LJW Publishing

The Longevity of Fiction

2009-07-24T01:37:00.004-07:00

The National Book Awards have been an annual event for 59 years. And during those 59 years...fiction is the only category that has had an award recipient each and every year.

It's just one of the many little "proofs" out there in the book world that fiction not only has a place, but it has irrefutable, historical strength.

If you'd like to be part of the making of "fictional history" this is definitely your year. This year (from September 21 to October 21) you'll get the chance to help select the best of the National Book Awards in the fiction category. By placing a vote you'll also be eligible to win 2 tickets to the awards ceremony for 2009. You can get more info or place your vote at the National Book Awards website.

After the public votes on the best of the best of the National Book Awards winners of past years...the final winner will be announced on November 18th, 2009 in New York City at the 60th National Book Awards ceremony.

So do your part in making fictional history and look into the National Book Awards' "Best of the National Book Awards Fiction" contest. We'll be placing our votes!

Honest Reviews in Exchange for Free Books

2009-06-17T15:46:00.003-07:00

Ever wished that you could be a book reviewer? Even if you only wished it because you figured it would mean TONS and TONS of great, FREE books? There's nothing wrong with that. Here are two online spots you can join that offer the benefit of free books in exchange for reviews on the site:

GoodReads.com
LibraryThing.com

Both offer the opportunity to share your library, post ratings of books you've read, hook up with friends to talk about books you like, don't like, hate and might want to read. And they both offer the chance to request books (usually pre-release). The number of books available are, of course, far smaller than the number of readers requesting them so it's kind of like a lottery, but it's worth it. The process to request is quick and painless and every now and then you'll get a free book out of it! Good luck.

LJW Publishing Titles at 2009 BEA

2009-06-08T12:06:00.010-07:00

LJW Publishing's first venture into Young Adult fiction, Meeting Lizzy, was featured in the Atlas Books booth at BEA this past week. It was the busiest show in Atlas Books history.

The booth played host to several musical legends: Tom Paxton, Peter Yarrow, Judy Collins and DJ great "Cousin Brucie" Morrow. The singing sessions for visiting booksellers was a great success; the Atlas Books crew had just as much fun as the many visitors drawn to the booth.

LJW Titles at BEA: Book Expo America 2009

2009-05-24T23:30:00.004-07:00

Book Expo America is almost upon us. 2009's event is being held from May 28-31 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in NYC. It's the largest publishing industry event of the year. If you happen to be lucky enough to be attending make sure to check out LJW titles through Atlas Books. If you won't be able to make it check out the official BEA podcast. Or watch video of features authors online: BEA Authors. Or you can always watch for up to date news on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. BEA news will be updated frequently!

This year's BEA has an amazing list of events available for attendees! Check out details on the BEA homepage.

Summer Reading Lists

2009-05-24T22:43:00.003-07:00

Summer 's no longer around the corner. It's banging down your front door. And no matter how old you are, where you are or what you're doing this summer you should ALWAYS have a summer reading list. It's the perfect time to get in some reading with a natural deadline that doesn't limit you (it's a few months, after all) but will definitely give you something to work towards. If you find yourself at a loss (and you've already read the available LJW titles, of course) here are a few staff favorites that cover a wide spectrum of tastes and styles...pick one (AT LEAST) and make a goal to complete it by summer's end.

1. The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman.

Staff Review: This book is absolutely amazing! No matter who you are you'll find this book helpful in the extreme. It never occurred to me (selfish being that I am) that I wasn't effectively communicating with the people that mean the most to me, but after reading this book I finally get it. Now I just need to get my husband to read it so he can "get it," too. That would be perfect. I've heard many people say that the very best thing a couple can do is to read it together.

2. The Emperor Series by Conn Iggulden

Staff Review: If these books were movies they'd be action packed, blockbuster hits. I haven't found another writer who does as excellent a job of depicting battle scenes, politics of war, intrigue of government (albeit ancient government) and I have to say...he deserves some major props.

3. The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare

Staff Review: If you're into young adult fiction or just fantasy adventure in general these books are a fabulous choice. The third in the series was released in March 2009 so if you haven't yet started the series you're in for a treat because the series is complete. The characters are very dynamic and the story never loses its hold on the reader even for a second. You'll find yourself immediately involved in the detailed setting of the story and will enjoy the twists and turns as well as the introduction of a wide variety of well known mythical creates and bits of legends.

4. Man in Black by Johnny Cash

Staff Review: As a Johnny Cash fan I wasn't surprised that I loved this book. But if you are a reader fond of biographies/autobiographies this is a great book to pick up this summer. The life of Johnny Cash in itself makes a great story, but this particular telling hits home because it's actually written by Johnny Cash. It makes it seem more personal, detailed and moving.

5. The Gregor the Overlander Series by Suzanne Collins

Staff Review: These books are especially great because they are actually written for the pre-teen age group, yet they are a really, really great read. So they are perfect for the parent looking for something to read along with their child. I'd feel comfortable reading the Gregor the Overlander books with a child as young as 6 or 7. And kids as old as 13 or 14 will still find them interesting enough to pick up on their own over the summer. It's a fantasy adventure story that takes one boy (and his family) in and out of a secret world that has been underneath the city for years and years unknown to the "overlanders" above.

6. She... by Kobi Yamada, Jenica Wilkie and Steve Potter

Staff Review: This is an inspirational gift book that I find SO inspirational that I've probably given out at least 20 of them as gifts. And I'm not talking about the kind of gift that you give out when you don't know what else to give to someone. This book is absolutely amazing...mostly because it makes you feel like you're an awesome person after you've read through it. And it only takes a few minutes to read. So I try to read it everyday!

7. The Red Tent: A Novel by Anita Diamant

Staff Review: This is one of those fictional accounts based on biblical characters that leave you pondering a variety of issues. It gives you a greater understanding of things that are so foreign in today's society. For instance, the title refers to the tent in which the women spent their time during their menstrual cycle; bonding and passing down traditions woman to woman. The book is filled with a fantastic weaving of recognizable references to the bible stories and the fictional details Diamant added. She does it beautifully and adds a fantastic perspective and ability to offer the chance to understand something better that many would have said they already knew.

Other books that need no personal recommendation, but that LJW Publishing staffers suggested as good additions to any summer reading list include such classics as: Pride and Prejudice, Lord of the Flies, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Bless Me, Ultima, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Moby Dick, The Invisible Man, The Time Machine, Wuthering Heights, Beowulf, and Frankenstein.

Now...there are several books recommended by staff members here at LJW Publishing so you can't use the old, tired excuse of, "I just don't know what to read" when it comes to summer reading. And if none of those do it for you pick up one of the LJW titles: Meeting Lizzy by SarahBeth Carter, Larryisms or Think Rich to Get Rich by Larry John or 21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders by Preston John.

Whatever book you choose...get out there and get started. Summer's already here so you should already be digging in to your fantastic summer reading list!

Download Your Free Bookmark Here

2009-03-30T21:54:00.005-07:00

Meeting Lizzy now has a new and revised bookmark. Librarian requests for the document led us to a design update and it turned out so fun and feisty that we decided to make it easy and provide online access to the design. Ta da! Feel free to access it to print for your own use, for use as handouts at your next teen library event, for use in the classroom, etc. At the very least...check out the updated design. You'll love it!

Click HERE to get a full size version of the reduced bookmark below:

ALA Midwinter Gathering, January 2009

2009-01-31T21:17:00.004-07:00

The ALA Midwinter Gathering has come and gone...this year coming and going through Denver, Colorado. LJW Publishing was represented by its very own award winning YA novel, Meeting Lizzy, by SarahBeth Carter. The novel won the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Bronze recognizing outstanding children's books. The official awards ceremony took place during the ALA Midwinter Gathering and the Meeting Lizzy was on display throughout the proceedings.

LJW Publishing is very excited to have their first undertaking in the YA or teen book world recognized by the awards program and would like to thank the Jenkins Group for their dedication to the love of reading that led them to create the program and recognize exemplary authors for children and young adults.

For more information on the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards (they are now accepting entries for 2009) visit their site.

For more information on where to get Meeting Lizzy visit Atlas Books (our one and only favorite, alright...exclusive...distributor)! Or if you're a consumer that stumbled upon the site and want to check out a fabulous, award winning YA book...get it here!

Visit again soon for updates!

A New Review of Meeting Lizzy at Gruntlings

2009-01-04T20:51:00.003-07:00

Gruntlings, a popular review site that featured anything baby or child related has seen fit to post a great review of LJW Publishing's recent YA release: Meeting Lizzy.

The review reads:

Price Tag: $9.95
Age Range: Young teen and up
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

We were originally going to feature this book in our gift guide, but it deserved much more attention than the gift guide would have allowed for.

Meeting Lizzy by SarahBeth Carter is a book that addresses the difficult topic of abusive teenage relationships. This book is narrated in part by a teenage boy named Cy who stumbles across the abuse of his neighbor Eliza and who tries hard to help but who is unable to help because Eliza swears him to secrecy. Her abuser is her boyfriend, a popular high school jock. The chapters by Cy alternate with chapters by Eliza which detail her confusion and fear. She doesn’t know how this happened, or why it has become the new normal. She tries to leave her relationship but is bullied back into it by her abuser...This book goes into a great amount of detail that shows that the abuse isn’t only physical. It’s isolation and control. Her boyfriend controls what she wears, who her friends are, who she talks to, and as many other aspects of her life as he is able...This book is a great way to open a discussion with your daughter about dating and violence, and to make sure she knows what to do if she finds herself in a bad situation. It’s an eye-opener for parents to read, as well.

This is just an excerpt...for the full review click here!

It's Gift Giving Time!

2008-12-18T11:36:00.003-07:00

No matter what industry you're in...this is the time recognized far and wide as the time people are buying gifts. And one of the easiest, most universal (and affordable) gifts is a good book!

Meeting Lizzy has been featured in a number of gift guides as a great gift for teens! Check out two of the most recent holiday gift guide listings here:

A Parent in Silver Springs

All American Mommy

And if you haven't purchased a gift for the teen in your life...you've got yourself covered now. Just click here or visit your local bookstore and ask for
Meeting Lizzy!

Another Award for LJW Publishing's Meeting Lizzy

2008-11-22T23:00:00.004-07:00

Meeting Lizzy has recently been the recipient of another award: The All American Mommy Award.

Moms everywhere can appreciate the opportunity to bring up tough topics with their teens and YA literature has presented a unique opportunity to do just that! For instance, Meeting Lizzy presents parents with the chance to broach the topic of teen dating violence with their kids in a safe environment before they're ever faced with the issue in their personal life or the lives of those they're close to during their teen years.

Check it out today: Meeting Lizzy at Barnes & Noble.com!

A Few Basic Answers to a Few (Often Asked) Questions

2008-11-18T08:30:00.005-07:00

We often receive comments and requests from writers for general information on getting published. So the easiest way to provide the info needed was to gather it all into one short post and offer up to the masses.

Looking to write a novel, but need a bit of a push?
Check out the classes at your local community college? Does your public library system offer any creative writing workshops? Have you thought about joining a creative writing group in your area? Check out all the fantastic forums available online. The Yahoo groups are our favorite...and make sure to join one specific to your likes/the genre you will be writing about.

Have a novel or book and want to approach the right agent/publisher?
This is more difficult than many imagine. Our suggestion is to get your hands on the current Writer's Market book. Take advantage of their online tools. Keep track of your progress as you work way through the book choosing publishers and/or agents that work with books similar to the one in your hands.

How do you approach an agent/publisher?
Follow their RULES. There are no rules that blanket every agent or every publisher in the industry. The most magical and most frustrating thing about the book publishing world is that the "norm" isn't always acceptable at every publishing house. When you decide who you will be approaching read their listing in Writer's Market carefully and then double check it and get some more information online. Get a feel for their online presence and you'll have a pretty good of what their current philosophy and direction might be. Some houses/presses also suggest that you read some of their current titles prior to submitting any new work.

What are the basic requirements for manuscript submission?
As we mentioned previously there are exceptions to every rule, but most of the time you start your contact with a query letter. There are suggestions on just how to propose your idea in the first contact all over the Internet, but here's one option if you're looking for detailed guidance: Guide To Getting Published.

If you have someone show interest in your query, give them EXACTLY what they ask for immediately upon receiving the request! If they're looking for something like the manuscript you submitted they're most likely looking for it NOW and won't mess around if they're told to wait or aren't told anything at all.

How soon can I check in on the status of my submission?

This depends on the publishing house. Many will say they respond within a certain number of months and they really would probably rather not field phone calls about the status of a submission until after this date. Others are very open about suggesting that authors are welcome to call and discuss the status of their submission. Again...just know the standards of the house you're approaching so you don't leave a negative impression that could hurt your manuscript's chances of getting accepted!

Enjoy and good luck!

Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Results: Meeting Lizzy Recognized as a Young Adult Fiction Winner

2008-11-17T20:32:00.005-07:00

2nd Annual Moonbeam Award Winners are Dedicated and Diverse

Traverse City, Michigan – What do a graphic novel about the Boston Tea Party, a
picture book about a hyperactive monkey, and an instructive book about children’s
vision impairments have in common? They’re all medalists in the 2008 Moonbeam
Children’s Book Awards, honoring the year's best children’s books, authors and
illustrators.

Judges chose 138 gold, silver and bronze medalists in 31 categories. The aforementioned Ropes of Revolution, by J. Gunderson; illustrated by Brent Schoonover(Stone Arch Books) was the Comic/Graphic Novel gold medalist, Monkey with a Tool Belt, written and illustrated by Chris Monroe (Carolrhoda/Lerner) won a silver medal in the 4-8 Year Old Picture Book category, and All Children Have Different Eyes, by Edie A. Glaser and Maria Burgio, Ph.D; illustrated by Doina Paraschiv (Vidi Press)was a bronze medalist in the Health Issues category.

The Moonbeam Awards are intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary
children’s books and their creators, and to support childhood literacy and life-long
reading. A wide range of children’s publishing categories from alphabet books to
young adult novels and including specialties like Children’s Poetry and Environmental
Issues were judged by expert panels of youth educators, librarians, booksellers, and
book reviewers. Award recipients receive gold, silver and bronze medals and stickers
depicting a mother and child reading and silhouetted by a full moon.

The Peacemaker Award for the best book promoting world peace and human tolerance went
to Extraordinary Women from the Muslim World, by Natalie Maydell and Sep Riahi; illustrated by Heba Amin (Global Content Publishing). That award is given in honor of Mattie J.T. Stepanek (1990-2004) whose message of hope and peace has inspired millions of people around the world, and was an impetus in the creation of these awards.

This year’s award-winning books present a diverse range of subjects and formats, and
the winning publishers are widely dispersed geographically. Moonbeam medals were
awarded to authors and publishers from 30 U.S. states, four Canadian provinces, and
four countries overseas. The cause of promoting childhood literacy knows no
boundaries, and the award winners illustrate that point well, coming not only from
long-established publishers and university presses, but from small presses,
foundations, museums, and self-published entrepreneurs.

“We congratulate this year’s award winners and applaud the role these books play in
enriching children’s lives,” says Moonbeam Awards founder Jerrold Jenkins, father of
four children ranging in ages 6 to 16. “Today’s world is a confusing place to grow
up, and children’s book authors and publishers have risen to the occasion, creating
books that not only celebrate the joys of childhood, but also help families deal with
its challenges. We created Moonbeam to reward the best of these books and bring them
to the attention of parents, booksellers, librarians – and to the kids themselves.”
Jenkins Group has been involved in book packaging, marketing and distribution since
1988, and many of its employees now have children and grandchildren who strongly
influence the company culture with their youthful exuberance and love of books.
Read a Moonbeam Award-winning book to your child today!

Complete contest results available on the Moonbeam site!

For more information on Awards or medalists contact:
Jim Barnes, Awards Director
www.independentpublisher.com / www.moonbeamawards.com
Ph: 1.231.933.4954 x1011

Official Bronze Winner for New YA Fiction

2008-11-04T09:06:00.005-07:00

Meeting Lizzy by SarahBeth Carter is the recipient of the Bronze for new YA fiction from the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards. The program's award ceremony will take place during the ALA's Midwinter Gathering this January 2009 in Denver, Colorado. The gathering will be host to the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards as well as the Newbery and Caldecott Awards for the year.

SarahBeth Carter's "Readers Who Write" Author Event

2008-10-28T15:19:00.006-07:00

LJW Publishing author, SarahBeth Carter, is currently offering a fabulous teen author event she calls, "Readers Who Write!" The event encourages teens to accept their natural ability to tell a story by looking at the world around them and their own daily activites for writing inspiration. Teens get ALL this within the typical 1-2 hour time period and in a manner that ensures that all attendees are having a good time!

One popular portion of the event is the 25 Words or Less Game in which each teen summarizes their favorite book in 25 words or less without noting the title or author. All the cards are then returned to the author or the host of the event and as a group we attempt to determine which books are being described. The game is finished off by each teen drawing a random card with book description, title and author (added after guessing) so they can broaden their reading horizons by reading the title suggested. You never know when you'll happen upon a writing style that will inspire you to reach for a higher level in your own writing.

The event is peppered with giveaways that could include any of the following: books (of course), DVDs, treats of gummy bears and/or gum, Panda Express gift cards and more. (All the prizes are directly related to SarahBeth's new YA release, Meeting Lizzy, which makes it all the more fun!)

To schedule your own "Readers Who Write" Author Event get in touch with LJW Publishing today!

Meeting Lizzy Chosen as Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Semi-Finalist!

2008-10-22T14:53:00.004-07:00

SarahBeth Carter's new YA book release, Meeting Lizzy, is a Semi-Finalist in the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards. Award recipients will not be final until Friday, October 24th of 2008 with one gold and one silver award for each category. The remaining semi-finalists will be reipients of the bronze!

The official announcement Moonbeam Children's Book Awards winners will occur in January 2009 at the same time as the Newbery and Caldecott Medal announcement. The announcements will be made at the ALA (American Library Association) Mid-Winter Gathering in Denver, Colorado with the award winning books on display throughout the conference from January 23-26, 2009.

Meeting Lizzy was published by LJW Publishing on September 19, 2008. The author's name is SarahBeth Carter and the book is distributed through Atlas Books/BookMasters. The ISBN for Meeting Lizzy is 978-0-9761986-6-6. The book is paperback with perfect binding and 232 pages and retails for $9.95. The book falls into the Fiction/Young Adult, Contemporary categories.

This recent YA release offers teens the chance to approach a dangerous and difficult situation from a safe position; an opportunity typical to many YA novels. 1 in 5 female high school students report being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner according to The Journal of AMA. Yet according to surveys conducted by the Family Violence Prevention Fund and Advocates for Youth, 81% of parents believe that teen dating violence isn’t an issue. The upcoming release, Meeting Lizzy, deals with teen dating violence in a way that teens can digest; while offering them characters and a story that will keep them reading.

Annotation: Meeting Lizzy

Lizzy slams into Cy’s life with the menacing shadow of “Beef Man” right behind her and Cy’s priorities fall apart to make room for a secret so big and so wrong that he can’t think of anything else.

The Author: SarahBeth Carter

SarahBeth graduated from ASU with an English Literature degree (preceded by a slew of majors that she thoroughly enjoyed experimenting with). When asked why she wrote a book based upon teen dating violence she said, “It wasn’t really premeditated. The characters seemed to pop up and then the story followed naturally. But it’s something that teens are affected by more than most of us realize. YA Lit gives them the chance to become aware of a dangerous issue prior to dealing with it on a personal level.”

For More Information:

For more information on the book, the author, or the publishing company contact Sarah Carter at sarah@larryjohnwright.com or visit LJW online at www.larryjohnwrightpublishing.com.

LJW Authors: Upcoming Events

2008-10-02T10:58:00.002-07:00

SarahBeth Carter, our YA fiction author, is scheduled to pop up at a few libraries in AZ during Teen Read Week. We're still finalizing plans as well as the final schedule, but the first library to approach SarahBeth Carter, Buckeye Public Library, has everything set and will be hosting an event with SarahBeth on October 18th, 2oo8 from 10 am to 12 pm. Drop by if you're in the area!

Price Point Change on Meeting Lizzy, New YA Fiction Release

2008-09-18T09:38:00.003-07:00

Here at LJW Publishing we're all about books and books just wouldn't mean much if no one was reading them. So we've decided to make it even easier for more people to read our upcoming YA fiction release, Meeting Lizzy by SarahBeth Carter, by lowering the price point on the book from $12.95 to $9.95 just in time for its official release date tomorrow, September 19, 2008. So get out there and request it at your favorite book store. It's available through all major book outlets and wholesalers. Happy book shopping!

The Official Release Date for Meeting Lizzy, September 19, 2008

2008-09-10T18:28:00.003-07:00

Read an excerpt here!

LJW Publishing's Meeting Lizzy will be officially available for sale September 19, 2008. So in preparation we're providing you with everything you could ever wish to know about where to get the book, why to get the book, when to get the book, and what's already being said about the book!

Where to get Meeting Lizzy:
1. From the official distributor of LJW Publishing: Atlas Books
2. At major online retailers: Amazon or B&N.com
3. Your local bookstore! The book is available through the major wholesalers so if your bookstore doesn't have it...they can definitely get it! Just tell them you want it.

Why to purchase Meeting Lizzy:
1. Meeting Lizzy is the perfect opportunity to sit back and enjoy a good read.
2. Early Reader Review copies resulted in enthusiastic responses from YAs, librarians, and parents alike.
3. The enjoyment of reading is doubly satisfying due to the book's honest yet delicate treatment of teen dating violence, a topic discussed far less than its 1 in 4 statistics deserve.
4. The tantalizing story line combined with the addictive quality of Meeting Lizzy's characters will make you glad you read it.

When to get Meeting Lizzy:
1. Pre-order it right now at Amazon.com or B&N.com
2. Drop your request at your local bookstore today and ask to be able to pick up your copy of Meeting Lizzy on the 19th!
3. September 19, 2008...the book will be available to one and all. If your favorite bookstore doesn't have it; they can get it!

Click on the following links to read full reviews completed by Early Readers:
A great read! Gets you on the first page...
Great story that pulls you in...
Flamingnet Student Book Reviewer...
Not my style,but I couldn't put it down just the same...
Wow...loved this book...
Love to read? You'll love to read this...
I'm not a reader, but I really liked reading this...
A fabulous book...
A reviewer...

Read the press release here!

As mentioned in/on: Foreword Magazine, Like OMG Teens Read Newsletter (although this post accidentally lists the upcoming release under hardcover instead of paperback), Simply Books, Shelfari, LibraryThing.com, Goodreads.com, Flamingnet and more!

Find out more about the book and the author at SarahBeth's author blog: WritingNWords

Talking Books!

2008-09-05T13:54:00.005-07:00

In USA Today's Fall Books Preview they described some books as "talkers" when they said, "Certain books are 'talkers.' They make you think, react and want to chat up your friends about what you've just read."

Here at LJW Publishing we love the description USA Today gave of the books that leave you discovering new things to think about and discuss. We thought you'd appreciate it, too!

Still Buying Books in Phoenix

2008-08-25T08:58:00.003-07:00

LJW Publishing's hometown paper, the East Valley Tribune, recently published a piece stating that during a slumping economy (like the present), people "don't have to buy books." But according to their own local research, area residents were still buying. The paper stated that "small business owners seem[ed] to be faring better than the 'big box' stores. Personalized service that provides more value to cash-strapped customers, knowing community likes and dislikes and having the flexibility to make and execute decisions on the spot give the small shops big clout in an increasingly difficult economy."

Two stores noted in the article were: Changing Hands Bookstore out of Tempe, AZ and the Poison Pen out of Scottsdale, AZ. Gayle Shanks, co-owner of Changing Hands Bookstore, mentioned that their used books sales were better than ever and paperback and gift item sales continue to increase.

At The Poisoned Pen bookshop in Scottsdale Barbara Peters described it as the "best summer in years." She attributes the steady growth during the sluggish economy to personal touch.

Books Continue to Thrive Regardless of Apocalyptic Predictions

2008-08-22T10:25:00.001-07:00

"People have been painting apocalyptic scenarios for the last 10 years, but in the midst of a horrible environment, we sold more books than last year."--Barnes & Noble CEO Steve Riggio in a conference call with stock analysts yesterday, quoted by the Wall Street Journal.

Long term predictions of apocalyptic failure are often enough to impede the success of any industry or endeavor, but to make such predictions about books, something that has had a respected and sought after place in most societies since before the dawn of enlightened times, is obviously reaching a little too far.

This short post is an understated effort to applaud the place that books fill in the hearts, minds, and lives of all of us-whether we realize it or not.

I, for one, am more than relieved that books are apparently around to stay.

All Work and No Play...Makes Employees Angry All Day!

2008-08-13T14:54:00.003-07:00

After reading this article titled "All Work and No Play is a Bad Idea Says Phone Giant" that was published by The Liverpool Daily Post and is available online for your reading pleasure HERE... I decided that it was absolutely related to Publishing because it's related to ALL work places.

We should all be so lucky to work in an environment that understands and encourages creativity and "play" so fully. I absolutely agree that the best ideas come when you're engaged in some sort of non-related activity! While I don't think we're ready to add on a "play room" as the company mentioned in the original article did, I think we just might be ready to encourage more bright ideas and clear thinking by encouraging our employees to enjoy a little bit of "play time" at work each day.

Bouncy balls and board games aside...we've already got books laying around on every surface. So that's the first step. But then that just might not count since that's definitely a part of the job! We'll have to conduct a survey to find out if reading "on the job" is as fun as reading "off the job!" Should be interesting to see the results of that one...

Reading Marathons Across the Nation:

2008-07-17T09:29:00.002-07:00

The popularity of marathons are on the rise. You hear of more and more "regular" people who are training to run in the next marathon. So the fact that there's talk of a nationwide "Reading Marathon" this October (2008) is very interesting. Maybe it will be the start of a new trend that will sweep the nation.

According to "Shelf Awareness", a great daily newsletter that frequents my inbox, a 24 hour reading marathon was organized in February of 2008 by RiverRun Bookstore out of Portsmouth, N.H. The successful run of the event led to a recent invitation for booksellers across the country to organize their own reading marathons this October!

Here's how it works: readers ask friends/family to sponsor to them. Participants read for a full 24 hours. Prizes are given out to participants that raise the highest dollar amounts to donate to local non-profits. The purpose of the reading marathons would be to aid local non-profit agencies in need as well as raising awareness of books and reading!

For more information on the upcoming event you can get in touch with one of the original collaborators, Michele Filgate, at riverrunevents@gmail.com. Should be fun to see how it all turns out! Get in touch with your local independent bookstores to encourage them to participate in the event!

Newest Book Release: 21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders

2008-07-14T20:04:00.001-07:00

Watch for LJW Publishing's next release: 21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders. This book by Preston John is the only "handy dandy notebook" new home builders need to get their sales and marketing strategies brought up to date. Concise instructions aid new home builders to take advantage of the unique aspects of the current market.

One Early Reader said, "Builders currently are feeling as though they are victims of the current market. With the press exclaiming so much negativity regarding the current housing market, [it's] a breath of fresh air to read a text focused on creative, positive and effective ways to create one's own results!"

The book is available for order at Barnes & Noble.com as well as Amazon.com. LJW titles are distributed by Atlas Books, a.k.a. Bookmasters.

2008-06-30T16:33:00.004-07:00

A writer from New Zealand named Katherine Mansfield (1888-1923) once said, "The pleasure of all reading is doubled when one lives with another who shares the same books."

"Each time we re-read a book we get more out of it because we put more into it; a different person is reading it, and therefore it is a different book."

"Show me the books he loves and I shall know the man far better than through mortal friends."

"The oldest books are only just out to those who have not read them."

"What we become depends on what we read after all the professors have finished with us. The greatest university of all is the collection of books." -Thomas Carlyle

Legal Action in the Book Industry:

2008-06-26T09:16:00.004-07:00

On June 23rd, a district court judge denied the plaintiffs' request in the suit against Oregon's minors' access law that would have blocked enforcement of the law until the trial is completed. The judge set the trial for October 3rd, 2008. The Minor Access Law makes it a felony to allow any minor under 13 to view or purchase a "sexually explicit" work. The plaintiff's are 6 Oregon area booksellers, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE) in addition to a few other related organizations/groups. The groups filing the suit were disappointed in the judge's decision to leave the block in place until the trial is held, but they were glad the trial was given an early date.

The scheduled trial will judge the constitutionality of the statute that blocks the display and sale of books and magazines that plaintiffs reiterate are "protected by the first amendment."

For more information visit the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE).

Online Destinations for Those Who Love Books and Reading!

2008-06-18T10:35:00.003-07:00

There are more and more websites popping up that cater to readers! Here are a few of our favorites:

LibraryThing.com: This site encourages users to input their personal library with reviews of books they've read. It is particularly useful for discovering new titles that you'll like by accessing other users' libraries that have similar reading tastes. You can also easily look up specific works by title and author. And from the publisher's perspective they've got a great early reader review program (and it's free of charge for the initial year or so which is an extra bonus!)

Shelfari.com: Another great site about books with some fun and interesting features for readers. It's easy to meet other readers with similar likes and dislikes and it's just as easy to stay anonymous and just read through the online discussions to get an idea of what you'd like to read next (and what you really DON'T want to read next!) And they've been doing a bit of revamping! We're looking forward to checking it out again soon!

BookSprouts.com: This is an online book club site. While the "book club" function could be incorporated into the more extensive sites, for some the simpler the better. This particular site is a new addition to the crowd and looks like it might be a great choice for those who are looking to arrange a reading group online (or even for those who want to arrange for some easy communication between the members of a longstanding reading group that meets monthly or bi-monthly, etc.) Check it out. It's got easy to use nomination and voting features to ensure that everyone in the group is as involved as they want to be and up to date on the latest info!

This is just a tiny portion of the huge mass of sites available to the avid reader online. Get out there and discover the site that accommodates your specific needs today!

Watch for Reviews of LJW Titles

2008-06-12T15:48:00.003-07:00

Review copies of LJW Publishing's two upcoming releases have been sent out so you can be on the lookout for reviews of both 21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders and Meeting Lizzy. The books have been sent out to the big book reviewers in the publishing industry (both print and online publications), but LJW Publishing is just as excited to hear back from early reader review programs. Early reader review programs select random readers in the book's target market and provide them with copies prior to the actual publication date in exchange for reader reviews. It should be interesting! Watch for reviews from readers at LibraryThing.com and FlamingNet.com.

The Making of a YA Novel: Meeting Lizzy by SarahBeth Carter

2008-05-28T16:47:00.003-07:00

I've recently had my taste in movies called into question. This led me to dissect my movie preferences to try to define why I like what I like. It's more difficult than you'd imagine! The result (after much thought, mental arguing, and talking to myself) was that I now know that I am obsessed with people.

I don't get obsessed with story lines near as much as I get attached to great characters. And they're not always likable. I love characters that are honest depictions. I love characters that are so real that I feel like I know them. I love characters that are so normal that when they do "normal" things it doesn't seem ridiculous. I love characters that are ordinary in every way except one (this is my explanation for my obsession with all movies "superhero"). I love to see ordinary people act extraordinary when the situation demands it and I believe this is a reflection of real life. (That last is an argument for my husband; apparently he doesn't think ordinary people are capable of acting extraordinary. This is his definition of unrealistic. I find that line of reasoning depressing and sad. But we've agreed to disagree).

I'm not saying that I don't love a good story. But ever since I started thinking about this I've realized how much it changes my perspective on things. If someone I know is relating an event in their life instead of finding myself asking questions along the lines of, "What happened next?" I find myself asking questions like, "How did you feel? Were you terrified?"
Some will question my sanity, but to those I say...it's been done and will be done again so feel free! I think characters are more important to a good movie than a good story. And I'll go so far as to take that same theory and say that it can be applied directly to books; at least that's a quality I find in my favorite books. And it's the method behind my madness when it comes to writing.

The initial idea for my latest project (Meeting Lizzy releasing September 19, 2008) came while I was driving home from a late night class on a deserted freeway in the rain. It wasn't a quick, barely there sprinkling typical of Arizona, but one of the rare, but intense downpours that always happen as soon as the sun has dried out and cracked your windshield wipers so visibility is pretty low. I remember the frequent overpasses blocked out the rain intermittently supplying me with bursts of silence amidst the sound of the pelting rain.

Realizing my radio wasn't on I tuned it in to one of my favorite stations and caught the end of a feisty, intense song about finding a reason to change who you are. When it was over I switched channels and ran into another song that happened to be right in the middle of a verse I recognized telling the story of someone who wanted to step in to help a stranger. That's all it took. The mixture of feelings created a character in my head. I immediately placed that character in an intense scenario and I pondered just what he would do all the way home. I started writing that night. The very beginning of Meeting Lizzy features the same character I envisioned in the very same scenario I had originally placed him in; it's intense, often uncomfortable, sometimes funny, and very honest.

Writing to me is capturing the essence of people on paper. What do they feel? What do they do? And why do they feel and do these things? I theorize that honest, believable characters carry the story, and I hope when you pick up Meeting Lizzy... you'll see just what I mean!

A Positive Voice Amongst the Mob of Negativity Surrounding New Home Builders

2008-05-21T21:29:00.004-07:00

LJW Publishing’s upcoming release, 21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders by Preston John, will be on shelves July 18, 2008. The book is a timely addition to an industry that is currently being overwhelmed by the negative effects of a changing economy. The upcoming release may be described by some as a “survival guide” for those in the new home building industry, but Preston John would describe it as a guide to thriving in an industry of change.

The Book: 21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders
Publisher: LJW Publishing
Distributor: Atlas Books
Author: Preston John
ISBN 13: 978-0-9761986-5-9
Publication Date: July 18, 2008
Price: $12.95
Binding: paperback, perfect binding
Page Count: 196
Book Category: Business/General; Business/Construction; Business/Advertising

The Author: Preston John
The author, Preston John, is the C.E.O. of the nation’s largest Sales & Marketing firm specializing in New Home Builders. He is aware of the necessary steps to take during industry climate changes to ensure that his clients outlast their less prepared competitors. He has dedicated his career to sales & marketing in the real estate industry and continues to thrive on the never ending growth that completing the job successfully requires.

The Publisher: LJW Publishing
LJW Publishing is a division of LJW, Inc., founded 23 years ago and still experiencing new and exciting possibilities. LJW Publishing’s main offices are located in Mesa, Arizona just outside of Phoenix. The company is excited to publish this particular work as it is so applicable to current economic issues in the nation and in the new home building industry specifically.

For More Information:
For more information on the book, the author, or the publishing company contact Sarah Carter at sarah@larryjohnwright.com

Do You Belong to a Book Club?

2008-05-19T02:10:00.003-07:00

by GauchoTexts (contact the author for info on book clubs!)

A book discussion club is a group of people who meet to discuss a book or books that they have read and express their opinions, likes, dislikes, etc. It is more often called simply a book club. Traditionally, a book club consists of several members who meet in person each month to talk about a specific book or literature.

However, the advent of web forums and email has made it possible for book clubs to exist online. Nowadays book discussion clubs may meet in private homes, libraries, bookstores, online forums, pubs, and in cafes or restaurants over meals or drinks. While both traditional and online book clubs offer readers the opportunity to participate in spirited discussions, each type has its own set of advantages.

In person meeting book clubs offer the benefit of having all members in the same room face to face, which makes for a much more personal and intimate experience. Since most in person meeting book clubs are somewhat small in size, each member typically has more control over what books are selected to read (often members will vote on a list of suggested titles that have been submitted or take turns selecting).

At the same time, it is often difficult to organize and maintain a book club that meets face to face regularly. In addition to the challenge of recruiting quality members for a book club, a regular meeting time and place may be difficult to establish, especially if members have busy schedules. A responsible and experienced moderator is also very difficult to find while maintaining such a book club. Also, the small size of the traditional book club typically limits the diversity of views and perspectives that enter into the discussion. There is less number of people and so limited ideas are shared among themselves.

Online book clubs offer several advantages over the in person meeting group model. Due to the availability of the internet anywhere and everywhere and the variety of book clubs available, readers who turn to the Internet to find a book club enjoy a much wider selection of clubs, including many dedicated to a specialized interest or genre. In addition, online book clubs can be more convenient, as many of them are available at any time of day.

Of course, there are also disadvantages associated with online book clubs. For instance, the intimacy of a personal discussion is lost, along with the social interaction that is often a part of the traditional book club experience. Few of the non-serious members are added who tend to destroy the ambience of serious and long lasting discussions. There is also a need of a strong and a responsible moderator, who regularly eyes upon the activities of the members and if the need arise, may take an action on the defaulters.

In addition to discussion-oriented book clubs, a book club can also be a place to compare prices, writing previews and reviews and purchasing books. These book clubs offer lot of features like book searching, creating your own space and login id, having a specialized shopping cart, price comparison from various vendors and special discount coupons In addition to this they offer great deal for readers who wish to purchase several books each year.

Many of these are available online, where readers can use the book club's website to choose their books. One of the America’s most wanted online book club is www.gauchotexts.com. It has all the features you could wish in a book club for comparing prices and ordering books. You will come to know why it’s most wanted only after you login www.gauchotexts.com and give it a try!

Frequently Asked Questions About Book Publishing

2008-05-02T16:34:00.003-07:00

by: Dee Power

How long does it take to get a book published?

On the average about a year. Six months to write a nonfiction book or revise a novel after a publishing contract has been signed and six months for production from editing the manuscript to finding your book in a bookstore.

Why does production take six months?

The actual production process of revising and editing, copyediting and proofing the galleys could be quicker. But enough time has to be allowed for obtaining endorsements, distributing ARCs (advanced reading copy) and bound galleys to reviewers and promoting the book to booksellers, libraries and such. Many major review publications like Publishers Weekly, insist that they receive the review copy at least four months prior to publication. Many newspapers will not review a book currently available.

What is the typical advance and royalty?

There isn’t one. The advance can range from $0 to over six figures. Royalties can range from 5% to 15%, based on the net price the publisher receives to retail. The percentage can also be on a sliding scale based on how many books have been sold, the more books, the higher the royalty percentage.

Do I have to pay the advance back?

In most cases, no, only if you don’t deliver an acceptable manuscript by your deadline. If the actual sales of your book don’t reach the amount that was advanced, and 90% of books don’t, you don’t have to pay the difference back.

Which is easier to get published fiction or nonfiction?

Nonfiction. Of the 150,000 books less than 10% were fiction.

What category of fiction is the largest.

Romance, 55% of all mass market paperback books sold are romances.

What is backlist, mid list and front list?

Backlist books are those written in the prior year(s) but still selling and still being published. Publishers select a small percentage, probably less than 5% of the books published in a season and actively promote those books in the front of their catalogues with full page descriptions including national promotion, book tours dates, advertising budgets, first print runs, as their front list. 95% of books published are mid list, in the middle of the catalogue, no ad budget, no promotions, no book tours.

What is the difference between mass market, trade paperback and hard cover?

The way the books are produced and consequently how they’re priced. Mass market are the smallest in size usually 4” by 6”, they are the least expensive from $4.99 to $9.99, the binding is perfect which means the pages are glued in. The cover is paper. Trade paperback is 5” by 7”, mostly nonfiction titles, the prices range from $9.99 to $24.99. The cover is paper and the binding is perfect. Hardcover or hard back comes in various sizes, the pages are stitched to the binding, and the cover is cloth covered over cardboard. The price ranges from $19.99 upward.

About The Author

Brian Hill and Dee Power are the authors of "The Making of a Bestseller: Success Stories from Authors and the Editors, Agents, and Booksellers Behind Them," and the novel, "Over Time," Money, love, and football: All the important things in life: www.BrianHillAndDeePower.com.

Book Publishing Companies

2008-04-24T09:31:00.004-07:00

By Jason Gluckman

Book publishing has accelerated as an industry in the last few decades with the steady growth of computer technology and new publishing techniques like digital information systems and the Internet. According to figures released by the Association of American Publishers (AAP), net sales for the entire United States publishing industry are estimated to have increased by 1.3 percent from 2003 to 2004 to a grand total of $23.72 billion. This clearly indicates the publishers or the book publishing companies are reaping the benefits of the trade.

Most of the publishers or the book publishing companies usually control the advertising and marketing tasks and sub-contract the editorial and production process to small businesses, as book publishers rarely own printing presses and binderies. This trend, known as “book packaging,” is gaining momentum as retail book chains and supermarkets have centralized their buying.

Although, the publishing industry is teeming with many book publishers, some of the well-known names in the industry are: McGraw Hills Companies, HarperCollins Publishers, Penguin Group, Reed Elsevier, W.W. Norton & Company Inc., Macmillan Publishers Ltd., Longman Publishers USA, Pearson to name a few. These companies publish material on diverse topics ranging from entertainment, fiction, non-fiction, management, art, architecture, photography to day to day issues like cooking, pet care, gardening, etc.

Recently, Western publishing industry has been shrouded with controversy as large business houses have bought or merged a significant number of key publishing houses and bookstores to create a monopoly in the market. This has resulted in an increased concentration of well-known authors to augment the market share of bestsellers. The growing commercialization in the publishing industry has become a matter of concern not only for critics but also for writers in general. I Book Publishing provides detailed information on Book Publishing, Book Publishing Companies, Online Book Publishing, Book Publishing Services and more. Book Publishing is affiliated with Book Binding Equipment.

Article Source: Ezine Articles

Teen Literature Day

2008-04-08T11:57:00.003-07:00

April 17th is Teen Literature Day. Check your local library and book stores to find out what they have planned. And make some plans to get involved yourself. Instead of just attending an upcoming event to recognize teen literature, offer to be involved in one!

All the Buzz about Amazon's New Policies

2008-04-02T21:41:00.003-07:00

All the buzz about Amazon's new policies requiring self publishers to use their own in house printer (BookSurge) leaves a bad taste in this publisher's mouth. While it shouldn't have an effect on LJW titles since sales are handled through an established distributor, it has to be said that the drama alone is making Barnes & Noble.com sound better and better. Theyoffer the same free shipping bonus after the expenditure of $25 and less advertorial distractions. I don't blame all the writers and publishers who are vehemently opposed to Amazon due to their introduction of BookSurge or else policies. It just doesn't seem like the most upstanding move the conglomerate could have made, but then, I'm not the head of a massive conglomerate. If I were maybe I'd be thinking differently.

LJW Publishing Authors Sharing their Expertise!

2008-03-26T12:17:00.004-07:00

At LJW Publishing we encourage our authors to make themselves visible on the Internet. This benefits the authors by getting them exposure to their books (and upcoming releases). It benefits the publishing house by bringing hits to our website through link backs from author articles. It benefits ezines, websites and bloggers on the topics at hand because much of what they post is being made available for redistribution at no cost to the user. And it benefits the end reader because what they have to say is worth reading.

Here are a few of the article distribution and publication sites that we suggest they access:

Ezine Articles
Amazines
Article Marketer
Article Biz
Article City
Article Query
Articles Factory
Articles Base
Free Book Excerpt Posting
Reprint Content

And this is most likely just a drop in the hat compared to all the different available sites out there. So make sure to take advantage of it no matter if you're an author looking to promote your book, a publisher looking to find new buyers for related books, or a publication editor looking for great, free content.

Getting Ready to Send Upcoming Titles out to Reviewers:

2008-03-25T21:06:00.006-07:00

Here at LJW Publishing we're getting ready to submit our two upcoming titles to reviewers. First out is 21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders in July 2008 and following 2 months later is Meeting Lizzy. All LJW Publishing books are available for purchase through Atlas Books and through major wholesalers and retailers everywhere.

21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders provides builders with the necessary knowledge to apply modern advertising, sales & marketing techniques that give them the edge as they accommodate recent changes in the industry and increase their home sales.

Meeting Lizzy is a fiction YA novel introducing Lizzy. She slams into Cy’s life with the menacing shadow of “Beef Man” right behind and Cy’s priorities fall apart making room for a secret so big and so wrong that he can’t think of anything else.

To pre-order visit Atlas Books. For author or book information visit the LJW Publishing website. If you'd like us to consider sending out a book for you to review, send your name, address, and credentials along and we'll definitely consider it!

Quotes Regarding Books that We Should All Read

2008-03-21T16:52:00.002-07:00

The test of literature is, I suppose, whether we ourselves live more intensely for the reading of it. -Elizabeth Drew

Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed on and digested. -Francis Bacon

The greatest gift is a passion for reading. It is cheap, it consoles, it distracts, it excites, it gives you the knowledge of the world and experience of a wide kind. It is a moral illumination. -Elizabeth Hardwick

I don't think one can accurately measure the historical effectiveness of a poem; but one does know, of course, that books influence individuals; and individuals, although they are part of large economic and social processes, influence history. Every mass is after all made up of millions of individuals. -Denise Levertov

Upcoming Titles: 21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders and Meeting Lizzy

2008-03-12T14:23:00.005-07:00

Our two upcoming titles: 21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders and Meeting Lizzy will be available this summer. We're excited to offer two more great books by great Arizona authors! Here's the sell sheet that goes out with orders and initiates contact with book buyers.

With our next two releases, LJW Publishing will be offering a total of 3 great books! If you haven't heard about them...check them out!

Larryisms: This pragmatic author recognizes the misguided priorities that lead to widespread disinterest in thinking and offers a wildly eclectic mix of quotes and observations (some more serious than others) encouraging readers to think for themselves!

21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders: New Home Builders can gain the necessary knowledge to apply modern advertising, sales & marketing techniques that give them the edge as they accommodate recent changes in the industry and increase their home sales.

Meeting Lizzy: Lizzy slams into Cy’s life with the menacing shadow of “Beef Man” right behind and Cy’s priorities fall apart making room for a secret so big and so wrong that he can’t think of anything else.

For more information contact us or get on the LJW Publishing website.

Loving the First Lady's Opinion on "Good Books"

2008-03-11T12:11:00.005-07:00

In a recent speech at the AAP annual meeting in New York City, First Lady Laura Bush said, "A nation that does not read for itself cannot think for itself. And a nation that cannot think for itself risks losing both its identity and its freedom. Ray Bradbury was right when he said, 'You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.'"

Well said! This is exactly how we feel here at LJW Publishing. And we hope that we're able to make a difference (no matter how small) in the way consumers view books, thinking, and reading. See the connection?

News on One of the Bookstore BIGS: Borders Books and Music

2008-03-07T09:50:00.004-07:00

Apparently Borders is taking back their online presence in April of 2008. (In recent history they had partnered with Amazon to handle online sales). This seems to be a part of a larger face lift they are incorporating in many of their stores this year. They recently opened a "new" Borders store offering some fun "tech" bonuses to enhance the shopping experience for customers. One of these included CD burning which could be very interesting. Someone mentioned in an online forum that maybe they would offer options for burning audio books...although that sort of bonus is probably something we will continue to wish for as it would cut into their sales.

One of the main changes they've made to how they handle their inventory is to stock a lower number of books in stores so they can display them more prominently. It seems to be effective so far with sales rising due mostly to the new display philosophy. It means more sales for some, and a lot less sales for others. But it seems to be a smart move for Borders. They are incorporating kiosks in their new stores where customers can search online inventory for the books they don't find "in stock" at their brick and mortar locations.

For more information check this great online newsletter from Shelf Awareness.

The Four Pillars of Wealth: based on Larry John's Think Rich to Get Rich

2008-03-06T08:18:00.006-07:00

LJW Author Larry John is offering a post for us today based on his first book published by Arcturus Publishing out of London, Think Rich to Get Rich. For more information on obtaining this title look on Amazon.com/uk, visit Arcturus Publishing, or request it at your local bookstore!

The Four Pillars of Wealth

By Larry John

One thing I know for sure is that most people want to get rich. Some want power, some want fame, but almost all of us want money. So I came up with a "rich formula" that is 100% successful.

This formula, if precisely followed, will assure you will become rich. We have been told, "If you work hard, you will make money." And that's true, but the question is, how much money? I have seen a lot of people who work hard at McDonalds, Wal-Mart, Taco Bell, Ace Hardware, or in Real Estate, Insurance, Advertising, Training Horses, Cooking, Building Homes, etc.

They work 10-12 hours days, 6-7 days a week, and never have two nickels to rub together at the end of the month. So, looking at this in a pragmatic way of thinking, just working hard and long certainly doesn't insure you will get rich. Some say that the key to getting rich is to "work smart" not "work hard."

I think I know what they mean when they say that. This "work smart" concept has been explained to me as doing the things that are important; not just the things that are urgent. I will admit that this is definitely a step in the right direction, but one step is not enough to get rich.

I have been looking and evaluating all the rich people I know to come up with a real formula to make money and keep money. It's like in science: the formula for water is H2O, or 2 parts Hydrogen and one part Oxygen. If you have HO2 you will have something totally different.

I don't know what HO2 is, but it ain't water. The formula for water is what it is and you can't change it. So what is the pragmatic formula for getting rich?

Now, when I say get rich I am not talking about "doing well, getting by, doing Okay or even doing fine." I am talking about rich - that point in life when money doesn't rule your life; that point when you rule money or when you are not attached to money.

That point in life at which you do the things you want to do, when you want to do them without worrying about how you will afford to do them. I don't need to tell you when you are rich; you will know rich when you are rich. It is like someone asking you, "When will I know when I have arrived?"

If you have to ask, you haven't. If you have to ask if you are rich, you aren't. Being rich is not a number; it is a state of mind. But believe me, when you are you know it. So, here is the pragmatic formula that if followed, will make you rich. Rich rests upon four giant pillars of wealth. Using one or two of the pillars will help you make more money, but if you use all four, you will get rich.

So don't say you don't need one of them. You need all four pillars to be rich. Each of the pillars has a rule associated with it. Keep the rule - get rich. It is that simple.

The rule of the first pillar is "Whatever you decide to do be twice as good at half the price!" Now that was easy, wasn't it? You could have come up with that simple rule.

What I mean here is that regardless of the business or service you offer; don't offer it for half the price, but not quite as good. NO! NO! NO. It must be twice as good as the competition, but at half the price.

You figure out how to do that. Wal-Mart and Target sell the same stuff you can buy at other stores, but it costs a whole lot less at Wal-Mart and Target. They figured out how to do that and even though some people hate to shop there, they do. Sure, Wal-Mart puts the "little guy" out of business, but HELLO! This is what capitalism is all about.

Capitalism is just another name for the war of Businesses. But I digress.

It used to be said that if you wanted to make a million dollars, "build a better mousetrap." That may be true if the better mousetrap costs less than the old standard mousetrap. But, if the new and better mousetrap costs twice as much, then you have a whole lot of selling to do to convince "Joe Public" that your mousetrap is indeed better and worth the extra money.

Remember less is always best when it comes to the mind of man. We are greedy souls. Sure quality sells, but sell TWICE the quality at half the price and you will sell much more, and you will sell it easier and faster. You are on your way to getting rich.

But it doesn't stop there. The second pillar has as its rule: "Share your knowledge." What this means is to teach others how to do what you do.

In other words, if you are a great landscaper, teach others to do what you do until they are as good as you are, or better. If you are a great builder of children's play houses, teach others to build children's play houses as well as you build or better than you build them.
Another way of looking at this; as soon as you are the best basketball player on the court, teach someone to be as good as or better than you and start coaching. You can never get rich if all your personal time, energy and resources are tied up in "doing the do." You can't get rich if you are so busy "doing" landscaping that you don't have time to get more business.

As soon as you can see that you are 50-60% "busy", start "sharing your knowledge." Don't wait until you are so busy that you don't have time to "share your knowledge." This is important.

The third pillar has as its rule: "Share the wealth." What this means is that you have to be willing to let go of the lion's share of the money so you can make more money. Make others rich so you can become rich. It is better to get 25-35% of a large sum of money, than it is to get 100% of a small sum of money.

Share your knowledge (pillar two) and then share your wealth (pillar three) and start making your money on the "quantity and the quality" of your work; only you personally are not doing this quality work.

You have taught people, as many as are necessary to get the work done, to do the quality work you would have done if you still did the work and for their work you are willing to share the wealth.

And the final fourth pillar's rule: "You have to be willing to stop doing what you did and only work at getting more DO to DO."

In other words you have to be willing to stop doing landscaping and never mow another lawn and spend most of your time getting more jobs for your people to do. In other words, you have to be willing to sell your services and stop doing them.

This is the easiest thing to teach and the hardest rule for people to do. In other words, you need to be the President of "starving artists." However, you don't want to be a starving artist.

If you loved to paint, and even if you made money selling your paintings, you can't paint any longer. You can teach people to paint, and pay them to paint, but you can't paint.

You spend your time selling the paintings painted by the starving artists, but you don't paint. You have to be willing to stop doing the do and keep getting more DO to DO.

And it doesn't stop there. Soon you will hire others and "share your knowledge" again, and show them how to sell more business like you have been doing, and they will sell more and more business so your people can make more and more money, because you shared with them the knowledge of how to do this.

Now you are king. Yes, "the king is in the counting house counting all his money." And what did you do?

1. You were TWICE as good at Half the Price.
2. You shared your knowledge and taught people to do what you do so they could make money too.
3. You shared the wealth keeping only 25-35% of profits and paying your people the rest.
4. You stopped "doing the do" and started only selling the "DO."

Again, at some point you won't even sell anymore and will just allow others to make a rewarding and good living while you live in richland.

Being rich may not make you any happier, but it will allow you to stop worrying about money, which may "enrich" your life by mentoring others so they can make money.

One thing for sure, if you have never been rich don't try and tell me that money doesn't matter. It may not matter if you go to Maui and bask in the sun on the white sands at the Grand Wailea Resort.

However, once you have "been there and done that," you will never say you don't care if you go there. For those who have "been there and done that," you know what I mean. For those that haven't "been there and done that," you can say you don't care, but you should care.

And so it is with rich. When you are rich, you want others to be rich too. It's that good. Remember, being rich is not a number. It's a state of mind. Only you will know when you get there. When you are in that rich state of mind; you will know it. Think about it.

21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders: Check out the First Chapter Here!

2008-02-28T18:30:00.004-07:00

LJW Publishing is very excited to offer 21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders by Preston John. Advance review copies will be out soon and the book will be available for purchase July 18, 2008. For pre-orders contact Atlas Books at: 1-800-247-6553 or check out the online database at: Atlas Books.com!

You can check out the first chapter of the book HERE!

LJW Publishing Books now Available Through Atlas Books Distribution

2008-02-27T10:57:00.004-07:00

To order LJW Publishing Books go directly to Atlas Books at http://www.atlasbooks.com/ or call 1-800-247-6553. We are optimistic about our new relationship with the experienced distributor with excellent levels of customer service and great shipping times. You'll still find us on Amazon.com and B&N.com and if they're smart...your local bookstore, as well!

But no matter where the books are being shipped from, we still want you to feel comfortable getting in touch with us to discuss LJW books, LJW authors, proposed special events, or any problems you have getting your copies! Feel free to email, post a comment on the blog, or call anytime.

LJW Author Preston John: The Newest Expert Author at Ezine Articles

2008-02-26T18:55:00.006-07:00

Check out the sneak peek into Preston's John's upcoming book release, 21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders: Everything has Changed, at Ezine Articles.

Time brings change; we're all aware of that fact. But sometimes time brings more change than we're prepared to accept. And if you're in the business of new home building, you may find yourself in this predicament because in recent times...everything has changed! Accept that you need to adjust your advertising, sales & marketing strategies to accommodate changes in your industry and you'll find that you can not only continue to make it in an industry that has all of a sudden gotten a lot tougher, but you can sell more homes than ever before! For more information visit the LJW Publishing website.

Larryisms on Being Successful

2008-02-22T09:25:00.004-07:00

"The secret to a successful business is simple...Find out what people want and give it to them."

-Larry John, excerpted from his book Larryisms with permission!

Short Interview with Author of 21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders: Everything Has Changed

2008-02-21T10:01:00.007-07:00

Question: Explain your title. Is it as straightforward as it seems or is there more to it?

Preston John: It's absolutely straightforward. This is a guide for New Home Builders. It will teach them how to adapt their advertising/sales & marketing strategies to the current needs of their industry. (That's where the 21st Century comes in!) Following the same guidelines and procedures as your grandfather might be a good idea in theory, but a lot of time has passed and you have to adjust for the changes that time brings. And the subtitle is just a reiteration of the fact that time brings change and more than that. This industry has just experienced a major upheaval. Things haven't changed so much as EVERYTHING has changed. That's why we threw that last little bit on there. Just to make it doubly clear that even if you've known what you were doing in the past...you should check out new techniques and strategies to keep up in the new housing industry.

Question: Is this book aimed at any particular size of new home building company? Who is it aimed at specifically?

Preston: Every new home builder will come away from this book with new ideas, solid plans, and the need to start reading it again. No matter how long you've been in the new home building industry or how successful you've been in the past or how many homes you've sold there are changes that need to be made and if you're not ready to make them you'll find yourself being surpassed by those who are willing to get out there and do what needs to be done to accommodate the current industry and its market. So, the short answer is no. This book is not aimed at any particular size of new home building company. Any new home builder will gain a new advantage in the industry by reading 21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders.

Question: It seems as if you're suggesting that Advertising and Sales & Marketing are one and the same. Is that one of your theories?

Preston: Not at all. There's advertising and there's everything else. There's Sales & Marketing there's public relations, there's special events and more. But to me...the Sales & Marketing plan is what brings it all together. They are all necessary components to your company's success. You have to determine where your emphasis will be according to your own strengths and weaknesses. But no...I'm not saying that there is ONE thing that your company can do to succeed. It's a complex mixture of a lot of different factors; like a spider web. There are some pieces that are more necessary than the others, but then some of those tiny, seemingly insignificant parts can bring the whole web down if you're not paying attention.

Question: When will it be available and where can we get it?

Preston: The release date is July 2008. It will be available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble...look for it at your favorite book store! And if they don't have it...demand an accounting! No, but really...they can get it for you. The LJW distributor makes it very available to all outlets in the book industry.

Question: Will you be following this book up with another for new home builders?

Preston: I've got ideas, but nothing that's set in concrete so I won't say anything right now. You can always check back with LJW Publishing to keep up with what I'm doing and what's coming up. As soon as anything is decided they put information up for interested readers.

What is YA Lit and Why Should They Read it?

2008-02-15T14:09:00.006-07:00

What is YA Lit? Literature published for young adults, in the most general sense of the term. The "young adult" is often described by the publishing/book industry as falling somewhere in the range of 12-25. (The range is obviously very wide and is actually defined differently depending upon who you ask). Young adults literature encompasses both fiction and non-fiction and a very wide array of genres, but can almost always be described as fast moving and including a young adult protagonist.

Why Should We Want Young Adults Reading YA Lit? There are many reasons why we should WANT teens and tweens to reach for YA lit; not least of which is that getting them to read anything is a step in the right direction! But YA Lit is known to provide readers with 3 types of knowledge that you'll have to agree are not only necessary, but a immediately necessary if young adults are to reach their full potential:

1. Self Knowledge is often exhibited in YA Lit through person vs. him/herself conflicts. Young adults can learn from the resolution of the story's conflict and apply it to themselves and their own lives. For instance, in the YA novel, Big Mouth and Ugly Girl by Joyce Carol Oates, both characters have characteristics that they have to learn to deal with, overcome and accept before they can overcome their larger problems.

2. Knowledge of Others is another facet often introduced in YA Lit. Journal style novels are prevalent in YA Lit and offer a wonderful view into a different person's life, needs, wants, desires, dreams, history, reasons and situations. Through journal style writing, teenagers are accessing life through one of the most personal viewpoints possible and it is, for once, NOT their own. This is exemplified in YA novels such as Witch Child by Celia Rees and the various novels by Louise Rennison (the series begins with the novel entitled Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging).

3. Knowledge of a Worldview is offered to young adults through realistic problem novels. Young adults are exposed through this type of YA Lit to realistic problems that are not their own, but that are made real to them through the story. They are given the opportunity to learn what there is in the world and gain exposure to things they may never personally experience (and that we often wouldn't want them to have to experience). For instance in realistic problem novels such as Lord of the Flies by William Golding readers get a glimpse into the ugliness of humanity that they (hopefully) will never experience first hand.

This is just a very basic summary...so if you think about it, I think you'll agree that we're lucky to have YA Lit out there helping our kids be prepared for life in so many more ways than the obvious. And if you've never read any of the books offered by YA Lit...you should.

Corporate Sales: Bulk Book Orders

2008-02-14T12:51:00.003-07:00

Get in touch for bulk order discounts available for corporate sales! If you are in the business of selling homes you need EVERY employee to read 21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders and if you're sick of sending out typical gift baskets and you're looking for an alternate "handout" or "gift" to provide you with the opportunity to get in touch with contacts and/or clients to remind them that you appreciate their referrals or that you enjoyed working with them and look forward to the next project...Larryisms is exactly what you need.

Set yourself apart from the competition by leaving a calling card that is more substantial than a business card and more long term than a gift basket filled with treats! Books...they're good for a lot of things!

Sneak Peek into Upcoming Title!

2008-02-06T09:21:00.001-07:00

21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders:

Everything Has Changed

By Preston John

Release Date: July 2008

Excerpt from

Chapter One: Buying Eggs

Everyone has heard the old saying “love makes the world go round.” Most have heard the typical rebuttal “money makes the world go round.” But in reality, neither of these actually explains the movement of the universe.

The phenomenon that actually fuels the world in its revolutionary progress is purchasing. Money doesn’t have much of an effect on anything until it is used; until a purchase is made.

4Some might say that the way in which money is used is determined by the individual in whose hand the bills reside; that the use of money depends upon personal and/or family needs and individual circumstances. To these people I would like to offer my congratulations on their idealistic vision of the world around them.

The world might be a better place if I could agree, but I would argue that the majority of today’s financial decisions are influenced so heavily by outside forces that they can’t really be said to be the direct result of personal needs or circumstances.

For instance, once upon a time if a man needed an egg, he wandered in the forest until he found an unguarded nest and he took the egg he needed (or all the eggs if he was greedy.)

A little time passed and a similar need would arise with a similar man and the man would fulfill the need by wandering out to his henhouse, lifting up a hen and taking the egg he needed.
More time passed and a similar man with a similar need might walk to the town market to purchase or barter for the egg he required.

Still more time passes; another similar man with the same need visits his local grocer on his way home from work to procure the needed egg.

Even more time flies away and we find ourselves in the world of today. But this man faces many questions before he will be able to obtain the object of his desire.

The first question is where will he purchase the egg? Is he going to go to a convenient store? It’s quicker; it’s more expensive; it may be very close.

6Is he going to visit a grocery store? And if so, which one? Will he go to the closest store to his home? Will he visit the one nearest to his work on the way home for the day? Will he visit the grocery store that has the best sales? Will he visit the grocery store that is known to have the highest quality products? Will he visit the grocery store that is known for its specialty items? Will he go to a health food store? Will he go to the store he is most familiar with for that reason alone?

Once he arrives at the chosen location he will be faced with still more questions. How many eggs will he be purchasing? Will he go with a flat dozen? Does he need a dozen and a half? Will he look to see if they can be had by the half dozen? Or maybe he should buy in bulk.

Next he will need to know if small, medium, or large eggs suit his needs the best. Brand names and prices will vary and offer more options.

Some men would even go so far as to include the chickens from which the egg originated into their purchasing equation. Did the eggs come from cage-free chickens?

So what caused the drastic changes? What made it necessary to question such a simple, straightforward need and the mode of fulfilling it? The most obvious answer (and the correct one in my opinion or I wouldn’t be offering it to you) is the availability of choices.

8When there is only one option that is the option that is used. And likewise, if an individual is aware of only one option, that is the option that is used. And similarly, if an individual is convinced that one option is better than another that is the option that is used.

You may wonder why we are discussing eggs. Eggs are a solid example of a need that has been in existence for so long that no one questions the fact that they will be bought and sold.

As long as people are around they will need (and want) to eat. Other such needs are obvious. After eating the most obvious need is shelter.

While natural shelters were all the rage “once upon a time” they are really only fully appreciated in our modern times during times of desperation, extreme survival, and dire emergencies. Other than that, most people look for a bit more in their mode of “shelter” nowadays than the nearest cave with convenient cover from the rain.

The same evolution of available options we discussed with the egg is evident when it comes to “shelter.” Today’s purchasers find themselves with a plethora of options when it comes to which home to purchase; especially once they’ve made the decision to build a new home.

It used to be that if someone decided to build a home they contacted their local contractor and that was it. He took it from there.

10He had built other homes in the area and they were in use and apparently he was able to fulfill their need. Build it and they will come and all that. But we are all very aware of the myriad changes that have been wrought in this particular industry, and so are most of the buyers out there.

You might still run across the rare individual who is going to go to the nearest builder because they are in the area they are familiar with regardless of their standing with other local builders and national competitors. This is the same individual who will go to the grocery store they always visit because they feel comfortable walking in the doors, they know where to find the eggs and they know which cashier is the quickest.

But this individual is not as common as many think. Most purchasers know the value of their money and want to stretch it as far as it will go.

They research and they take unofficial surveys of friends and family to try to ascertain which product will best fulfill their needs. And all the time, smart builders are doing their best to put themselves in front of prospective buyers as the solution to their every individual requirement.

We call it sales and marketing. Advertising is all well and good. Sales are an accepted necessity, but the combination of both of these, along with appropriate research and statistical analysis to increase company profits, is the key to success in today’s new home building market.

What is it About Thinking?

2008-02-05T18:16:00.001-07:00

Are we so busy we haven't got time to think? Are we so tired and brain dead that thinking is the last thing we have time to think about? More and more are we thinking about less and less?

Are we allowing others like the media, politicians, religious leaders, parents, teachers, pundits, psychics, celebrities, spin doctors, bosses, friends, even traditions and superstitions to think for us? Are we being told how we should and must think, and accepting others' thinking without thinking for ourselves?

A Pragmatic Thinker is a person who observes oneself, other people and the issues of the world around them, as 'practically' as possible. We strive to think for ourselves, examining the cause and the effect of our thinking.

By: Larry John, LJW Author. To read more Larry John order his book: Larryisms or visit his website at The Pragmatic Thinker!

Quote of the Day!

2008-02-04T20:22:00.001-07:00

"I don't believe in guilt. And I feel bad about it."

This is a favorite qoute pulled out of LJW Publishing's own Larryisms by Larry John. You can read about Larry and his book on the LJW Publishing website. And you can find more "Larry" on his website: The Pragmatic Thinker or chat with him on his blog: Pragmatic Thinker Blog.

Featured Arizona Poet: Michal John

2008-01-28T16:42:00.002-07:00

Traveling the Rim Alone

by Michal John

In my speeding four-wheel drive I am

Whirled away in an ever upward spiral-fleeing from

Pressures spawned in the valley below.

The higher I climb up on the rim the freer I become.

Like scales dropping from a horrid dragon, I am

Revealed, a soaring feathered bird in liberated flight.

A huge blunt yellow orb, apparition-like-appears.

Just above the tree line; massive, devouring.

Yet, like a hungry owl spotting its prey,

I try to devour Him. First wtih my eyes and

Then with my Soul but he disappears as

I dip into a turn, my heart aching at the loss.

Then, like a seductive lover, only giving glances,

Playing coy, mercilessly teasing me,

The heightening ball, bigger, then smaller,

More yellow, then white, dodges behind ridges

And peaks through heavy black green pines,

Beckoning me to stop, dally...play.

But the truck races on,

Too proud to stop, afraid of others,

Still aching with desire

I gasp with each new sighting

My heart beating harder with anticipation at every turn.

Whispering, "Will I see him again?"

At the top of the summit, like two lovers meeting,

We gaze at each other

Without obstacle, unrestricted.

But he has somehow changed.

Where is the familiar face I am prone to view?

Is this a first time seeing, have I been fooled?

Quizically glancing in disbelief I discover

A gray black cloud, in an otherwise cloudless sky,

Made of him a foreign face in the deep

Blue, blackening sky. The wind gently brushes aside

His mask as He rises higher and brighter in the

Diminishing earthlight. He silently marks my path.

The forest smells of fresh rain, early, alive.

My hair whips about my cheeks,

Lips, and neck-wild caresses,

The distant clouds explode with light.

I, like Leda*, have been seduced by a God in disguise.

She by a swan and I by the moon.

*Leda and the Swan, a poem by W.B. Yates. In Greek mythology Leda, seduced by Zeus in the form of a swan, produces important mythological children, Helen of Troy being one of them.

Thanks Michal! We love reading about different "moments" of appreciation and wonder and Arizona has inspired many! If you've got an Arizona insprired short story, poem or essay...we'd love to read it!

Looking at the big picture...Arizona Style!

2008-01-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

Some might say that the LJW Publishing list of upcoming titles is an eclectic mix, others might say that the selection seems random, still others might say that they're not sure of the connection, but today you'll find out what the common thread is that makes a book an LJW Publishing choice! It's the acknowledgement of the big picture.

We're a small press run by Arizona natives. And as Arizona natives we're very well trained in the art of looking past the obvious and recognizing the wonder that lays on the horizon: the BIG picture.

There are many places that can be called beautiful, but there aren't many places that offer the same opportunity to appreciate the beauty of an area in the same way as Arizona. In Arizona...you get the Big Picture. For instance, other regions featuring rolling hills, and towering oak trees, and bubbling brooks amid wooded areas are very picturesque, but the beauty of Arizona is something you have to reach for. It's not sitting right there waiting for you to walk on it or run into it; it's waiting for you to look up and take notice and give it the respect it's worth. And once you do...you'll know what I'm talking about.

Books have the same opportunity to provide beauty, and the books LJW Publishing offers give it...big picture style. That's the common thread.

Speaking in Larryisms...

2008-01-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

Definitions of Pragmatic or Pragmatism but not Pragmatics (because that's something else altogether!)

2008-01-02T20:09:00.000-07:00

According to Wiktionary:

Pragmatism is a noun meaning: The compromising of one's ideals to better deal with the specifics of a situation. The pursuit of practicality over aesthetic qualities; utilitarianism(philosophy) A philosophic school linking the meaning of beliefs to the actions of a believer, and the truth of beliefs to success of those actions in securing a believer's goals.

Pragmatic is an adjective meaning: Practical, concerned with making decisions and actions that are useful in practice, not just theory.

Wikipedia suggests:

[That] most of the thinkers who describe themselves as pragmatists consider practical consequences or real effects to be vital components of both meaning and truth.

Happy Holidays! A Gift From LJW Publishing to The Rest of You...

2007-12-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Holidays! At LJW Publishing we believe in giving gifts during the holidays. It's just fun. And since we've never met most of you and probably won't in the near future here's our digitally delivered gift...a referral to people we've worked with in the publishing business that have treated us right and delivered a good service/product!

LJW Advertising (of course): we use them for advertising advice/design/placement. They have great connections and always seem to be able to get the most for every dollar in the budget! Contact them by clicking here: Larry John Wright Advertising.

AaronGraphics: AaronGraphics provided us with barcodes to our specifications. They were very professional and most importantly to our most recent project...very FAST! Contact them here: AaronGraphics.

Lyndsay Johnson: This freelance graphic designer worked on a project for us and it turned out very fun, creative AND professional. Which is excatly what we were looking for! Email for contact info about possible freelance projects: Sarah@larryjohnwright.com and I'll forward your info on!

Thomson-Shore Printing: The end result of working with TShore is a great book just the way you designed it. They were very helpful and professional and able to discuss specifics and changes and accommodate the needs of the project! Contact them here: TShore!

Happy Holidays!

LJW Publishing Authors Accessible Online:

2007-12-17T14:03:00.001-07:00

Look for articles by The Pragmatic Thinker, Larry John, the author of Larryisms: Book One and Think Rich to Get Rich, online! You can find him at the following sites:

LJW Publishing (of course)

The Pragmatic Thinker

To discuss any articles you find interesting visit Larry's blog at: The Pragmatic Thinker Blog

Google Homepages, Gadgets, and more...Isn't it a Search Engine?

2007-12-14T10:32:00.001-07:00

Google is the search engine of choice for most people. (Although there are others out there that are worth accessing; I often prefer ask.com!) But Google has been branching out and offers all sorts of extras. They offer igoogle pages. Pages that individuals design to their tastes (it's VERY easy) and they can then make it their homepage. It can feature anything from the weather reports for your area to quotes by your favorite thinker. (We like to suggest our favorite thinker, of course, Larry John. He's got a Google Gadget featuring a quote a day and in his case it's a "Larryism"; some from Book One and others from his upcoming release, Larryisms: Book Two).

We posted a link recently to add the Larryisms Gadget to your igoogle home page, but they're having a few issues. (It's rumored that the cause is the massive explosion of online shopping due to the holidays. Alright...I started that unfounded rumor. But what was I to do? They won't provide me with any solid reason for the outage! My imagination was running amok!)

So in case you are wondering WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY LARRYISMS GADGET? Calm down...there's no reason to yell. As soon as Google has all their stuff figured out we'll post a new link!

Final Cover Art: Meeting Lizzy by SarahBeth Carter

2007-12-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

The final cover art for one of our upcoming titles has been approved. This is a sneak peek!

If you heard a strange noise from the apartment upstairs would you make an effort to find out what happened? What if something happened, but the victim begged you to leave it alone? What if there was obvious evidence of violence, but the denials were adamant? Would you forget about it and walk away? What if you were only seventeen?

I'm Cy McEntire. I wouldn't call myself a typical teenager. I'm only average in the smarts department. I can boast of only a few insignificant run ins with girls of less than stellar moral character. I often have no idea what city or state my Dad is currently staying in, and I get up practically before the dawn to apply the tar like substance to my hair that finishes off my "look." (Purposefully becoming a freak everyday to try to give your Dad a conniption fit is more time consuming than it may at first appear).

Meeting Lizzy was an accident…but one I'd never be able to forget.

I was just sitting at home watching Law & Order reruns when I heard a girl in the apartment upstairs. She was hurt. I was breaking the golden rule of being a successful hermit, but I couldn't help it. If what I thought was happening in that upstairs apartment was actually happening…I had to find out. I was so sure that I would be wrong that when I wasn't I had no idea what to do. So I didn't do anything. It was obvious the girl was being abused, but she adamantly denied anything was wrong. What was I supposed to do? I'm not all knowing…I just left. But I couldn't get the girl out of my head.

For more on LJW Publishing upcoming releases and author information visit our website: http://www.larryjohnwrightpublishing.com/!

Kids Reading to Kids

2007-12-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

At LJW Publishing we think a lot of problems could be avoided in life if we could only instill a love and a talent for reading in every child. And we're not one to throw out advice without some pragmatic thought of our own. So here's an idea we support that we're willing to share: kids reading to kids! It's a great way to build confidence and it's also a great learning tool. Work it into your kids' bedtime schedule. They'll most likely work with you at this point because if we know kids, they'll do anything to stay up just a few more minutes. Have them each read a book to the others and then read one to them yourself. It's a wonderful way to teach by example and provide them with an example that is at or near their same reading level.

Larryisms Google Gadget!

2007-11-28T21:13:00.001-07:00

Add the Larryisms Google Gadget to your igoogle homepage and you'll get a new Larryisms delivered to your desktop daily! You can't beat that for service...

We're hoping you'll be hooked and need to have them all in writing sooner or later. And when you're ready you'll come back to us...and order a book or two of your own!

Your Favorite Used Book Store

2007-11-28T13:02:00.001-07:00

Many avid readers would be able to immediately answer when asked, "What's your favorite used book store?" I know I could.

Many avid (and even semi-interested) readers could answer when asked, "Where do you buy books online?"

But how many would be able to give a good answer when asked, "What's your favorite online used bookstore?"

Don't doubt...they are definitely out there. And in the hope that it might encourage more book purchases by the general public. We'll share the answers from LJW Publishing staff:

Question: "What's your favorite used book store?"

Answer 1: The used book store right next to Mango's on Main Street in downtown Mesa, AZ. -Sarah

Answer 2: Half Price Books. They're all over the place. -Kim

Question: "Where do you buy books online?"

Answer 1: Amazon.com -Larry

Answer 2: BarnesandNoble.com -Katie

Question: "Where's your favorite online used book store?"

Answer: abebooks.com. It's kind of like a directory of tons of different used bookstores across the country. And you have access to the cumulative inventory. It's great. -Sarah

So now that you know all our favorite/secret book spots...get out there and get some books for your most favorite people and surprise them for the holidays!

Audio Books vs. Books in Print

2007-11-24T23:06:00.002-07:00

As reading fanatics, you might expect LJW Publishing to be anti audio books. In response to such an assumption we would have to say...on the contrary! We love audio books. We think they are a modern compromise that encourages more children and adults alike to appreciate language. The written word is still the written word whether you are reading it or it is being read to you.

We find that the resulting thought processes vary when comparing audio books with traditional books in print. Most of us are aware that different individuals learn best in different ways. Some people may get more out of the written word when they are looking at it and reading it themselves. Others may get more out of the written word when they are looking at it and hearing it read to them. Still others may get more out of the written word when they are hearing it without seeing the words in front of them.

Never let it be said that the modern man (and woman and child) doesn't know how to multi-task. For good or evil, most of us are rarely doing only one thing at a time. The audio book allows us to incorporate language and the appreciation of it into this crazy, mixed up, fast track world that we live in.

So if you've got a friend, loved one, or acquaintance that insists that they don't read for whatever reason: no time, no interest, no ability, no passion, no knowledge of books, etc. Suggest an audio book (or force one on them).

And be on the lookout for upcoming Audio Book releases from LJW Publishing!

Wonderful Holiday Gift for those Difficult to Buy for!

2007-11-20T22:58:00.001-07:00

At LJW Publishing we think reading should be America's favorite pastime. Oh alright...you can still love baseball, but reading should be right there near the top of your list, too! So this holiday season...give at least one person on your list a book.

In a previous post, you can find a list of some of the LJW Publishing staff's favorite Arizona authors. You'll find that they'd make great gifts! And LJW Publishing's very own Larryisms: Book One makes a fabulous holiday gift. You'll find it more than suitable for that difficult family member of friend who always seems to leave you without a clue what to give them for the holidays! Make it simple and give them a gift that will make them laugh, think, gasp, mumble, nod, smile, and possibly call you up to discuss! You can't miss with a book that versatile!

And PLEASE! You'll be helping out humanity just by encouraging one more person to overcome the negative statistics we've got going on and read a book...

Frightening Statistics on Books and Reading in the US:

2007-11-13T08:17:00.001-07:00

58% of the US adult population never reads another book after high school.

42% of college graduates never read another book after graduation.

80% of US families did not buy or read a book last year.

70% of US adults have not been in a bookstore in the last five years.

57% of new books are not read to completion.

Most readers do not get past page 18 in a book they have purchased.

These statistics were part of a report posted online by Teaching Sells (page 15) and reflect the book reading and book purchasing habits of the US public.

They are a sad commentary on the state of the average person's mind. If you find yourself falling into any of the above categories...you are officially urged to do something to remove yourself from the stigma of negative book reading habits.

At LJW Publishing we believe that reading is one of the most efficient methods for learning and growth as well as just plain thinking about our many faceted world. And considering that's even just a little bit true...think about what these statistics imply!

Reading and Not Reading:

2007-11-11T23:00:00.001-07:00

"There is very little difference in not knowing how to read and not reading. The end result is the same." - Larry John

The above quote is compliments of Larry John, the author of LJW Publishing's first book release, Larryisms: Book One. This is just one of many quotes meant to inspire the pragmatic in you to come to the forefront and take charge as you go throughout your day. The book is an introduction to Pragmatic Thinking as seen by Larry John. It's funny, it's witty, it's off the wall, it's obvious, it's clever, and it's downright usable. Check it out here!

This particular thought is doubly appropriate for LJW Publishing since we believe in making people think through reading. There's a link there that cannot be denied. So the next time you're kids ask you to read a book...just do it. And the next time someone gives you a book as a gift...read it. And the next time you hear about a book that strikes your fancy...read it. And the next time you find yourself struggling for a topic of thoughtful conversation, maybe you'll be able to think about something you've read recently and offer it up as the chosen bit of thought for the moment. That's what reading is all about. Take it and run with it.

Current Methods of Distribution

2007-11-05T11:06:00.001-07:00

Larryisms is now listed with Baker & Taylor (wholesale), at Amazon.com and directly from the LJW Publishing website. We are currently under consideration with Barnes & Noble and Borders Books has combined their online sales with Amazon so that was a two for one. You can look up the nearest Borders store near you to check availability of Larryisms: Book One in stores as well. Just click here.

We haven't been able to break into the Chapters market (Canada) because they only deal with Canadian distributors...and that's something we definitely aren't!(If someone out there happens to know a way around this little hiccup feel free to let us know! We're all ears.)

We'll keep you updated on the various methods through which you can find our books as they grow.

Publishers Weekly

2007-11-05T10:54:00.001-07:00

Check out LJW Publishing's current new release listing at Publishers Weekly...just click HERE!

Stellar Arizona Authors:

2007-11-03T08:24:00.001-07:00

As an Arizona based publishing house that is dedicated to publishing Arizona authors, we at LJW Publishing thought it would be appropriate to recognize some established authors that are from Arizona. So here are a few Arizona natives turned author that our staff reads:

Dennis L. McKiernan

Stephanie Myer

Judith L. Pearson:

Check out her author website...she has many good books available!

James A. Owen

Check them out! They're worth looking into if you haven't ever tried their books...

New Statistics: TV vs. Books

2007-11-02T10:30:00.001-07:00

The East Valley Tribune reported Thursday (Nov. 1st, 2007) that recently published statistics show that more parents are restricting TV watching for their kids. A higher number of parents are imposing rules limiting the kinds of programs their kids watch, the length of time they get to watch and the time of day they are allowed to have their TV time.

In addition to limiting the amount of time spent with the TV each day...parents have also increased the number of times they read to their children weekly. These statistics look good in comparison to similar statistics from past years, but I have to say...I'm sure we can all keep improving in this area. TV vs. Books...come on...that's not a competition. Books win hands down! Now we just have to make sure we pass that knowledge on to the next generation.

Upcoming Title! Sales and Marketing for New Homes: Beyond Advertising

2007-11-01T21:39:00.001-07:00

LJW Publishing has a new title scheduled for release in Summer of 2008 called Sales and Marketing for New Homes: Beyond Advertising. The book is written by Preston John, a Sales & Marketing executive whose company has helped many reputable, new home builders to increase their sales and maximize their marketability. We're excited to begin promoting the book. Check back to see upcoming postings of excerpts on our Books page at LJW Publishing. If you've got new home sales & marketing questions...email us! Maybe we'll include them in the book! But you have to be fast...it will shortly be headed off to the printer.

Calling for Submissions!

2007-10-31T08:06:00.001-07:00

LJW Publishing makes two claims. We're the Pragmatic Press and we publish Arizona authors. So if you're an Arizona author and you think your writing makes people think...send us a sample we can consider for our next monthly posting.

If we choose your submission, we'll post your writing on our website with a link to your personal website (if you so desire) as well as an author byline with contact information.

LarryJohnWrightPublishing.com: New Website Under Construction

2007-10-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

Our new website: larryjohnwrightpublishing.com is currently under construction. Check back periodically for updates and changes!

We'll have author blog links, current title lists, upcoming title lists, submission guidelines for both book review and online publishing of short stories, poetry, and essays. We will also be providing online viewers with the chance to check out our mission statement, contact information, event listings, and industry news!

Check back often!

An Early Book Review by Zach Freeman of BloggerNews:

2007-10-24T23:59:00.001-07:00

Here are a few excerpts from an early book review of LJW Publishing's Larryisms: Book One.

Larryisms Book One, is a collection of interesting sound bites and brief observations from an armchair philosopher...alternately 21st century philosopher and Jack Handy jokester, John manages to keep a good mix of light humor and deeper questions.

Featuring rhetorical questions and insightful one-liners, Larryisms Book One is the kind of witty collection that works well as a talking piece.

While some quotes are meant to simply address the modern world, others are designed to be timeless examinations of the human condition. The cleverer ones have a tendency to cause serious thought and many succeed in varying measures.

Due for release to the public October 29, 2007. Look for it at http://www.thepragmaticthinker.com/ or amazon.com. Wholesale purchases can be made through Baker & Taylor.

Pragmatic Thinker:

2007-10-24T23:32:00.001-07:00

It seems there is some question when it comes to the meaning of the word pragmatic; especially when it is placed in front of the word thinking. And since we at LJW Publishing have declared ourselves the Pragmatic Press we feel strongly that it's important for the general public (and more importantly, our readers, to have a thorough understanding of the word. So here are a few definitions (pulled from varoius print and online dictionaries) to serve as a jumping off point as you interpret just what is intended when someone uses the term "pragmatic."

1. practical
2. testing the validity of all concepts by their practical results
3. realistic
4. relating to matters of fact or practical affairs
5. relating to or being in accordance with philosophical pragmatism (pragmatism being defined as: an American movement in philosophy founded by C. South Peirce and William James and marked by the doctrines that the meaning of conceptions is to be sought in their practical bearings, that the function of thought is to guide action, and that truth is preeminently to be tested by the practical consequences of belief).

As a word being used to describe a way of thinking it is actually quite functional...or you might say...pragmatic.

Larryisms: Book One Scheduled for Release October 2007

2007-10-24T19:23:00.002-07:00

Larryisms: Book One by Larry F. John is scheduled for release October 2007. The book is offered by LJW Publishing based out of the Phoenix, Arizona area. LJW Publishing focues on regional authors with thought provoking topics in various genres. The author of Larryisms: Book One is Larry F. John, founder of "The Pragmatic Thinker", successful businessman, and international author of Think Rich to Get Rich, published by Arcturus Publishing. The book has been scheduled for reprints in for both Indian and Romanian markets.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) September 30, 2007 -- Larryisms: Book One will be released in late October 2007. Larryisms is a wildly varied collection of thought and observation from the founder of "The Pragmatic Thinker" himself, Larry John. The book is a collection of Larry's observations of people and the 21st century human condition. The trick to reading Larryisms is figuring out when Larry is being serious and when he is poking fun. But that's the reader's job; to think about what they're reading and come to their own conclusions. It's easy to conclude that as the founder of "The Pragmatic Thinker", forcing the reader to think was Larry's purpose in writing the book.
Larryisms is author, Larry F. John's, second book in print. His first book, Think Rich to Get Rich, was first published in the UK by Arcturus Publishing. It has since been reprinted for both the Romanian and Indian consumer markets. Think Rich to Get Rich helps Entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses; no matter the size of the business. Think Rich to Get Rich is an easy to understand strategy and step by step program that will make any business prosper. Think Rich to Get Rich is available for immediate purchase and Larryisms: Book One is available for advance purchase at The Pragmatic Thinker website: http://www.thepragmaticthinker.com/.
The successful introduction of his first published work led Larry to look towards the business side of publishing. As a successful businessman, Larry decided that more money was to be had in combining his creative side with his business expertise. This led to the organization of LJW Publishing. LJW Publishing works out of Mesa, Arizona and focuses on regional authors in various genres. The LJW Publishing philosophy is to provide interesting books on thoughtful topics. LJW Publishing is currently working with six regional authors on upcoming projects and is preparing to release Larryisms: Book One, their first book in print.
Working together both of Larry's books: Think Rich to Get Rich and Larryisms: Book One provide readers with the knowledge and encouragement they need to create, manage, grow, understand, and enjoy their businesses and the lives they create for themselves. For more information or to schedule an author interview, contact Sarah Carter. To get more information on pragmatic thinking or to purchase a book visit: http://www.thepragmaticthinker.com/ or email sarah@larryjohnwright.com.