BCBM Magazine

AUTHOR'S SPOTLIGHT: Kimberla Lawson Roby, Author of "Be Careful What You Pray For"

2010-03-08T15:06:35Z

New York Times Bestselling Author, Kimberla Lawson Roby, has published 14 novels which include, BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU PRAY FOR, A DEEP DARK SECRET, THE BEST OF EVERYTHING, ONE IN A MILLION (a novella), SIN NO MORE, LOVE & LIES, CHANGING FACES , THE BEST-KEPT SECRET , TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING, A TASTE OF REALITY, IT'S A THIN LINE, CASTING THE FIRST STONE, HERE AND NOW , and her debut title, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS , which was originally self-published through her own company, Lenox Press. Her novels have frequented numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times and those in USA Today, The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, Essence Magazine, Upscale Magazine, Emerge Magazine, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, The Dallas Morning News, and The Austin Chronicle to name a few and both BEHIND CLOSED DOORS and CASTING THE FIRST STONE were #1 Blackboard bestsellers for four consecutive months in both 1997 and 2000. BEHIND CLOSED DOORS was the #1 Blackboard Best-selling book for paperback fiction in 1997.

In addition, Ms. Roby's first novel was nominated for Blackboard's 1998 and 1999 Fiction Book of the Year Award, and she received the Blackboard Fiction Book of the Year Award in 2001 for CASTING THE FIRST STONE. She is also the 2006, 2007 and 2009 recipient of the Author of the Year - Female award presented by the African-American Literary Award Show in New York, the recipient of the 1998 First-Time Author Award from Chicago's Black History Month Book Fair and Conference, and her fifth novel, A TASTE OF REALITY, was a 2004 finalist for the Atlanta Choice Awards sponsored by the Atlanta Daily World. Additionally, TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING received a 2004 Patron Choice Award from the Central Mississippi Regional Library System.

Each of Ms. Roby's novels have dealt with very real issues, including social status, gambling addiction, infidelity, single motherhood, infertility, sibling rivalry, corruption within the church, domestic violence, sexual abuse, childhood sexual abuse, care-giving of a parent, racial and gender discrimination in the workplace, sexual harassment, overweight issues, and female illnesses to name a few.

Ms. Roby resides in Illinois with her husband, Will.

Visit: www.KimRoby.com | kim@kimroby.com

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Her first marriage didn't work out, but that isn't going to stop Alicia Black, the privileged daughter of the charismatic Reverend Curtis Black, from getting what she wants. One month after her wedding to her second husband, she can't believe her good fortune. God has heeded her prayers, blessing her with Pastor JT Valentine, a handsome, dynamic man of the cloth with his own large congregation, just like her father.

Unfortunately, Alicia doesn't understand just how much like Curtis her new husband truly is. She doesn't know JT has been sneaking around town with other women--or that he only married her to get close to her famous father's money and fame. But while Alicia is blinded by love, her dad certainly isn't. He warned his little girl that JT "simply can't be trusted." After all, it takes one to know one, and who better to see into the darkness of a sinner's heart than Curtis?

It will take a miracle to save the day. But God acts in mysterious ways, and soon a host of lies, long-time secrets, and acts of betrayal come to light, and Alicia must face some very crucial and life-changing decisions. This time, though, she's got to be careful what she prays for. . . .

Click here to read a sample chapter

Kim Roby's books are available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and wherever fine books are sold.

BCNN1/BCBC National Bestsellers List - March 2010

2010-03-08T03:23:15Z

Bestselling authors, Michelle Singletary (The Power to Prosper--Nonfiction) and ReShonda Tate Billingsley (The Devil Is a Lie--Fiction) lead the pack of black Christian authors on the March 2010 edition of the Black Christian News/Black Christian Book Company National Bestsellers List. ]]>
All of the books that BCNN1/BCBC rank, which is a list of over 300 Christian books written by African-Americans, with the exception of a few, are on Amazon.com. About 30 of the Christian books written by African-Americans are not on, or are not ranked on BarnesandNoble.com, indicating that they are not selling through BarnesandNoble.com. In order to have a fair bestsellers list, BCNN1/BCBC want to encourage all authors and publishers to make sure their books are sold through BarnesandNoble.com, as well as Amazon.com and BlackCBC.com.

SPECIAL NOTE: It has come to our attention that a few of the books that have been ranked on the BCNN1/BCBC National Bestsellers List were written by authors who do not profess faith in Christ and who were not at least striving to live according to the Word of God. To all of our friends, authors, and publishers, please do not feel as though you are "hating on," tattling on, or gossiping about anybody, if you let us know that a particular author does not profess to be a Christian and that his or her lifestyle does not presently reflect Biblical principles and Christian values. With that said, we do understand that there are people who write good books that espouse Biblical principles that we agree with, and this is the spirit in which we included these authors. But we at BCNN1 and BCBC only want to promote books where the author is a Christian and the book glorifies Christ first and foremost. If you see a book ranked that does not line up with that, we want to encourage you to let us know. Please feel free to remain anonymous if you would like.

The next BCNN1/BCBC Bestsellers List will be published on Monday, April 5, 2010.

BCNN1/BCBC National Independent Publishers Bestsellers List - March 2010

2010-03-08T03:22:35Z

Can an E-Book Become a #1 Amazon Best-Seller?, by Dr. Joe Vitale

2010-03-01T08:10:28Z

Ever since Jim Edwards and I completed our now famous e-book, "How to Write and Publish Your Own E-Book... in as little as 7 Days," people have been cranking out their own e-books at, well, a weekly rate. Lately I've been getting a reoccurring question concerning all these e-books. Namely, "Can an E-book become a #1 Amazon best-seller?"

]]> That question keeps coming to me because I made my latest book, "Spiritual Marketing," a #1 Amazon best-seller last June. I also helped several other authors make their books Amazon top sellers, from Kevin Hogan and Mark Joyner to Mike Litman and Randy Gilbert. Obviously there is a formula here that works.

But can it make an E-book an Amazon best-seller?

The answer, of course, is yes. In fact, anything you sell can be driven to a top selling spot at Amazon. That's right, anything. That includes music CD's, appliances, videos, audios, DVD's, and yes, even E-books.

Here's the secret:

You have to create what I fondly call an "ethical bribe." In other words, say you have an e-book on child rearing. What? Does that sound too easy to sell? Okay, let's pretend the e-book is a work of fiction. Better yet, let's make it an e-book with nothing but poetry in it. Now THAT would be tough to sell, let alone drive up the Amazon ladder to best-seller status, right?

Wrong. Again, the key to making this proven formula work for any e-book you may write is to offer enough incentive for people to go buy it *when* you want them to buy it. In short, you have to give people added value. You offer them freebies---usually other e-books---which they can have if they buy your main e-book at Amazon on a certain day.

Are you with me here?

Oh. Well, okay. Let me explain this formula in more detail.

Step One: You need an e-book. If you haven't written one yet, go to www.7dayebook.com right now. Get that book and you'll write your own book in less than a week. Guaranteed.

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AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Jamal Bryant, author of "World War Me"

2010-03-01T08:02:55Z

Empowerment Temple has ministries ranging from the Rubin Hurricane Prison Ministry to the Boyz to Men mentoring ministry. Empowerment Temple is a ministry focused on empowering believers spiritually, developing them educationally, exposing them culturally, activating them politically, and strengthening them economically.

Pastor Bryant's shepherding equips the congregation to empower the world through the WORD. A local church with a global mission, The Empowerment Temple's Got Power? television broadcast is seen in 35 cities in the US and the radio broadcast is currently heard by a half million people across the continent of Africa. This year the Empowerment Temple sent a team of missionaries to work in Trinidad and Jamaica.

Prior to his pastoral role, Rev. Jamal-Harrison Bryant was the Director of the Youth and College Division of the NAACP where he spearheaded the "Stop the Violence Start the Love Crusade". His efforts have been featured in many media outlets including Emerge, The Source, and USA Today. He has appeared on BET, CNN, C-Span, and Politically Incorrect. According to Ebony Magazine, Rev. Bryant is one of America's Future Leaders. Rev. Bryant is the host of Baltimore's number one rated Sunday talk show, Keepin' It Real. He is also co-host of the Larry Young Morning Show. He is listed in Who's Who Among African-American College Graduates. Rev. Bryant serves on the National Board of Directors for the R & B Hall of Fame. It was his honor to serve on the nationally broadcast town hall meetings "The State of Black America" sponsored by Tavis Smiley.

While his accomplishments are commendable, it is important to note that Jamal Bryant failed the 11th grade. However, he obtained a GED certificate and later became a distinguished graduate of several well-known institutions including Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he majored in Political Science and International Studies. After obtaining his undergraduate degree he went on to earn a Masters of Divinity Degree from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Rev. Bryant has been awarded an honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity incorporated.

He is the son of Bishop John R. Bryant and Rev. Cecelia Williams Bryant and the very proud father of his daughter Topaz. Rev. Jamal-Harrison Bryant, the Pastor of the Empowerment Temple, Baltimore Maryland, is a minister of the new millennium, who is "Empowering the World Through the WORD.

]]> About the Book

Landmines. Sniper attacks. Sabotage. All "war" words to describe enemy activity. But what if the enemy is you? What if you are your own worst enemy? Jamal-Harrison Bryant presents a remarkably transparent yet instructional guide to overcoming self-defeat. World War Me: Battle Strategies for Life Success goes straight to the heart of most enemy attacks - fear, temptation, desperation - and offers time-honored solutions to winning the war called "me."

- Straight, no chaser biblical principles put into practical theory and application

- An unapologetic and repentant approach to honest self-reflection

- Intelligent and thought-provoking advice that will assist anyone through life's battlefields

Find out more at www.jamalbryant.org

The Demand For Digital Publishing Continues to Grow, by Martin Alan

2010-03-01T07:56:29Z

Most of us have received phone books, advertisements, and many other paper-printed products that we have simply thrown away. The cost associated with the process of lithography, and the relative availability of wood resources for making paper made this a viable economic solution to target customers for many years. ]]> However, the tide has turned decidedly against this practice, as lithographic processes have become more expensive as regulation has increased regarding ecological issues, and pulp resources have become further constricted. However, these restrictions have no lead to the demise of advertising, but rather the refining of techniques to target specific customer groups using personal information. Now, advertising and products in general, can be targeted to an audience using sophisticated methods of value-added information to target customers and potential buyers, while eliminating the overhead and waste associated with traditional print processes.

As the quality of digital publishing has been increased, so the technologies associated with them have also been enhanced to support this need. New advancements in programming and coding, such as the use of flash banners and XML-driven text has created a trend of sophistication in the digital publishing market that could never have reached had printed products retained the economic advantage. This quality increase has also lead to a demand for it on the side of the consumer, which has produced mass competition to produce good digital publishing. The advancement of CSS and XML languages can be directly tied to this new form of digital publishing, primarily through advertising-driven campaigns.

One of the most important aspects of digital publishing is its relatively low impact on the environment, especially in regard to its predecessor, printed documents. The need to cut trees, extract pulp through abrasive chemical processes, the use of corrosive and poisonous inks and their drying units, and the general waste associated with printed materials that have been discarded have been almost completely eliminated. Today, the disposal of materials is a matter of deletion, thanks to digital publishing. As with the higher quality standard that we just discussed in the previous paragraph, this need for green solutions is demanded not only by commercial interests, but also by the consumer, as well.

Click here to read more

Every Aspiring Author Should Be Thinking Amazon Kindle and E-Books, by Randy Benjamin

2010-03-01T07:55:52Z

E-books have been around for over a decade but until recently, they hadn't contributed much in the way of book sales. This all changed when Amazon, the world's largest book seller, released a proprietary e-book reader called the 'Kindle' in November of 2007. Since then, things have turned 180 degrees for the struggling e-book market. Authors, especially unknown, self published authors are the ones who have most benefited from this emerging market...and for good reason. Because Amazon owns the Kindle, they constantly need new books to include in the Kindle library. All an author has to do to take advantage of this is to produce his book in the Kindle format. A paperback version would compliment it, but it isn't necessary. Amazon distributes both.

Notice I said, distributes, not publish. Publishing and distribution are two completely different things. You can sell your book without a publisher. In most cases, 'you' will be listed as the publisher. But it's hard to sell books without someone to distribute them. This is where Amazon shines. After all...that's what they built their business on, selling books.

Distribution is the main problem new authors face. They have no way to get their books in front of potential buyers. Sure, they can sell them on their website and maybe through some local bookstores, but neither of these channels usually have much selling power. Getting a book into major brick and mortar bookstores is nearly impossible without an established publisher.

By making your book available for Amazon's Kindle, it can be seen by millions of potential buyers and for virtually nothing. Remember, if people can't find your book, they can't buy it. By having it on Amazon, people will find it.

Click here to read more

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Reasons to Choose A Publisher - Beware of Christian Claims & Xulon Press Promises, by Paul Davis

2010-03-01T07:54:53Z

Xulon Press, a Christian book publisher, provides 10 reasons to choose a publisher on their website - helpful information indeed when considering any publisher. The publisher owned by Salem Communications gives authors some guidelines, but fails to fulfill many of their own promises to its authors. The author published 4 books with Xulon Press and gives his opinion in this true & false assessment.

10 Guidelines to Measure a Publisher By

EXPERIENCE: Xulon Press claims to have published more than 3,900 Christian books since 1999. Title by title, they say they are larger than any other Christian book publisher. That is highly questionable when you consider enormous Christian publishers like Zondervan, Thomas Nelson, and Creation House.

AFFORDABLE: For as little as $999 you can get published! If you do your homework when it comes to print on demand (POD) publishing, authors can actually get published for a third of the cost Xulon offers. Therefore $999 is not all that affordable.

As to Xulon's assertion about no "hidden fees" that might be so, but certainly there are flawed promises about publicity and press releases that go unfulfilled. What authors expect and what authors get greatly differs. Xulon's "proven, time-tested ways to distribute and market your book" are very weak and feeble. I have published 4 books with Xulon and none of their marketing and distribution efforts produced for me.

REPUTATION: It's important that you find a book publisher you can trust. Well that's quite obvious. Yet just because someone claims to be Christian or a big Christian company does not make them to be trustworthy. Hitler also claimed to be Christian.

Click here to read more

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Market Your Christian Book - Nine Tips To Help You Gain Exposure And Increase Book Sales, by Dianna Hobbs

2010-03-01T07:52:53Z

As a Christian author, you face the challenge of gaining maximum exposure for your book on a limited budget. Not to worry. Keep reading and I'll show you nine sure ways to quickly increase website traffic, maximize exposure and sell more books. Get a Great Website Copywriter

I cannot stress this enough. Great website copy is crucial to the success of your book. Why? Because the right words have the power to generate the excitement you need to convert prospects into patrons.

Great copywriters know how to effectively leverage the power of words to communicate a clear, cohesive and compelling message. This translates into increased ministry support and book sales.

Get an Electronic/Downloadable Press Kit

People want information, and they want it fast. Interested ministries and organizations need to be able to instantly view and download your press kit directly from your site.

Make sure it has an attractive layout and a good high resolution photo. A good press kit is worth its weight in gold, because if it's done right, you can increase your speaking engagements and your book sales.

Write Great Articles

Can't write them yourself? Then, hire a ghostwriter. Whether you write them yourself, or have them ghostwritten, great articles showcase your expertise in your field and quickly establish you as the expert. This establishes trust and credibility which is vitally important to the sales cycle.

Click here to read more

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Why Christian Retail Book Market Self-Help Books Get Attention of Wal-Mart, Target & Grocery Stores, by Paul Davis

2010-03-01T07:51:26Z

Christian retail is a hot market. Mainstream stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, and even grocery stores throughout the nation are profiting from the sale of Christian books, music, and DVDs. Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, brings in annual sales from Christian merchandise in excess of $1 billion annually. It shouldn't come as a surprise from both a business and values based perspective. Wal-Mart's founder Sam Walton always wanted to reflect the values of his customers and uphold morality to support their local community.

With Wal-Mart, Target, and grocery stores such as Publix in the south selling Christian books and merchandise, consumers have more options. That means the some 8,000 small Christian retailers scattered across the U.S. can no longer charge obscene retail prices for wholesome God fearing merchandise. This is good for consumers. Furthermore where the big retailers like Wal-Mart and Target fail to have product depth, smaller retailers can provide additional attention to Christian customers seeking enriching spiritual materials and music.

Why are Christian self-help books and music flourishing across the country and getting the attention of major retailers?

1. People are spiritually hungry and not being sufficiently fed on Sundays at church.

Most people physically eat three meals a day. How then spiritually can we be expected to live on one small snack a week spiritually? Many churches don't allow for very long sermons any more. Pastors are afraid people will leave and therefore have shortened their messages. Many in the pulpit are trying to be entertaining and thereby have minimized their ability to equip and empower God's people.

Click here to read more

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Effective Strategies For Selling Books Online, by Kevin Sinclair

2010-03-01T07:50:23Z

There are a number of individuals who specialize in selling products online. There are many different products that sell rather well. One that is growing in popularity among internet consumers is books. Many people have found that they reap quite a success for themselves by simply taking books and selling them for profit in an online in the virtual market. If you have an avid interest in reading, and various types of literature, you too, can be successful in this type of online business. Here, I will share with you some essential and effective strategies for selling books online. Steps:

1. The first thing that you will need to do prior to selling books online is decide which genre you would like to specialize in. Many online entrepreneurs have found that by selling books that are informative, and nonfiction in basis, they are much more successful. You may have a particular interest, such as hypnosis or scrapbooking. It may be appropriate to sell books in this area. If you are aiming for a particular audience, internet marketers are always looking for books to help them maximize their potential in the industry.

2. Once you decide on a particular type of book, it is best to do a little research to conclude what titles are best sellers, as well as what prices the books are going for. There are many popular websites that you can use to determine the information that you need in order to sell your books. These include both Amazon and Ebay.

3. Now, it is time to start searching for the books that you want to sell. There are many places that you can find the books that you are searching for. Flea markets are often a great choice. In addition to this, stores that sell used items like thrift stores are also a good choice. Yard sales and similar types of roadside specials are also pretty decent choices.

Click here to read more

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Secrets to PR and Branding With Mobile Marketing and Social Media, by Bill Rice

2010-03-01T07:49:17Z

Marketing is changing. Whether you buy into the 2.0 hoopla or not how you market your business to consumers is changing, and consumers are driving that change. Customers are not content to accept broadcast or interruption marketing anymore. They want direct access and interaction with your business. Creating a mobile or social media marketing strategy can be exactly the tipping point your business needs in 2009. Consumers are increasingly mobile and socially connected. Consumers are constantly connected with friends, family, and community--make sure that is how you connect too.

Mobile Marketing

The cell phone is the average American's constant companion. So much so it seems more likely to walk out of the house without your pants than your mobile phone.

In fact a growing number of consumers are abandoning their home and office phone for a mobile only lifestyle. This is a great opportunity for creative mobile marketing strategies.

John Edwards used mobile marketing at political rallies you capture opt-in text messaging numbers. He would hold up his mobile phone and ask everyone to text a specific number to sign-up for campaign updates. That is just one of many emerging mobile marketing concepts engaging consumers:

* Sports networks are using it to update you on your favorite team

* T-shirt and bumper stickers are displaying text codes for promos

* Realtors are using it on For Sale Signs

* Cable news networks are using it to take real-time surveys and polls

Getting in the mobile marketing game is critical to your business, regardless of the size.

Click here to read more

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How to Get Your Book Reviewed on Blogs, by Denise Willms

2010-03-01T07:48:08Z

Book reviews are an easy and effective way to promote your book. People like hearing about new books and what others think of them. You've probably seen book reviews published in your local newspaper or in your favorite magazines. You may even have seen them on T.V. during news or talk shows.

Those are all good places to have your book reviewed, of course. But newspaper columnists, magazine writers and television hosts simply don't have time to review every book that comes their way. And as popular as they are, their audience may not be the ideal audience for your book.

If you want to reach a lot of people with your book very quickly, try having your book reviewed on blogs that are popular with your target market.

Click here to read more

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16 Sweet Reasons Talk Radio Is a Great Way to Promote a Book, Product, or Message, by Scott Lorenz

2010-03-01T07:46:55Z

Radio is one of the most effective marketing tools for those who want to reach both mass-market and targeted audiences. Talk radio is even more effective but often less appreciated by those with a message to sell to American consumers. Morning and afternoon radio talk shows are tuned in most by persons driving to and from work - persons not only with money but with money to spend. Talk radio is one of the tools I frequently rely upon to help my clients promote their books, advance their causes, or gain recognition. Initially my clients aren't sold on talk radio marketing because they have their eyes on the Oprah Show or USA Today. But there are several good reasons to consider talk radio. Consider these sweet 16:

1. Talk radio prime targets are professionals from 35 to 60 years old and Baby Boomers just hitting retirement. Professionals listen to talk shows during work and commuting time, while boomers spend a great deal of their free time listening to news and talk shows midday.

2. To target professionals, choose morning drive time talk shows that air from 6-8am with 7:30am being peak, and then the afternoon drive time from 4-6pm. Drive time is the best time to reach professionals and people with jobs and money to spend.

Click here to read more

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Four Tips for Marketing Your Book on Facebook, by Melinda Copp

2010-03-01T07:46:42Z

Millions of people visit Facebook every day, making it one of the best viral marketing opportunities for authors online. It's easy to set up and maintain pages specifically for your book, you can find lots of traffic for your blog or web site, and it's free, at least for now. (I've heard they're thinking about charging.) Plus, Facebook pages get ranked in search engine results, making it an ideal tool to add to your book marketing strategy. Consider the following tips to establish your book's Facebook presence.

1. Complete Your Profile Page

If you already have a personal profile on Facebook, you can create a fan page just for your book. (If you don't already have a profile, you'll need to create one to get the page.) Why the fan page? Facebook limits the number of friends you can have to 5,000. But you can have an unlimited number of fans. Plus, you can use an image of your book cover, write a blurb about the book, track visitors, and add other features that you might not want to do on a personal profile. You can extra tabs and add testimonials from readers, links to sales pages on Amazon and other online bookstores, and even offer your fans a free downloadable sample of your book. Make sure you take advantage of everything the fan page has to offer.

2. Get Fans

Once your fan page is set up, you need to get fans. Unlike the personal profile page, you can't just search for people and ask them to become your fan. But you can ask your friends from your personal page to become a fan and ask them to help you get the word out by suggesting their friends become fans as well. You'll also want to promote your fan page as much as possible, adding a link to your e-mail signature, putting a badge on your blog and web site, and placing a link on all your book-marketing pieces. One other way to get fans is with Facebook ads. These are the small ads that show up on the right-hand side of the site, and although they aren't free, you only have to pay when someone clicks.

3. Use Your Fan Page to Promote Book Signings, Readings, and Events

Facebook can help you find fans across the globe, but it's also a great way to promote book signings, readings, speaking engagements, and any other events that you're holding in your local area. Within your fan page administration panel, you can create events and invite all your fans. Then when they reply that they're attending, all their friends will see it, which means viral exposure for your events.

4. Start Conversations

The beauty of social media is the ability to interact, and Facebook is no different. It makes you more accessible and allows your readers to connect with you on a personal level. So in addition to promoting your book and events, start conversations, show your readers what you're really like, and give them information that interests them. And make sure you respond to comments and wall posts from fans. They'll love hearing from you just as much as you'll love hearing from them.

Facebook is a powerful marketing tool for authors, and it's a lot of fun. So if you haven't already, give it a try. Put up a page for your book, and start attracting readers!

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Melinda Copp helps aspiring self-help, business, and nonfiction authors write and publish books that establish expertise, attract clients and opportunities, and share their message in a compelling way. Visit http://www.writerssherpaprograms.com/writeabook.html for a free copy of her Write Your Book Quick-Start Mini E-course.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melinda_Copp

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