Tuesday, May 11, 2010

The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Froward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success

by Carolyn Howard-Johnson

The Frugal Editor is a book that belongs on the desk of anyone that is either an author, or an aspiring author. This book contains a wealth of information about what it takes to have your manuscript pass the mark toward publication.

This book gives writers needed information on how to create queries, cover letters, book proposals, and manuscripts that are not sloppy which will get you into the round file. Reading this book will assist you in why you need an editor or at least two other sets of eyes for you writing.

If you use Word, the de facto standard, there is information about using the Tracking feature and more to help you with your writing and editing with easy and practical steps in this book.

The Frugal Editor applies to all types of writing. Even those that write business letters, e-mails and more can gain a unique insight into making them better. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone putting words on paper or a computer screen.

The book is conversational in tone as if talking to a fiend that is imparting their secrets and tips to make your writing more professional and your manuscript pass muster with agents or in-house editors. No one wants to submit something that is not their best, which is why writers need a copy of The Frugal Editor.
Do yourself a favor, and find a copy of this book for your reference; you will appreciate it.

This reviewer gives a five star rating to The Frugal Editor.

Endorsement Disclaimer: All reviews written by this reviewer are personal opinions of the book by this reviewer. The reviews are NOT paid endorsements of the book or the author. They are not advertisements. All reviews are honest, forthright and the opinion of this individual reviewer. This reviewer’s opinions are not for sale. (There is however, a small fee for some reviews, and sometimes this reviewer receives complementary copies from the author.) Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255 (http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Designing for the King

by Deana Murphy

Designing for the King is not your normal interior design book, and we are not talking about feng shui, what the book talks about is designing on a spiritual level for the way the person lives and what they do in the design area.

This book, filled with scripture, which enhances the concept of the design set forth by the author, is a unique approach to interior design that anyone can try.

The book comes from an approach that is central to the person’s space, and not a design the designer likes, but designed for the way the client lives, with a spiritual component that is refreshing and worth considering when doing any design.

Designing is not about the material goodies, but more about creating a tranquil space for the rest and comfort of the people. As the author sates, “It is through love that the agreement, respect, patience, loyalty, and integrity will seamlessly flow. So we can say a family on one accord births the awakening of designing with purpose. But this cannot be accomplished without the underpinning of Scripture.”

A home should be a place of peace and emotional sanctuary that breeds closeness of the family. The quotes and scriptures bring this concept home in Designing for the King.

This reviewer gives Designing for the King a four star rating and a must read if the reader is considering changing their living space.

Endorsement Disclaimer: All reviews written by this reviewer are personal opinions of the book by this reviewer. The reviews are NOT paid endorsements of the book or the author. They are not advertisements. All reviews are honest, forthright and the opinion of this individual reviewer. This reviewer’s opinions are not for sale. (There is however, a small fee for some reviews, and sometimes this reviewer receives complementary copies from the author.) Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255 (http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers by Carolyn Howard-Johnson

While this small book talks about Tweeting for retails, by anyone wanting to learn more about Twitter can use the tools that are available to make Twitter work better for your specific needs, not just retailers.

Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers is more than just about Twitter, it is about an approach to social media that businesses, entrepreneurs, or anyone interested in Internet marketing should read. Whether you are new or experienced in social media, there are still things to learn about Twitter found in Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers.

Retailers can learn new ways of promotion for their shops in Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers. A retailer can have their employees use twitter for branding the business, and so can entrepreneurs with some simple techniques found in this book. I know I have, and I plan to implement some of them as time allows.
The one thing not mentioned in this book is that if you are not careful, Twitter can become addictive to the point of becoming a detriment to your day. For retailers and entrepreneurs it can be a way to remain in contact with your customers, and to let more people know about you and your business.

You must also be aware of Twitter etiquette; you do not want to seem spamy on social media, Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers to the rescue. Before you get too involved in Twitter, reading this book will give you some understanding of Twitter etiquette, which can translate to other social media sites.
I found this book easy to read, small at 129 pages, but full of pertinent information for anyone wish to enhance their Twitter presence.
I give this book four stars.

Endorsement Disclaimer: All reviews posted on this site and written by this reviewer are personal opinions of the book by this reviewer. The reviews are NOT paid endorsements of the book or the author. They are not advertisements. All reviews are honest, forthright and the opinion of this individual reviewer. This reviewer’s opinions are not for sale. (There is however, a small fee for some reviews, and sometimes this reviewer receives complementary copies from the author.) Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255 (http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Monday, May 3, 2010

A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions

by Carolyn Howard-Johnson

A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions lists a series of frugal ways of promoting your business, in good economic times as well as bad; and not break the bank in the process. Anyone in the retail business should read this 120-page book. There is a good deal of information in a small book that is of use to retailers, and their business no matter the present circumstances.

Many of the ideas are common sense, but also things that retailers may not have thought of. There are many inexpensive concepts that are easy to implement in your store, whether it is large or small. The size does not matter, the ideas in this book are what can help retailers grow their customer base with a few simple adjustments to present stock and how to deal with it. Simple promotion ideas that may cost only a few dollars, to free can increase your business over time. Fortunately, the few ideas listed in this book may trigger some things retailers can come up with on their own.

Do you need more business in your store? A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions can help you with simple ideas form how to move and arrange your stock and more. There are also some simple and effective ways to garner publicity in your local newspaper and have customers send you business with ideas that may cost you nothing expect some time and training of your employees.

A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions is an easy to read book that can help all retailers do more promotion for your business without spending a lot of money.

I recommend this book for any retailer and award it a four star rating.

Endorsement Disclaimer: All reviews posted on this site and written by this reviewer are personal opinions of the book by this reviewer. The reviews are NOT paid endorsements of the book or the author. They are not advertisements. All reviews are honest, forthright and the opinion of this individual reviewer. This reviewer’s opinions are not for sale. (There is however, a small fee for some reviews, and sometimes this reviewer receives complementary copies from the author.) Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255 (http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)