Showing posts with label irene watson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label irene watson. Show all posts
Friday, January 14, 2011
Advice on Finding a Reviewer
Excellent advice on finding reviewers on the internet. Written by Irene Watson of ReaderViews. 10 Criteria for Finding Book Reviewers
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Author Interview with Irene Watson
Our interview today is with Irene Watson, co-author of Rewriting Life Scripts: Transformational Recovery for Families of Addicts
FQ: Why did you choose to collaborate on this book?
It all started when Nancy Oelklaus and I met with Bill Wigmore, CEO of Austin Recovery. During the meeting he expressed a need to address the families and their own recovery when a family member goes through a treatment program. From that, we did research and indeed found most treatment programs don't address the families, and there was very little information directed toward them. We connected with Liliane Desjardins. Liliane has over 30 years experience in an addiction treatment program and created the Desjardins Unified Model of Treatment of Addictions.
FQ: What type of personal experiences did you use in creating the recovery model for families?
All three of us come from different walks of life and experiences therefore making the collaboration flow. Although most families go through much of the same internal experience when there is an addict in the family, we also experience different aspects.
In the book we used our own stories and of others. We wanted to be sure most aspects of feelings and outcome are covered. As well, using the Desjardins Unified Model we are able to give the reader clear definitions of what really goes on, and how we have to look after ourselves in order to have a healthy relationship with the addict. As well, we cover family dynamics, the self-recovery program, and accessing our authentic self. All three of us have been through a recovery program and are now sharing what we've learned, experienced, and what works.
FQ: What is the best way readers should go about using this book?
First of all, the reader needs to be aware that reading Rewriting Life Scripts: Transformational Recovery for Families will transform them. As well, the readers need to be willing to make changes in their own lives, rather than attempt to change the addict. Once this is acknowledged and accepted, the readers can proceed by reading the book, understanding what is being said, paralleling to some of the stories, and doing the exercises.
FQ: How is your model for recovery different than the typical model of addiction treatment?
Our book focuses on the family, not the addict. The addict has gone through treatment and has some type of base for a continuing process. We address the family and not making it about the addict. Our model is directed for the families to take their own responsibility of healing within. We focus on having a healthy relationship with the addict. We cover important aspects such as enabling, giving up control over the addict, addressing our own denial as well as communicating and supporting the addict in a healthy manner.
We also focus on changing ourselves through honesty, humility, hope and purity of intent. We give exercises to help the families through the steps of transformational recovery.
FQ: If there is one key idea or concept readers should take from reading this book, what would it be?
Peace of mind, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the ability - truly - to live happily ever after.
To learn more about Rewriting Life Scripts: Transformational Recovery for Families of Addicts, please read the review at: Feathered Quill Book Reviews.
FQ: Why did you choose to collaborate on this book?
It all started when Nancy Oelklaus and I met with Bill Wigmore, CEO of Austin Recovery. During the meeting he expressed a need to address the families and their own recovery when a family member goes through a treatment program. From that, we did research and indeed found most treatment programs don't address the families, and there was very little information directed toward them. We connected with Liliane Desjardins. Liliane has over 30 years experience in an addiction treatment program and created the Desjardins Unified Model of Treatment of Addictions.
FQ: What type of personal experiences did you use in creating the recovery model for families?
All three of us come from different walks of life and experiences therefore making the collaboration flow. Although most families go through much of the same internal experience when there is an addict in the family, we also experience different aspects.
In the book we used our own stories and of others. We wanted to be sure most aspects of feelings and outcome are covered. As well, using the Desjardins Unified Model we are able to give the reader clear definitions of what really goes on, and how we have to look after ourselves in order to have a healthy relationship with the addict. As well, we cover family dynamics, the self-recovery program, and accessing our authentic self. All three of us have been through a recovery program and are now sharing what we've learned, experienced, and what works.
FQ: What is the best way readers should go about using this book?
First of all, the reader needs to be aware that reading Rewriting Life Scripts: Transformational Recovery for Families will transform them. As well, the readers need to be willing to make changes in their own lives, rather than attempt to change the addict. Once this is acknowledged and accepted, the readers can proceed by reading the book, understanding what is being said, paralleling to some of the stories, and doing the exercises.
FQ: How is your model for recovery different than the typical model of addiction treatment?
Our book focuses on the family, not the addict. The addict has gone through treatment and has some type of base for a continuing process. We address the family and not making it about the addict. Our model is directed for the families to take their own responsibility of healing within. We focus on having a healthy relationship with the addict. We cover important aspects such as enabling, giving up control over the addict, addressing our own denial as well as communicating and supporting the addict in a healthy manner.
We also focus on changing ourselves through honesty, humility, hope and purity of intent. We give exercises to help the families through the steps of transformational recovery.
FQ: If there is one key idea or concept readers should take from reading this book, what would it be?
Peace of mind, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the ability - truly - to live happily ever after.
To learn more about Rewriting Life Scripts: Transformational Recovery for Families of Addicts, please read the review at: Feathered Quill Book Reviews.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
New Website Offers Innovative Book E-Catalog
First Chapter Plus, just launched online, allows authors to list their books with first chapter previews for readers, and it provides an e-catalog so bookstores, librarians, reviewers, and bloggers can make educated and easy book-buying decisions.
Austin, TX —First Chapter Plus replaces paper book catalogs with quick and easy ordering information and full chapter previews beyond what any paper catalog could ever do. Its new e-catalog is what the twenty-first century publishing world has long needed.
First Chapter Plus is on a mission to tell libraries, independent bookstores, the media, readers, other writers, bloggers, and reviewers about the latest and greatest books just published or about to be published. Through its easy to use website www.FirstChapterPlus.com and its free monthly e-catalog, First Chapter Plus provides listings of new books, their first chapters to preview, and direct links to Amazon so readers can immediately order the books they are confident they will enjoy.
Irene Watson, creator of First Chapter Plus, says of the site’s origins, “We polled, studied, asked, investigated...and then we thought about the responses before we moved forward. We are filling a need of librarians and bookstore owners! Yes, they want this e-catalog—they’ve told us so through our opt-in campaign. And, they are super-excited about being able to read the First Chapter of so many new books.”
That excitement is backed up with facts. Already, the statistics of subscribers to First Chapter Plus’ e-catalog are astonishingly impressive:
• 20,000 + public librarians in the United States
• 3,300 + independent bookstores in the United States
• 300 + media columnists and editors in the United States
• 11,000 + readers, writers, and bloggers worldwide
The numbers make clear that First Chapter Plus has hit upon a need it is ready to fulfill.
Just since its website launch on April 1, 2010, First Chapter Plus has been inundated with requests by authors to be listed. Frena Gray-Davidson, author of “Alzheimer’s 911,” is thrilled with the results: “My Amazon listing number has gone from about 250,000 to 66,000, which is the best I’ve ever had on Amazon so far, and this has only happened in the last few days, so clearly people are buying my book from your listing. Thank you so much.”
About First Chapter Plus
First Chapter Plus is the latest innovative idea of Irene Watson, author, literary agent, and owner of Reader Views, a book review service based in Austin, TX. Reader Views has been reviewing books and offering author publicity services since 2006. Because of her central role in the book world, Watson has listened to authors, reviewers, bloggers, publishers, bookstore owners, and librarians continually express what they need—a fast, easy, yet sophisticated and technologically cutting-edge means to promote and/or order books. The early success of First Chapter Plus suggests that Watson’s website and e-catalog concept is her most ingenious to date.
To list books at First Chapter Plus or to sign up for the free monthly e-catalog, visit http://www.firstchapterplus.com/.
Austin, TX —First Chapter Plus replaces paper book catalogs with quick and easy ordering information and full chapter previews beyond what any paper catalog could ever do. Its new e-catalog is what the twenty-first century publishing world has long needed.
First Chapter Plus is on a mission to tell libraries, independent bookstores, the media, readers, other writers, bloggers, and reviewers about the latest and greatest books just published or about to be published. Through its easy to use website www.FirstChapterPlus.com and its free monthly e-catalog, First Chapter Plus provides listings of new books, their first chapters to preview, and direct links to Amazon so readers can immediately order the books they are confident they will enjoy.
Irene Watson, creator of First Chapter Plus, says of the site’s origins, “We polled, studied, asked, investigated...and then we thought about the responses before we moved forward. We are filling a need of librarians and bookstore owners! Yes, they want this e-catalog—they’ve told us so through our opt-in campaign. And, they are super-excited about being able to read the First Chapter of so many new books.”
That excitement is backed up with facts. Already, the statistics of subscribers to First Chapter Plus’ e-catalog are astonishingly impressive:
• 20,000 + public librarians in the United States
• 3,300 + independent bookstores in the United States
• 300 + media columnists and editors in the United States
• 11,000 + readers, writers, and bloggers worldwide
The numbers make clear that First Chapter Plus has hit upon a need it is ready to fulfill.
Just since its website launch on April 1, 2010, First Chapter Plus has been inundated with requests by authors to be listed. Frena Gray-Davidson, author of “Alzheimer’s 911,” is thrilled with the results: “My Amazon listing number has gone from about 250,000 to 66,000, which is the best I’ve ever had on Amazon so far, and this has only happened in the last few days, so clearly people are buying my book from your listing. Thank you so much.”
About First Chapter Plus
First Chapter Plus is the latest innovative idea of Irene Watson, author, literary agent, and owner of Reader Views, a book review service based in Austin, TX. Reader Views has been reviewing books and offering author publicity services since 2006. Because of her central role in the book world, Watson has listened to authors, reviewers, bloggers, publishers, bookstore owners, and librarians continually express what they need—a fast, easy, yet sophisticated and technologically cutting-edge means to promote and/or order books. The early success of First Chapter Plus suggests that Watson’s website and e-catalog concept is her most ingenious to date.
To list books at First Chapter Plus or to sign up for the free monthly e-catalog, visit http://www.firstchapterplus.com/.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Tips for Authors - Book Contests
This week we thought we'd do something a little different for this column. We're excited to welcome Irene Watson of ReaderViews as our guest blogger. Irene has some great pointers about entering book award contests. Enjoy!
Do Book Contests Help Sell Books?
Some book contests are notable enough that an award will increase book sales. Other contests charge exorbitant fees and winners receive little attention. Authors may feel overwhelmed by today’s plethora of book contests. Here are a few tips on which ones to enter and how to spot contests to avoid.
What to Consider When Choosing a Contest:
Entry Fees: If there is no entry fee, you have nothing to lose except the postage and book cost. Enter the contest. That said, most legitimate contests do charge fees, and the fees are small recompense for the hours the judges put into the contest. If it’s in your budget, enter contests you can afford that appear legitimate and you feel you have a likelihood of winning.
National: National contests are stiff competition, but the greater the competition, the more important the award. If your budget permits, give the contest a try.
Regional: Local contests provide greater chances of winning and some have funding so entry fees are minimal. For example, the Library of Michigan has no entry fee for its annual Michigan Notable Books Awards, given to twenty books that highlight Michigan People, Places, and Events. Beyond the award, the Library of Michigan actively promotes the books throughout state libraries. Another well-known regional contest is the Midwest Independent Publishers Association Awards. Many local writer and publisher organizations also hold awards for their members such as the Society of Midland Authors.
Independent: For self-published authors, these contests are the best place to start getting notoriety for your book. Good choices include the IPPY (Independent Publishers Association Awards) and Reader Views Literary Awards.
How to Spot Non-Legitimate Contests:
A contest that is not legitimate does not mean it fails to give out awards, but it might mean that everyone receives an award, in which case, sadly the awards are of no real value. Contests of this nature often tend to give out so many awards simply to sell award-stickers so they can make a profit off the authors, not to mention off the entry fees. And worse—they may not even read those multiple copies you submitted for review, and yes, worse still—they might sell your books online and make a profit off them.
One of the best ways to spot a legitimate contest is to see whether on the awards contest’s website there are details provided about how the awards are judged. There should be at least a couple of tiers of judging to determine the winners. For example, Reader Views will announce its three finalists in each category, based on its readers filling out award score sheets. It will then submit those three finalists to a new group of judges to determine, first, second, and honorable mention prizes per category. As well, reviews are provided of all books submitted for the awards program. Contests should provide all this judging information on their websites and in their calls for entries. Another example is Nautilus Book Awards, which describes in detail its three-tier judging process on its “How Winners Are Selected” page.
If you really want to enter a contest and believe it is legitimate but do not see details on how the awards are determined, feel free to email the contact person with your questions. If you don’t get a timely response, move on to looking for a different contest.
What to Do When You Win:
Once you win or become a finalist, send out press releases. Few people are going to know about the award if you don’t tell them—contact especially any writer or publisher groups to which you belong, and local media—newspapers, television, radio—and let your email newsletter subscribers know as well.
Many contests will give you a small number of free stickers to put on your books and most will sell you stickers—buy them to impress readers and sell books. You might even get an imprint of the award sticker to put on the cover for future printings to save on buying stickers. Make sure you let the local bookstores also know about your award and give them copies with award stickers so they can prominently display your award-winning book.
No one can successfully measure how well book awards sell books—but the more willing authors are to spread awareness that they have won awards, the more likely the books will get more attention, sell more copies, and stand out on bookstore shelves.
Recommended Book Contests:
The following list is short and only the beginning. Be sure to search online and in magazines like “Poets & Writers” for dozens of more opportunities.
Ben Franklin http://www.ibpa-online.org/custom/benfranklin/benfranklin.aspx
Foreword Magazine http://forewordmagazine.com/awards/
IPPY http://independentpublisher.com/ipland/IPAwards.php
MIPA http://www.mipa.org/Awards.html
Nautilus Book Awards http://www.nautilusbookawards.com
Reader Views http://www.readerviews.com/Awards.html
Written Art Awards http://www.rebeccasreads.com/WrittenArtAwards.html
Writer's Digest http://www.writersdigest.com/selfpublished
Good Luck!
Irene Watson is the author of the award-winning “The Sitting Swing: Finding Wisdom to Know the Difference.” She is the managing editor of Reader Views, one of the most respected and fastest growing online book review and author publicity services today. For more information visit www.ReaderViews.com.
Do Book Contests Help Sell Books?
Some book contests are notable enough that an award will increase book sales. Other contests charge exorbitant fees and winners receive little attention. Authors may feel overwhelmed by today’s plethora of book contests. Here are a few tips on which ones to enter and how to spot contests to avoid.
What to Consider When Choosing a Contest:
Entry Fees: If there is no entry fee, you have nothing to lose except the postage and book cost. Enter the contest. That said, most legitimate contests do charge fees, and the fees are small recompense for the hours the judges put into the contest. If it’s in your budget, enter contests you can afford that appear legitimate and you feel you have a likelihood of winning.
National: National contests are stiff competition, but the greater the competition, the more important the award. If your budget permits, give the contest a try.
Regional: Local contests provide greater chances of winning and some have funding so entry fees are minimal. For example, the Library of Michigan has no entry fee for its annual Michigan Notable Books Awards, given to twenty books that highlight Michigan People, Places, and Events. Beyond the award, the Library of Michigan actively promotes the books throughout state libraries. Another well-known regional contest is the Midwest Independent Publishers Association Awards. Many local writer and publisher organizations also hold awards for their members such as the Society of Midland Authors.
Independent: For self-published authors, these contests are the best place to start getting notoriety for your book. Good choices include the IPPY (Independent Publishers Association Awards) and Reader Views Literary Awards.
How to Spot Non-Legitimate Contests:
A contest that is not legitimate does not mean it fails to give out awards, but it might mean that everyone receives an award, in which case, sadly the awards are of no real value. Contests of this nature often tend to give out so many awards simply to sell award-stickers so they can make a profit off the authors, not to mention off the entry fees. And worse—they may not even read those multiple copies you submitted for review, and yes, worse still—they might sell your books online and make a profit off them.
One of the best ways to spot a legitimate contest is to see whether on the awards contest’s website there are details provided about how the awards are judged. There should be at least a couple of tiers of judging to determine the winners. For example, Reader Views will announce its three finalists in each category, based on its readers filling out award score sheets. It will then submit those three finalists to a new group of judges to determine, first, second, and honorable mention prizes per category. As well, reviews are provided of all books submitted for the awards program. Contests should provide all this judging information on their websites and in their calls for entries. Another example is Nautilus Book Awards, which describes in detail its three-tier judging process on its “How Winners Are Selected” page.
If you really want to enter a contest and believe it is legitimate but do not see details on how the awards are determined, feel free to email the contact person with your questions. If you don’t get a timely response, move on to looking for a different contest.
What to Do When You Win:
Once you win or become a finalist, send out press releases. Few people are going to know about the award if you don’t tell them—contact especially any writer or publisher groups to which you belong, and local media—newspapers, television, radio—and let your email newsletter subscribers know as well.
Many contests will give you a small number of free stickers to put on your books and most will sell you stickers—buy them to impress readers and sell books. You might even get an imprint of the award sticker to put on the cover for future printings to save on buying stickers. Make sure you let the local bookstores also know about your award and give them copies with award stickers so they can prominently display your award-winning book.
No one can successfully measure how well book awards sell books—but the more willing authors are to spread awareness that they have won awards, the more likely the books will get more attention, sell more copies, and stand out on bookstore shelves.
Recommended Book Contests:
The following list is short and only the beginning. Be sure to search online and in magazines like “Poets & Writers” for dozens of more opportunities.
Ben Franklin http://www.ibpa-online.org/custom/benfranklin/benfranklin.aspx
Foreword Magazine http://forewordmagazine.com/awards/
IPPY http://independentpublisher.com/ipland/IPAwards.php
MIPA http://www.mipa.org/Awards.html
Nautilus Book Awards http://www.nautilusbookawards.com
Reader Views http://www.readerviews.com/Awards.html
Written Art Awards http://www.rebeccasreads.com/WrittenArtAwards.html
Writer's Digest http://www.writersdigest.com/selfpublished
Good Luck!
Irene Watson is the author of the award-winning “The Sitting Swing: Finding Wisdom to Know the Difference.” She is the managing editor of Reader Views, one of the most respected and fastest growing online book review and author publicity services today. For more information visit www.ReaderViews.com.
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