Co-Author’s Collaboration Skills Checklist

When you agree to write a book with another author, you’re agreeing to collaboration and, in some instances, compromise.  Collaboration and compromise are similar, yet they are very different.  When you compromise you may give up or reluctantly agree to changes. 

Though compromise can resolve short-term conflict, it can also be frustrating for an author.  If we’re honest, we admit that we don’t want to give in or up because we believe in ourselves. 

Blake Flannery explains compromise in his Internet article, “Conflict Resolution to Improve Relationships: Compromise and Collaboration.”  He thinks compromise is a process of meeting in the middle.  “You don’t need a good working relationship to compromise,” he comments.

Collaboration is different, according to Flannery.  It takes longer than compromise and builds on diversity.  Nobody gives up and everyone provides input.  “Don’t feel pressured to make a quick decision,” he advises.

James Robertson shares workplace tips in his Internet talk, “Ten tips for Succeeding at Collaboration,” posted on the Slideshow website.  His first tip: Someone needs to take ownership.  Other tips address preconditions, boundaries, relationships, and support.  His last tip; Don’t forget this is all about people.”

Intermediate District 287 in Plymouth, Minnesota developed a Collaboration Checklist for teachers.  The list is posted on its Practical Resources for Education Professionals Center (PREP) website.  ’m a teacher turned writer and read the list with this life experience in mind.  Education professionals are asked to rank their collaboration skills. 

Numeral one means “I have trouble with this.”  Numeral two means “I don this reasonably well.”  Numeral three means “I see this as a strength of mine.”  The ranking system and checklist made me think about the collaboration skills co-authors bring to a project.  Are you good at collaboration?  Use the same ranking system to find out.

Co-Author’s Collaboration Skills Checklist

1   2   3    I understand who owns the book idea.  (Owning is not the same as joint copyrighting.)

1   2   3    I helped to set the ground rules for this project.

1   2   3    I try to keep us on schedule and moving forward.

1   2   3    I listen to my co-author and try not to interrupt.

1   2   3    I ask my co-author to explain if I don’t understand something.

1   2   3    I do all I can to stay focused on the topic.

1   2   3    I am respectful of my co-author’s time.

1   2   3    I often compliment my co-author.

1   2   3    I keep my eyes on the goal: producing a top-notch book.

1   2   3    I find joy in the work and collaboration.

Don’t be discouraged about your low numbers.  Co-authoring a book is a skill that develops as your personal relationship develops and the manuscript progresses.  Establishing work rules and boundaries ahead of time will make collaboration easier.   

Seeing Your Book in Print: Make it Happen!

In the computer age, anyone can become an author, even YOU. There’s a difference between a writer and an author. A writer is someone who is actively writing, whereas an author is someone who has been published. You may have wanted to write a book for years, and never pursued the idea because it was daunting.  Here is a list of steps to follow to transform your book idea into reality.

• State the purpose of your book. You should be able to state the purpose in one sentence. If you can’t state the purpose concisely you may be in writing trouble before you start. You may also “tweak” the purpose as you write the book. I write health and wellness books and state the purpose of the book in the introduction or preface. This helps the reader focus on this purpose as she or he reads.
• Determine the category. Print and electronic publishers need this early in the game for marketing. Each category can include many sub-categories, so choose the one that fits your book best. For example, I’ve written grief healing books and books for family caregivers. Instead of choosing spirituality or inspiration, at the suggestion of my publisher, I classified them as Self-Help. Visit https://www.bisg.org/complete-bisac-subject-headings-2014-edition for more information on categories.
•  Identify your target market. Your target market shouldn’t be too broad. I just finished the fourth book in a caregiving series. Caregiving isn’t just a hot topic, it’s a huge topic, one that applies to millions of people. I narrowed my target market by writing books for family caregivers. You may want to write a book just for members of the family, and that’s okay.
• Brainstorm on titles. Some ideas surface at the same time, and the same is true of titles. To avoid getting into trouble with another author, publisher, or lawyer, make sure your book doesn’t have the same title as another book. Amazon has a comprehensive list of titles and you may search by specific titles or topics. You may come across some books with the same titles, but the sub-title differentiates them. Make your title memorable by choosing one word, or alliterative words, or surprising ones.
• Think about your cover. All of the books I’ve written in the past decade come from a royalty-free website, www.istockphoto.com. I looked at more than 2,000 before selecting one for a cover. Your publisher and/or graphic designer need to subscribe to this service in order to download photos. Don’t scrimp on your cover because it may well be your best marketing tool. Today, many publishers like their book covers to tell a story. You may find potential cover photos on www.freepik.com and www.gettyimages.com.
• Scope out the competition. Your book idea may already have competing titles in print. This makes sales more difficult. When you come across a competitive book, jot down the name of the publisher, publication date, number of pages, and cost. Go on Amazon and read some sample pages from these books. Now answer a key question: Should I move forward with my book idea.
• Write an outline. Professional authors always have an outline. The outline can be a progression of logical points, or the development of a plot and characters. Your outline should be clear and easy to follow. When I’m outlining a non-fiction book, I list every point, every sub-point, every resource I’ve used, and every page number. Writing a good, workable outline can take months.
• Learn how to format a manuscript. In the current book market, people who used to be acquisitions editors are also doing marketing, and they’re short of time. Handwritten manuscripts often wind up in the slush pile. To avoid this, format your manuscript according to the publisher’s guidelines. Books on this topic are available from local bookstores and the Internet.  
• Start writing and keep at it. Years ago, a friend approached me about my latest book and said, in a slightly hurt voice, “I was going to write that.” But he didn’t. I researched the topic, wrote the outline, wrote the book, and found a publisher. I believe in hard work and persistence, two qualities that will help you see your book in print. After you’ve finished the book, put it away for a month or so. Then take it out and read it. What changes do you need to make?
• Find the right publisher. Local publishers welcome work from local authors. Top-notch lay-out and printing companies, such as P. Hansen Marketing, are eager to help you. Many of my book covers have been designed by Jay Highum of Action Graphic Design in Rochester. Submit your book only to publishers in your genre. Don’t submit a mystery to a publisher that prints poetry books, for example.

The publishing industry is changing quickly, and this is creating new options for new authors.  So consider electronic publishing (an ideal entry point for new authors), independent publishers (called Indie), and hybrid publishers, and latest variation in the book industry. You’ll find more information about these options on the Internet. Writing is fun and I hope you enjoy the process. You can see your book in print!

Building Your Author Brand: Action Steps to Try

Yep, I'm still at it--building my author brand. After 37 years of freelancing I thought I had done this. but I was wrong. Although many people in my community recognize my name, I need to widen my readership, and strengthen my brand. You may have a similar goal.

Writing a book can be easier than building your brand. For one thing, building a brand can take years. The goal is to move beyond name recognition. You want people to associate your name with the type of books you write--mystery, romance, travel, cookbooks--whatever your specialty may be.

Building your brand takes money. When you set aside funds to build your brand you're investing in yourself. Instead of waiting for something to happen, you can make things happen. These steps will help you build your brand. Although the results can be immediate, they usually aren't and, like baking bread, yo have to wait for the marketing yeast to rise.

Here are some steps to hasten the rising.

Freshen your business card. Hiring a graphic designer is worth the money. My designer chose colors that blend with the covers of my latest books. Under my name, on the second line, it says "Health and Wellness Writer." You may list your genre or a slogan that represents your work.

Contact independent book stores. I signed with a hybrid publisher, also an independent publisher and member of the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association (MIBA). I looked up the addresses of Minnesota MIBA book stores, and wrote them. Even if this doesn't generate a sale, at least the store has me on its radar screen.

Get your name "out there." Are you speaking at an author event or conference? Write a letter to the editor, inviting people to attend the event. The editor of this page forwarded my letter to the articles editor. I hope to see it in the newspaper soon.

Write for free. After I discovered a local magazine, I contacted the owner and offered to write an article for free. She gave me the topic, published the article, and put my photo on the cover. The article received so many comments that the owner asked me to write another. She is going to publish the covers of my latest books with the article.

Post on Twitter. According to my publisher, Twitter is the way to get name recognition these days. I post on Twitter daily and it seems to be working. Dozens of people are following me and I'm following them. There is a numerical component to these followers. Once you get 50 followers something happens, and your name appears on the Internet more often.

Use press kit inserts. After I finished creating a press kit, I posted the inserts on my website. I plan to use the "About the Author" insert as a separate marketing piece. If you don't have an author fact sheet, create one now. You never know when it will come in handy.

Hire an Internet expert. I paid $49 to join a social network marketing service that puts my name on a variety of social media. The subscription lasts a year and has already generated interest in my books. Subscribing to the service saves me time, and I'm using this time to write a new book.

Taking all of these action steps can have an impact on book sales. Writing is fun and, as I'm discovering, building a brand can be fun too.

Stepping Out of Your Book Marketing Comfort Zone

I loved being a Girl Scout, but I didn't love selling Scout cookies. Although I sold some boxes to neighbors and church friends, my total sales weren't impressive. Selling wasn't my strong suit. Memories of Girl Scout cookies came to mind while I was writing a marketing plan for my new book series. Before I started the plan, I researched sales techniques.

Some techniques were familiar to me, and others were way out of my comfort zone.

A hybrid publisher is putting out my series. Under the terms of my contract, I'm supposed to write a marketing plan, help create a press kit, pay for the kits, and other necessary supplies. All of this sounded good, and I was willing to do the work, but I was on a tight budget, a couple of hundred bucks at most.

I tried to spend my money wisely. The steps I took may help you with book marketing.

Update your business card. Your card should include a photo, your publisher's website address, your email address, and social media icons. If you haven't joined any social media, do it right away. Check the Internet for business card deals.

Get bookmarks made. This is an old idea, yet it's still a good one. A surprising amount of information fits on a bookmark. Again, include your publisher's website address, your email address, and social media icons. Your bookmark may include copy from the publisher's press release.

Create a book flyer. You could do this yourself, or hire a professional designer. My flyer was designed by a professional and it was worth the money. He sent me two files, one for the flyer, and one for a large display. Your flyer should have a photo of your book cover, your photo, and explanatory words, such as "An historical mystery."

Create a display. I took the flyer file to a local office supply store, and asked the printing folks to create a huge poster. The poster is on foam board, a mistake, because the corners bend easily. Next time I'll ask for the display to be on heavy cardboard. I bought a $25 folding easel for the poster.

Participate in book blogs. Several days ago I joined a blog for authors and bloggers who review books. Seconds after I posted my first blog, I received an email from another author. Blogs are a way for authors and readers to connect with each other. My publisher uploaded my books to a reviewers' website. Reviews are forwarded to me and I email a thank-you to every person.

Tap the power of the Net. I never thought I'd join social media networks, but I have, and it's been a learning experience. After giving it some thought, I subscribed to a service that posts information about me on social networks. The results were instantaneous and I'm hearing from people in different parts of the world. Time will tell if this exposure sells books.

Plan a book launch. The county history center is going to host a Book Launch for the first two books in my series. I think the center is willing to do this because I'm giving a free talk at the center two weeks after the launch. Hosting the Book Launch is good for the center and good for me. I'm providing coffee, cookies and handouts.

Stepping out of my book marketing comfort zone has given me the confidence to try new marketing ideas. Even if you couldn't sell Girl Scout cookies, or were good at school fundraisers, don't underestimate yourself. You've worked hard, are proud of your book, and be proud to let others know about it.

Using Book Flyers to Market Your Book

I've been a freelance writer and need to be careful with my budget. In today's publishing world, authors are often asked to pay for some of the marketing. Like many authors, I have to make my marketing dollars go as far as possible. This led me to the idea of a book flyer.

Many flyers are available from the Internet and they come in different sizes. Templates are available, too. I have a graduate degree in art, but I don't have the computer graphics skills, so I turned to a professional designer. He did an amazing job and the flyer contains all the necessary elements I need: eye-catching colors, author photo, book cover(s), explanation, release date, and ordering information.

The information should be brief and clear. "This mystery keeps you wondering." "A heartwarming love story." "A must-have for nurses."

My book launch is several months away, yet I'm using this publicity piece now, and giving it to as many people as possible. If you're artistic, and have the computer skills, you may design your own flyer. How can you use it?

Post it on social media. In today's publishing world, social media are your best marketing tools. You need to be on Facebook, Twitter, Google+,, and other websites. Get some coaching if you don't know how to do this. My grandchildren are my technical support and I'm grateful for their help.

Send it to NetGalley reviewers. Your publisher may have uploaded your book to this website. You will receive notice of who downloaded the book and who took the time to write a review. Send a thank you email to everyone on the list and attach a flyer.

Deliver one to the newspaper. City newspapers are always trolling for stories. Small town newspapers appreciate stories and images. Mail or personally deliver a flyer to the newspaper and include an information sheet about your book. Be sure to include a business card.

Talk with the folks at the public library. Make up a press kit, including the flyer, and deliver it personally. Ask to give a talk about your book. Tell them yo speak for free, that your talk don't be a commercial, and that it will contain new information.

Email it to a local magazine. I email the editor directly, and also attach an information sheet. persistence pays off, so stay in contact with the magazine. I just contacted a city magazine for the second time to remind the editor of my caregiving series, and attached a flyer.

Send it to close friends. You don't have to be pushy. Take a casual approach and say this is your latest writing project. Word of mouth is one of the best marketing tools and you want to generate buzz about your book.

Carry a copy with you. Often, when you're out and about, you meet people you haven't seen for months, or people who know you're a writer. When they ask you what you're working on, you can whip out your flyer and show them.

The Power of Book Revisions and Patience

Sometimes book ideas come to me out of the blue. That's what happened two weeks ago. "Wow, this is a good idea," I thought to myself. Impulsively I emailed a publisher, met with the Director of Publishing, and she was excited about my idea. She tweaked the title a bit and then I was off and writing. I've been in the writing zone or two weeks now, encased in the world of words. In two weeks I created a basic book outline, a detailed outline, a marketing plan, and written 16,000 words. While I'm writing I think of James Michener. Most people don't want to be writers, Michener once said, they want to have been writers. Instead of doing the work these people want to walk into a book store and see a large display of their books. If only writing was that easy!

I've revised my manuscript three times and checked headings to make sure they're helpful and clear. The manuscript pages are piling up and so are the resources in my bibliography. Each revision makes my book better and brings me close to my dream of another published book. Writing is hard, challenging, and exciting work and I love it. Without writing I would be a different person.

Are You Fighting or Collaborating with your Book Editor?

Working with a book editor is a learned skill. Acquiring this skill takes time and practice and patience. I've been a freelancer for more than 35 years and, during this time, learned to work with editors. Instead of viewing my editor as an enemy, I think of him or her as my biggest booster. A book editor has your best interests at heart and wants you to have the best book possible. You may be working with your editor now. Here are some tips from my experience. 1. Leave your emotions at home. Concentrate on facts: organization of your book, writing style, punctuation, typos, writing clarity, and marketing. 2. Listen carefully. Make eye contact with your editor and let him or her finish a sentence before you speak. 3. Take notes to back-up your listening. Jot down the editor's key points in a small notebook. 4. Be courteous. Just like your mother told you, manners count in the real world, and especially the book business. 5. Thank the editor for his or her time. 6. End with an action statement, such as "I'll revise that section and email it to you."

Yesterday I hadmet with a director of publishing who is also an editor. I used all of these tips. I also followed her advice. At five o'clock in the morning, I got up and revised my preface to match her recommendations. It's much better and I'm grateful for her help. Collaborating with an editor helps you and helpd your book.

My Husband, an Amazing Father and Grandfather

On this Father's Day I think of all the years I shared with my husband. When we had our two daughters I saw his gentleness and kindness and these attributes continue today. We have been married almost 56 years and he can stll surprise me. I enjoy talking with my husband at dinner time, sharing ideas and opinions. He is my biggest booster and I hope I am his. The past six years have been challenging, to say the least, with four deaths in the family, including his father and our eldest daughter. Sometimes we wondered if we would survive such tragedy. But we have survived and come out stronger and more devoted than ever. My husband knows me better than I know myself. I rely on his wisdom and ability to cut through details and go straight to the heart of a problem. Most of all, I admire his steadfastness, a quality I recognized when we married so many years ago and a quality that continues to this day. I wouldn't be the person I am today were it not for my husband. He made me a better person, that's for sure. We -- my husband and I -- are a team and always will be.

Your Presentation: What Makes a Good Handout?

I'm getting ready to present two conference workshops in Boston. Because I'm a former teacher, I always have handouts. But some speakers aren't giving attendees handouts and choosing to post the handouts on their websites instead. While this decision saves money, it may disconnect the speaker from his or her audience. Fact is, attendees feel better when they are holding information in their hands. There are many advantages to providing handouts. It makes giving a presentation easier for you, the speaker, because you can always refer to your handouts. You don't have to worry about forgetting a point because it's cited in your handout. When attendees return home, they will remember your talk and you, thanks to handouts. Handouts may also contain information not covered in a presentation.

Handouts fall into three general categories, uncompleted handouts, where the attendee adds information, outlines, which are also called skeletal handouts, and worksheets. However, I have another category to add and it's publicity. I've developed a list of the grief resources I've written for conference book stores, bascially a publicity handout. Over the years, I've also developed a "must have" list for handouts. You may find this list helpful. 1. Use simple words and avoid jargon. 2. Make sure the handout "fits" your presentation. 3. Add visuals, photos, clip art, or symbols, to every handout. 4. Copyright the handout in your name. 5. Add your phone number, email address, and website address, if you have one. 6. Color-code handouts so attendees may find them easily.

Your handouts represent your presentation and they represent you. Good handouts "speak" for you long after your presentation is over.

Two Books in Production -- Hooray!

Starting a new book is exciting and writing it is also exciting. This month I have two books in production, one about walking for heart health and the other about recovering from grief. Having two books in production involves lots of detail work. I have to check the index page numbers, for example, and look for sentences that may have dropped out. Marketing is also something I have to consider. I've written a press release for one book and am relying on Amazon exposure for sales. I've created a mini poster for the second book, and will display it at a national conference in Boston. For the walking book, I've arranged a virtual book tour, with exposure on various websites. Since I've never done this before I don't know if it will generat sales.

During the last month I've written 10,000+ words a week, a feat for any author. Now I'm letting my creative well fill up again, though I still write short articles. Catching up on household tasks is also on my To Do list. While I was in an office supply store, I suddenly had an idea for a new book. I'm letting this idea percolate for a while to see if it is a real possibility. A writer's work is never done!

Nothing Like a Book Contract to Brighten a Day

Authors like me can have book ideas, but our ideas are only as good as book contracts. For some time, a book idea had been swirling around in my mind. One day, without any advanced warning, I sat down at the computer and wrote the book outline. Two days later I was writing the first chapter. The book progressed so quickly I contacted my current publisher. I talked with the Executive Director, gave her my two-minute pitch, and asked if the company might be interested in the book. "Of course," she said. This spurred my writing and I became obsessed with the book, so obsessed that I wrote more than 10,000 words a week. I kept the publisher informed of my progress and requested an author agreement. A week later she emailed the agreement to me and I was relieved. Now our agreement was official and my book was really sold. Writers should not send a manuscript, printed or electronic, to a publisher without an agreement. I learned this lesson the hard way and have never forgotten it.

I signed the writer's agreement immediately and was excited for the rest of the day. It is rewarding to know my book will be published. Though I have many other published books, the one I am working on always gets the most attention. Judging one's own work is difficult, but I think this is one of the best books I have written. Seven experts in the field have agreed to review my book and I am grateful for their kindness. Hopefully, they will like the book and if they do not, I guess I will start another one. Another book idea is rattling around in my mind and I do now know what will happen. All I can do is wait and see.

When the Writing Muse Strikes

Several weeks ago I had an idea for a new book. The process of going from an idea, to an outline, to writing copy, happened iin record time. I was consumed by the by the book idea and writing it. When I awaked in the morning I was was already revising paragraphs. While I was cookingI was generating new copy. After dinner in the evening, I jumped up from the table and returned to writing. That is the way it is with writers. When the muse strikes we answer the call and give it our best. Believe me, I am not complaining. Rather, I am grateful for every new idea, whether it works out or not, and the ability to string words into sentences, and for every published book. Some of my books have almost written themselves. During my career I have met many people who said they wanted to be writers. None of them was working on anything. If you really want to be a writer, or are already one, you know when it is time to sit down and write.

We can't keep the muse waiting.

Advice from One Freelancer to Another

I have developed a series of grief recovery talks that build and expand on the books I have written. One talk has been received really well, so well I decided to expand it into a book. I wrote a draft of the outline, revised the draft, found resources, and started the actual writing. The book was progressing so well I decided to contact my publisher. The executive director listened patiently to my two-minute pitch, paused a moment and replied, "We already carry a book with that title." What a disappointment. Still, I did not let this disappointment slow me down and resumed my search for a good title. I brainstormed for a day, started a list of possible titles, and kept adding to it. Then I put a star by the one I liked best and logged into Amazon. To my dismay, this title was there on the screen, and worse, there were nine books with this title and different sub-titles. Sheesh! It was back to brainstorming.

Not only did I have to find a title that represented the book, I had to find one that matche the book's structure. Again, I made a list of potential titles. I entered these titles into the computer and tried out different fonts to see how they would look in print. I ranked the titles and chose the simplest one. When I logged into Amazon I was thrilled to see ththe message, "We cannot find a book with this title." The title was mine! I logged into a royalty-free website and looked at thousands of photos that might represent this title.

After printing out eight photos, I discarded several because they were too busy, and several others because they were obtuse. I kept discarding until I was down to one photo, an ideal match for the title. Now that these tasks are done I am back writing and loving every minute of it. But I have some advice for other free: Check Amazon before you choose your title.

Rogers and Hammerstein Describe Hate in ther Song, "You've Got to be Carefully Taught"

The terrorism at the Boston marathon got me thinking about hatred. From the outside, the terrorist brothers looked like Americans, dressing like everyone else, participating in sports, and hanging out with friends. Their inside personalities were a different story. Apparently these brothers had been taught to hate. Years ago, Rogers and Hammerstein explained hate simply in their song, "You've Got to be Carefully Taught." The lyrics say you need have to be taught to hate and fear others, taught to "hate all the people your relatives hate." The lyrics of this song seem to apply to the Boston terrorists. Someone, or a group of people, taught them to hate the nation that welcomed them, gave them asylum, and in the case of the younger brother, awarded him a scholarship. Still, these young men were seething with hatred and building bombs to maime and kill. The Watertown, MA Chief of Police thinks the young men intended to set off more bombs and kill more innocents. As Americans, I think we need to become more aware of the hatred in our midst.

I was a very young child during World War II, yet I remember the slogan, "Loose lips sink ships." The slogan was on a poster and the posters were everywhere -- in grocery stores, on store fronts, and lamp posts. Our new slogan has become, "See something? Say something." This isn't a time for political correctness. Rather, this is a time for Americans to take care of each other, be alert, report unusual/odd behavior, take cell phone photos, and use social media. Instead of teaching hatred, we can teach fairness, respect, and tolerance. We can come together as a nation and cherish the freedom we have.

Creativity: What's Age got to Do with It?

I have a book in production, write for three websites, contribute to blogs, and volunteer in my community. Yesterday I received a phone call from a colleague about the organization's newsletter. She needed someone to serve as editor, a long-term commitment and something I was unwilling to do. I told her I was in my late 70s, extremely busy, and couldn't sign up for this commitment. At first, my colleague congratulated me on my age. Later sge said she didn't realize I was that old. Well, I am.I've celebrated many birthdays, am a grandmother, and been married to the same marvelous man for 56 years. I'm an active older adult. You won't see me sitting in a rocking chair, marking time, and waiting to die. Certainly, my creativeness hasn't died. Today I am more creative than I've ever been and have more writing ideas than I can pursue. Maybe that is nature's plan. If we fail to use the gifts we've been given, we will gradually lose them. Experience has taught me the value of persistence, of keeping at it, of challenging myself, how to accept rejects, and celebrate a book sale.

There are more articles to write, more book ideas to consider, more organizations that need my time and experience. What's age got to do with creativity? Plenty. Like fine wine, we get better as we age. Older adults like me understand what we can do and what we cannot. We're kinder to ourselves and laugh a lot. Best of all, we savor every moment of life. Despite all the sorrow I have experienced, I am a happy person and I am blessed.

Internet Book Marketing: A New World for Me

Just because a publisher has posted my book on its website doesn't mean it will sell. It publishes grief resources and only those who know about the company will visit the website. Clearly, I need to get better at Internet book marketing. Guess I'm slow on the uptake, but I'm just beginning to understand the power of the Internet and how it can spark book sales. At the end of this month I'm participating in an online book "tour." The fact that it is called a tour amuses me. In addition to the tour I'm posting on a blog about writing. Of course I'm posting on Facebook.

Many authors ask people to write reviews of their books and post the reviews on Amazon. While this is a good idea, I was reluctant to do it. However, I did ask one expert to post a review and she was kind enough to do so. As soon as my latest book, Walking Woman: Step-by-Step to a Healthier Heart, appears on Amazon I will update my website. I try to keep it current, but every update costs more than I think. Still, I've received emails from several people complimenting me on the quality of my website and I am grateful for their emails.

Recently I updated my Amazon profile and I will add regular updating to my To Do list. I also continue to write articles for an Internet website that posts my bio at the end of each article. I'm not the only author who is discovering the power of Internet marketing. An author friend of mine is making similar discoveries and she has given me some leads. Both of us are working hard and both of us wrote our books because we wanted to help others, not make money.

Making a Memory Cook Book: 10 Tips for You

I've made several memory cookbooks and putting them together is fun. The first one I made was a Christmas gift for members of my extended family. It was in memory of my mother-in-law and contained favorite recipes from her recipe boxes. When I typed the recipes I followed each one just as she had written it. If a recipe referred to a family member I included the reference. This last week I've been working on another memory cookbook, a going away gift for a friend of mine. Each club member submitted two recipes that had been served at meetings. Some members, including me, submitted an extra recipe or two. The recipes were as diverse as the club members. Putting this gift together made me think of ways to get the best possible results. My tips may help you.

1. Set a theme. The book I'm working on now includes recipes for foods members have shared together. You may create a book that represents a specific heritage. 2. Strive for a minimum number of recipes. I am working towards two dozen and have almost reached this goal. 3. Determine how the recipes will be displayed. A three-ring binder works best for me because it fits the standard paper size. Narrow and wide-spine binders are available at office supply stores. 4. Choose a suitable font. I surprised myself by choosing a font called Berlin, which has an art deco look about it. 5. Use a consistent format. For example, I decided to type recipe titles in Berlin bold, 18 point. The recipe instructions are 14 point, which makes them easy to read. 6. Include personal information. Was this recipe served on Christmas Eve? Has it been handed down from generation to generation. 7. Give credit where credit is due. If the recipe came from a cookbook, please cite the title and author. 8. Protect the recipes with plastic page sleeves. The good thing about them is that you don't have to punch holes in paper. Instead, you just slip each recipe into its sleeve. 9. Divide the book into sections. These divisions may depend on the number of recipes you have. The gift I am working on now only has two sections, Sweet and Savory. 10. Stick a photo on the cover. I used a photo of club members that was taken in front of a member's home. It's the perfect beginning to a memorable gift.

Does Your Book have Lazy or Savvy Layout?

This morning I am expecting a call from my publisher regarding the layout of my book. In preparation for the call, I looked through my manuscript, and compiled a list of layout suggestions. Notice that I said suggestions, not directions, because I am not a graphic designer. I am, however, a person with a graduate degree in art. Though I've never laid out a book, as I am writing ,I can see the cover and interior design in my mind. To get an idea of what is selling, I look at published books that have eye-catching covers and layout. Why am I drawn to the book? Are there design elements I could adapt? Dense layout -- too much copy on the page -- is something I want to avoid. The reader should have white spaces to rest his or her eyes and headings that draw guide them through the book from beginning to end. The layout should also support the book's purpose. All I can do is make suggestions. The final interior design is up to the pros. You may have a book in production now. If so, think long and hard about the layout. You want your book to look its best.

Being Snowed In Develops Character

In the last two weeks we've been snowed in twice. My husband and I weren't snowed in for long, but we couldn't go anywhere. A huge drift covered the patio door, and when we opened the garage door we realized we couldn't go anywhere. Though we have plowing and shoveling service, we have to wait our turn. Right after the driveway was plowed the city plow came along and pushed a four-foot wall of snow across the driveway. So we had to wait for the plowing service to return. What did we do with our time? I wrote several articles and polished a manuscript. My husband paid bills and worked on the mail pile, which is always huge at our house. Fortunately, we were able to throw lots of mail away. Being snowed in made us slow down and we enjoyed many coversations over coffee. I did some baking as well. All in all, we decided we were grateful to have a warm house, enough food, and each other.

Proofreading Online Requires Patience and Good Eyesight

I think of myself as a detail person. When I'm writing a book, I try to keep track of details such as spelling, indenting, and typos. The last few days I've been proofreading an electronic version of my latest book. Saving paper is the main reason I'm doing this. Each day, when I sit down at the computer, I find more errors. Some are left from text editing and sometimes I change a word because I like it better. Having older eyes also slows me down. Though I wear bifocals, I take them off when I'm writing and proofreading. Days have passed and I am still proofreading. To to a good job I feel like I need the eyes of a hawk. Next week I hope to submit an electronic version of my book to the publisher, so I have to keep at it. A proofreader has already gone through the manuscript once and I'm working on consistency, citing articles, newsletters, and books in a uniform way. Proofreading isn't for the lazy, that's for sure!