An E-Newsletter of Profitable Advice about Writing
To Increase Your Personal and Professional Success
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| October 2010
Volume III, Issue 10
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"The Write Stuff!"
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| Writing, Ghostwriting, Editing & Publishing Services
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Be Different - Write A Book!
Have you been procrastinating about writing that book, even though you know becoming an author can boost your success? Maybe the testimonials in this month's feature article will encourage you to get off the fence. Also in this issue of The Write Stuff, you'll get to take my famous grammar quiz and read an interesting letter from a reader about copyright issues. Enjoy reading about writing!
Michael J. Dowling
Professional Writer, Ghostwriter, Editor & Publisher
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Be Different - Write a Book!
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| Our son, Eben, joined the U. S. Army in June, after graduating from high school. That was his decision, and my wife, Sarah, and I are delighted. In the past four months he's gained two years of maturity. And in January, when he starts college, the government will foot the bill.
Our family journeyed to Ft. Jackson, SC (outside of  Columbia) in August for Eben's graduation from basic training. But this couldn't have been the same war machine that rolled into Afghanistan and Iraq. Planning was noticibly lacking. Cars were backed up for miles...not an M.P. in sight.
Miraculously, we made it to the parade field on time, and the ceremony was impressive. Eben looked great as he marched by in his uniform. At least I think he did. Actually, I couldn't tell if Eben was even in the parade because everyone else had on the same uniform. (We captured the event on video if you want to see for yourself.)
In the military, uniformity is good; standing out is bad. It wouldn't have gone over too well, for example, if Eben had waved to us as he marched by.
But in business, just the opposite is true. To be successful in the competitive workplace, you must stand out from the crowd. You need to become "slightly famous" in your area of expertise.
Writing and publishing a book is one of the best ways to increase your visibility and establish your credibility.
But just how helpful is it to become an author? Someone posed this question last month to the members of an online group I belong to. The responses were so interesting that I've posted excerpts from a few of them below.
Although this group consisted of speakers, I'm sure that consultants, executive coaches, entrepreneurs, small business owners, or many other types of professionals would have given similar answers.
Here are a few of the responses:
"It sure helped me! A good book is a quality calling card that can attract the attention of meeting planners."
"There's no doubt in my mind that having a published book builds credibility and helps you sell more speaking engagements."
"After two years of organizations and audiences begging me to put my expertise into a book, I finally published a book and a workbook and was exceptionally pleased at the reaction, both in terms of book sales and bookings."
"There's no question that having a book to one's credit is beneficial. It's a differentiator. I use my book as a give- away in workshops and presentations, and clients occasionally make bulk purchases for distribution to their employees."
"Yes, I feel a book gives you a tremendous advantage. It helps you to be seen as an expert."
"I agree that a book is the best business card you can hand out. Be sure that your self-published book has the same quality as a traditionally published book. That means spend the time and money on professional editing and design and proofreading."
"Having a book published that engages people has opened more doors for me than I ever dreamed possible."
Yes, a book is a wonderful vehicle for advancing your ideas and enhancing your reputation.
But don't just write a book for the sake of becoming an author. Make it your goal to present useful information to a well-defined audience in a professional manner.
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| How to Promote Your Business and Advance Your Career by Writing and Publishing a Book
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
4:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. ET
Call-in Number: 1-219-509-8222
Access Code: 6502793
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Mike's Famous Grammar Quiz
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The hyphen can be somewhat tricky. Which of the following sentences are punctuated correctly?
(1) He is a self-confident person.
(2) He is a very confident person.
(3) She is a strong-willed child.
(4) Her child is strong willed.
(5) This is our low-cost plan.
(6) This is our lowest cost plan.
(See answers below)
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| Our Readers Are Writing! | |
I appreciate the information you provided about copyright protection in last month's newsletter. As a writer, I wanted to mention something else that bothers me.  | | J.M Lacey |
Many people, for whatever reason, feel that posted material on the Internet is not copyrighted. Therefore, they freely take information from Web sites, articles, YouTube videos, photos, etc. -- often without attribution -- and will print or post it word for word. As you are well aware, some have taken full credit! I mention YouTube because some will attach the video directly into their blog or Web site. This is copyrighted material! People do not understand that they need to attach links to the sites, videos, and articles. Their ignorance causes them to commit plagiarism whenever copying and pasting yhis information directly into their own sites or in their published material, such as brochures and business letters. This is difficult to monitor. However, there is some protection in registering one's work. For example, many simply slap a copyright symbol on their Web site with the idea they are fully protected. However, The truth is, they are only somewhat protected. By choosing to register Web sites and other material articles, books, etc. through the government's copyright office, the material is fully protected and the amount of damages the plaintiff receives is significantly greater than if they didn't register their material work. It is true that once an author pens his first words in a book, article or document, his material is copyrighted. You can put a copyright symbol on your work creation to sway would-be thieves, but registering your work is a great way to give your work information that final seal of protection. Although, as you mentioned, ideas cannot be copyrighted. In all honesty, peoples' attitudes need to change. They need to realize that copying and reprinting material text, photos and videos without permission is, in fact, stealing. So not only is this unethical, it's against the law (Here, I am not talking about "Fair Use"). However, the best thing to do whenever one wants to post previously released material is to seek written permission from the author. As writers, how can we avoid getting caught in a web of our work labor potentially being "up for grabs"? - Register as much material as possible.
- Hire a good lawyer before anything happens.
- Trust no one, unless everything is in writing.
- Document everything and maintain signed contracts.
For further information on copyright, see this interesting article by Howard G. Zaharoff in "Writer's Digest."
Thanks for this helpful information, J.M.!
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You May Find These White Papers Helpful.
(They're free, but don't let the price fool you!)
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| Answer to Grammar Quiz |
| All of the sentences are punctuated correctly. Here are some general rules:
When two words are combined to describe a noun, they usually should be hyphenated (i.e., when they precede the noun, but not when they follow it).
The word self always takes a hyphen.
Words that express a superlative condition (very, least, best, etc.) don't require a hyphen.
Words ending in ly do not require a hyphen.
For more on this subject, see page 175 - 178 of Woe Is I, The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English by Patricia T. O'Conner and Section 7.90 of The Chicago Manual of Style.
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Michael J Dowling ~ Writer ~ Editor ~ Ghostwriter ~ Publisher
133 Worthing Road, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Phone: 912.230.5051 Fax: 912.634.5777
E-mail: MJD@MichaelJDowling.com Website: www.MichaelJDowling.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljdowling
Clear, concise, creative, and convincing writing and editing to enable individuals and organizations
to accomplish their goals and increase their visibility, credibility, and profitability.
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