Independents Books

Should you be planning to visit London with a specific interest in accumulating an unbelievably detailed history of London, English and the British Empire, this book with its accompanying CDs is for you. It is also a must for teachers and students dedicated to learning about the historical events and personalities that molded what is today's London, the center of once Britain's Empire.

The book and its two CDs become a virtual tutor of history that brings to life the people and places of England. For the tourist, when in the presence of London's famous places, buildings, churches and statues, the author cloaks each in a history lesson by itself. Similar to the recordings and headsets that one uses when touring an art museum, if and when visiting London's sites, one will require a portable CD player. Of course, a tandem headset is essential when traveling with another person. If one is not actually visiting London, the book by itself or the playing of the CDs at home or in one's car, will provide a wealth of knowledge and information about London, the city that Dr. Johnson once commented, "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life."

Unfortunately, the artisans commissioned to build, sculpture, paint or create London's monuments to persons or events over the centuries also were inadvertently inconsiderate by not placing this extensive and priceless collection of artifacts in chronological order. For example, when visiting the area of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and The Houses of Parliament, one has to accept a mosaic of chronological confusion that spans more than a two thousand year period from the Romans to Elizabeth II. Mr. Wayne has done a brilliant job of research in that his book and CDs provide a cornucopia of historical facts on everything and everyone from pre-Boadicea to post-Winston Churchill.

Even when visiting the more famous tourist attractions such as Piccadilly Circus for example, Mr. Wayne will explain that the most photographed statue in London, the statue of the Greek god of carnal love, Eros, in the center of the fountain in Piccadilly Circus, was actually intended to be the statue of the Angel of Christian Mercy to honor the Seventh Earl of Shaftsbury. (Although I personally lived in London for almost eleven years and studied British history, this anecdotal fact somehow escaped me until now, thanks to Mr. Wayne.)

The reader, or listener, will also become familiar with the works of Christopher Wren after the great fire of 1666, his architecture of St. Paul's Cathedral and another fifty-two churches he designed in Greater London.

This book and accompanying CDs are virtually a college course in the history of almost everything one can see while touring London. It is NOT simply a tourist's guide to London or a collection of interesting observations but a highly researched and magnificently delivered history to an inquiring mind. For those with an insatiable thirst for learning about British history, Mr. Wayne's book has my unqualified recommendation.

Royal London In Context is a unique book/CD set. Robert S. Wayne, also the author of Venice in Context, knows all the secrets and introduces you to historically significant locations, complete with historical facts.

Joel Godard is the perfect guide and he narrates the entire journey. He "literally" guides you through London in a step-by-step fashion. I just listened to this for the first time and I feel like I've been in London exploring Westminster Abbey and peering through the gates of Buckingham Palace. I started to feel homesick for comforting foods like fish and chips with vinegar and meat pies. When I was there as a teenager, London was fascinating, but no one was there to tell me what I was viewing.

Tour One: Westminster Bridge, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and Winston Churchill's statue - interesting information about why pigeons don't like landing on his statue.

Tour Two: Westminster Hall, Oliver Cromwell, Richard I, Old Palace yard, Victoria Tower and Gardens, Emmeline Pankhurst

Tour Three: George V, Henry VIII Chapel, Chapter House, Jewel Tower

Tour Four: St. Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey

Tour Five: Westminster Abbey, Broad Sanctuary

Tour Six: Cabinet War Rooms, Robert Clive, Cenotaph, 10 Downing Street

Tour Seven: Horse Guards Parade, Banqueting House, Great Scotland Yard, Old Admiralty

Tour Eight: Charles I, Trafalgar Square, Nelson's Column, George IV, Church of St. Martin-in-the-fields

Tour Nine: Piccadilly Circus, Eros, Church of St. James's, Jermyn Street, Fortnum & Mason, Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington Arcade

Tour Ten: Ste. James's Street, St. James's Palace, Pall Mall, Queen's Chapel, Queen Alexandra Memorial, Friary Court

Tour Eleven: St. James's Park

Tour Twelve: Buckingham Palace, Queen Victoria Monument

On the inside front cover there is a map of the tour area. In the back cover, there is a clear envelope for the CDs. So, you could take this book with you and carry it around while you are on the tour. The pictures help you locate various historic monuments and buildings. The tours only take up a third of the book. The rest of the book is dedicated to history, royal palaces and fortresses and getting around London (on foot or with public transportation like the Tube).

If you want to take a sightseeing bus, that is always an option. There are ideas about taking a river cruise or information on why you should stop in and see St. Margaret's Church and not just head straight to the Westminster Abbey.

While this is a book for the Independent Traveler, I don't see why you couldn't buy two or more and take a walking tour with friends and family. You can then listen to this CD later to recreate your entire London tour. After listening to both CDs, I wish I was going to London with my mom in September. She is going to love this book and she will have an entire month to explore!

Even if you don't plan to leave for London right away, this Book/CD set is perfect for when you are sitting out in the sun or cooking or doing just about anything that involves wishing you were traveling in Europe. Royal London in Context is the perfect gift for friends and family. If you are heading to London, I highly recommend taking this book with you because it is like having your very own personal tour guide.

~The Rebecca Review

What a great idea -- an audio tour of London! The book is engagingly written and beautifully illustrated, and it's full of very practical information (when you exit the Tube station, turn left. . .). If you enjoy audio tours of museums, you'll enjoy this book and CD. They'll turn Royal London into a museum that you can peruse at your leisure.

Full color photographs on almost every page add an enhancing touch of visual splendor to Royal London In Context: The Independent Traveler's Guide To Royal London, a detailed introduction to the pageantry, pomp, and circumstance of British royalty. Featuring an audio CD with 12 audio tours delightful for vacationers and armchair travelers alike, interesting anecdotes of the British royal family, and all one needs to freely explore London at the freedom of one's heart's desire, Royal London In Context is a very highly recommended travel guide. If you are planning a visit to London, then begin planning your itinerary with a careful browse through the pages of Robert Wayne's Royal London In Context.

A number of years ago my parents went to London. What did they want to see? They wanted to see the Queen, the Queen Mother and every place where the royals hang out. Although I have been to London many times, I wasn't much help to them. I don't share their interest in the royal family. And because they don't like tours, they had to sort it out for themselves. As a result, they didn't see much more concerning royal England than the crown jewels and the events outside Buckingham Palace. I've felt guilty ever since for not being more help.

Now, if they had wanted to go at a time when Royal London in Context was available, they would have had a marvelous time!

This book has many fine qualities to recommend it compared to other guides of London. First, the tour information is much more extensive, both in terms of how many tours and how much information is shared about each one. Second, you have an audio CD that you can play as you tour (this is like having a self-paced tour in a museum by using a portable acoustical guide). Third, you have excellent material on the history of the Royal Family which will add helpful information that most people don't know . . . unless they were English history majors in college. Fourth, the book provides much more detail about traveling around than any other travel guide I have seen for the London area. And fifth, buy my no means least, the book is slanted to the royalty. I have seen no other travel guide that makes any attempt in this direction.

How good is this guide? Well, even if you think you're not interested in the Royal Family, it's still a helpful guide that I would recommend to anyone for a first visit to London who's interested in British culture and history. The tours are ones that most visitors to London would love. The many details about what you are seeing in the book and the audio CD can greatly enrich your experience in London. In addition, there are many color photographs in the book so you can see what you will be visiting . . . which will help you choose what you want to focus on.

If you are planning to travel with someone and want to use this guide, I suggest that you take a portable CD player that will let you plug in two headphones. In that way, you can both listen at the same time as you walk about.

Have a jolly good time!

Say hello to Prince Andrew if you happen to bump into him!!

THE SECRETS OF SELF PUBLISHING: A Booklet to Guide You by Therone Shellman is concise information for those who are looking to publish their own book for the first time. Each chapter covers needed information such as the basics of forming your own company, writing your story and finding an editor, distribution, marketing and publicity. He not only tells the writer how to do it, he gives explicit information on the various companies who actually do the work. The companies are listed by name and their internet address is also provided. He gives the pros and cons of generally accepted truths regarding self publishing.

The book is short and to the point. It covers each area that will be important to the self publishing author. It is well-written and gives the pertinent information needed for success. I found the information helpful and any author interested in this subject will also. It is a must read for those just starting out.

Reviewed by Alice Holman
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

(Official Apex Reviews Rating: 4.5 Stars)

It's the proudest moment of your life: after toiling for years and years, there you stand, your completed manuscript in your hand, the very essence of the Great American Novel. Your prose is enrapturing, your characters leap off the page, and your storyline will have readers turning page after page in breathless anticipation of what comes next...there's only one problem, though: how exactly will you go about getting the book into their hands?

Believe it or not, the vast majority of authors find themselves in just such a predicament: they're experts at creating the perfectly engrossing read, but, when it comes to transforming their writings into book format, they're complete novices. Thanks to the continued growth and development of the self-publishing movement, though, the days of clueless ambition on the part of aspiring authors can finally come to an end - but only if they know the right places to look in order to get the help they need.

Enter The Secrets Of Self Publishing: coming in at just over 30 pages, Therone Shellman's detailed guide provides a much-needed starting point for authors seeking to get their writings in print, as well as make them available for widespread consumption. Tackling such topics as networking, distribution, and the all-important task of Guerilla Marketing, Shellman's booklet offers an invaluable peek into the business side of the literary world that cannot be overlooked.

Understandably, Shellman emphasizes the importance of authors investing time & energy in marketing and promoting their works in order for them to reach a more widespread audience; however, he places just as much emphasis on the less sexy - yet undeniably essential - logistical aspect of publishing, including maintaining accurate records, detailed bookkeeping, and conducting thorough research prior to entering into professional relationships with various vendors (i.e. printers, distributors, book stores, etc.). By doing so, Shellman provides authors from all walks of life with a well-balanced, holistic view of the true workings of the publishing industry, granting them the advantage of avoiding the same "rookie mistakes" that countless authors before them have made over the years.

Like Dan Poynter, John Kremer, and Tom & Marilyn Ross before him, in The Secrets Of Self Publishing Therone Shellman has effectively condensed a world's worth of knowledge into a handy, do-it-yourself guide readily available for the benefit of the literary multitudes, and any author serious about publishing and promoting his/her writings would be remiss not to take advantage of his considerable expertise. Highly recommended.

The Secret Of Self Publishing By Therone Shellman is the best book on Self-Publishing I've read so far. This short yet information packed guide gives you a clear understanding of what to do and what not to do based on experience, and we all know experience is the best teacher. The author not only gives you the run down from his perspective, he also provides you with many helpful on-line links and books for you to learn from and make your own discoveries. Selling books is a hustle, but The Secret Of Self Publishing teaches you how to convert that hustle into a legit business and create recognizable capital for yourself and or your organization. I recommend this book to authors and self publishers alike because of it's direct delivery and because it answered many of the questions other books didn't.

Reviewed by Cherri Millard
UrbanBookSource.com

Therone Shellman's The Secrets of Self Publishing is a text every aspiring self publisher must read; every writer should take heed to. The Secrets of Self Publishing is a testimony about how the wacky world of publishing operates. Mr. Shellman covers many topics that have stumped self-publishers as well as freshman authors. From distribution, marketing, and packaging to cover design, ISBN and barcodes among others Therone demystifies the murky how-tos of the publishing industry. Each topic is explained in depth, giving readers both a bird's eye view of what the concept is. For most ideas, such as guerilla marketing, Therone adds in an action plan of sorts to help guide authors and self-publishers through the process of execution. Such advice comes in handy for first time authors/self publishers who often get overwhelmed and discouraged when it comes to knowing where to spend their time and money. With that said this source is invaluable to a first time author and publisher.

The author even went as far as including a true or false questionnaire in the book, in order to test your knowledge on what you have just read along with many outside channels to sell books that reach beyond bookstores, libraries and vendors.

Aside from including a horde of information on the publishing industry, Therone expertly guides you through the steps necessary for forming your own business. The Secrets of Self Publishing offers a one-of-a-kind insider's look-- in a easy to read and understandable format--at what to expect and how to prepare yourself for a career in publishing.

Not only does he talk it, Mr. Shellman walks it. Most industry experts sit around talking about all they know but never make anything of it. But here you have one who poured his knowledge onto paper ultimately making a newcomers (and many seasoned industry insider's) experience in the publishing world less thorny and more productive. I tip my hat off to Therone Shellman.

What did you like best about this book?
Therone wrote the book in easily accessible language; everyone can read this book and learn from it. It not only tells you how to effectively get ahead in the publishing industry, but it shows you as well. Several addresses, phone numbers, websites and emails are at your disposal. He uses examples from his own experiences that failed him that you can use to your advantage, so now instead of asking every author you see for knowledge of the industry; you'll have it all within this book.

What did you dislike about this book?
I thought the book was very informing and was satisfied with the way it was organized and executed.

How can the author improve this book?
Perhaps distinguish whether the tactics are for the traditional way of publishing versus non traditional publishing as well as narrow down some tactics that work explicitly well for the urban/street circuit. Otherwise the book was good as is.

Author/publisher Therone Shellman delivers a guide that covers many aspects of self-publishing as well as practical advice. THE SECRETS OF SELF-PUBLISHING (A BOOKLET TO GUIDE YOU) in plain language describes the process from setting up a company to distribution to marketing and everything in between. I will say, however, that I thought it would be more detailed, that some real "secrets" would be revealed. All in all, THE SECRETS OF SELF-PUBLISHING is a valuable tool for new authors as it's relevant and readable.

Kudos to Therone. I'm glad to see an author willing to share their knowledge with other aspiring authors. So many today simply won't take the time or won't help others out of fear of them succeeding beyond them.


Reviewed by: Lela

This book will show you the basics of publishing, with an emphasis on how to produce the final product. Whether you are self-publishing, or need to communicate intelligently with your publisher, this book will be of great use.

Its strengths are in explaining the editorial, production and design process. It is less strong in explaining marketing. It contains a glossary which is very good, and directions which will help you continue to educate yourself.

The Romans had an expression ----ultum in parvo---much in little.
Hemmerly's slim volume fits that description. A publishing pro first and self-publisher second, she has assembled much useful
information---some of it unique---in {\it Unlocking the Secrets of Publishing}. Topics covered include book packagers, (she is one), forming a publishing company, prepress, printing and binding, CIP etc., BISAC codes, bound galleys, press kits and dealing with reviewers. The appendices are helpful without being overwhelming in length, and include coverage of professional contacts, early reviewers, media contacts in some major markets, and finally a useful glossary that is heavy on printing technology terms.

The book itself is a good advertisement for her work, unlike some
others we have reviewed. And by its utility we are reminded of another compact but extremely useful book, David Li's All by Yourself Self-Publishing which after seven years in print remains one of the truly valuable contributions to the self-publishers bookshelf.

In short Hemmerly has assembled the necessary facts in sufficient
detail without wasting much paper, ink or reader's time. The more we browse in it the higher it ranks on our personal publishing bookshelf.

For any writer considering publishing independently, Sylvia Hemmerly's Unlocking the Secrets of Publishing is not only a simplified guide to independent publishing; it is a friendly introduction to the process.

Books that describe an industry often seem to be written in a secret code that frightens newcomers away, but Sylvia Hemmerly's book invites you in and introduces you to the world of self-publishing in an encouraging way. Her information is well organized and attractively presented. This book is filled with solid basic information and helpful hints.

If you are ready to take the leap and get your work into print, this should be your first guide. If you have a friend or family member who is an aspiring author, this book would be a perfect gift!

In Unlocking The Secrets Of Publishing: Simplified Guide To Independent Publishing, author Sylvia Hemmerly offers the novice writer an informative tour of the complicated world of publishing and along the way explains clearly and definitively how to form a publishing company, as well as how to produce an attractive, marketable book. Hemmerly explains the critical importance of editing, cover and interior designs, how to work with designers, printing and binding, adjusting page counts for pricing purposes, and binding methods. A vitally important section is devoted to reviews -- how to get them and what to do with them once you have them. Indeed what Hemmerly has to say about book promotion, publicity and marketing will prove indispensable for any aspiring small press publisher or self-published author seeking to operate at a profit. Enhanced with appendices of publishing resource contact information, including reviewers and media, it is an invaluable addition to any "how to" reference collection on publishing in today's competitive and rapidly evolving marketplace, Unlocking The Secrets Of Publishing will save money, time, and aggravation for those new to the small press publishing field.

This is a good basic introduction to the exciting world of self-publishing. The author covers forming your publishing company, copyright, prepress, printing and selling. Since she worked in the production department of a large commercial printer, her advice on printing is particularly good.

Sylvia serves as an officer in both writing and publishing organizations and she is a consultant to the publishing industry. She generously shares her experience and wisdom.

The 38 pages of resources and the glossary of terms alone are worth the price of the book.

As a publisher, author of 28 Books, 109 revised editions, six translations and over 500 magazine articles as well as a consultant to the book publishing industry, I recommend this book to both authors and publishers....

In a landscape where the bravado and bluster of busty cartoon pin-ups was the norm, Jay Ryan's work seems downright radical in its understated, yet evocative approach. Jay's talents somehow make me want to see a concert and buy a Caldecott Medal winner in equal measure. A+

The first collection of poster artist Jay Ryan is both a biography and an art celebration: it gathers his works from rock clubs to galleries and arrives not alone but supplemented by essays from other involved in the music, design and poster worlds. Full-color reproductions of his works supplement these insights to create an excellent catalog of screenprint poster genius: a must for any collecting underground poster art.

This book is absolutely essential for all fans of illustration, poster art, and contemporary design. One of the best books you will find on an american poster artist, the layout is top-notch with original drawings for some of Jay's posters next to the finished pieces. Having watched Jay make his work for Ten years, it is great to see such a powerful survey packed into such a beautiful book.

Maybe Narducy of Evanston is kidding, but just to clarify for the kids in New York, Los Angeles, and Berlin--this IS the Jay Ryan based in Chicago, dude. And this book of his posters should grace the collection of any art student or indie music fan...

ps. it would be great if Amazon would fix the typo in the title--it's "Decade," not "Secade."

This book is a wonderful resource, and full of great book report ideas. I like the pages that can be photocopied and distributed to the students. I have already used four of the projects, and found they are really well done.

I am a middle school teacher who was looking for a way to get my English students to even DO a book report. This book was an answer to whatever prayer I had. The diifferent genres helps them figure out WHAT genre of book they are reading and choose accordingly. The rubrics are easy for them to follow and understand and make my grading a breeze.

This book is a timesaver in every way: the ideas are great, the pages to photocopy are well thought out, and the scoring rubrics are very helpful! I'll use this book alot in my fourth grade classroom this year!

This is a wonderful book. It is a great resource for teachers and offers a variety of reproducibles for use in the classroom. I would recommend this book to anyone who actively works in the classroom.

.... "It has seventeen new essays and 37 new book lists added to the second edition mentioned here. Forty six essays describe how individual groups are organized and portray thier strengths, weaknesses, and unique characters. Special-interest groups, groups with professional leaders or sponsors, new groups, and groups that have been meeting for decades are all represented. Readers discover what makes a good group tick, from how to organize meetings, select members and books, and stimulate discussion to turning a flagging group around. More than three dozen reading lists supplied by the groups themselves help to provide insight and inspiration for all who currently belong to a book group or are tempted to start a group of thier own....

From Fall 2000, but Amazon does not carry it yet. Hopefully soon. "It has seventeen new essays and 37 new book lists added to the second edition mentioned here. Forty six essays describe how individual groups are organized and portray thier strengths, weaknesses, and unique characters. Special-interest groups, groups with professional leaders or sponsors, new groups, and groups that have been meeting for decades are all represented. Readers discover what makes a good group tick, from how to organize meetings, select members and books, and stimulate discussion to turning a flagging group around. More than three dozen reading lists supplied by the groups themselves help to provide insight and inspiration for all who currently belong to a book group or are tempted to start a group of thier own. This book replaces 1-55652-246-0" catalog

I was looking for information about starting a book club when I found this book. At first I thought it would be useless because I was looking for guidelines, and this is a collection of essays. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the essays here not only provided the information I was looking for but were enjoyable reading in their own merit. The collection reads like a book of short stories. The compiled book lists are also very helpful.

A Thoughtful Guide to Forming & Enjoying a Stimulating Book Discussion Group with essayss written, often collectively, by members of many & varied groups together with a What To Read section. With a foreword that only Margaret Atwood could write, this collection of quirky, humorous & serious essays gathered from book groups around the country, enchants, entertains & had me plotting how to start a group out of our local library. A really neat read. ................

I have bought & tried several D'Nealian handwriting books with my son and this one is BY FAR the best I've seen! It doesn't just have letters to trace & practice like the other books, it also works on other skills. It starts off by showing pictures of children sitting correctly in their seats, how to hold your paper & pencil, etc. The book provides various exercises to work on good penmanship, including circling letters in a paragraph that are formed incorrectly. Later, they edit their own writing. Since trying this one, I've bought the 2nd grade level book for next year (which introduces cursive gradually) and the K book for my daughter...I wanted to be sure to have them on hand!

This book is wonderful for someone who has not written in D'Nealian before because it does not proceed alphabetically. It builds off of each letter. For example, the letter "d" follows the letter "a" because the motions are almost the same and the child can build the words "add" and "dad" in the second lesson. Very well thought out.

Once I found out what book my son was using in school. I had to purchase for home. Since the teaching of printed letters has changed since I was in school. I figured it was time for me to learn all over myself. So I purchased the Independent practice book/1. This way I was learning as well as my son. I found once I knew how to print, I then could help him a great deal more. Thanx D'Nealian Books

This is an excellent practice book with well-spaced lines, clear starting points, and easy-to-follow samples.

High Doses Of Wisdom, Low Doses Of Advice: A Collection Of Essays About Doing The Right Thing by Marian Chiesa (Director of Behavioral Science at a Residency program for Family Physicians, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), is a fascinating selection of candid essays presenting the author's reflections on the crucial virtues of thoughtfulness and ethics. Filled with honest, sensitive, candid and often humorously conveyed advice for taking other people's feelings into account during day-to-day ethical dilemmas, High Doses of Wisdom, Low Doses of Advice is a solid read and a highly recommended compendium of essays for students of ethics and contemporary values.

Marian Chiesa's High Doses Of Wisdom, Low Doses Of Advice is a fascinating, informative, occasionally inspiring collection of highly readable essays about "doing the right thing". She draws upon her many years of experience as a practicing psychologist to comment on the practical skills that hone one's ability to make consistently better decisions in every aspect of life and relationships. These characteristics, skills, and relationship maintenance necessities include listening, generosity, friendship, ethical actions, commitment to marriage and children, and solitude. High Doses Of Wisdom, Low Doses Of Advice is enthusiastically recommended reading for anyone seeking to improve themselves, their relationships, and the emotional qualities and rewards of their daily life.

Dr. Chiesa's message is clear...follow the golden rule and the world will be a happier place. Her advice on listening is the best in the book, and her quiet wisdom will help anyone looking to change their lives for the better. A must for anyone who avidly reads self-help books looking to improve their relationships.

In "High Doses of Wisdom, Low Doses of Advice" Dr. Chiesa provides a concise series of essays on living an ethical life as well as dealing with some of life's problems in a mature, ethical and positive way. For example, she has an excellent essay on dealing with the death of a child. How would you feel? How can you be truly helpful and understanding if it happens to a friend. Digging deep into the reality of the situation, she offers positive, effective wisdom. How long should it take for the person to recover and get back to a normal life? There are no rules, some may not take but a few months, others may not recover for years, some may not recover at all. The chapter defines how to be a real friend.

Other essay subjects include solitude, friendship, listening, generosity, alcohol, betrayal, psychologists and other mental health providers, etc. Throughout the text her values come shining through - commitment to family and friends as well as responsibility for your behavior.

Strong, effective and yet sensitive reading, it is highly recommended to anyone interested in improving themselves or their relationships with friends and family.

Very good and easy to read. I wish I'd known about this book earlier. I'm going to keep it close at hand.

I got this book from Frank some time ago and still refer to it from time to time. Well worth the money!!!!!!

I have just finished reading your book and I have found it a very interesting read. My only regret is that I did not have a copy four or five years ago, as many of the areas you point out as possible pitfalls, I have already managed to blunder into through trial and error. I have a lot to learn about the music industry and what I have learned has only been from some very costly and time wasting ventures on my behalf. I hope to avoid many of these in the future. As I read through your book my empathy increased and each chapter seemed to echo some of my more bitter disappointments, but I also began to see some of my triumphs stemming from similar ideas that you had proposed, so I know that I am at least heading in the right direction. All in all, a good concise, practical book that I will refer to for further reference. Thank you Frank Fara and Patty Parker.

"How to Open Doors in the Music Industry: The Independant Way" is the best book there is for anyone starting out in the music industry. Whether you are an artist, songwriter or industry person, you will find a wealth of information in this book. Frank Fara & Patty Parker really made an easy to understand publication that you will want to refer back to again & again. This book is a Hit! As a songwriter and artist manager myself, this book really got me going in the right direction by enabling me to understand the market and therefore charting in Europe and the U.S. In my opinion "How to Open Doors in the Music Industry" is a must read and will help you along in your career.

This book is a text book for an upcoming class I am taking. I have read most f it already, and I find it to be VERY informative. I have been in the film industry for almost 10 years now and I am impressed to see how much information is in this manual.

They have pictures of a lot of the forms, contracts and legal documents you will need to get stuff done. You can easily emulate them on Microsoft Word. The only thing that would make this book better would be to include photocopyable versions of these documents.

The producers who wrote this book produced SWINGERS and KISSING JESSICA STEIN. If you haven't seen them recently or ever, I suggest you pick them up as supplemental material.

This was my textbook for a film production class I took at UCLA. It has so much information and is essential for anyone looking to produce their on films. It takes you through every step of the process.

I'd like to thank the authors from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to put their hard won experience into a book. It is chock full of great information and will help so many aspiring filmmakers.

If you are a big fan of the movie Swingers, this book provides some interesting behind the scenes information, including a couple letters that Jon Favreau's grandmother wrote thanking the producers for helping her be a part of the movie. You can use Amazon's "search inside the book" feature to search on the word "swingers" to see what I mean.

One small problem: the videos on the DVD only work with Apple Quicktime. That's no problem for Windows users - you'll need to download it and install it from the Apple website. All the other media players make the videos run at double speed.

Now in an updated and expanded second edition and nicely enhanced with an accompanying CD-ROM, the IFP/Los Angeles Independent Filmmaker's Manual is the collaborative work of independent film producer Eden Wurmfeld and Nicole Shay Laloggia (Professor of Production at the North Carolina School of the Arts). As "user friendly" as it is comprehensive, the Independent Filmmaker's Manual covers every aspect of film production including preparations, the script, financing, breaking down a script for shooting, scheduling, budgeting, pre-production, production, post-production, film festivals, and film distribution. With it's Resource Guide appendix, glossary, and index, the Independent Filmmaker's Manual is a complete and comprehensive "how to" instructional text and a highly recommended addition to film school reference collections and aspiring independent film producer reading lists.