Services Books

If you're looking to get into the copywriting business, this is one of the books you should read.

I had the good fortune to take a course given by Steve Slaunwhite, and he covers the B2B market quite well. His website is quire well organized, and I brought this book, not knowing he was the same author of the course I took. This book is very practical, and I recommend it, for its down-to-earth approach. Steve made a successful career transition
From being in sales to becoming a top B2B freelance copywriter. He inspired me go plunge into the freelance copywriting world, after being downsized by a major corporation.
Randy Kemp
http://www.randykempcopywriting.com

This is a very well written, entertaining, informative, and helpful account of what it takes to start a freelance copywriting business. Everything from suggestions on how to write different types of marketing copy to advice about how to manage money and run the business is included. This is probably the best single volume on the subject.

Steve Slaunwhite's, "Start & Run a Copywriting Business" is a true work of art, unparalleled by any other book on the subject. Every concern and question one may think of is covered in this book from how much money is needed to start your copywriting business all the way up to handling and managing your business and cash flow to invoicing and acquiring clients. This book far exceeded my expectations! Steve Slaunwhite knows his stuff.

I've read quite a few books on writing over the years, but I have found this to be one of the best I've read yet for freelance copywriting. It's full of great information and he even gives you details on how to complete many different projects. The cd it comes with is also a great benefit. I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested in freelance copywriting or writing. Well worth the money. I was not disappointed on this one, it's a keeper!

Crazyman's Economics

In researching "Crazyman's Economics", I discovered the "dirty secret" of Wall Street that they rely on the fees and hidden costs as Loeper so thoroughly describes in "Stop the 401(k) Rip-off!." To Wall Street's brokerage houses, it doesn't matter if your 401(k) makes money or loses money, the fact is that as long as you have your money circulating, Wall St. makes money.

Loeper is correct that you need to take a greater look at your 401(k). Where I disagree with his book is that no matter how much you work to take the fees out, the problem is that the entire system is a giant con game. I would recommend that people take money out of their 401(k) and then they won't have to worry about hidden fees.

But Loeper's book is necessary reading to get a discussion started in this country about the role of Wall Street and the need for accountability for those who hold trillions of dollars of our money.

What is the best way to "stop" the "rip-off?" One way is to find an alternative to the 401 itself. Perhaps "Stop the 401K rip-off" by David Loeper is garnering some deserved sales recently. Possibly because the financial markets are in a cyclical slump, and many Baby Boomer 401K holders are getting out their calculators. This book should lead some (not all) to question whether they should have the 401K plan at all to begin with. We know the tax benefits, but there are limitations of investment options, age restrictions, and hidden expenses (fees) that erode a worker's earnings over decades and limit allocation options.

The 401K is one piece among many investments in the retirement puzzle. This puzzle is shrinking, and retirement will be an illusion for tens of millions that will rely on the balance of the 401. Of course, the old adage of "diversification" is needed but some people are using other vehicles in their attempts attain critical mass or sufficient funds for living expenses in the latter years. And, what percentage of the 401K will be used for medical care? Pharmaceutical (medicine) costs? More than many think.

Yes, there is employer matching for some, but 401K plans are dishonest and limited. Some feel even more secure investing into the S & P 500 Index funds that are non-tax deferred.

The 401K plan has been intentionally engineered to steal from and cheat the worker. Congress has allowed this to happen. The lack of knowledge and ignorance has been engineered as well. The more ignorant workers with 401Ks are, the easier it is to profit via hidden fees.

Loeper tells us how to "stop the 401K rip-off." The gravy train of hidden expense theft is the foundation of the plan. The only way to stop the institutional and legally thievery is to stay in your plan and know *everything* about your plan, or to dump it and use alternatives. This is a good point with specifics.

2 key assets to this book. Exposing it and then advising on how to take actions. Loeper explains the "whats" of the 401 and also the "hows" of trying to reduce fees, fee disclosure, and offers points on getting in and out of these plans in the most optimum way. This book is necessary, but why should it be? Because of the systematic plan to separate as much of an American worker's money from him or her as possible.

"Stop the 401K rip-off" by David Loeper ought to be handed out by HR departments across the country when employees enroll in their 401K plans.

Dave Loeper exposes the dark, hidden and arguably unscrupulous (yet legal) ways 401k participants have been (and continue to be) robbed. More significantly he gives you the knowledge to fix this injustice. Read this book and act on it or prepare to cry about it during your retirement or lack thereof.
From my experience as a retirement plan consultant, investment advisor and independent fiduciary; it is a sad commentary that almost every employer I meet isn't even aware of the basic retirement plan issues (let alone the remedies) highlighted in this book.
After reading this book you will know more than your employer about your broken 401k plan, more importantly, you will have the blueprints to help them fix it.

What an incredible book! So many people invest in retirement programs. So many companies offer these programs. Sadly, very few people or companies negotiate well or know where to start. I found this book very helpful and a special discovery to the process of reviewing a company's retirement plan.

My name is Matthew Hutcheson. I'm an independent pension fiduciary, and have studied retirement plan economics for over fifteen years. Every American worker with a 401(k) (or a 403(b)/457 for that matter) should put this book on the top of their reading list. The information contained in this book could be worth many thousands of extra retirement dollars to you down the road. Mr. Loeper should be congratulated on one of the most important and practical retirement books of the decade.

This book has been very inspiring and influential in my life. It's challenged me to take seriously the commands and teachings of scripture regarding the poor. I highly recommend this book for all Christian believers and exhort them to take seriously what it says.

We live in a culture of superstars, heroes, and saints - that one charismatic person that "changed everything". True to John Hayes' heart for communities of faith and compassion to "get down from their donkey's" to attend to the poor by the side of the road, Submerge is really a mosaic of stories, masterfully told, of Christians who've taken that step of faith to love the poor and marginalized.

This book will rock your views on the poor and ministry to and among them. Do not take lightly! Be prepared to change your heart....if this is your heart, be encouraged that others have the same desires.

Everyone who writes a check to a charity needs to read this. Everyone who lives an insulated middle class life needs to read this. And everyone who claims a faith in a supreme being needs to read this. All of us can reassess where we are, what we have, and what we want with the measure described in this work. As we sleepwalk through our privileged lives, we suffer our tragedies, and enjoy our triumphs, but they seem so insipid when we compare them to the experiences of the workers of InnerChange. This is not a finger-pointing call for self-hatred, but a impassioned plea to step outside our comfort zones.

This is not just a book for someone considering urban ministry, or ministry to the poor. It is a book for any and every Christian.

At a minimum this is a perspective book -- a mirror to hold up to your face and show the ease in which most of us in the west follow Jesus (and rarely have anything to say about how he has "shown up" in miraculous ways) and then just listen to what the Holy Spirit might say to you. This book will inspire and challenge you to examine how faith in Jesus is to be lived out by all whom He calls to follow Him.

I finished Sub-merge and immediately gave it to a woman I was talking to at the Starbucks where I was reading it. I am now ordering another copy to replace it.

Mr. Sebastian shows amazing savvy and passion for improving brands and people. The book is an excellent tool for coaching professionals in transition (which I have done for quite some time). It is clear , concise and a no nonsense approach to optimizing situations with clients and or prospective business partners/employers. Many of the techniques are applicable to a number of life situations that absolutely make it a "WIN - WIN" for all. I've personally seen him do a presentation about it to Univ. of Cincinnati marketing students and his passion to teach and thoroughly mentor people is incredible. The group was totally engaged and enthralled with his professionalism and the knowledge shared through great book chapter examples! I've personally recommended it to libraries and other renowned university business schools. It is also a very cost effective product as well and it is my understanding the proceeds go to charity. As an engineer with a multitude of MBA classes/MS degree it gives me a unique perspective for truly appreciating the broader spectrum of applications for the book.

Tell Your Clients Where to Go! is an invaluable resource for individuals that want to improve their relationships with their clients. Todd Sebastian lays out his practical advice in a way that is understandable, but more importantly, actionable. His approach to the topic of client leadership is insightful and he drives his key points home with real-life examples that are easily transferrable to any client-facing role. This is an excellent read for those new in their role and refreshing for those more advanced in their career.

Leadership on Paper! Years ago, I took a course at P&G called "Leadership on Paper", which changed the way I approached writing and produced dramatically different results. Now, Todd Sebastian's book, "Tell Your Clients Where to Go!" has changed my view of what clients really want. And it's NOT service!

Designers, art directors and creative directors will also benefit by reading Todd Sebastian's "Tell Your Clients Where To Go". Fully understanding your client's needs, wants, goals and challenges is the key to producing great creative. Being able to produce beautiful designs or develop intriguing copy is one thing...being a partner with your client, knowing how to sell your ideas and contributing strategically is what will catapolt your career. This is a "must read" for any creative team.

I am a marketing veteran, and I can tell you, if P&G is your client and you want to be viewed as top account talent, just follow Sebastian's advice to the letter! There is no doubt the same would be true with any client.

This is a thorough and systematic review of the important traits that will lead to fully meeting and exceeding client expectations.

When you read this book, it surprise you. The robe that witch left. There is odd things going on in the book, you have to read whole book. beginning is bad until end is good. it is filled with surprise in end.

I read this book when I was young, and it is probably the one I remembered the most. I had my 11 year old son read it years later in 2000, and he enjoyed it! Said it was a little girly, but liked the adventure!!

I got this book in school from the Scholastic Book Club back in the 70's. I enjoyed reading this book so much - and I was never fond of reading. It was a fun, exciting story. This book is one of a few things I actually saved and hung on to all these years. I gave my book to my 10 year old daughter (who LOVES to read) the other day. She thought it was amazing that I still had it. She just finished the book and truly enjoyed it. She told me all about it and how exciting it was.... though she wants to know if there is a "sequel" to it...... is there ?????

I bought this through the Scholastic Book program in school and read this book when I was 9 or 10 in the 70s. It was the first book I really remember enjoying so passionately and reading several times. I loved it so much and searched high and low to find the title to be able to give it to my daughter this Christmas. Ruth Chew creates a wonderful adventure that fill you with anticipation and excitement.

I'm amazed how often the story from this book comes to mind . . . decades after I last read it! It is such a wonderful tale of adventure and friendship and discovery. And I have always been one who easily misplaces things . . . and I'm always wishing I had that little box I could go to and find my lost keys, etc.! And I have told so many people in my life about that little box and how I wish I had one. I also think about the boots, and the gloves. I wish they would reprint this book so I could share the story with my children (other than just from memory) and give it to all of my nieces and nephews!

A truely amazing book. I found the illistrations easy to understand and the dialogue easy to read. A must for the body therapist

Tons of info. Takes a few extra minutes to process it all but worth the extra time for the added perspective.

I've had this book for a few years, and always take it with me when I go on retreat, and am still trying to absorb... though I've read and re-read the earlier chapters numerous times. I'm a yoga teacher and dietitian, so am fascinated by the science of movement at deeper levels and it's certainly here! Bless you, TM for your focus and perseverance to communicate at the level you do. Inspiring.

A must for any soft tissue therapist. This completes an understanding of how the body is affected by a series muscles.

A huge topic with tons of minutia that is broken down in an easy reading format. I really liked the way the book is set up. Great way to look at the body as a whole and to start thinking about alternative and complimentary modes of treatment up the kinetic chain that you may not think about before reading this book.

I bought this book for one story but it turned out all of the stories were great.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings always makes me cry. The other reviews of this book here describe it so eloquently and throughly that I don't feel the need to add to that aspect. The book has a strong emotional pull that made me cry and made long to go to Cross Creek and see it for myself. Rawlings is one of my all-time favorite writers, ever since my seventh-grade teacher read the newly published book The Yearling to her class, a chapter or two each day after lunch.

Wonderful view of an isolated place in FL (near Gainesville) circa 1930 written by a brave, independent woman.

Cross Creek is a series of entertaining if perhaps embellished anecdotes relating to Florida in the years preceding World War II told from the perspective of a educated emigré from the North. Some of the language, which was typical of the times, would no longer be considered politically correct and might be offensive to some. The book, however is totally delightful and gives some insight into life in rural Florida at the time. An excellent companion read is Tom Glisson's The Creek, which gives a native's view of the same time and area. Both books are a must read if you live or are interested in North Central FL.

Rawlings explores the lives and interations of the odd assortment of people living in Cross Creek, Florida in the early 1900s. It is often assigned reading for teens, but I doubt that most of them can appreciate it. Her accounts of neighbors feuding and subsistance living gives us many lessons in human behavior.
The lyrical descriptions of wildlife and the orange groves and wild landscape are very appealing. Your mouth waters as you read her essays on downhome foods like hush puppies. She turned those into a cookbook which I'll have to try out.
Modern readers squirm uncomfortably at her use of the N----- word and her characterization of blacks as irresponsible, drunken, immoral, etc. It is probably a faithful representation of common thinking at the time it was written, so recognize it as a snapshot of the times. Then move past that to luxuriate in the beautiful passages in the book. (I deducted 1 star for this)
The reader becomes absorbed in Rawlings' love of the land and the creation of a home. It gives much the same feelings as A Year in Provence or Under a Tuscan Sun.

This is an exhaustive account of the role of intelligence leading to the eventual success of the Normandy invasion which opened the last chapter of the Third Reich. It is a dramatic story, with a wealth of plots and counter plots featuring the most guarded secret of the war: Ultra, the machine which solved the Nazi's codes .
It is also an excellent account of the most massive invasion in history, complete with all of the attendant peculiarities of the key participants. Although exhaustive in content, its interest never flags, for it deals with the "make or break" nature of D Day. Highly recommended.

An accumulation of some of the most stimulating and exhaustively-researched details on the intel and counter-intel during WWII, particualrly surrounding D-Day. Truly amazing events chronicled extremely well; even after these many years since the book was first published, Cove-Brown's work stands out.

"Bodyguard Of Lies" is one of the most compelling and important reads out there. Lovers of Clancy novels should put them away for a year and concentrate on some of the most real bizarre, yet important, machinations of espionage and counter-espionage ever created and implemented. What gives this phenomenal work its incredible allure is the knowledge that these creations of historical intelligence import occored only a little more than a half-decade ago. The book takes its title from Winston Churchill's remark regarding the crucial role of good intelligence, where he stated, "In war-time, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies." Using for his research information that had only been de-classified the previous year (1975), Anthony Cave Brown takes us through the minefield that was "Ultra", the Allies means of reading the secret ciphers of the Third Reich. "Ultra" was of such devastating importance that the entire city of Coventry was sacrificed in order to keep secret the fact that the Allies had, early on in the war, broken the German "Enigma" ciphers. This top secret cipher would time and time again put vital information directly into the hands of the Allies. It is safe to say that "Ultra" may have been the difference between victory and defeat. Brown also details what can only be referred to as the most convoluted espionage and counter-espionage schemes that only the minds of men at war for the highest stakes ever perceived could conceive of. In one instance, a false 'cadaver' was planted in an apparant shipwreck, replete with false identity papers, false obituary, false love letters, fake funeral, and, more importantly, false maps and information intended to persuade the enemy that they had stumbled upon ACTUAL information, and act accordingly. Brown relates other tales - some quite unsavory on both sides - for instance, Allied baiting of French resistance in order to convince the enemy of the plausibility of invasion (or non-invasion, as the case warrented) at a given place or time. Agents were sometimes dropped into situations where their 'handlers' knew that cover had been blown or compromised...all done to keep a certain game afloat or a certain secret intact. Perhaps the most interesting revelations, for me, in the book came from the 'dangling' of certain German Generals and Intelligence officials who were not simply sympathetic to the Allies, but in many cases actually working against Hitler and taking incredible, traitorous risks to help defeat him (the Schwarze Kapelle, or, in English, the Black Orchestra). Abwehr head Wilhelm Canaris is studied in depth, and his behavior, not to mention his persona alone may be one of the deepest level secrets of the Second World War. Churchill is again quoted at the start of the section on 'Special Means', "In the high ranges of Secret Service work the actual facts in many cases were in every respect equal to the most fantastic inventions of romance and melodrama. Tangle within tangle, plot and counter-plot, ruse and treachery, cross and double-cross, true agent, false agent, double agent...were interwoven in many a texture so intricate as to be incredible and yet true. The Chief and the High Officers of the Secret Service revelled in these subterranean labyrinths, and pursued their task with cold and silent passion." This book will leave you relieved that men like Churchill, Sir Stewart Menzies, Alan Turing and the like were on the side of the Allies. The book may also leave some disturbed concerning what deep levels of intregue - double, triple, even quadruple-cross - can be invoked when men, and women, are convinced that they are fighting on the side of right against what they are sure is the side of wrong.

The new and warranted reinterest in World War II, and D-Day specifically has given this book new life. What I am wondering is whether or not the content has been changed, Not an easy read back in 1975 when Anthony Cave Brown first slogged through the newly declassified material which help to make this book fascinating, I am tempted to wager that some things have been re-written. Only a guess of course. This could also be a good thing, as in the case of Pearl Harbor, where after 1995 declassification documents were used to prove ("Day Of Deceit by Mr. Stinnett) that the attack was not, in fact, a complete suprise. Seeing that the original was out-of-print I suppose that this is a welcome development to have a new edition, retitled or no. 30 years is a good long time - and perhaps more information is included while staying true to the "old" edition.

This is an extremely detailed book on Allied (mainly British) deception operations during World War II. While it was written in 1976 it still hold up well, though some new information on the role of GCHQ and signals intelligence has been released since 1976. I am still amazed at the scope of operations the British ran during World War II. A very well written book, though it is by know means a quick read. It took me almost a month to get through it. If you are keenly interested in intelligence operations try to track down this book.

Bridge Called hope was a great read, filled with inspiring, uplifting and triumphant stories that really help define the important things in life, that we should all be striving for. The emergance of Hope..

Kim Meeder is a great person. I've met her while attending a women's retreat here in Oregon. I have both books signed and she was giving them away. Both her husband and her have big hearts. They have a great ranch in Bend, OR. I have never been there, but I do plan on visiting with them, they only live 100 miles away. My horse will be 26 this year, and she's doing fine, but I've told Kim that when it's time to retire her, that she gets her. She's not a kids horse yet. But she loves attention.

I believe God has a purpose for us all. And to know that I met Kim, it's the greatest thing of all, and to get two of her books. She is a great down to earth person. Normal like the rest of us, lol.

One of the most touching, and powerful books I have ever read. I tend to be drawn to true life stories, especially with a Christian or inspirational message. This book had both.

Even for someone who doesn't love horses, this book is an amazing read, but if you know or love horses, you will understand the power that these beautiful creatures possess.

Kim Meeder presents the real life stories that will touch your heart and soul in ways you might not have realized. I would read every book that she writes, because of her beautiful writing style and her amazing gift and telling a story with a message.

Anyone who enjoys watching someone who is undergoing trials and tribulations, turn their life around and conquer internal battles of pain and anguish, will absolutely love this book.

This collection of stories about how horses and humans can interact will touch the most hard-hearted among us. Not only do the stories relate the astounding human/ horse miracles that can take place, they also follow the author's walk of faith, doing the very things God has called her to do, putting everything on the line at times. For anyone who loves horses, or even those who don't, this book will inspire readers to look differently at animals in general and wonder what further things they can tell us. Reverence for all life should follow. Highly recommended.

Both Kim Meeder's books are wonderful...miraclous in fact! I bought them both and it's probably the best books I have ever purchased!Names of the books are: Hope Rising and Bridge Called Hope. Would recommend them to anyone an d everyone!

­Gammage's vast experience as a newspaper reporter comes through with details facts along with the benefits of his feelings. However, he often seems to be using the writing as a therapy session to deal with some of his issues with adoption (his ghosts), China the USA, and religion. Because of this, the books seemed disjointed; a difficult style of story-telling to follow.

Jeff Gammage speaks of his newly adopted daughters with an honest clarity and loyal devotion. Refreshing and insighful testimony from a father's perspective on falling in love with parenthood. With extensive research and historical facts on Chinese history and culture throughout the book, it is a must read for every new parent waiting to adopt from China! As a mother to 7 children, 5 through foreign adoption, and an adoption website owner, and moderator of a military adoption support group, I found Jeff Gammage's book to be a light of hope and truth for the orphan child.
Barbara Burke
www.adoptionfamily.org

I am in the process of adopting a child from China and this book touched my every emotion...happiness, sadness, anger, and frustration. Jeff was able to capture all facets of the human emotion and provided poignant points and truth to an adoption journey. I didn't want to put the book down and found myself thinking about even when I wasn't reading it. Jeff's words permanently pressed against my mind, heart and soul. Jeff wrote with such compelling imagery that I felt like I was on the journey with them. This book is remarkable and I would recommended it to anyone.

From the first chapter I felt as though I was with The Gammage family on their journey. I myslef am an adoptive parent of a darling little girl from Chongqing and have been home 9 months. It brought back vivid memories and feelings I had gone through on our trip. I was smiling and crying all the way through the book. This is a must read for anyone who is thinking about or who has adopted a child. Jeff Gamage captured the feeling and emotions that all of us experience on our journey to parenthood. Bravo!

As a father of an adopted daughter from China, I was looking forward to the author's views on his experience. The book does contain some keen observations, and a few interesting and emotional perspectives, but overall I felt the tone too cynical. Too often his expressions of the incredible love and joy of fatherhood were overshadowed by his pessimistic views on Chinese culture and government, his critical assessment of an individual's motives, and his personal insecurities. Perhaps his newspaper journalism background contributes to this distrustful viewpoint, but it detracts from enjoyment of the book.
As the author himself writes, his wife and daughter look to the bright sunny days of tomorrow, whereas he has a tendency to dwell on the dark days of the past. That accurately sums up the tone of the book as well.