Reading books about to change? You decide.

Have you wondered of changes seen recently relative to newspapers, libraries, bookstores (indie or chains), Amazon, Apple (iPad), and the publishing industry (publishers, agents, authors)? Many of my blog and Facebook friends know of my venture into writing/publishing…so I’m thinking they might enjoy this little post as a matter of ‘news’ about what this linked article proclaims as the ‘state of the publishing industry.’ Also, I’ve made several FB writer-type friendships and they particularly would be interested in this post and link…some may even be surprised. 

The article used here as the post source is entitled, ‘The Future of Publishing,’ by Ransom Stephens. ‘Ransom,’ that’s his name, interesting, don’t think I’ve heard that name before, let alone an author of some distinction (modest). Just want to clarify my position of Mr. Stephens, Ph.D., (that’s how Ph.D’s are addressed formally, not Doctor), has a science (physics) background and most recently written a novel, ‘The God Patent.’ I’ve not read the book yet, only some reviews, so my interest in Mr. Stephens is of his article on publishing.

From a Google Alert (on eBooks and publishing), directing me to GallyCat (Media Blog) to Scribd, (social publishing and reading site), where Mr. Stephens received accolades for this article – where he speaks of companies who’ve miss-fired, holding to dated business models and foregoing innovation or new market shifts. Stephens predicts enormous change in reading habits (increased) and acquisition of reading material (eBooks and eReaders), and how he see’s current players (Amazon, Google, Authors, Publishers and the reading public), responding to the change.

It’s not for me to rewrite or interpret Mr. Stephens article in this post. I post the link here for you to read and make your own judgment about his thought process and proclamation. The article is eleven pages and an easy read. Below is the link to article: The Future of Publishing By Ransom Stephens.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/17243194/RansomStephens-FutureOfPublishing

Here is a link to Stephens book (The God Patent), should you want:

http://www.thegodpatent.com/index.html

It would be interesting to see varied comments from whomever has an opinion. Thanks, –gg

Garry M. Graves, Author, Character Happens! The 5 Most Important – But Fleeting Virtues.

...a reminder -- Character Happens! book trailer, don't miss it.

...its been some time since I've reminded readers of the Character Happens! book trailer (video).
  Click here to view the trailer on YouTube. Make sure you have ear buds or headphones as the music accompaniment is outstanding. Don't miss it without listening to the track. It's one minute long.
  All credit goes to Jeannie Ruesch of 'willdesignforchocolate'
  She's the best at what she does and no amount of credit could be given Jeannie for her outstanding work on my project.

THANKS AGAIN JEANNIE.

...red lettering, black lettering...what?

This is giving me a stomach ache. 


Here is a cover with red lettering (thanks Christy S). The second cover is with black lettering. I think both are fine and acceptable. 


Now for the subtitle. Firstly -- I really like the word 'Teaches' in the copy. Secondly -- I love the phrase 'and your children' in the copy. And I love this pic. This pic was pulled from public domain clip art and it expresses to 'me' ...a couple, man and woman, setting on a rock or hill, speaking to a youngster. It looks to be in a 1700's time period. It reminds me of the Old Course -- St. Andrews in the U.K.

Yes, the book indeed is about character (thanks, Diantha M). Yes, the book is written around a golf storyline. It is not a golf book. It is a character book. I really liked the initial 'red' cover with its subtitle, probably the reason it was published initially that way. hehe! Nevertheless, my feelings now are that I must try to capture 'more' of the golf reader population (don't laugh). Perhaps from increased exposure (this categorization), Character Happens! might gain from this group and be talked about to other reader's (people who like personal development books). Who knows?


It would be nice to have more readers. The 'character readers' are a huge population. The 'golfer' population is pretty big too. Here's a book...'Golf's Sacred Journey,' (much like Character Happens!), that has done very well. If only my book could capture some readers from this book's readership. That would be great.


The plan is to revise the Character Happens! book. It needs better editing and correcting. I figured it would be a good time to change the cover, etc... All who have purchased the initial paperback version will be sent the new 'revised' version, no charge (if interested). 


Naturally I'm posting another poll on my blog to determine which of the above covers you prefer. The red lettering or the black lettering. After this, I'm finished with Character Happens! Moving on to the Ranger Copeland's book -- 'Bloody Omaha - My Remembrances of That Day.'


Thanks a bunch for your continued support. --gg

...new Character Happens! cover and subtitle -- you choose.

Have decided to change books' cover and subtitle. Which of these two choices do you prefer. Click cover to enlarge.
   
Will establish a poll on blog (top right) for you to vote which subtitle you prefer. Both covers, as you can see, are the same.


I think this picture represents the book title well. Any comments on that. Click here to comment. 


In the poll cover #1 (top/first cover) will be identified as:
'An Avid Golfer'  The poll cover #2 (bottom/second cover) will be identified as: 'How Golf Teaches'


Thanks for taking the time to vote. I value your opinion greatly. Thanks, --gg 

...new Amazon ranking for Character Happens!

Here's today's report from Amazon on Character Happens! ranking. The ebook 'Buy-In' helped a great deal and I want to thank everyone for their support. --gg

Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #61,155 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

#20 in	Kindle Store > Kindle Books > Sports > Miscellaneous > Sports Psychology
#4 in	Books > Sports > Golf > Inspiration
#17 in	Kindle Store > Kindle Books > Parenting & Families > Parenting > Morals & Responsibility

...'Free' eBook! Character Happens! The 5 Most Important Virtues...

   Just kidding! No, really, you can get the Character Happens! eBook for zero dollars. Yes, that's $0. 
   One condition (you figured, right?)
   You have to write a review of the book and post it on the ePublisher's website. I know, I know...it doesn't sound like too horrendous request but you'd be surprised how many people are intimidated by the 'review procedure.'
   Either there intimidated or they don't want to hurt my feelings with a negative review. Phooey, not to worry. My skin is as thick as double-bubble chewing gum (remember), and just as pink. In fact, 'any' review will be helpful, even the negative ones. 
   My writing will get better as it increases in frequency. I'm a new writer, an unknown writer who is fully cognizant of his knowledge, limitations and abilities. 
   From now til August 6th, 2010, you can get my eBook for free...provided you write a review of the book at the same site. (Smashwords) The 'review police' will be checking up on you so please follow through.
   Below are links to make the process flow smoothly. And...THANKS for your support. --gg


Smashwords (where you can get the eBook. Use this code #CE88T at checkout to get it free).
Book Review (where you can get a 'format' or refresher on how to write a review).