What are Independent Publishers and Authors to do?

The LDS market just became a little easier for independent LDS publishers and authors.

This past summer, the major retailer in the LDS market made the decision to only carry the books of their own authors on the shelves of their stores. They included subsidiaries as well. They then scooped up all the books from independent publishers and sent them back, driving several out of business. The LDS market was looking a little dismal at that point.

Then yourLDSneighborhood.com launched a new effort into the social networking aspect of the internet and begin drawing in consumers of all ages, sex and culture. How does this effect the LDS book market you ask? Oh, let me share!

With gas prices through the roof, the economy struggling and personal time at a premium, The Book Block of yourLDSneighborhood is a virtual reader/shopper's dream and here's why.

The Neighborhood shopper sits down at their computer, pulls up yourLDSneighborhood and shops for products, services, articles, interviews . . . be they books, music, the arts, coin collecting, clothing, food . . . they just cruise yourLDSneighborhood.com buying whatever they want without ever leaving the comfort of their home. They save on money, time and frustration . . . a virtual shopping trifecta!

Now back to our Book Block, my personal favorite of the Neighborhood. The Book Store is a Who's Who of Neighborhood Authors, such as Rachel Ann Nunes, Josi Kilpack, Candace E. Salima and many more. We are adding authors every day, thrilled to bring our shoppers the finest in LDS fiction and nonfiction.

Our virtual shoppers meander down the block checking out bookstore after bookstore. Picture your business there. We have space for six more businesses and then the premium spots on the Book Block are gone. With radio, television, billboard and online advertising, yourLDSneighborhood.com's reach is extending across the world.

Our first stop on the book is Zion's Promise Historical Novels, a store is leased by author, Dr. Chris Jefferies showcasing the books he's written.

The NonFiction Store is new to the Neighborhood and contains the collective works of multiple authors who are advertising their work through the Book Block. We have books from the foremost expert on disaster preparedness in the nation, religious and historical matters. The NonFiction Store's inventory is growing on a daily basis, so our virtual shoppers often drop by daily to see what's new.

The Fiction Store is brand new to the Neighborhood and is at the very beginning! We are adding new books as fast as we can and we will soon have row after row of books. In the meantime, check out Hannah's Heart and Zion's Promise . . . both great additions to home family library. A number of new titles are coming online in just a matter of days.

Imagine a virtual presence on the Neighborhood, my friends. Be you publisher, author or store owner, this is the way to expand your reach across the world. You lease the space and we do all the advertising. Depending on the package you purchase, you receive the following advertising benefits:

Newsletter Advertising: Includes newsletter product tile ads, up to 6 per month

Street Fair Advertising: Product box with link in Street Fair on LDS Outlet block and Newsletter ads, up to 3 per month

Outlet Booth: Product box with link in designated storefront on LDS Outlet Block, and Newsletter ads, up to 4 per month

Marketplace Storefront: Marketplace Catalog box ad in targeted storefront, and Newsletter ads-monthly for designated storefront

Storefront Owner: Building on your block, Building on New Neighbor block for one week, Landing page with on-site ads (i.e., banner, skyscraper, rich media (YouTube media), Newsletter ads – up to 5 per month, Radio recognition in yourLDSneighborhood ad campaigns when available, Outlet Booth and Advertising on Neighborhood and Friends social network

Building Owner/Block Sponsor: Presence on Home Page, Main Building Owner of designated block; Presence on another block with a billboard ad; Building on New Neighbor block for 1 week; Landing page with on-site ads (i.e. banner, skyscraper, rich media (YouTube), Marketplace Catalog page available; Featured Business recognition; Outlet Booth; Advertising on Neighborhood and Friends social network; and TV and Radio recognition in yourLDSneighborhood ad campaigns when available

In other words, this is a unique opportunity for your company, or your work, to establish a presence on yourLDSneighborhood.com. If you've lost retail power in the main LDS bookstores then this is the place for you!

For our authors we have four very unique packages which fit every budget and purpose.

If you're interested in establishing a presence on yourLDSneighborhood.com and extending the reach of your customer base, then contact me at mod@yourldsneighobrhood.com and we'll talk. We'll examine all your options and find the package which suits your needs best.

Come on home to the Neighborhood. You'll like it here.

Shannon Hale and Brandon Mull to Write for Charity

New York Times best-selling authors, Shannon Hale and Brandon Mull have organized a wonderful charity event catering to writers and benefiting those around the world in need of wheelchairs.

WRITING FOR CHARITY

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Several children's authors, including New York Times bestsellers Shannon Hale and Brandon Mull, are hosting the Writing For Charity event at the Salt Lake City Main Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, with all the profits going to The Wheel Chair Project.

The Wheel Chair Project is a branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Arm. Over 100 million people worldwide need wheelchairs with very little hope of ever getting one. The Wheel Chair Project provides those wheelchairs regardless of religion, culture or country. This is your chance to learn from the best, improve your craft and help someone desperately in need become mobile. What more could you ask from a Saturday?

100% of the proceeds (after the nominal location fee) go to The Wheelchair Project. A wheelchair can completely change the life of a disabled person, offering mobility, increased independence, and a chance to go to school or find employment. Because this charity is administered by volunteers with LDS Philanthropy, there is no overhead and every penny donated goes directly to purchasing wheelchairs.

Participating authors: Brandon Mull (Fablehaven); Shannon Hale (Princess Academy); best-selling fantasy authors Laura and Tracy Hickman , Mette Ivie Harrison (The Prince and the Hound), A.E. Cannon (Pirate Pete and Pirate Joe), Kristyn Crow (Bedtime at the Swamp), Becky Hickox , Kimberley Heuston, Anne Bowen, Aprilynne Pike, Ann Dee Ellis, Mike Knudson, Wendy Toliver as well as agent Amy Jameson and editor Chris Schoebinger.

The writers will talk about their process, how to write for a young audience, storytelling tips, and the ins and outs of the publishing business. In addition, participants can have their picture book text or first page of their novel work shopped by professionals.

When: Saturday July 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where: Salt Lake City Main Library (200 East 400 South, Salt Lake City, Utah)

Why: The events purpose is to raise money for The Wheel Chair Project

On the day of the event, participants need to bring 15 copies of the first page of your novel or picture book text (maximum word count: 300 words) for some hands on workshopping.

Space is limited, first come first serve. To reserve your spot, mail in the $45 registration fee.

• Mailing address: 1176 E 2620 N, Provo, UT 84604-4132
• Make checks to: “LDS Philanthropies” (the organization that runs The Wheelchair Project) and write “Wheelchair” in the memo line.
• Also include: Your name, age, phone number, and area of interest--picture book writing, fantasy novel, or realistic fiction novel.
• Cost: $45 (tax deductible -- be sure to ask for a receipt when you get there)

The Event breaks down like this:

9:00 am -- Registration
9:15 - 10:15 am -- Panel discussion in the auditorium
10:30 - 11:15 -- Break out discussions in topic groups
11:30 - 1:00 -- Small group workshops

Shannon Hale was willing to answer a few questions, which she posted on her site.

"Are there still spaces available?"

As of today, there are oodles! But please register in advance rather than wait for the day of. We have a limited time frame to get everyone registered that morning. Pre-registering not only guarantees you a space but will make it faster for you that morning and you won't miss anything.

"I don't have a first page of a book to workshop. Can I still come?"

Yes! During the workshop portion, it will still be instructive to listen to other people's pages being workshopped, and I promise no one will point at you and laugh. Except maybe Brandon Mull.

"I sent in my check and haven't received anything in return!"

And...you won't. Sorry. We are an orphan Annie operation (as my dad would say) and aren't set up to be all cool like that. But if you sent it in, we have it and there should be no problem.

"Can kids participate?"

Sure! We're going to have one break out group just for teen writers. Younger than that might be bored. My four-year-old, for example, will be staying home.

So here's my suggestion. Mail in your registration right now. This will be a day you don't want to miss.