On Thursday, April 12th, 2007 Victor spoke with with Romanus Volter, a.ka. The Kick Start Guy who has a monthly audience of over 2 million visionaries and entrepreneurs. Romanus shared with us practical steps to build a guaranteed-to-win book proposal.  We detailed the nine key elements that every successful proposal needs including the one theme which binds them all together.  Vital areas include biographical information, marketing handles, assessing your audience, and competitive analysis.

Volter is the Success Coach for Entrepreneur magazine, Trump Personal Success Expert, the author of the popular Kick Start Your Success (Wiley & Sons) and Kick Start Your Dream Business (Ten Speed Press), he provides practical, proven action steps that close the gap between goals and success.

An American raised in Taipei, Taiwan, Romanus witnessed the birth of a new economy. Factories, stores, and restaurants sprung up on every corner. This metamorphosis sparked something—the realization that any idea can become a reality. The practical steps captured in his books and workshops leverage this rare experience. 

As a speaker and radio host, Romanus’ accessible wisdom provides the security and confidence people need to capitalize upon opportunities. Through consulting engagements in London, Hong Kong and the United States, he learned what it takes for people to succeed regardless of their education or skill set.

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On Thursday, April 5th, 2007 at 8PM EDT we spoke with Kate Siegel Bandos. Kate presented us with all the essential details of what should and shouldn’t go into a press kit, how to customize a press kit for your audience, online (virtual) press kits vs. physically mailed press kits, when to send them and how to follwup, and much much more!

A veteran of more than 30 years in book promotion, she was promotions director for Globe Pequot Press and publicity director for Pelican Publishing Company, Acropolis Books, and M. Evans & Company. Kate’s own company, KSB Promotions Dot Com wsureas formed in 1988.  Doug Bandos joined KSB Promotions just a few years later, adding to the firm his more than 25 years of experience in public affairs and advertising

Kate  has been a featured speaker and panelist at numerous regional and national conferences. She has spoken about book promotion and the importance of publicity at the PMA/BEA Publishing University, the National Small Press Book Publishing Institute, Mid-America Book Publishers Conferences, and the Favorite Recipes Press Conference.

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On Thursday, March 29th, 2007 at 8:00PM, Irene Watson and Victor Volkman spoke with personal life coach, and publisher Jane Saylor. In 2001 Jane was asked by the Plymouth Council on Aging to develop a life journaling class for senior citizens in the community. Thus began her journey of helping people write their own memoirs which culminated in her own self-published how-to book The Road You’ve Traveled, How to Journal Your Life.  Jane spoke with us about ways to jog your memories, avoiding roadblocks, and the joy that comes with finding the courage to say what needs to be said.

Jane has taught her journaling workshop all over Southeastern Michigan including Plymouth, Wixom, Northville, and Canton Senior Center as well as the Ypsilanti Library. She is a member of Toastmasters International and often attends the national Speakers Association of Michigan meetings in Ann Arbor.

As a member of the local poetry community Jane created many chapbooks (books of poetry) of her own work as well as being hired to produce chapbooks for others, which are sold throughout the local poetry community. Jane’s most recent book, a wonderful how-to book titled “The Road You’ve Traveled, How to Journal Your Life” chronicles the lesson plans developed for senior citizens. It is available at AuthorHouse.com, from the author herself and at the Book Cellar in Plymouth, Michigan as well as your favorite online bookstore.

Jane received her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts and was on the Dean’s List at Schoolcraft College with focus on Arts and Philosophy in December 2005. She continues to attend Schoolcraft College as well as taking Performance Poetry classes, attending writing retreats, art classes, various enrichment courses. Victor first met Jane at the Holistic Health Festival in Livonia Michigan in August 2006 and was immediately convinced she had a great thing going with helping seniors get their lives in action and in print.

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Tyler R. Tichelaar holds a Master’s from Northern Michigan University and a Ph.D. from Western Michigan University. His family’s long relationship with Upper Michigan and his avid interest in genealogy inspired Dr. Tichelaar to write his Marquette Trilogy about his hometown. Along the way, he has become an acknowledged expert on Regional Writing.  Tyler will be speaking with us about what Regional Writing is and how you can take advantage of regional markets.  We’ll also talk about key ingredients for success in regional fiction and how you can get started in this fun and challenging genre.

Tyler/s  trilogy covers 150 years of Marquette, Michigan’s history from the town’s founding in 1849 through its sesquicentennial celebrations in 1999. The titles in the trilogy are “Iron Pioneers”, “The Queen City”, and the soon to be released “Superior Heritage”. Tyler hopes his writing stimulates others to seek out and gain strength from their own family stories and the courage and uniqueness of the people who came before them.  You can learn more about him at www.MarquetteFiction.com

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On Thursday, March 8th, 2007 at 8:00PM, Irene Watson and Victor Volkman spoke with bestselling novelist and publisher Derek Armstrong of Kunati Books Inc, an international publisher of controversial, provocative and bold titles. He is also the author of THE GAME, a thriller novel launching this spring to stunning reviews and major buzz ” including “front of store” position in major chains. Derek has been able to secure 5 out of 5 of the top trade review journals for one of his books: Library Journal, Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, Foreword, and ALA Booklist.  That’s what I call hitting it out of the park!  Derek shares his secrets for successful review including the “log
line”, marketing image, and attitude.

He previously authored THE PERSONA PRINCIPLE from Simon & Schuster, with co-author Kam Wai Yu, a best selling book on Image Marketing. Derek loves the provocative, controversial and unique. Derek Armstrong writes thrillers because, according to him, “they’re entertaining and you can be ridiculous and serious at the same time. Accomplishments: Derek Armstrong has won many awards for advertising Derek Armstrong is also founder of “Canada’s best” ad agency according to the Toronto Star. Persona Corp wrote the book on Image Marketing.

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On Thursday, March 8th, 2007 at 8:00PM, Irene Watson spoke with Paul McNeese, founder of  Optimum Performance Associates, a consulting group that has been specializing in author and writer coaching, book editing, and book packaging for non-bookstore markets since 1994. Paul educated us on the nature of branding and how it applies to both authors and books. step-by-step how to build your brand, and the timeline by which you can measure results and success.

Paul has been a writer for more than 35 years and quite involved in the publishing industry as well. In 2002, he developed OPA Publishing, a publisher and packager of non-fiction e-books and “Print-on-Demand” hard-copy volumes of nonfiction for self-publishing authors and entrepreneurs. About two years ago, he expanded into fiction and now has over 60 titles in print. The company specializes in assisting both first-time and seasoned authors to self-publish and market their work. OPA Publishing also works with authors whose work has been published but has gone “out of print” for any number of reasons.

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Victor Volkman will be appearing at the Vermont Veterans Combat Stress Symposium.  Although only working behind the scenes of this event, he is the editor of Beyond Trauma: Conversations on Traumatic Incident Reduction (2nd Ed) and several other books on Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR).

The Symposium takes place on March 3rd, 2007 at the Capitol Plaza hotel in Montpelier, Vermont.  Featured speakers include David W. Powell, author of My Tour in Hell: A Marine’s Battle with Combat Trauma, Travis Jones, MA, and Ragnhild Malnati, LICSW.

 Hope to see you there!

On Thursday, March 1st, 2007 at 8:00PM EDT we spoke with Bob Gussin, author and publisher at Oceanview Publishing.  As a member of the vanguard of independent presses, Bob addressed the challenges of being an independent publisher, advice for new publishers including some of the most commonly made mistakes, the reality of competing with big publishers, and how to leverage the use of media.

A native of Pittsburgh, Robert Gussin retired from Johnson & Johnson as Corporate Vice President of Science & Technology and Chief Scientific Officer in 2000.  He received a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Michigan, and holds an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Duquesne University.

Gussin has authored a number of scientific publications and has contributed several chapters to academic textbooks.  He serves on a number of commercial and non-profit boards and advisory committees, including the NASA Aerospace Medicine and Occupational Health Advisory Committee, Duquesne University Board of Directors, as well as the Board of Directors of Catholic Health Services of Long Island, and the Board of Directors of Christus Health.
For more information about Robert Gussin, and his novel, Trash Talk, please visit www.bobgussin.com

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On February 22nd 2007 at 8PM EDT we speak with Brent Sampson is the president and CEO of Outskirts Press, Inc., at www.OutskirtsPress.com.  Brent will walk us through the bizarre and confusing world of understanding Amazon sales ranks.  Specifically, he’ll talk about how to find your rank, what Amazon claims the rank means, common myths of the sales rank, tips for increasing your sales rank and much more.

Outskirts Press simplifies the publishing process by offering turn-key publishing and marketing packages that combine the best aspects of traditional and independent publishing.  As an award-winning author, poet, speaker, and artist, Brent Sampson understands the mania of the muse and how to infuse success into every creative endeavor.  Brent’s proficiencies with selling, marketing, publishing, and coaching conspired to launch Outskirts Press, one of the fastest growing on-demand publishing companies in America, with a growth rate exceeding 30% per month.  A publishing company is only as successful as its authors; Outskirts Press authors earn up to tens-of-thousands a dollars per month in royalties, thanks largely to the education and coaching available exclusively through the Outskirts Press Marketing COACH, offering Creative, Online Assistance, Coaching, and Help.  The first in a series of Marketing COACH books and workbooks written by Brent Sampson will be published in March, 2007 titled “Sell Your
Book on Amazon.”  Learn how to get a free 14-page “sneak peek” eBook during the show.

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On February 15th 2007 at 8PM EDT we speak with Joyce Scott, IBM Top Sales Leader, executive coach and global firm founder. Joyce defines how to defeat political games and reach specific corporate goals. She’ll be talking with us on critical elements of success in the publishing industry including dodging sacred cows, gamesmanship, playing as a team, and understanding the buyer’s view of your product. Joyce is a nationally credentialed business politics expert with published work, high performance work expertise, and clients and media recommendations. Joyce is CEO of Superb Speakers and Trainers Bureau her own fourteen year old consulting firm featuring expert global speakers, facilitators, consultants, and trainers.

Clients include AT&T,IBM, WITI, Sematech International, 3M, Medtronic, PPDI-Pharmaco, Hispanic and Black MBA Associations members, National Association or Women in Business Association-NAWBO. Joyce Scott is featured in top selling books: Go Girl Guide Surviving Your 20s With Savvy Soul and Style by Julia Bourland by McGraw-Hill and quoted in – How to Act Like a CEO, McGraw Hill and The $100,000 Club both by D.A. Benton, Time-Warner. Joyce’s book on corporate politics, False Labor – Games This Mother Teaches You is in development.

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UPDATE: Our interview was postponed this week due to a medical emergency.  We hope to have Marjaree back in April/May 2007 for this very important show. 

On Thursday, February 8th, 2007 at 8PM EDT we spoke with Marjaree Stapperfenne, managing editor of www.abetterbewrite.com. She shared with us some great “inside” tips on how to get that perfect title that sells your book for you including fitting your title to the genre, preventing buyer disappointment, when to freeze the title, and making the most of synergy.

Ms. Stapperfenne is a mystery-writer in southern New Jersey. Having majored in college in thrillers, having majored in Psychology and Deviant Behavior, with anemphasis on mass murderers prepared her fo rbeing an author of  psycho-thrillers.  Her most recent titles include Cremator’s Revenge, Deadly Duplicates, and  Don’t Go Alone!  She is also a radio personality with her own
talk show on Internet Voices Radio.

On Thursday, February 1st, 2007 at 8PM EDT we spoke with award-winning marketing expert Shel Horowitz of principledprofit.com.  He shared with us problems and solutions for working with bookstores, when to try non-bookstore markets, understanding competition, and how to use bookstore appearances to leverage publicity.  Shel also talked about how authors can get paid to market their own books and how even small, self-published authors can garner publicity.

Shel Horowitz is the author of seven books, his two most recent: Grassroots Marketing for Authors and Publishers and Principled Profit: Marketing That Puts People First. He is a copywriter and marketing/publishing consultant specializing in ethical, affordable, and effective approaches.  Mr. Horowitz is also the founder of the international Business Ethics Pledge

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On Thursday, January 25th, 2007 at 8PM EDT we spoke with award-winning children’s book author Lila Guzman of lilaguzman.com.  She shared with us valuable tips and techniques on how to break into this popular market including: the ideal length of a book, managing the vocabulary, plot tips and twists, marketing ideas, appropriate subject matter and genres,  and historical books (a particular area of her own success).

Lila Guzman is a former language instructor who earned her PhD in Spanish literature from the University of Kentucky.  She has gone on to teach at the US Navy’s Defense Language Institute to train other teachers there.  She has collaborated with her husband, Rick Guzman, to create a groundbreaking series of historical novels for children.  It all stems from Rick’s discovery that the Spanish were involved in the American Revolution as early as 1776 but their contribution is often overlooked in history books.  And so the award-winning Lorenzo Series of books was born!

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Join us on Internet Voices Radio on Thursday, Nov. 9th, 2006 at 8PM EDT as we speak with professional publisher and author coach Steve Neubauer.  Steve will brief us and lead a lively discussion about key factors in book development: doing your competitive analysis, matching your work to customer expectations of the genre, understanding demographics and its role in marketing, and discovering your promotional strengths and weaknesses.

Steve Neubauer is a co-founder of the publishing firm WordWright.biz, Inc. The company serves as an incubator for new authors and works with professional speakers and consultants to create books about their specialty areas. Steve worked 25 years for IBM as a senior market intelligence professional researching and analyzing emerging social, technological, environmental, economic, and political trends. His analyses helped shape the designs of many products and services that lead the industry in new and innovative approaches.

He now focuses on helping new writers establish themselves and fulfill their publication dreams. Steve and his wife Joan own and operate WordWright.biz, Inc. and help develop new and talented writers. They offer everything an author needs from editing, cover design, typesetting, distribution, royalties, and promotion. Word Wright.biz has published over 60 books that help authors present their books to the marketplace, build credibility, polish their promotional skills, and approach bigger publishers.

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Join us on Internet Voices Radio on Thursday, Nov. 2nd, 2006 at 8PM EDT as we speak with veteran freelance writer, author, and expert on book marketing Patricia L. Fry.  Starting from the basis that writing the book itself is not the first and foremost task, Patricia will take us on a journey of discovering what will work for you and play to your own unique strengths.  Specifically, she’ll be talking about the most basic questions which you must answer for yourself to achive success: is your book idea viable, who is the audience, what is the right kind of publishing model, and how can you promote your book?

Patricia Fry has been writing for publication for over 30 years. She writes articles for numbers of magazines including Writer’s Digest, PMA Independent, Entrepreneur, The Toastmaster, Woman’s Own, Cats, etc. She is also the author of 24 books, including her latest, “The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.” Patricia is the president of SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network), a 10-year-old networking, supportive organization for anyone interested in publishing. Patricia presents workshops at writers’ conferences and other events throughout the U.S. and beyond. This year, she participated in the Pen Women Conference in Honolulu, The Wisconsin Regional Writers Association Conference in Janesville, the PNWA Conference in Seattle, the SPAN 3-day publishing conference in San Francisco and several smaller e
vents within the state of California. In May, she traveled to Dubai to give the keynote address before 800 Toastmasters at their annual District Conference.

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