On Service and Servanthood
By James Owens
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35).
Scripture says that we must become servants of all. Service and becoming the servant of all is important in all fields of life; however, it plays an especially important role book publishing. For example, when you get a book signing, the bookstore at which you’re signing is doing you a favor. That means that you should make it your goal to serve them in return.
Service is what sets people apart from the rest of the crowd. When you go to Home Depot and are graciously helped from start to finish, would you not want to go back there again?
When a bookstore hosts a book signing and the author helps with set up or tear down, and works beforehand to draw a crowd on their own accord, the bookstore is usually happy to have that author back again.
The common theme ringing among both anecdotes is service. Here at the WinePress Group, we team quality product with service, so you receive more than just a book or book signings; you get an experience.
James Owens is assistant to the Executive Publisher. He is 17 years old and attends White River Online Learning. James is grateful to work with and around the WinePress staff, and says they are all very friendly and nice to work with.
Marketing Materials: Postcards, Bookmarks, and Covers
About 18 years ago, Better Homes and Gardens did a survey regarding the effectiveness of postcards. They learned that 16 people read every postcard that goes through the mail. That is 15 more people than the one person the mail is sent to… what does that tell you?
Mailing out an offer in the open, rather than stuffed away inside an envelope, gives you a much better chance of exposure. If the cover of your book is compelling, then there may be many more people who will turn the post card over to read what is on the back, and hopefully call the toll free number listed or visit your Website for more information.
Another wonderful promotional piece is the bookmark. People love free bookmarks and since they are used over and over to mark one’s reading spot, your message gets long-term exposure.
Then there are extra covers. Oftentimes our WinePress authors will order extra copies of their full color covers to use as promotional pieces to add to the press kit. Some use them as jumbo postcards to mail to bookstores or other organizations.
Because you have the back cover copy included (which should sell them on your book!) and room on the back of the giant postcard to include extra ordering information or speaking options available, you get some real bang for your buck.
Tweet This!Carla Williams to Guest on FamilyNet Radio
Wednesday, October 28
Live 6:08-6:20 ET (podcast posted on FamilyNet Radio later this week)
WinePress Editorial Director Carla Williams will guest on Mornings With Lorri & Larry on FamilyNet Radio.
Carla will discuss her ministry, The Spiritual Mom: Helping Families Create a Spiritual Legacy.
On her blog, Carla writes:
Tweet This!Like many women I never had a strong mother image. My mom was ill and at a very young age I became the mother in our home, caring for her and my siblings. Imagine a four-year-old with the authority and much of the responsibility of an adult. I started using the phrase “because I said so” when I was five. It worked great on my younger brother and sister. So for as long as I can recall I’ve been mothering someone, and think of myself as a “professional mom.”
Encouraging women, especially young mothers, to depend on God to fill the need for a mother is my passion. It’s what fuels my speaking and writing. And I hope women of all ages find this website a place where they can feel nurtured, find counsel and comfort, and intercede for each other.
My prayer is that you learn to rely on the Holy Spirit to become the role model you need in your life.
Author Interviews: Oct 26-30, 2009
Monday, Oct 26
Richard Bouch, author of The Faith-Work Window, will guest on Mornings With Lorri & Larry on FamilyNet Radio.
How does your Monday affect your Sunday? Sure, we’ve heard a lot about how “Sunday affects Monday”—faith carried to the workplace—but what about using your profession as a catalyst for a stronger faith?
Most Christians aren’t even aware of how their faith and work lives connect. A tragic omission, says author Richard Bouch.
Instead, he proposes Christians view the working life as a key part of a vital, vigorous, and effective Christianity in the twenty-first century. Through Bouch’s insights and guidance from some of Christianity’s best thinkers, you will discover how your job is actually key to purposeful character development and victorious spiritual formation.
Tuesday, Oct 26
8:15 – 8:20 a.m.
Richard Gasaway, author of An Inconvenient Purpose, will guest on The Valder Beebe Show, Dallas, TX
How should Christians respond to global warming? Should we drill for more oil? Build more nuclear power plants? Invest in wind, solar, or other alternative energy resources? What does responsible Christian stewardship of the Earth look like?
If you’ve ever wondered …
- What’s the truth about global warming and climate change?
- Why should I care about the dangerous state of unrest in the Middle East?
- What is energy independence and why is it important to our national security?
- What alternatives to oil, coal, and natural gas do we have?
- How do we get from here (dependent on oil from the Middle East) to there (responsible stewardship of the Earth)?
…then this book will be an indispensable resource for you. Author Richard Gasaway offers helpful information and useful suggestions for Christians who care about leading the way to a better, cleaner world for everyone.
Tweet This!You Get What You Pay For!
By Mike Owens
In the custom publishing industry, there are thousands of publishers to choose from, but you need to choose carefully. Understanding the difference between the in-and-out publisher and the quality publisher makes all the difference.
It’s like purchasing a Geo Metro or a Porsche. The Geo may seem reliable to get you to and from work for a reasonable price, but you soon find the door handle falls off and the gas meter breaks. In the same sense, when looking at a Porsche, you can’t get past the price, but deep down inside you know it will last you years to come. Not only will it prove a reliable source of transportation, but it provides a credible reputation. What more could you ask for than something trustworthy and reputable?
Choosing a publisher can have the same effect. If price is your concern—and you don’t care about publishing a quality product—there are many publishers available. But you’re risking your reputation, not to mention sacrificing the quality of your book.
Here are a few pointers for finding that great publisher:
Look beyond the price.
The initial price may appear to be higher with a custom publisher such as WinePress, but when you carefully examine the service and support we offer, you’ll discover that you get more for your money. Don’t pay a high price for a bad product or poor author support.
Order a book from their online store and examine its quality.
When the book you ordered arrives, look at the cover design.
- Is it relevant?
- Creative?
- Does it reflect the message and capture your attention?
Next, look at the interior of the book.
- Does it look professional?
- Do the fonts complement the content?
Compare it with another book on your shelf.
Call and ask about how they handle editing.
Many custom publishers will publish your book exactly the way you send it. This can and will negatively affect your reputation.
A common misconception among new authors is they don’t need an edit. They believe they’ve spent enough time combing through their book, and they just want to get it in print. Yet, even big-name authors have their book edited. The more eyes, the better for you and your book. If a publisher doesn’t require an edit or is willing to take your book as is, keep looking.
Never compromise. Not only does compromising dilute the value of your message, but it limits the effect it could have upon those who need it.
Mike Owens is a Solutions Advisor for Pleasant Word. He aims to find the best publishing fit for new and seasoned authors. As well as helping authors begin the publishing process, Mike helps within the marketing and publicity aspects of the production process.
