriet-hodgson/
Check-out the editorial reviews of Grief Doodling on Amazon. Reader reviews can’t be posted until the book is released on April 1st. However, one reader sent me her review. I wish Harriet Hodgson’s book Grief Doodling: Bringing Back Your Smiles had been around when my family was paralyzed from the loss of a loved one. But we have it now and the ideas in this compelling book are so wonderfully healing. Now we are doodling and laughing and crying as we deal with life’s losses. What an inspiration! Thank you, Harriet! --Jana Zinser, author of Fly Like a Bird
From My Window
My computer crashed. I was unable to write, print out, send emails, receive emails, or post on social media for a week. To say I was frustrated would be a gross understatement. Not having computer capability was torture. I write every day and like to see results at the end of a day—a new book outline, revised outline, edited pages, or new copy.
Taking a break from writing in my favorite, save-the-back chair. Photo by Kathy Meyer, RN.
Now I’m back in business, thanks to the diligent efforts of Chris Senne, the tech support person at Charter House in Rochester, MN. His expertise enabled me to return to my writing schedule and use social media. My new book is shaping up nicely. Now I need to find an agent to represent me, which is harder than writing a book. I’ve contacted several agents and haven’t heard back from them yet.
Photo by Kathy Meyer, RN
I’m a member of the Rave Writers International Society of Authors (RWISA), an affiliate of the Rave Reviews Book Club. RWISA members produce quality work, support quality work and are always striving to be better. Here I am flexing my writing muscle. I am proud to be a RWISA member and wear its t-shirt. Yay!
Quote of the Month
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even heard but must be felt with the heart. - Helen Keller