Teresa Jade LeYung's BLOG

More September Birthdays in My Literary Community

Dear Writers,

Eight years ago when my novel Love Made of Heart was about to “hit the streets,” my publisher (Kensington in New York) had purchased front-store-shelf -space at Borders and Barnes & Noble;  Nancy Suib & Anne Shulenberger, the independent sales reps for Kensington, had recommended my novel to their accounts/independent bookstores.

An author is lucky to get shelf-space (and to be “face out” so that customers would see the book cover), but, because new releases from publishers arrive every day, those precious high-visibility shelf-spaces usually cannot be reserved for one particular book for more than what is paid for by the publisher.

And, even if a new book gets into a bookstore, how do customers know about it?   One way is for the author to appear at the bookstore.  But, bookstore appearance aren’t easy to land because, as I said before, new releases from publishers arrive every day.

Two booksellers gave me my first break.  Kate Kelley from Books Inc. on Chestnut Street in San Francisco and Luan Stauss, owner of Laurel Book Store.

Luan says in her wonderful e-newsletter this week:

“Nine years ago, on September 15, 2001 the Laurel Book Store opened the doors for the first time.  And yes, it really has been that long. Babies then are now reading. 10 year olds then are now in college. Some of the college students then are now parents. While a whole swath of us haven’t aged a bit.
It’s been quite a ride and I’m planning for bigger and better things for the future.  We’re trying hard to roll with the economic punches and it’s made better by all of you who have been here supporting us all this time.  And by all the great books that come out each year making it tough to decide what to sell!
Rather than have a party this year, which by the way is the pottery year, we’re going to start planning for the 10 year anniversary. But do come by for a cookie, wish us well, and tell us what you’re reading!
Happy reading, and thank you for 9 years worth of your support.” Luan

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oakland-CA/Laurel-Bookstore/137434275283

* * * * * * * * *

Leigh Anne Lindsey, a new member of Women’s National Book Association-San Francisco Chapter, celebrates her birthday. Leigh Anne writes novels,  including  Futuristic and Suspense-Thrillers.  WNBA is lucky to have her in our chapter–she attended our September board meeting, assisted the board members at our Sept. 12 publishing panel at the SF Public Library, and, with Kate Britton (VP of SF Chapter) will represent WNBA at the Redwood Writers Conference on Oct. 30, 2010.

Also, Leigh Anne is a Member of & Social Media Wizard for the Redwood Writers – the second largest branch of the California Writers Club; she’ s a member of San Francisco Writers Community

* * * * * * * * *

To Writers,

Keep writing, keep networking, keep building your name/platform, keep learning about the industry through the experts (including published authors, bookseller, librarians, teachers, literary agents, acquisition editors and folks in publishing houses, members in writers’ organizations, and folks in their circles of influence).  Celebrate being a writer!

Hope to see you at October 2010 events!

Sincerely,
Teresa LeYung Ryan, author, writing-career coach, founder of GraceArt Publishing

Build My Writer’s Name and Platform: Attract Agents, Acquisition Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention
is the 22 minutes for 22 days workbook.
“Reach out, not stress out, when building your writer’s name.”

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/

http://asianamericanmedia.org/ What is the Center for Asian American Media’s Mission Statement?

The Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting stories that convey the richness and diversity of Asian American experiences to the broadest audience possible. We do this by funding, producing, distributing and exhibiting works in film, television and digital media.

September 13th through Sunday September 19th, 2010
http://www.sfjapantown.org/Events/
Different aspects of Japanese and Asian film, anime, fashion, music, and other forms of pop culture will be celebrated.
Sunday Sept 19, 2010 – Check out the CAAM outdoor screening of HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE at Japantown Peace Plaza, San Francisco!  8:30pm and is free for everyone. Early arrival is highly suggested as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sept. 22, 2010   6:30 PM to 8:00 PM 500 Courtland Avenue, San Francisco, 415.355.2810

SPEAKING IN TONGUES screening at the Bernal Heights Public Library

author Teresa LeYung Ryan speaks out for those who cannot speak for themselves through her writings.

What is going on in the publishing world?  Four experts answered that question today Sept. 12, 2010 at the Women’s National Book Association event.

Picture this:  San Francisco Public Library-Main Branch, 50+ writers in the audience and a panel sharing what they know about the publishing industry.

JENNIFER JOSEPH – publisher and editor of Manic D Press
PETER BEREN – literary agent and publishing consultant
BRIDGET KINSELLA – Breaking Books & navigating the publishing landscape
GEORGIA HUGHES – editorial director of New World Library
Moderator: Mary Knippel, immediate past president, WNBA-SF Chapter

* * *
What did I learn today from the panelists?

• Publisher Jennifer Joseph advised us to take advantage of the FaceBook phenomenon; to be true to ourselves and work on the craft.
• Literary Agent & Publishing Consultant Peter Beren advised us to research websites that help authors promote our books (including Redroom, GoodReads, Library Thing); to really know our market; also, he reminded us that usually “noise/excitement around the event is better than the event itself.”
• Bridget Kinsella advised us to understand that even when a book is selling well, there’s no guarantee that the publisher of that book will commit to additional print-runs.
• Georgia Hughes advised us to conduct marketing research for our book proposals and that “a good book title goes a long way.”

Thank you, panelists!

Two dozen WNBA members were present and a dozen members (those who had arrived early and signed up) introduced their books/writings to the audience.

Thank you, Michelle Jeffers-Public Relations Officer, Daniel, Leon Veal, and everyone at San Francisco Public Library who helped us publicized today’s event.  It’s a joy working with fellow board and committee members from WNBA-SF Chapter (the sponsors of the event).  Lynn Henriksen, Kate Britton, Mary Knippel, Sarbjit Rai, Leon Veal, Leigh Anne Lindsey & yours truly, Teresa LeYung Ryan, were happy to see so many WNBA members and guests showing up for the literary community.

If you were there today, please submit your comment by clicking on the title of this blog post; tell us who you are, what you gained today from the panelists and WNBA members, and what steps you’ll be taking to enrich your writing-life.  We thank you for being there.

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung Ryan, author, writing-career coach, founder of GraceArt Publishing

Build My Writer’s Name and Platform: Attract Agents, Acquisition Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention
is the 22 minutes for 22 days workbook.    “Reach out, not stress out, when building your writer’s name.”

Member-at-Large, WNBA-SF Chapter

To join WNBA-SF Chapter – http://wnba-sfchapter.org/Join-WNBA-or-Renew.html

WNBA authors Lynn Henriksen (how to write memoirs), Sarbjit Rai (children's books), Teresa LeYung Ryan (how to build writer's platform; women's fiction) welcome everyone at Publishing Panel

Same Day in October, Two Events for Writers,  Both Career-Building

Saturday October 30, 2010 Redwood Writers Conference

I (Writing Career Coach Teresa) will be presenting my workshop and exhibiting my books at the Redwood Writers Conference.  Elisa Southard will be the morning keynote speaker. Friends from CWC, WNBA, BAIPA, NCPA and other writers’ organizations will all be there to help writers further their careers.  Cheers to Marlene Cullen & everyone on the conference-planning team.

Register now:     http://redwoodwriters.org/redwood-conference/

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 Saturday October 30, 2010 California Writers Club–SF Peninsula Branch

Geri Spieler will present her signature-workshop:

Super Sleuthing: Internet Research Secrets     

•       How to safely conduct Internet research
•      Discover 100 tools that cut Internet research time by 80%
•      Don’t  get caught with unintentional plagiarism

 Takeaway: This workshop is best delivered using a PowerPoint presentation in addition to my handouts. Attendees will gain a high level of understanding on how to effectively research information using a long list of research tools, Internet search strings and skills to recognize bogus Websites.

More info:    www.cwc-peninsula.org/  and  Geri Spieler

Meanwhile, see you on Sunday Sept 12, 2010 at SF Main Library for the Publishing Panel http://wnba-sfchapter.org/   and/or Oct. 17, 2010 at California Writers Club-Berkeley Branch (meeting and program at Oakland Main Library); I’ll be the guest speaker http://calwritersclub.wordpress.com/

Sincerely,
Teresa LeYung Ryan, author, writing-career coach, founder of GraceArt Publishing

Build My Writer’s Name and Platform: Attract Agents, Acquisition Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention
is the 22 minutes for 22 days workbook.
“Reach out, not stress out, when building your writer’s name.”

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/

Here’s a tip from me—Writing Career Coach Teresa… One way to build your name/platform is to write book reviews.  Who reads book reviews?  Book buyers, book sellers, teachers, librarians, agents, publishers, sales reps, wholesalers, distributors, and of course your fans/readers.

My clients ask me:  “How do I write book reviews on Amazon to build my name/platform?”

To write a review for a book listed on Amazon.com:
After you get to the Amazon-page dedicated to the book, scroll down and look for the rectangular button: Create your own review
You’ll be asked to sign-in. If you don’t want an account at Amazon, then, you can’t write reviews on Amazon.
After you sign-in, you’ll be asked:
Are you over 13?
Then, you’re asked: “How do you rate this item?” 1 to 5 stars

Example: I studied Christy Pinheiro’s & Nick Russell’s book The Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Publishing for Profit! Start Your Own Home-Based Publishing Company and Publish Your Non-Fiction Book with CreateSpace and Amazon

I rated Christy Pinheiro’s & Nick Russell’s book 5-stars
The title of the review I used: Most Helpful Guide on Self-Publishing
My review:
“Thank you, Christy Pinheiro & Nick Russell, for helping me through my self-publishing journey with your wonderful ‘page-turning’ guide on how to succeed in the Amazon CreateSpace program. Your tips, especially on identifying a publisher’s name and your interviews with other experts, were all priceless.” Teresa LeYung Ryan, writing-career coach, author of Build My Writer’s Name and Platform: Attract Agents, Acquisition Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention
Tags: self-publishing, amazon createspace, christy pinheiro, nick russell, step by step guide, book publishing, print on demand

Here’s the link to all the book reviews I’ve written on Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A2N7SSE36ACHMR/ref=cm_cr_pr_pdp

Sincerely,
Teresa LeYung Ryan, author & writing-career coach, founder of GraceArt Publishing

Build My Writer’s Name and Platform: Attract Agents, Acquisition Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention
is the 22 minutes for 22 days workbook.
“Reach out, not stress out, when building your writer’s name.” http://WritingCoachTeresa.com

Hello, Everyone,

I have exciting news.  Today I registered my own publishing company – GraceArt Publishing.  I thank my dear mastermind buddies who have encouraged me these past two years to re-invent myself again.  Thank you, author Luisa Adams, for coming up with “GraceArt.”  Thank you, plot consultant, author & publisher Martha Alderson, for trail-blazing.

I’m proud to be a publisher. I can better support bookstores, booksellers, schools, libraries, and the entire book community now.

Since January 2010 I have been updating my 22-minutes for 22 days workbook to help authors build their names/platforms to attract agents, acquisition editors and publishers. Printing and shipping my workbook have been time-consuming and costly.  After reading The Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Publishing for Profit! Start a Own Home-Based Publishing Company and Publish Your Non-Fiction Book with CreateSpace and Amazon, I have decided to use the CreateSpace program for my workbook.

Now I am not only the author but also the publisher and owner of the ISBN (the book’s I.D. number); Amazon will print-on-demand, produce the e-book version of my workbook, distribute, and fulfill orders.  As the publisher, I will continue to promote my book; also I can update it as often as I want.

So, I have changed the title of my workbook from Build Your Name, Beat the Game: Be Happily Published to:  Build My Writer’s Name and Platform: Attract Agents, Acquisition Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention. I like “Build Your Name, Beat the Game ” though (love the rhyme–thank you Elisa Southard); I can use it as my workshop title.

May the force be with you, Writers & Publishers!

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung Ryan

“Reach out, not stress out, when building your writer’s name/platform.” http://WritingCoachTeresa.com