May 2008 Southwest Signature
In this edition:
- President’s Message—Your Path to Success
- May ABPA Program: Leap to the Next Level (May 20)
- Arizona Book Awards–And the Winners Are . . .
- ABPA Annual Meeting Brings Two New Faces to the Board
- Vic Linoff inducted into MADEE Hall of Fame
- ABPA Author Event–July 17 on Facial Rejuvenation
- 2008 Publishing University: ABPA Members—Register at a Discount
- Welcome to these new ABPA Members
- Member News–ABPA members are winning a lot of awards!
- Conferences for Writers and Publishers
- Reach your audience by advertising in Southwest Signature
President’s Message—Your Path to Success
Life is ironic, don’t you think. It takes seemingly forever to publish a book, yet a single bookstore (Amazon) makes an announcement about stocking our books and everyone immediately jumps into panic mode on how to deal with it. Another example: we all want our books carried in every Borders store across the country, yet they are for sale due to their (lack of) financial strength.
The point I’m trying to make is that we all have a lot to do to succeed; we can’t rely on one path to success, we must pursue as many as possible. The written manuscript should be edited by someone other than the author. The design and layout should be reviewed by multiple sets of eyes. Ask different printers for price quotes. If you go with a distribution agreement to get into bookstores, consider the other arenas where you can sell books. Communicate via phone and email and mail; don’t limit yourself to one of them. And now, we all must be thinking about preparing our books’ information for electronic dissemination, not just in a printed format.
The Arizona Book Publishing Association is traveling down multiple paths as well; a new board was just elected; there were changes to the Arizona Book Awards; we’re enjoying a new meeting location; a new emphasis on marketing the association is being built; and there are other changes in the works as well.
To succeed with these changes, your help is needed. If you spend time helping the organization, not only will ABPA be a better group, but you and your business will be better as well. Better programs, stronger events, more publicity, greater benefits are all possibilities, as long as you offer to help.
The best way to step forward is to contact Gwen Henson, our executive director (480-777-9250 or Gwen@AZBookPub.com), saying three things: 1) this is my area of expertise, 2) this is what I’d like to do, and 3) I can offer one (or two or three) hours of help per month. Specifically, we need help with marketing the organization and preparing for the annual conference. By helping make these better, you will be making contact with other experts in the publishing arena, giving you an inside opportunity to ask them about Amazon and Borders, or who at the paper is best at writing book reviews, or whatever else is important to you.
I look forward to your help. Thanks, in advance!
Bill “24 months to go” Fessler
Primer Publishers
May ABPA Program
May 20, 2008
Leap to the Next Level with Dr. Pamela Goodfellow
Please note our meeting location!
Marie Callender’s Restaurant and Bakery
4573 E. Cactus Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: (602) 996-0622
For the the exact location, visit Mapquest.com
Program (includes dinner) 5:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Early Registration (by May 15): $25 members $35 non-members
Late Registration: $35 members $45 non-members
Advance payment is required for registration; no refunds after May 15, 2008.
Leap to the Next Level
What is a publisher? How has the job changed in the last decade? What can you do to make your publishing efforts more successful and profitable? Have you asked yourself these questions or ones similar lately? Renowned writing coach, editor and publisher, Dr. Pamela Goodfellow, will discuss the industry of publishing and our role in it. What can you do for writers and how can you attract the kind of writers who will bring your company more success? How can the changes in today’s struggling publishing industry help open opportunities for both publishers and authors? We are the future of publishing. Join us for an interesting, interactive discussion that no publisher, or writer, should miss.
Pamela Goodfellow has been an editor for twenty-five years, working with national and regional publishers and authors in this country, Canada and in Europe. Goodfellow’s experience includes writing fiction and non-fiction books, developmental editing of novels, short stories, non-fictions projects, screenplays, and public television programs. She is also a consultant for regional press publishers nation wide. She founded Goodfellow Press, a regional NW fiction house sixteen years ago, and has taught writing classes for more then 25 years.
Dr. Goodfellow created and initiated the celebrated Crafting the Character-based Novel Program, for the University of Washington twenty years ago. She holds two doctorates, a Masters degree, an MFA, and a BA. She has written twelve books, edited hundreds and published over 500 titles for authors around the world.
VOE: B.L. Lindstrom, “It’s not your Grandfather’s ebook”
B.L. Lindstrom acclaimed Systems Janitor and maverick Author/Publisher will demonstrate the 3D page-turning e-book technology that enabled him to sell more than 10,000 copies of his debut novel and achieve #5 on the Sharewareebooks most downloaded list. All with an investment of $250 and about 40 hours of document conversion effort.
B.L. will also explore new media capabilities provided by this technology such as
- Searching
- Bookmarking
- Embedded links, audio, animation and video
- Digital Rights Management
- and simple preview conversion to sale.
Join us for this powerful program!
Prepayment is required for registration.
Please register http://azbookpub.com/events/may-20/ or
RSVP to the ABPA hotline (602) 274-6264 or
email info@azbookpub.com.
Arizona Book Awards: Top Arizona Book and Other Winners Announced at Phoenix Country Club Gala Event
Meerkats, by Arizona author Conrad Storad, was selected as the Best Book at the Arizona Book Awards, hosted by the Arizona Book Publishing Association on May 10, 2008. Winners and finalists earned Glyph Awards, named for the earliest form of written symbols, in 34 different categories at this black-tie event, which was emceed by award-winning Arizona author Jewell Parker-Rhodes. Eligible works must have been published in 2007 by an Arizona author or publisher or must be primarily set in or about Arizona.
“Writers and publishers in Arizona are doing a beautiful job of creating quality books,” according to Jewell Parker Rhodes. “Being an Arizona writer is about being part of a nurturing and growing industry, where we produce works worthy of accolade on both the national and local level.”
Blue Turquoise, White Shell, by Virginia Nosky and published by Treble Heart Books earned the Embodying Arizona Award. Arizona Highways was awarded the prestigious Excellence in Publishing Award in recognition of its many years of publishing high-quality books. Bob Albano, managing editor of the Books Division, accepted the award.
Pam Waterman of The Discovery Box earned ABPA’s MVP Award in appreciation for the work she and her committee did to put on the 2007 publishing conference.
The event was attended by nearly 100 people including authors, publishers, and designers.
The complete list of winners appears on Arizona Book Publishing Association webpage at Glyph Winners.
As an association, we owe very special thanks to our Glyph Committee: Jessica Tribble, Poisoned Pen Press, chair; Karen Gray, Acacia Publishing; Kristina Grant, Great Potential Press; and to Bill Fessler who professionally and personally presented our two special awards.
Congratulations to all the winners!
ABPA Annual Meeting brings two new board members
At the annual meeting of ABPA on April 30, 2008, members elected a new board of directors to govern the Arizona Book Publishing Association in the coming year, May 2008–April 2009. For the first time, members who could not attend the meeting were able to vote online.
Penny Callmeyer, Color House Graphics, Inc.; and Jessica Tribble, Poisoned Pen Press have joined the board.
2008–2009 ABPA Board of Directors
Bill Fessler, Primer Publishers, President
Penny Callmeyer, Color House Graphics, Inc., External Vice-President
Susan Budavari, Red Coyote Press, Internal Vice-President
Karen Gray, Acacia Publishing, Secretary
Jessica Tribble, Poisoned Pen Press, Treasurer
Doug Devoe, Sir Speedy Scottsdale
James Willinger, Wide World of Maps, Inc.
Vic Linoff inducted into MADEE Hall of Fame
Vic Linoff, owner of Those Were the Days bookstore in downtown Tempe, was one of three initial inductees into the MADEE (Mill Avenue District Esteemed Excellence) Hall of Fame.
Recognized for his long-time business commitment and community leadership, Vic has operated Those Were the Days for 35 years on Mill Avenue and served on numerous boards.
The award is given to community pioneers for vision and contributions that have made downtown Tempe what it is today.
Vic served for several years on the ABPA board of directors, representing VIBA, Valley Independent Booksellers Association.
Congratulations, Vic, we’re thrilled for you!
ABPA Author Event with Victoria Mogilner on July 17
Victoria Mogilner, a certified acupuncturist and aesthetician trained in China, will present Facial Rejuvenation from the Inside Out at 7 p.m. on July 17 at Barnes & Noble, Shea and 90th St. in Scottsdale. Please help support the ABPA Marketing Committee’s promotional partnership with this Barnes & Noble bookstore. Our program values your support, which helps to ensure its success. Invite your friends and plan to join us for an entertaining and enlightening evening.
Victoria, who has been in practice 25 years, is the author of Ancient Secrets of Facial Rejuvenation about the natural way to perform facial rejuvenation with acupressure.
Members who attend six author events and have their card punched earn one free meeting attendance. Merle McCann is the first ABPA member to attend six times; she’ll join us May 20 at no charge, thanks to her support of our members and their books.
Grow your book publishing company AND expand your personal network at Publishing University in Los Angeles
Let more than 200 book-industry experts at the 19th Annual Publishing University in LA, May 27-29 show you how—and enjoy an affiliate discount
- Should the book’s cover be red or blue?
- Will my book sell from my web site?
- How can I get booked on more radio shows?
- Is direct mail effective for selling books?
These are just a few of the questions that small publishing companies, independent publishers, and even established publishers ask themselves. Yet hiring a variety of expert consultants is often cost prohibitive.
What if publishers could get answers to these and hundreds of other questions they have in just a few days? Well, you can!
More than 200 seasoned industry professionals will be in Los Angeles, CA, at the pre-BEA 19th Publishing University May 27-29, sharing their knowledge, insight and tips with hundreds of individuals from self-published authors to publishing house executives. This year’s University—which offers more than 80 sessions during the three full days—is aimed at guiding new and expanding publishers from start-up to “grown-up”—and beyond. Attendees also glean helpful information and new ideas from fellow attendees. The Publishing University is presented by PMA, the Independent Book Publishers Association, celebrating 25 years as the largest trade association for independent publishers in the world.
In addition to eight separate educational “tracks” including Sales, Marketing, Editorial, Publicity and Finance, an Advanced track dedicated to more experienced publishers, the 2008 Publishing University features:
- Dominique Raccah, president and CEO of Sourcebooks, one of the fastest-growing independent publishers in the industry sharing her insights and experiences as she built—and continues to build—her successful company.
- David Steinberg, CEO of Perseus Book Group, named by Publishers Weekly as the 2007 Publisher of the Year, and Johnny Temple, Publisher of Akashic Books, whose success has been built on “out of the mainstream” urban and political fiction, in a panel discussion on the future of independent publishing.
- Sara Nelson, Editor of Publishers Weekly, the key book industry trade magazine, speaking exclusively to the Advanced track Publishing University attendees from her unique perspective as both a participant in, and observer of, the book industry.
Past attendees say it best:
“I learned so much at Publishing University and was so impressed with the workshops and the facilitators. Everyone was helpful and accessible. It was an experience that has propelled me to another level with my publishing company.” — Deborah Bellis, President, Reflections Publishing, Inc., Inglewood, CA
“Now I know why colleagues told me it is so worth the money! I gathered more information and made more contacts than I could have in probably three years of work on my own.” —Pamela Waterman, The Discovery Box Publishing, Mesa, AZ
“I made great connections, I learned a boatload, and most importantly, I learned the areas where I really need to improve our capabilities. Small publishers face a huge amount of hurdles in the marketplace. The Publishing University gives you a vital leg up.” —John DiCocco, BallMarker Press, LLC, Belmont, MA
As a member of ABPA, you can use the special discount code (available from your executive director) when registering and save $50. For details on Publishing University, visit The Independent Book Publishers Association’s website or contact Terry Nathan, Executive Director, The Independent Book Publishers Association at 310-372-2732. Register today and join us for three days of knowledge and networking at the 2008 Publishing University.
ABPA New Members
Welcome to these new ABPA members!
Publisher Members
Goodfellow Publishing Services
Pamela Goodfellow
480-276-0957
pamela.goodfellow@gmail.com
Crown King Books
Marsha Hunter
612-760-9489
http://www.crownkingbooks.com
huntermarsha@mac.com
Sydney Gould Publishing
Sydney Gould
480-657-8457
gould1318@yahoo.com
The Trail of Painted Ponies
Rod Barker and Karlynn Keyes
480-459-5700
http://www.trailofpaintedponies.com
karlynn@trailofpaintedponies.com
Associate Members
MLS Direct Network of Greater Phoenix
Lynwood Johnson
480-421-2202
http://www.MLSDirectNetwork.com
lynwood@DrCards.net
America’s Press
Mary Lou Slater
281-557-4300
http://www.americas-press.com
billt@americas-press.com
ASU-Office for Scholarly Journals
Victoria Hay
480-965-7404
vickyhay@asu.edu
Member News
In our April Southwest Signature, we were pleased to announce that several members had earned awards April SW Sig. This month, even more members have earned honors.
ABPA members are finalists in the Benjamin Franklin Awards
Congratulations to these ABPA publishers who have books that are finalists in the PMA-IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards.
Mystery/Suspense
Disturbing the Dead, Poisoned Pen Press
Recreation/Sports
Hikernut’s Grand Canyon Companion, A Sense of Nature
The winners will be announced at the Benjamin Franklin Awards(TM) Gala on May 29 at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in Los Angeles.
Great Potential Press earns more honors
Great Potential Press continues to produce award-winning books. These titles were recently honored.
- A Love for Learning: Motivation and the Gifted Child–National Indie Excellence Award Winner in the Education/Academic category
- Life in the Fast Brain: Keeping Up with Gifted Minds–iParenting Media Distinguished Award Winner; National Indie Excellence Award Finalist in the Humor category
- Teen Success! Ideas to Move Your Mind (2nd Edition)–National Indie Excellence Award Winner in the Young Adult Nonfiction category
- Intelligent Life in the Classroom: Smart Kids & their Teachers–National Indie Excellence Award Finalist in the Education/Academic category
- A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children–National Indie Excellence Award Finalist in the Parenting/Family category
Primer Publishers releases 20th title in Easy Field Guide series
Primer Publishers just released Easy Field Guide to Poisonous Plants and Critters of Arizona, bringing the number of titles in the Easy Field Guide® series to 20. The publisher is offering a special extra 20% discount on the series to celebrate this milestone (call 602-234-1574 for details).
The Easy Field Guide® series was begun in the 1970s with guides to birds, cactus, insects and trees. Over the years this popular series has expanded to include titles on petroglyphs, the night sky, rock art, and even a children’s puzzle book. The books sell predominately at tourism outlets. Locals enjoy them for their concise and informative nature; visitors purchase them as souvenirs.
Conrad Storad celebrates banner week with Gold Medal
Barely down from the high of winning the Best Book Glyph in the 2008 Arizona Book Awards, Conrad Storad, author of Meerkats, reports more good news.
ASU Research Magazine has won the Gold Medal as the BEST university research magazine in the United States. Conrad Storad, Director of the Office of Research Publications, is the editor of the magazine. The award, which includes a $2,000 prize, comes from CASE, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, based in Washington, D.C. Due to winning this Gold Medal Award, ASU Research is one of only four finalists in contention to win the Robert Sibley Magazine of the Year Award, which is sponsored by Newsweek.
2008 Independent Publisher Book Awards Semi-Finalist Results—IPPYs
Congratulations to these Arizona publishers who are semi-finalists in the IPPYs. Wish them luck. Gold, silver and bronze medal winners will be announced on May 23.
Autobiography/Memoir
Crossing the Yard, by Richard Shelton (The University of Arizona Press)
Gift/Holiday/Specialty
Divine Inspirations: A Handbook for the Heart and Soul, by Annohrtamus (Annohrtamus, LLC)
Juvenile-Teen-Y/A Non-Fiction
MEMS and Nanotechnology for Kids, by Marlene Bourne (Bourne Research LLC)
Multicultural Fiction Adult
Blue Turquoise, White Shell, by Virginia Nosky (Treble Heart Books)
Multicultural Fiction—Children’s
The Little Saguaro/El sahuarito, by Shannon Young, illustrated by Kim Duffek (Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Book Press)
Multicultural Non-Fiction Adult
Stones Witness, by Margaret Randall (University of Arizona Press)
Popular Culture/Leisure
American Art Parades: When Pigs Flew, Guitars Rocked and Cows Jumped Over the Moon, by Karlynn Keyes and Rod Barker (American ArtParades LLC)
Conferences for Writers and Publishers
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Arizona, “Welcome to Our House” Annual Conference, May 17, 2008, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Chaparral Suites Resort and Conference Center, Scottsdale, Arizona, Featuring Alexandra Penfold, Assistant Editor at Simon and Schuster and others. http://www.scbwi-az.org/
Arizona Authors Association, May 19, 2008, 6 pm to 8 pm - Chandler Public Library, Sunset Branch, 4930 W Ray Road, Chandler, AZ - 480-782-2842 “Using Intuition in the Writing Process” by Sue Henley. Sue is the author of the book Because of Sean: The True Story of a Mother’s Courage. http://azauthors.com/
Sisters in Crime presents Stella Pope Duarte at 7:00 p.m. May 21, 2008. Duarte, a well respected novelist and Phoenix resident, will speak about her newest book, If I Die In Juarez, a novel of danger and hope on the border, at Café Carumba, 7303 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale. To register http://www.angelfire.com/az2/sinc or call (602) 454-7815.
PMA, the Independent Publishers Association, 2008 Publishing University, May 27-29, at the Wilshire Grand Hotel, Los Angeles, http://www.pma-online.org
Society of Southwest Authors, September 27-28, 2008, Wrangling with Writing, http://www.ssa-az.org/conference.htm
Advertise in the ABPA Newsletter and Website
Advertising rates are published for placing ads in both Southwest Signature and on the ABPA website. Associate members, this is a powerful way to reach publishers with advertising about your services for publishers and writers. Publishers, please invite your vendors to visit http://www.azbookpub.com and click on Advertising Opportunities. They’ll appreciate hearing about this opportunity.
About Southwest Signature
Southwest Signature is the monthly e-newsletter of the Arizona Book Publishing Association, a non-profit professional association. Entire contents copyright 2008 Arizona Book Publishing Association unless otherwise noted. Permission is granted to forward this e-newsletter but only in its entirety. For information, email info@azbookpub.com or call (602) 274-6264.
We welcome submissions and reserve editing rights. Email your Southwest Signature submissions to gwen@azbookpub.com.
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