First Word

The publishing industry has been in rapid change for the last 10 years. With the advent of easier publishing methods and now the rise of eBooks, many authors (even famous ones) are bypassing the traditional publishing method that has become driven by big name celebrities and well-known authors to bother to give the new and emerging authors a shot. This is why companies like 3L Publishing have risen to open new doors and create opportunities for new authors to have a way to publish. So, what is a hybrid publisher? A hybrid publisher offers all of the services of a traditional publisher only authors pay to have their books published in exchange for higher royalties. Traditional publishers typically offer royalties that range from 10-12 percent. Here at 3L Publishing, we offer royalty rates that range from 35-70 percent. Additionally 3L Publishing selects roughly two to three titles a year to publish traditionally, which means we not only pay advances, but also we pay the entire freig...

The forthcoming 3L Publishing book Vengeance is Now by Scott D. Roberts is loaded with absolutely entertaining and funny moments. Roberts is a screenwriter so it's not surprising that some of the dialog is priceless.  I thought I would pull out some of my favorite quotes from the book for your enjoyment. The book will be available for advanced release on the 3L Publishing website (www.3LPublishing.com) only and release nationally on Amazon and into bookstores in May 2013.  “Nothing says I love you like a fake abduction." ~ Tate Holloway "Bonnie called," notified Rita cent n’all, "Now that you're innocent n'all the thought of you being a fugitive turned her on. She’s willing to pay triple n’all if you dress in a prison jumpsuit. She wants to be the naughty prison warden.” ~ Rita Jones He remembered the first time he met her at the precinct and his girlfriend at the time brought him lunch. He walked by her desk and introduced himself. ...

I think organization is the foundation to success. How are you supposed to run a business when you're unorganized? You wouldn't be able to find stuff on-the-ready. You wouldn't be able to keep track. Now I am not an attention-to-detail girl. I have an operations manager who keeps her finger on the pulse of the little things. She manages our office activities and keeps the royalties accurate and on track. She is great at keeping the foundation of my company 3L Publishing firm and holding. But when it comes to personal organization, I think it's critical to keep my own activities on track. Here are a few tips to help you stay organized: #1 Calendar -- you can't beat a calendar. I live and die by my calendar. It helps me do two critical things: first, I use it to track appointments. Second, I use it to break my goals into bite-sized pieces. So, each day I itemize goals to accomplish and then check them off. I actually write on my calendar (I know, so analog, right)...

I don't know why I am still shocked when people are just so rude for no good reason. For our radio show First Word Radio , I recently had a random, rude comment posted on Facebook that cited the show as the worst show ever. I sort of knew the "friend's" name and was shocked. It was a pointless comment from a guy I hardly knew. First and foremost, it's my Facebook Wall you're pretty much defacing with "graffiti". Second, no one is forcing you to listen to the show. It's a show we do as a marketing and entertainment tool for my company 3L Publishing . We do it for fun and to promote other authors. We're up to between 1,000-2,000 listens per show. If people happen to like it and apparently some seem to enjoy it then bravo and yaye! We're not asking for anyone's approval anyway. If you don't like it, that's cool and no problem. But I do have a problem when someone blatantly goes out of their way to post some mean-spirited message ...

Bo Bradley discussed how to set and achieve your goals at our meeting of Writers Who Mean Business. Last night we held our monthly meeting of Writers Who Mean Business , 3L Publishing's regional writer's group. My boyfriend Kirk Donnelly attended with me. Afterward he made an important comment that resonated and made me nod. When the meeting ended, the members approached me to ask questions about my company. He was astonished how this generated so much interest in business. He said, "You give them a free service and loads of information -- and then they feel indebted to you and want to do business." He is right. Over the years, I have many people comment about "giving away the farm," and I always laugh. I'm one smart cookie, and I understand the value of education-based marketing, which is what organizing and managing a writer's group is really about. We host and manage the group, and we bring in interesting and provocative speakers to provide i...

We are finalizing the work on the amazing and forthcoming 3L Publishing book Vengeance is Now  (please become a fan if you like thrillers) by the incomparable Scott D. Roberts . Scott, who is also a phenomenal businessman, decided to procure one of those Facebook advertisements to promote the fan page. The results were impressive and nearly doubled the "likes" -- and for me it was an incubator experiment to see how social media advertising might provide results. Well, I was most assuredly impressed to see that over 46,000 people also viewed that advertisement -- that is A LOT of views and impressions. It is also an excellent tool to create brand recognition. So while those viewers did not all become fans, they did see and become familiar with the brand. Brand recognition is valuable for future sales. Maybe these viewers didn't have an interest right then, but like all highly recognizable brands, it will help with future sales. Remember the more people see something, t...

What does it say about me that I drink coffee out of a Hello Kitty mug on a Mickey Mouse coaster? I have no idea, but I thought it was amusing when I thought about it. No, I swear there is coffee in the mug and not hot coco LOL. Now I'm not opposed to hot coco, mind you, but it's too sweet and not my thing. I say bring on the mocha instead, but can I just complain for one moment ... what's with $3.50 for a Tall Mocha at Starbuck's. Wow! What a racket the Starbuck's corporation has created. Imagine your coffee costs almost as much as your lunch! Now this begs the question of market positioning ... yes, I had a point in here somewhere that related to business. Who do you want to be in the market? Do you want to be Mercedes or Ford, because at the end of the day, how you position your company is how you're perceived in the marketplace. Believe it or not, it is a choice and it's all done through your marketing and branding campaign. In my 3L Publishing world,...

If you're an author, I have a HUGE, worthwhile piece of information to share with you this morning. Are you just eager to know what it is? Here we go ... did you know that your book cover can make or break your book sales? Yes, it's true. Does it dishearten you because your prose seem so much more worthwhile -- and isn't that really what the point of a book is? Well, yes of course; but truth in "storytelling," we live in a visual society. Why do you think the TV draws people in or movies are so popular. People buy books based on the cover. As disappointing to the writer as that truth may be, it's just reality. I once heard a rep from Smashwords say that a simple switch of a cover can take a poorly selling book and make it a top seller. True!  So if you're self-publishing or working with a hybrid publisher like my company 3L Publishing (www.3LPublishing.com), you better make that all important investment in a cover and work with a talented ...

Now this year 3L has switched gears when it comes to public relations and marketing. We realized that our core competence is geared toward publishing. Many clients showed up with the expectation that we could turn their books into the next New York Times best-seller. So in order to amuse you, I thought I would debunk unrealistic expectations with reality and do a tongue and cheek PR myths to make you laugh at the funny, outrageous reality of public relations in the modern media. Here we go. "But Ma I want the review to be published NOW!"  All right my beloved Friend-Os, you do realize that most magazines work about three to six months in advance. Do you also realize that the competition for that prime real estate in free print is fierce. Do you have any idea how many books arrive DAILY on an editor's desk? I was an editor for 10 years, so let me tell you. I didn't have enough editorial space to cover all of the books delivered to my desk. I had to pick a...

3L Publishing is so excited that erotic-thriller Vengeance is Now by new novelist Scott D. Roberts is almost ready to go on press. The book has been a labor of love for the writer, and I have been working closely with him for months to get it nailed down and perfect. Roberts is a gifted writer and a natural talent. Much of the dialog and interactions are often priceless and funny. The dark quality of the book -- and Roberts' ability to lead us into the mind of a serial killer while at the same time creating an authentic, funny and flawed character in his hero Tate Halloway, police detective turned "man-whore" turned private investigator, makes Vengeance is Now   the book to buy in 2013. I am impressed with Roberts ability to switch back and forth between the creepy, gory and disturbing chapters into action, sex, humor and intrigue. I can't reveal too much about the book quite yet (who is the serial killer ... you will be hard pressed to figure that one out). In ...

I have so many prospective clients show up with their book ideas and the absolute certainty they have the next best-seller. I get asked the critical question, "Do you think this idea will be a success?" First, without doing some kind of market study, I can't answer that question without any level of certainty. I can take an educated guess. I have really great instincts. The three top-selling Amazon books published by my company 3L Publishing were my selections. What I can tell you is the no. #1 fail point every time. Do you want to know what it is? And actually this response came when a good friend of mine asked me how a particular book in the 3L catalog was selling. What is the fail point? Failing to invest in promotion . Many authors spend the time to write their books, and then once the "creative" side is finished, they often drop the ball. They don't procure our public relations and marketing services OR they invest very little money in it, and yet st...

Lessons in life and positivity. First, everything is what you make of it. I had some major things come up over the last few days. I always try to live from a positive perspective. I try not to stress out. So, here are some great outlooks to take when you're running your business to keep it positive and avoid what I'll coin as "sad-sack-itis" to which the cure is a good dose of smiling even if you don't feel like it. Always stay grounded and professional . I am going to tell you the ultra secret to my success. Do not react to people. Ground yourself. Think it all through. Then in an unemotional way respond. Come from a fact-based place. Do not bring in personal thoughts. "Just the facts ma'am." Keep all of your documentation and stay transparent . Clients can complain. Heck people complain in general. But make sure you have a back-up in place. I buy extra storage space on Gmail to ensure I can keep my emails dating way back. So, if a client accuse...

You're an aspiring author. You've just finished your new book. You're ready to shop it to agents and publishers. What are three things you should consider before you begin the process? Here are three things you should know (as told by the CEO of 3L Publishing, www.3LPublishing.com). Your chapter 1 better rock ! If there is anything you should ensure as you go to move forward and publish your book; your first chapter better be "da-bomb". It better be THE best chapter in the book or certainly as good or better than the other chapters in the book. If you have any doubt about the quality of chapter 1, you are not ready to publish. Don't worry about a cover . So many authors feel compelled to often put together ridiculous-looking, amateur covers. Don't bother. The only thing the publisher cares about is the content. An amateur cover (even if you think it's great, because unless you're a graphic artist it's most likely amateur) detracts from your...

2 Later that week, I met Maya at a small café up the street from the office. It was a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf with patio furniture sitting on the terrace outside of the main street. I was sitting in the cool morning sunshine, sipping my hazelnut-flavored coffee when a shadow passed over my table. I looked up to find Curtis standing there. I had not seen him much that week after our initial encounter, but every time I passed him in the hallway, he winked and grinned. He seemed like an affable, flirtatious guy, and he was really cute. Despite our mutual attraction, I had no desire to start up with him. I kept holding out hope for some kind of peace treaty with Kale, and I knew a liaison with his executive producer would err on the side of bad taste and ill-advised company behavior. Yet here he was, acting all cheerful and smiling. “Hey, how’s it going?” he asked with that familiar grin. “Good,” I replied, taking another sip of coffee. He moved forward and asked, ...

Another day in which I begin here in Blogland not sure of what I'm going to say, so I'm going to just start writing (hint ... just write if you feel blocked). How about the idea of getting in action to solve problems. What's the difference between a leader and a worker? Leaders take action. Followers ... well, they follow the leader's action. I also lead by getting out ahead of potential problems. How does that work? You think through a scenario and you get out ahead of your client's thought process. Let me give you an example. One thing I do with books during the editing and production phase is to keep the client in the loop. If I were to just start editing a book and focus exclusively on the editing process, which takes weeks and not show any progress to the client, the client would not see the value in their investment. Instead, I always edit chapter by chapter. That way, the client sees the work being done on a continual basis. He or she knows (because they see ...

With social media, your website or blog, and your newsletter, your own image often becomes a part of your brand. One thing I swore when I left corporate America is that I would never wear a  suit ever again. I also wanted to do things my way. And I consider myself a lot of fun to work with and be around. So, when it came time to do the perfunctory head shots for social media, in particular, I was mindful of what exactly I wanted to convey about my image. (P.S., companies that put logos on social media instead of individual images, I think are missing the boat. I hate it when I'm talking back and forth with a logo ... it's impersonal and I don't know if you're a man or woman.) You will never see a boring head shot on any of my marketing materials. I am not a staid corporate executive. I will never be a vanilla girl who will bore you to work with me. And as you can see, I have played up in my image what I want the world to see -- fun, easygoing, not conservative, and ab...

Let's review the importance of coffee in the worker's life, shall we? As a coffee drinker for 25 years, I feel obliged to share with the rest of the world the importance of my friend Joe. Coffee is a necessary non-alcoholic beverage designed to kickstart every worker's day. One can barely manage to put one's seat in the executive chair without a full, well creamed cup sitting squarely on one's desk. The coffee cup has been expanded in the 21st century to introduce a two-cup fill sure to wake up even the sleepiest fellow from his late-morning slumber. Coffee itself is hot enough to warm up the mind AND feet. And the bottom line ... I can't manage my morning without my daily cup and a sip of Joe.

When it comes to social media, it can't be ignored as an effective marketing and promotion mechanism. I run into people who still eschew its value. They look at social media like Facebook and mistakenly believe that it's only good for reconnecting with old high school flames or playing Farmville. The real value of social media works likes this (and if you're not participating you are missing out on a huge opportunity): Replacing the community newsletter or bulletin . In many ways social media like Twitter or Facebook have replaced the town crier. The news feed give equal access and lack censorship. I've often learned the headline news of the day on Facebook vs. the news. I don't like watching the news anyway, because it's so negative. On social media, you can read about the events as people react. You can also hear what is truly going on with your neighbors (if you're connected to them). While loaded with minutia, social media often provokes great discussi...

It's Friday so it's time for ... Friday morning musings, which means I'm going to blog about something completely useless almost in the vein of Andy Rooney. But wait! Usually when I "muse" over something you end up reading about something meaningful ... sometimes. I think I'll coin a new phrase, "Life is like a box of Cracker Jacks, you never know what is the toy surprise." Reminds me of Forrest Gump, "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never what you're gonna get." I can hear Tom Hanks' voice as Forest in my head right now. Well, I think life is more like a meandering trail with lots of pretty bushes and flowers on the road side and every now and again, a rattlesnake that if you're either smart you stay away from or you get too curious and get a poisonous bite. Ouch! Here is my recommendation for the best snake-bite kit ever ... E-V-E-R :). Use a Life Coach and in particular, I recommend Bo Bradley, who among her many roles...

I had a very good question posed to me yesterday about marketing and the value of doing certain education-based marketing programs, such as blogs and newsletters. First things first, as a business owner I never advise clients to do anything I don't do. I blog, use social media, and write a weekly newsletter. In Heidi Sloss' insightful book Fortune is in the Follow-Up , she discusses the CEO's role in the company -- and that is to be the head visionary, marketer and sales person. She is right. In my opinion, the CEO should spend at least 50-70 percent of her time marketing and promoting the company. I think Heidi suggests we spend a higher percentage of our time doing marketing, but for realistic purposes, I'm going to say 50-70 percent. My client asked me about the value of her blog and newsletter. She felt she wasn't seeing direct and concrete return on investment (ROI). I gave her the answer I give everyone and it's twofold and goes like this: Education-base...

I am a huge believer in goals. I have short- and long-term goals. Each year, I try to make goals versus resolutions. Resolutions always seem to get broken. Goals are something I strive for and move toward through actions. Goals suit me. I like to make personal and professionals goals, too. I've learned the key is to make big goals and then develop smaller, more do-able action steps. I recommend you write down your goals, too, or make a vision board with your big goals in mind. Here are five big goals I've made for 2013 for my company 3L Publishing to accomplish. No. #1 Publish and Make a Top Amazon Seller, Vengeance is Now. No. #2 Roll out and publicize the 10 Powerful Women Book. No. #3 Refocus and push the California Girl Chronicles TV script to the Entertainment Business. No. #4 Publish and promote California Girl Chronicles: Brea's Big Break No. #5 Write and Publish for Valentine's 2014, 20 Reasons NOT to Date that Guy No what are your goals? On our web...