Sunday, June 27, 2010

Tips on Writing Your First Book - 4 Personal Questions to Ask Before Scheduling Your Writing by Glen Ford

So you've figured out where you are going to write. You've decided between a separate office and a laptop in the living room. You've decided whether to write in public or private.

And you're all set to get started.

Or are you?

Well not quite. You see having a set place to write is important. But doing your writing at a set time is equally if not more important. It's repetition that creates a habit after all. And if you want repetition you need to pick a time that you will write without having to break your habit before it begins.

Here are 4 personal questions you need to ask before you schedule your writing time.

1. When are you at your best?

Some people are morning people. Some people are night owls. And many fit in between. We're all victims of our circadian rhythms. There's no point in fighting it. So work with it. Are you a morning person? Do you wake up clear headed and ready to take on the world? Then you want to write first thing in the morning. Do you come in to your own after the world is asleep? Then you want to schedule your writing after everyone else is in bed.

2. When do most of your interruptions occur?

Interruptions are the destroyers of concentration and of writing habits. Avoid them like the plague. In fact, you need to identify what your major interruptions are to avoid them. So if people phone you at 9:30 regularly to talk, don't schedule your writing for 9:15. If your neighbor likes to play loud music at 2:00 pm every day then don't schedule your writing at 2:00. Pick a time when the people around you will leave you alone.

3. Do you have regular routines that need to be met?

Do you pick up your child from school at 3:30 every day? Do you drop your child off at daycare for 9:00 every morning? There's no point in scheduling your writing for a point where you know you are going to be interrupted. Schedule your writing time so that you will get all of your time in. And even better, schedule your writing time so that you have a period after your writing in case you are on a roll or you aren't ready to finish.

4. How long can you write at a stretch?

Most people can only write for a limited amount of time and words. Once they have finished that time or words their output drops considerably. Bluntly they're just too tired to continue. The point of a habit is to succeed and by regularly succeeding to force you to adopt successful modes of operating. Setting yourself up to fail doesn't accomplish that particularly well. So only schedule the time you feel that you can write without burning out.

Do you want to learn how to write a book in 24 hours? Take my brand new free course here: http://www.learningcreators.com/

Do you want to read more free information like this? Go to my blog: http://www.learningcreators.com/blog/

Glen Ford is an accomplished consultant, trainer and writer. He has far too many years experience as a trainer and facilitator to willingly admit.

Barnes & Noble's Nook Joining a Crowded Market

Barnes & Noble, Inc. unveiled a new dedicated eBook reading device and cut the price of their eight-month old reader, the Nook 3G, from $259 to $199, to put it well below the price of Amazon's Kindle International, which remains at $259.

Priced at just $149, the new Nook Wi-Fi includes the same features of the Nook 3G -- including a color touch screen for navigation, an E-Ink display and Wi-Fi connectivity -- but lacks 3G connectivity. The price is also identical to that of Borders' recently introduced Kobo eBook reading device, which, according to the company, saw its original batch sold out with new products set to ship on July 2.

A recent report from Simba Information, the leading market research firm specializing in publishing and media, titled Trade E-Book Publishing 2010, shows just how crowded the market for dedicated eBook devices has become despite the many consumers who continue to trust the No. 1 device (the Personal Computer according to proprietary data fully analyzed within the report). In addition, multi-use devices such as Apple's iPad are going after the segment with equal vigor as Barnes & Noble's new, low-priced Nook -- which is likely to make the bookseller's rivals frown.

"I'm sure Borders would have preferred to be left alone on the low-cost dedicated eBook device side," said Michael Norris, senior analyst for Simba Information's Trade Books Group. "But as our report shows, none of these dedicated devices stay on the market very long before a newer, better, faster, cheaper one comes along. I'm sure Amazon, which has cut the price of the Kindle repeatedly over the years, will respond with a price cut of its own, a newer Kindle, or both."

Trade E-Book Publishing 2010 drew much of its analysis from a Simba Information survey of over 1,880 U.S. adults administered in February and March 2010, as well as over a year's worth of bestseller analysis from the e-bookstores of Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Sony, among others. The report compares the top categories of each bookstore to one another and to national print bestseller lists to determine what types of e-books consumers are demanding and contains an analysis of pricing strategies. New to this edition is a section on the price sensitivity of e-books, as well as updated information on last year's report, which determined 8% of the U.S. adult population bought at least one e-book in the prior 12-month period.

Source: http://www.simbainformation.com/

Lerner Publishing Group Launches New Website

Lerner Publishing Group has launched its new website designed to turn finding, evaluating, and buying children’s books into a time-saving, valuable experience for its customers. The new site encourages students to become interactively involved with books, authors, and illustrators. Librarians and educators can enrich curriculum with discussion guides, online content, author bios, and much more -- all linked from an all-new website at http://www.lernerbooks.com/.

Lerner Publishing Group will continue enhancing the site in the coming weeks by adding more than 1,000 eBooks to the product catalog along with its new Lerner Interactive Books and dozens of online curriculum resources, as well as a gift registry for parent and community support of schools and libraries.

Self Published Authors Now Have a Chance to be Heard on the Airwaves

For a self published book to stand out amidst the sea of books, it is essential for the author to have a marketing campaign that creates interest and awareness to the reader. One of the best ways to market your book is through radio interviews.

Xlibris Corporation launched its latest book marketing service promotion - the Author Radio Interview Marketing Package. The said book marketing campaign allows self published authors to optimize their book’s exposure by providing 10-12 minutes of airtime with Stu Taylor, a respected and nationally syndicated business radio talk show host.

The phone interview is broadcasted live and distributed through various radio streams and online broadcast channels. The Xlibris Corporation Book Marketing Package also includes a Press Release Campaign sent to 100 media outlets where authors get to choose the programs to feature their interview. A complete listing is available on Xlibris Corporation’s website.

The live interview is not just streamed on the radio and internet but also is available for download on major podcast sites. Xlibris’ published authors can use copies of the media which they can use as material for other promotional campaigns such as book signings, talks and more.

For more information, visit http://www2.xlibris.com/requestkit/index.asp?src=apr&key=sh

Monday, June 21, 2010

Writing a Captivating Preface For Your Book by Glen Ford

The title, the first sentence, the first paragraph, the first page, the preface... these are the five most important parts of your how to book. Why? Because these are the parts that will cause the reader to keep reading. And if the reader keeps reading they will eventually read the whole book! But if any one of these parts fails... the reader will stop reading.

So how can you be sure you are writing a captivating preface for your book?

The key is to start with the reader. Who are they? Why are they going to read your book? What is their pain point or problem that your book is going to resolve for them? Whatever your answers, whatever the rest of the book says, the books begins and ends with the reader and their pain points and problems. Or if you are positive, with a pleasure point. In between is your solution. So to keep the reader reading, focus on the reader.

The second part of the answer is to tell a story. You don't normally think of a non-fiction book as having a story. But it does. They all do. And it's the same story -- just the details change. What's the story? It's the story of how you decided to write this book. Of how you met the same problems and solved them.

Don't underestimate the value of this story.

Remember how you have been admonished to think of your target reader as a friend sitting across the dining room table from you. Or any other of a dozen other locations. The reason for this is to get you thinking of your reader as a real person -- a person you know and like.

Well this story does the same thing to your reader. Just in reverse. It causes them to think of you as a real person... a friend, a person they like... and a person whom they can identify with.

So tell a story which establishes you as a real person who's dealt with the same problem as your reader... and learned how to overcome it.

There are other techniques as well. But none will have the impact of writing a story.

For example, you can start the preface off with a question. This question can help to establish what the book is about. It can also help to establish your rapport with the reader. This works especially best if you then follow it up with a story.

Alternatively, you can start the preface off with an emotionally charged statement. A statement which is targeted toward the target reader's pain or problem.

The point is to arrange the preface in a way that emotionally touches the reader. And a story about the author -- and why this book is so important to your reader.

Do you want to learn how to write a book in 24 hours? Take my brand new free course here: http://www.learningcreators.com/

Do you want to read more free information like this? Go to my blog: http://www.learningcreators.com/blog/

Glen Ford is an accomplished consultant, trainer and writer. He has far too many years experience as a trainer and facilitator to willingly admit.

"Be A Great Author" Tips Using Publicity and Media Strategy

GOOD book authors get some publicity and have been in the media once or twice. GREAT authors and experts gets lots of publicity and have done radio, TV, and print at the local and/or national level. GREAT experts are everywhere at all times. They are out there commenting on the issues and getting their message heard by millions.

GOOD authors and experts have an in depth knowledge of their area of expertise. GREAT authors and experts have the same in depth knowledge about their topics but also understand know how to apply what they know to what is happening in America and then share their point of view on radio, TV, print and on the internet.

GOOD book authors have a website that may or may not be a media site or have a media section that has the info the media would want to see. GREAT authors and experts have a media website designed to make it easy for journalists and producers to find out all they need to know to book them on the show or quote them in the article. GREAT book author and expert media sites include a media packed professional bio, current professional upscale headshot of the author or expert, a strong TV DEMO with several TV appearances. The video is important to the media so the media can preview the author’s expertise quickly and easily.

GOOD book authors and experts are well groomed and put together nicely but do not necessarily stand out. GREAT authors absolutely stand out. They have style and look like high profile HOSTS themselves, They look fabulous on TV and have invested in what it takes to upscale their clothes, hair style and make up for TV. Naturally, they are media trained so they are experienced and appear relaxed and knowledgeable on TV

Lots more publicity info and author publicity and author marketing special reports at http://www.anniejenningspr.com/

GOOD book authors experts are enthusiastic about their topic. GREAT book authors are enthusiastic about everything and come with a great attitude of "how can I help” that comes across beautifully in a phone interview or on camera. GREAT experts engage the audience, present relevant points and conversation that the audience can actually put to use right way. GREAT expert LOVE what they do and it shows. (Good authors get confused and think it’s about their book sales and miss the part about becoming a national voice).

GOOD book authors have a good working knowledge about their topic. GREAT book authors and experts have personal stories that relates to their topic in addition to the book knowledge. GREAT experts are entertainers as well and can help the audience experience their vision.

GOOD book authors try to publicize their book at every turn and miss the bigger picture of how their book can help them gain the competitive advantage. GREAT book authors and experts publicize themselves and their messages thereby creating a brand and a national status that will lead to future projects.

Salem Publishing Announces Launch of FamilyFiction

This fall, Salem Publishing will launch FamilyFiction, a major resource for helping consumers discover the best in Christian fiction, through a bimonthly digital magazine, email newsletter and website. FamilyFiction’s coverage will span the breadth of Christian fiction--Amish, Historical, Suspense, Speculative, Romance, Contemporary and Young Adult--with timely news updates, up-to-date release lists, reviews, interviews, book trailers and more.

"FamilyFiction addresses a great need," says Michael Miller, General Manager of Salem Publishing. "We look forward to exposing more and more Christian fiction readers to these great authors."
"There is a reason Jesus taught in parables," says Robin Lee Hatcher, best-selling author of the Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series (Zondervan). "The power of story is that it puts us into the lives of the characters, letting us see and experience things through those characters. In the process, we learn and sometimes are changed."

"Fiction is a powerful tool in the hands of believers," notes Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author of Her Mother’s Hope (Tyndale House). "It is a non-threatening way to share our faith with unsaved friends and relatives who might not be willing to read the Bible or talk about Jesus. I know of many new authors who will gain a wider audience through this new resource. The quality of Christian fiction just keeps getting better. FamilyFiction will be a great place to let it shine!"

Adds Robert Liparulo, author of the YA time-travel thriller Frenzy (Thomas Nelson): "What? A way to find and promote stories by Christian authors who share my values? Where do I sign up? Way to go, guys!"

"I applaud Salem Communications in the launch of FamilyFiction," says DiAnn Mills, author of The Call of Duty series (Tyndale) and the historical romance A Woman Called Sage (Zondervan). "This new resource will be helpful to me in my various roles--writer, promoter of Christian fiction, trainer and encourager of authors--and avid reader!"

Salem Publishing plans to launch the FamilyFiction digital magazine, newsletter and comprehensive website Fall 2010. In the meantime, Christian fiction readers can sign up for updates at FamilyFiction.com and connect on Facebook (Facebook.com/FamilyFiction) and Twitter (Twitter.com/FamilyFiction).

BookRix Launches New Publisher's Profiles Feature

BookRix (http://www.bookrix.com/), the popular online community for authors and readers, announced today that it has added a new feature to its website -- the Publisher's section. Publishing companies can use the new feature to reach out to the BookRix community of readers, authors and literature aficionados as they seek innovative ways to expand their existing client base.

Publishers are now finding they cannot ignore the social media realm and are looking for new, innovative ways to reach out to readers and writers online. BookRix can fulfill that need of many publishing houses with its customized Publisher's section.

"Having their own profile on BookRix provides the perfect means for a publishing company to introduce their authors and portfolio to our growing list of more than 70,000 active readers, inform their fans about the latest news, and publish book excerpts as well as promote their new book releases," said BookRix CEO and Founder, Gunnar Siewert. "We're expecting a tremendous, positive response from publishers beginning with this week's BookExpo America (BEA) Conference in New York."

Through the BookRix Publisher's section, publishing firms can reach new readers, expand and focus their social media usage, host writing contests in cooperation with BookRix or on their own, and embed BookRix reading samples easily into their own website or on their social media pages. As a content-oriented, social community, BookRix is just as essential for publishers and authors as MySpace is for record companies and musicians. For further information about this new publisher's opportunity, new authors and their works and community activities of BookRix, please visit http://www.bookrix.com/.

About BookRix:

BookRix is a popular online book community where authors and aspiring authors can publish their own books with page-turning capabilities, potentially reaching over 70,000 English-speaking members worldwide. BookRix members may discover new authors and interesting work to read. Also, BookRix authors will soon be able to offer their creative work for free download to mobile electronic readers like eReaders and smartphones. Publishing companies may use this platform for discovering new talented writers and for advertising purposes.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Book Writing Template - How to Construct a Book That's Worth Every Penny by Paul Godines

For new writers, the desire to write a highly profitable book can be overwhelming to the point that the writer finds themselves at a standpoint trying to figure out how to construct one that others call expensive.

Lets start by agreeing that people pay most for results, more importantly they want results that are self discovered. Results are most often discovered after an experience, no-one wants a cookie cutter solution at a high ticket price point. They want customized and personalized outcomes.

With that being said then one would believe that if you were to ask the right questions you could help someone, virtually anyone discover the solutions and or directions to their goals. As a matter of fact if you got to know your prospective reader, then you could even build in some unique exercises and experiments.

By weaving the right questions with the right suggestions you could actually guide the reader to create some very individualized and possibly unique outcomes. I can think of a thousand ways to write a book, but one of the best ways to construct an expensive book that's worth every penny is to create a workbook filled with tons of valuable worksheets, checklists and even a few assessments and quizzes.

While a standard paperback sells for $20.00 a workbook can be priced at $300 for each copy sold, because your selling results not just a summertime read. So if you were to create a workbook that a graduate from a design school could use to help them secure lucrative employment, you could easily charge $300 a piece for it.

Think about it, if you constructed a collection of self-assessments and checklists, worksheets and lots of resources and compiled them into a workbook and it actually helped the design student secure a $75,000 a year career wouldn't it be worth $300 to the designer?

If you're ready to go to learn more about how to write and market a book just go to: http://www.bookbizability.com/ for FREE articles, videos and audios that will help you write your own book and build your platform, promotions, publicity and profits.

Paul Godines helps Authors with the Publishing Process, building the Authors Marketing Platforms (social media, products, coaching programs) Book Promotions (virtual book tours, amazon best seller campaigns, book award competitions) and receiving Publicity for your Book (Radio/TV and in Print.)

Do You Need Help Writing a Book? by Sharon C Evans

Writing a book can be a very enjoyable, introspective experience. When you write a book, you are truly writing about a very important aspect of your own life. Many of the great literary giants in times past taught the important lesson to "write what you know." It is quite common for first time authors to put a great deal of themselves into their first book. Understanding this basic thought will help you on the road to writing your first book. Many authors make amateur mistakes, and they attempt to write about a world they do not truly know. In order to write an honest book, you must learn the new world you wish to inhabit. You must learn the jargon, the terminology and the essence of this world.

This stands true whether you are writing fiction or non-fiction. In order to write non-fiction you must gain a thorough understanding of this "world" or this subject if you are truly to teach your audience. If you want to write a novel then you must make the fantasy of this story come alive with vivid descriptions, realistic dialogue and a strong sense of authenticity in every scene. Where can you go to get help with writing a book? There are many options open to you. First and foremost, you must read on a regular basis. It will be difficult to sit down and write a full-length novel or nonfiction book if you have little to no idea of how sentences are constructed. You must study models of how a story is constructed, and the best way to do this outside of a classroom is to read.

Pick up a timeless classic book or a modern book from the shelves and try and analyze it critically. Notice how and why the author writes a certain way or uses a particular choice of words. Try creating an outline of the story based upon what you read and then analyze why the outline is situated in such a way. The best way to write a book is to increase your knowledge of writing including vocabulary, writing structure and of course, the subject of your interest. If you need help with creating your first book, you can contact an editing service that might be able to work with you on fleshing out your ideas. The best way to improve as a writer is to first improve as a reader.

Sharon C. Evans is an author, coach, speaker and information product specialist. She hosts an audio and video coaching program where her audience can find expert information from book market gurus. The expert can learn to turn their secrets and expert information into books, which truly are the ultimate client magnet. See more at http://www.bookauthorsecrets.com/

Private Label Single ISBN

Outskirts Press and R. R. Bowker, the official ISBN Agency for the United States,announced they have reached an agreement establishing Outskirts Press as a designated ISBN agent of R. R. Bowker.

The agreement allows Outskirts Press to request single ISBNs from R. R. Bowker on behalf of, and in the name of, self-publishing authors who select the Private Label Imprint and Private Label ISBN option from http://www.outskirtspress.com/.

With the request of a Private Label ISBN through Outskirts Press, a single ISBN will be assigned in the name of the author, and/or to his/her publishing company.

According to Outskirts Press CEO Brent Sampson, "While our best publishing packages have always included ISBNs, now self-publishing authors have the option of owning their own ISBN and publishing under their own imprint name while still receiving all the valuable publishing and marketing support of Outskirts Press."

Prior to the agreement, self-publishing authors could publish with Outskirts Press under their own publishing imprint for a $99 Publishing Imprint fee only if they brought their single ISBN with them, which they would typically need to acquire from Bowker, either in blocks of 10, or via a single ISBN purchase for $125.00.

With the agreement in place, self-publishing authors can now conveniently add the Private Label ISBN to their Imprint option through Outskirts Press for $99, which is 20% less than purchasing the ISBN through Bowker directly. Barcodes using the Private Label ISBN are included, saving the author an additional $25.00.

For more information about the Private Label Imprint and ISBN option, along with all the services and products Outskirts Press makes available for writers who are writing, publishing, and marketing books, please visit http://outskirtspress.com/ .

Self Published Authors Kick-Off Their Publishing Campaign

The World Cup Mania is in the air. The excitement builds up as the opening match draws near. In the spirit of the 2010 World Cup, Xlibris Corporation, a pioneer in the self publishing industry, helps build up the excitement to authors who wish to get published. They are offering publishing deals to authors who wish to kick off their book publishing campaign.

Xlibris Publisher prides themselves as a book publishing company created by authors, for authors. Utilizing innovative approaches and the latest “print on demand” technology, they provide creative writers and artists with publishing services that would help them get published. That is why they are offering these publishing deals:

*  Free Publishing Services Upgrade -- Avail any of Xlibris Publisher's publishing packages and they will upgrade it to the next most expensive service with no added cost. Helps authors save up to $7,500.

* Super Sub Alternative -- For authors who are satisfied with the publishing service that they have chosen and do not want avail the free publishing service upgrade, Xlibris will give them a 20% off. Provides up to $2,800 savings for the authors.

* 20% Author Signing Bonus -- As an added offer, Xlibris is offering 20 a % discount for self published authors who'll sign up on or before the 12th of June. Of which, will provide authors a total of 40% in savings; a good way for authors to start their publishing journey.

Xlibris Publisher recognizes the needs of each and every author in their publishing journey. That is why they are offering these publishing service deals so that author will be able to share to readers their creations. Aside from the publishing services that Xlibris offers, they also book marketing services to increase the readers' awareness and interest; of which would also optimize the author's book sales.

For more information, please visit http://www2.xlibris.com/

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Writing Fiction - Can it Be Done? by Rebecca Emrich

Writing means many different things to many different people, in fact it is hard not to love writing something. Of course most people would sooner be published at some point but then we would want to do more than one book, so the cycle will begin again. it is a rather fun cycle and one which can be fun and exhausting all in the same moment.

Still there is a subject which most people love to talk about. Writing fiction. It is one of the more challenging types of writing out there. As I normally write nonfiction, fiction seems to be harder and more intricate. Still I have to ask, writing fiction, can it be done?

Below are three reasons why I believe that yes anyone can write fiction, and many more can write a good fiction novel and more can write some great fiction novels.

1) When you do the research you can make a fiction book as realistic as you want. All fiction has some basis in the "real world." It is simply you, the writer who adds the details, the spin which makes it fiction. The best fiction writers do this well, and make the readers fall in love with the people and places they create.

2) Fiction writing offers a creative outlet that nonfiction often does not: Fiction allows more creative room than nonfiction simply because the art is in the authors writing and not with the facts that they need to make interesting. This does not mean that they will simply write what they want, all fiction has a small basis in reality. This includes fantasy novels and science fiction novels. All writers need to research their work, and that includes fiction writes, but they do have a bit more leeway in terms of how they deliver the facts to their readers.

3) Yes there is a market for fiction writers: Although it is probably easier to break into the fiction market if you have a few nonfiction books, (having that fan base) it is still possible to sell great fiction books as a first time author. It has been done, and will be done again. A great book always rises to the top. Writers who have a plan for their fiction will find more success in the market. They have used the creative side of the brain and will find it easy to make a good marketing plan for the book they have written.

So yes, writing fiction is not only fun, but with time and practice it can be done. Just takes a few breaks in between to write it well. You simply need to keep on writing.

Rebecca is the author of many hubs on publishing on HubPages and writes about writing on the blog called: Living a Life of Writing, http://rebeccasbook.blogspot.com/. You can read this article there http://rebeccasbook.blogspot.com/2010/05/writing-fiction-can-it-be-done.html. She also writes a blog on publishing called the Ups and Down of Publishing. where she discusses challenges and views of publishing. Rebecca is currently beginning to publish lenses on Squidoo as well. See her there on Squidoo.

Children's Book Writing by Jenifer Gate

People have different tastes when it comes to writing a book. Some would prefer a novel for mature writing and reading, while others want the self-help ones, and so on. Even though they have different types of interests, every writer shares the same passion which is writing. It is a way to express what you feel while enjoying the idea of it. Some people who are not into writing thinks that authors have a very stressful life trying to put all those words together and try to make sense in every line they write. But the truth is, a writer is always in a happy mood when writing. Even if the story is about tragedy, romance and others, the writer always holds the kind of excitement and happiness into it.

Writers that are into children's book writing are probably the ones that mostly enjoy what they do. Most of you might think that it is pretty easy writing a book for kids. What you don't know is that even children's books need a lot of understanding and studying. You will see that authors are like kids themselves. In order for them to write an effective children's book, they first should know what interest their readers. This is not that easy at all.

We all came from childhood. But along the years, we are forgetting what it feels to be a child. We grow up and mature after many years. Understanding what a child feels would be a bit of work. Writers write as if they are the readers of their stories. As they write, they keep asking themselves "Would I like to read that if I was the reader?" That would be pretty tricky when the reader would be a child. How can you feed a young mind with your matured thoughts? The answer is to know their needs.

Ask yourself what a child needs. First, you will think that children want fun, laughter, moral lessons, simple thoughts and ideas. Then that is what you should write about. Write in a very humorous way. Try adding a little or more laughter into it. Make sure you add a moral lesson but not a difficult one for the child to understand. Always try to see the kid's point of view and see if he can understand that kind of thought.

Make the characters colorful. Children would like a story which they can picture in their minds. Make sure to state clearly what the details are and keeping them simple at all times. Never try to stress a child's mind by adding some serious and too heavy parts into it. Just be at ease and enjoy as you go along.

The author as well as the reader will always feel very young at heart when reading a children's book.

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FastPencil Puts Authors on the iPad With New iBookstore Publishing Service

Next generation publisher, FastPencil (http://www.fastpencil.com/), today expanded sales opportunities for authors by announcing iBookstore distribution. FastPencil makes the process seamless for authors to get their content into any channel by providing them with an end-to-end publishing solution that enables them to write, publish and sell books on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and now the iBookstore for iPad readers.

"With over 2 million iPad units sold already, Apple is revolutionizing the publishing industry," said Michael "Mash" Ashley, FastPencil Co-Founder and CTO. "Authors want to be part of the revolution, they want their books everywhere. The beauty of FastPencil is that we automatically turn a manuscript into an eBook and put it into the iBookstore as well as Kindle and the entire Ingram Digital network so the author can focus on writing great books."

The iBookstore, announced this past March in conjunction with the iPad, is reinventing the publishing industry and giving consumers a new avenue for purchasing and accessing literature. FastPencil is dedicated to making it easy, fun and economical for anyone to write a book and the iPad makes it even more profitable to be an author with little cost or risk by providing a new platform to sell books.

"Last year 764,448 titles were produced by self-publishers and just 288,355 titles were published through traditional publishers," said Steve Wilson, FastPencil Co-Founder and CEO. "With so much happening in the industry right now including new devices, formats and rules of the game, authors need to hedge their bets with a device and format agnostic service that takes care of the transformation for them and future-proofs their work."

FastPencil users can upload a manuscript to FastPencil.com and invite friends, family and others to read and review the book before publishing. FastPencil design templates turn the manuscript into a professional book with just a few clicks and the publishing wizard adds all the necessary copyright information, ISBN numbers and bar codes. Authors can Print-on-Demand and choose eBook distribution for Kindle, Nook, iPad, PDF and ePub.

"We created FastPencil.com so everyone could write a book, because sharing stories, preserving memories and educating others can make a real difference in the world. We want to make publishing fun, simple and affordable so anyone can do it--even my Mom who can barely use a computer published her first book through FastPencil. It's amazing to see how writing and publishing a book can change so many people's lives," said Mash. "I hear from our authors every day about how hard it used to be but with the iPad, FastPencil and the revolution in eBook publishing we are going to see a lot of dreams come true."

Nearly 25 million eBooks were downloaded in 2009, which is about twice the amount from the previous decade. By adding the iBookstore to the list of distributors FastPencil is continuing to prove a commitment to the future of publishing.

Bookrix Launches New Publisher's Profiles Feature

BookRix (http://www.bookrix.com/), the popular online community for authors and readers, announced today that it has added a new feature to its website - the Publisher's section. Publishing companies can use the new feature to reach out to the BookRix community of readers, authors and literature aficionados as they seek innovative ways to expand their existing client base.

Publishers are now finding they cannot ignore the social media realm and are looking for new, innovative ways to reach out to readers and writers online. BookRix can fulfill that need of many publishing houses with its customized Publisher's section.

"Having their own profile on BookRix provides the perfect means for a publishing company to introduce their authors and portfolio to our growing list of more than 70,000 active readers, inform their fans about the latest news, and publish book excerpts as well as promote their new book releases," said BookRix CEO and Founder, Gunnar Siewert. "We're expecting a tremendous, positive response from publishers beginning with this week's BookExpo America (BEA) Conference in New York."

Through the BookRix Publisher's section, publishing firms can reach new readers, expand and focus their social media usage, host writing contests in cooperation with BookRix or on their own, and embed BookRix reading samples easily into their own website or on their social media pages. As a content-oriented, social community, BookRix is just as essential for publishers and authors as MySpace is for record companies and musicians.

Kindle for iPad App Now Available Globally

Amazon.com, Inc. announced its Kindle App for iPad is now available in all countries where the iPad is offered. The app lets users select from hundreds of thousands of books available in the Kindle Store on iPad and features Amazon Whispersync technology that saves and synchronizes customers' last page read, bookmarks, notes and highlights across their Kindle, Kindle DX, iPhone, iPod touch, Mac, iPad and more.

U.S. customers can choose from over 550,000 books available in the Kindle Store, including new releases and bestsellers. Bestsellers such as "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson, "The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown, "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis, and hundreds of thousands of other popular books are USD $11.99 or less in the Kindle Store. The Kindle Store is the only place to find tens of thousands of books added to the Kindle Store by authors and publishers using Kindle's self-service platform. Customers can search for a specific book or browse by genre or author, and can take advantage of all the features that customers enjoy in the Kindle Store, including Amazon.com customer reviews, personalized recommendations and editorial reviews.

Features of the Kindle App for iPad include:

The Kindle App for iPad is available for free from the App Store on iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore.

For more information please visit: www.amazon.com/kindleforipad.