March 19, 2008

BNET.com is the go-to place for management. I'm proud to see a nice write-up on Release Your Writing on their site:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0SFC/is_2008_Jan/ai_n24217516

January 4, 2008

Midwest Book Review: midwestbookreview.com

Excerpt: Effectively organized into three major sections, 'Release Your Writing' covers contemporary changes in the publishing industry, the self-publishing option, Publish On Demand (POD) companies; and ebooks. 'You, The Word Processor' includes The Time to Write; The Writer's Toolbox; and 'Computer Power Tools'. The third section is devoted to the 'Business of Being a Writer' by focusing on book marketing and promotion, and keeping a book in print and available to the reading public. It should be noted that Helen Gallagher's writing style is conversational and engaging -- making it an ideal format for presenting her observations, ideas, and advice. Enhanced with an appendix listing writing resources, a glossary, and an index, "Release Your Writing" will prove invaluable and instructive reading for aspiring writers who have become published -- either on their own or through an independent publisher.

Monday, December 2, 2007

SPAWN: Small Publishers, Artists, and Writers Network review

by Patricia Fry... yes, it's "the" Patricia Fry:

Excerpt: " This book includes a section on the writing process and offers a lot of tips and techniques related to computer use for writers. Again, this author includes charts, diagrams and examples to help readers understand the concepts and make good choices. She also provides resources to back up her message and where readers can get additional information. The resources appear throughout the book and also in a separate section toward the back of the book. And she includes a couple of chapters on book marketing. I especially found her information on website strategies interesting and useful."  Read full review at SPAWN.org

Monday, October 8, 2007
Get Your Book Into Print: A Review

Computer consultant Helen Gallagher, author of Computer Ease, has written a new book, Release Your Writing: Book Publishing, Your Way (Virtualbookworm, 2007).

She presents a practical, businesslike, common-sense approach for getting your book published, mainly through self-publishing or POD (Print-on-Demand).

Gallagher examines the changing publishing industry, pointing out some interesting facts: "A few companies, just five or six, control over 80 percent of the industry. Most books in bookstores come from those few firms. Only one to two percent of unsolicited submissions are purchased for publication."

What's more, it's usually a long journey of up to two years or more from manuscript to publication for traditionally-published books, and most have to sell at least 1,200 copies for marginal success, over 7,000 to sustain interest. Even then, there's no guarantee of financial success, and most book promotion is still left to the author.

The author points out, "self-publishing is not settling for second best. It's the right choice if your book won't likely capture the attention of a large publisher and you don't want to spend years waiting to see your book in print." Gallagher is writing for a wider audience, but it seems to me that most of my fellow senior writers or would-be writers need to heed her words. "Attract a publisher if you can, but if not, don't wait your life away."

Through her considerable experience both as a writer and as a consultant who helps clients through her firm, Computer Clarity, Helen Gallagher is well qualified to give extensive advice on both word processing techniques and on the business aspects of being a writer. From organizing material to establishing a contact database to promoting your book through a web site or blog, she covers all the bases, and she adds an appendix of writing resources.

For a writer either beginning or just finishing a book, Helen Gallagher's Release Your Writing should prove to be a valuable tool.
This book can be ordered at http://www.releaseyourwriting.com/.
Copyright 2007 by Marlys Marshall Styne

“In the rapidly evolving world of technology-based communications (websites, blogs, print-on-demand, and beyond), Helen Gallagher is a wonderful teacher and guide. She knows what you need to know, and she knows how to explain it. I took her blogging class, which is the only reason I have a blog today.  The obscure was made clear, and fun. I would trust Helen’s expertise in any of the new technologies, and I would recommend her to anyone who needs to know how to take advantage of the digital world’s tools.”

Cynthia Clampitt, author of

Waltzing Australia

“Helen Gallagher's new book Release Your Writing has just stripped you of your last excuse for not writing that book that's inside you and waiting to be released. She has an answer for every question you've ever had about birthing a book into the world and covers every step you need to take it from beginning to end. Helen's grasp of the subject is comprehensive and her style of communicating is friendly, accessible, and inspiring. If you follow the steps that Helen suggests, you can be the author you've always wanted to be. She's one of the best guides out there on the pathway to publishing!”

Jan Phillips, author of

The Art of Original Thinking,

Marry Your Muse