Film Review

Eric Y asked:


I would like to create a short film and eventually a full-length film. As of right now, I have no equipment, no experience and a limited budget. What is the least amount of money I can spend on a decent camera to get the most out of it (maybe roughly in the $500 range)? I’m not looking for amazing quality, but I don’t want it to be noticably bad either. Also, does anyone know anything about software I would need for editing? What about extra film equipment? Thanks for any help you can give.

Gert

Maybe_Memories_x asked:


The book needs to be at least 120 pages long (I don’t have a lot of extra time, so I would like the amount of pages not to be more than 120 (maybe a little bit longer, but not to much). I’ve read a lot of classics already so please don’t mention those kinds of stories. I want to read more recent stories. I have 8 book reports this year, so you can mention as many titles as you want. Thanks!

Georgette

Roberto Sedycias asked:


E-books are basically electronic books and are the computerized equivalent of printed books. These books are read on the computer, laptop, PDA or on specialized hardware called the e-book reader.

When the concept of online reading was new, e-books attracted only a select audience who had very specific interests mainly dealing in technical knowledge. Gradually, as the concept of e-reading caught on, many e-book formats evolved. Some had the backing of major software companies whereas others like the adobe`s PDF format were encouraged by independent people.

The initial market of e-books lacked a common standard and this led to many e-book publishers marketing these books in the public domain. New authors who were struggling to find a readership base went online to get more exposure. This also led to illegal and unauthorized availability of books on the internet. But, with e-books having gained tremendous popularity, a consensus is emerging and exclusive hardware for e-books are being developed.

Some of the most used formats for e-book reading include readers like Adobe, Microsoft, Rocket e-book, Mobipocket, PDF and TK3. If your computer does not have the required software installed for e-book reading, the software will have to be downloaded and installed prior to reading any e-books.

Most of the software can be downloaded for free. The PDF is most popular because it has features like book marking, being able to save or highlight specific text and also take notes. The advantage is that unlike traditional books this does not require sheaves of paper or pen and can be done in a single electronic file.

For the die-hard paper fan, it is even possible to print the e-book on paper and carry them with him. Not many of course want the inconvenience of lugging around heavy books anymore and in any case, there are only so many books which one can carry. For this reason people prefer e-books because you can carry innumerable pages of text and drawings on a single e-book.

An e-book is read for many reasons. Some read it for sheer enjoyment while others use it as a tool for research. E-books can also be downloaded to catch up on your favorite author. For avid readers, e-books provide the opportunity to read the latest book without having to step out of the house to buy it. All he needs to do is go online. No more scrounging around in musty bookshops trying to lay your hand on that out-of-print book or queuing up in interminable lines for the latest bestseller.

An amazing array of e-books is available online in e-book stores where you can find books on all genres. From the typical bestsellers to the classics, from the latest technical books to the most obscure books- you can find them all in e-book stores.

The pricing of an e-book is also less than what you would pay for a traditional printed book. This is because it costs less to publish an e-book than a printed one. Also, there are many authors who cannot afford a publishing house. For them, self-publishing online is affordable and ensures wider exposure. They may also sometimes offer free initial reading to boost sales.

Storing a growing library is also a matter of concern for those avid readers who lack the necessary space in their homes. E-books take care of this problem.

An e-book is the solution for people who like to read but cannot make the time to buy books or do not have the required space to store books.



Ewiniar

Earma Brown asked:


What if you discovered there was one little word that stood between your book dream being realized in the next 100 days or not? Would you want to know that one word? Yes, great!

Before I tell you, think about this. There are thousands of people that die each year with their book dream never realized. You may wonder, what’s the difference between the ones that die with a book inside them and the ones that put pen to paper to write a book?

Some say book authors have more smarts and more time. Perhaps they have a bigger brain or were born with a silver spoon in their mouth. None of the above is true. In fact, there’s very little difference between the two groups. That little difference can be boiled down to one word, ACTION.

Both groups receive great ideas and inspired messages. One group receives the idea but never ACTS on it. They never develop it and it eventually fades away. The group that fulfills their dream of becoming an author receives the idea, ACTS on it, develops it and completes it.

Won’t you join the group that acts on their ideas? Here are 7 tips that will help you write a book in the next 100 days or less:

1. Move your book dream up to the top 3 priorities. No, you don’t have to sell your soul anymore to write a saleable book. Use the cumulative effect of doing a little bit at a time. Even so, unless you want it to take years to write, you must schedule writing time each week. For example, you could write 2 pages a day and have a short book in weeks.

Develop a regular writing schedule. Think about your priorities right now. Can you fit 7-10 hours a week in? If you have to let something go that is not high on your priority list, do it. Now is your time. Next year is not better. Set yourself up for a successfully written book in the next 100 days by making your book goal a top priority.

2. Stump out the fear of failure. Many writers tremble in their tracks with fear that their book won’t sell. Don’t be afraid. Your book will sell if its presents useful information, answers important readers questions, and impacts people for the good. If it presents entertaining or humorous information it could go farther than you imagined.

If it creates a deeper understanding of humanity, animals of this world its worth reading. With one to three of these elements your book is worth writing. More than three, it has potential of making great sales even to best seller status. Go ahead, write your book and make the world a better place.

3. Avoid re-inventing the wheel. Use the information you already have. Your audience is looking for solutions to their problems. They are looking to you for encouragement to overcome their challenges. Mine your background, your files, and your speeches for the gold called your knowledge. Use speedy book writing techniques and finish your book faster to sell sooner. Stay with what you know.

You’re the expert. To have the best chance to get your book done in the next 100 days, use what you have already written. Use your speeches, your seminars, your notes and experiences. Fill your book with your stories, case studies and examples.

4. Choose your target audience. Then write your book for them. When you give your book a target, it will resonate with your audience. To be honest, your book will not interest everyone. When you target one audience at a time, each tip, each story or how-to will be more effective. Aim your message and you will have a competitive edge on most book writers.

For many just shoot their message out into the dark and hope it connects with someone. When targeting your potential readers, create an audience profile. Are your potential readers male or female? How old are they? Are they interested in self-help, mystery, romance, how-to books? What problems do they face? Are they business people or professionals? Are they techies or non-techies? Are they willing to spend $15-30 on your book?

5. Make an educated choice about your publishing options before you write your book. Will you self-publish or shop for a traditional publish? There are serious pros and cons for either method. Find out the differences so you can make an educated choice that suits you. If you are self-publishing, consider the POD technology for your book. There are lots of good choices that will publish your book for you at an affordable price.

If you are opting for a traditional publisher, get an agent and a contract before writing the book. Then shop agents and publishers with 2 chapters and a knock-out book proposal. Invest in one of the current market guides and research the best fit for your work. It raises your chances considerably if you know what kind of manuscripts a particular company is looking for.

Don’t let one word keep you from realizing your book dream in less than 100 days. Act now; you can do it. Remember to put your book writing in the top 3 priorities of your life, stump out fear of failure, avoid re-inventing the wheel, choose your target audience and make an educated choice about your publishing options. Using the above simple tips you can easily write and complete your book in a 100 days or less. Act now and use your ideas before they fade. Here’s to your best success as Author.



Cristobal

john morris asked:


First, your e-Book needs to have an attractive title. The title should grab the attention of your intended target audience. The more appealing the title, the more your e-Book will be downloaded. Your e-Book needs to have quality content. You can contact other business owners and ask them if they would like to include their ad in your e-Book. Just ask them in return to advertise your free e-Book on their web site or in their e-zone for a set period of time. This method will get your free e-Book marketing campaign off to a fast start. You can write your own content or ask permission to use another author’s content. Your e-Book will be read more if the content is original.

You will want to put your ad on the title page or on the table of contents. It’s important to put your e-Book in as many formats as possible. Most e-Book software only allows the e-Book to be read by certain brewers and software you can visit www.make-your-ebook-sell.com People may not take the time to download a new software program in order to read your e-Book. Other versions of your e-Book could be in HTML, auto responder and downloadable text format. This will give the most exposure for your web site or the products you’re selling.

It’s important to put your e-Book in as many formats as possible. Most e-Book software only allows the e-Book to be read by certain brewers and software. People may not take the time to download a new software program in order to read your e-Book. Other versions of your e-Book could be in HTML, auto responder and downloadable text format.

You can contact other business owners and ask them if they would like to include their ad in your e-Book. Just ask them in return to advertise your free e-Book on their web site or in their e-zone for a set period of time. This method will get your free e-Book marketing campaign off to a fast start.

Allow the people who download your e-Book to give it away to their visitors. This will multiply your free e-Books’ exposure you can visit www.ebook-marketing-exposed.com you can contact other business owners and ask them if they would like to include their ad in your e-Book. Just ask them in return to advertise your free e-Book on their web site or in their e-zone for a set period of time. This method will get your free e-Book marketing campaign off to a fast start. Submit your e-Book to the growing number of free e-Book directories on the internet.

These web sites also offer more information about e-Book marketing. It’s important to put your e-Book in as many formats as possible. Most e-Book software only allows the e-Book to be read by certain brewers and software. People may not take the time to download a new software program in order to read your e-Book. Other versions of your e-Book could be in HTML, auto responder and downloadable text format. Some of them also have e-Book discussion forums where you can ask questions and learn more about e-Book marketing.



Zeke Adrian

ヾ(＾∇＾)ﾉ ♪ asked:


Is this part of the designer’s responsibility?

Reading the manuscript consumes more time and I’m sure that the author or editor is well versed with the story and these people may retell the story to the designer, and probably throw in a few points about what they want.

Usually, what happens? Do book cover designers (for thick books like novels) read the manuscript first before designing or do they rely on the instructions of the client?

Henri

Deborrah Cooper asked:


Self-publishing is the hottest trend in books, as it provides creative thinkers turned authors with a fast and easy way to get their work on the market. With the added option of “print on demand”, and desktop publishing and design software, the initial cost to get your book out can be very minimal.

Self-publishing is also the most profitable since you get to keep all the profits for yourself. IF you are committed to the work it is going to take to sell your books that is.

One of the most difficult challenges a self-published author faces is getting their book into the hands of people that will appreciate it enough to pay their hard earned money. I recall reading an article on the self-publishing industry that reported the average number of self-published books sold per author is about 100 copies!

With that horrifying number in mind, you need to roll up your sleeves and prepare to launch a focused marketing and promotion program that will have you doing at least 3 things per day every day for the next 6 months to promote your book. Remember, no one can dream your dream but you, and ultimately, you are the only one responsible for the success or failure of your book.

Start by arming yourself with as much knowledge on the subject as possible. Check out these books and websites on marketing and promoting for self-published authors:

THE SELF-PUBLISHING MANUAL by Dan Poynter is I think hands down, the best promotional book and guide to successful self-publishing for a first time author. It is easy to read and understand, and organized in a fashion that make it a valuable reference as you go through the writing and publishing process.

GUERILLA MARKETING FOR WRITERS by Jay Conrad Levinson is another easy to follow guide with more than 100 ideas for marketing and promoting your book. There are like a zillion Guerilla Marketing books covering a wide range of markets.

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SELF-PUBLISHING by Tom & Marilyn Ross guides authors through the entire self-publishing process from writing the first word to wildly creative ways to market the finished product.

1001 WAYS TO MARKET YOUR BOOK by John Kremer is top notch. John Kremer is a legend in the book marketing field. But there are SO many ideas presented this 3″ thick book that I found it to be somewhat overwhelming. His websites are much easier to go through for people that are A.D.D. like me!

Leveraging the power and global reach of the Internet is the next step you must take.

Every author needs a web page. Do you have one set up for your book or books yet? This site will serve as the foundation of your marketing campaign and is a step you cannot afford to skip. Your website will be used as a vehicle to promote both yourself and your work 24 hours per day. It will also display or link to book reviews, to provide the media and press with an avenue for contacting you for interviews, and will of course help you sell your product.

Your website does not have to be fancy and expensive. As a matter of fact, it is better if it’s rather non-dynamic. You want the key focus to be on your book and YOU, not your fancy FLASH intro.

After that, you need to get your book reviewed. There are mainstream book reviewers, and there are many niche market reviewers as well. Check out John Kremer’s list of newspaper reviewers at BookMarket.Com.

Authors of Black books have many options available.

When seeking reviews, be prepared to send out a copy of your book along with a headshot photograph, author contact information, and information on where your book can be purchased. This is when you would mention your wonderful new website! Here is a list of Black book reviewers and sites:

QBR The Black Book Review

QBR is a reliable source for what is current in Black books. QBR also produces the Harlem Book Fair, the largest African American book Fair nationally, held annually in New York City.

Felicia Pride’s Black Books Blog – More Than Words

Felicia reviews and blogs about Black books on AOL’s Black Voices channel.

African American Literature Book Club (AALBC)

The largest site on the web focusing on Black books.

The RawSistaz

This group of ladies provides casual reviews of a wide variety of books, all written by African American authors.

Let’s Talk Honestly with George Cook

George provides free interviews with Black authors which are posted as pod casts each week on this popular website.

The Black Issues Book Review

This the only nationally distributed magazine devoted exclusively to covering the latest news and reviews on black books.

Now you have a published book and a couple of great reviews. It’s time to contact Black bookstores in your area. Go visit them with your book in hand, introduce yourself, and ask if they will either carry your book or allow you to have a book signing in their store.

Book retailers usually receive a rather large discount from the cover price (as much as 60%). Since each independent retailer has its own sales agreement and terms, all I can tell you is to be sure to read each carefully.

Make sure the terms regarding book returns, payment dates, and merchandise delivery are spelled out clearly and to your satisfaction before signing on the dotted line.

Writing, researching and editing your book is certainly a lot of hard work, but that is just the beginning. All that work pales in comparison to the long hours and the effort you must put into getting your name out there and your book noticed every single day until you reach your sales and financial goals.

I cannot describe with words the deep sense of satisfaction one gets when you open up a package from your publisher and find the first copy of a real book that has your name on it. And selling thousands of those books is certain validation that what you have to say has value and is important to others.

Get busy making it happen!



Emily