Independents Books

Doug Florzak's Free Agent Marketing Guide is more than just 100+ marketing tips; its success comes from its combination of concisely-stated, actionable ideas, case studies,and resources.

The case studies bring the ideas to life, the resources point the way to carefully-chosen books and web site resources that can help readers learn more about a particular approach or technique.

At a time of rapid technological change, the Free Agent Marketing Guide provides a needed overview of tools and techniques combined with a one-stop, carefully-compiled "centralized resource" to keep everything straight.

A valuable bonus: the book is impeccably designed and produced. The design isn't "padded" with decorative touches that distract and unnecessarily increase the page count.

I live for checklists and ideas -- and that's what this book has in spades. When I get tired of the same old marketing activities for my business or they're not paying off, this is the book I turn to for a fresh idea to get going again.

Use this book to avoid re-inventing the wheel and pull out some great marketing ideas that will shake things up.

The Free Agent Marketing Guide provided countless resources to start, improve or enhance your marketing and sales effectiveness. The book is filled with short, easy to read, practical strategies to grow your business. Some of it is basic and some more advanced, but no matter where your are in your business cycle, you'll find words of wisdom and value. I bookmarked numerous pages and took advantage of the many of the vendors and websites recommended.

Another excellent book with sound advice by Florzak. His marketing techniques, both traditional and non-traditional, are practical and useful for both start-up and established businesses. The Resource information alone is worth the purchase price. Easy to see how implementing just several of his 100+ marketing ideas can pay off.

In The Free Agent Marketing Guide: 100+ Marketing Tips For Free Agents, Independent Consultants, And Freelancers, Doug Florzak (Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach and Associate Fellow of the Society for Technical Communication) provides 112 marketing tips thematically appropriate for time-stressed and budget-challenged freelance agents. In addition to his own impressive body of professional experience and expertise, Florzak also draws upon scores of resources and interviews with free agents who successfully implemented their own marketing strategies. To put it simply, The Free Agent Marketing can quite justifiably be considered as the "bible" for freelancers, free agents, and independent consultants.

We just recently purchased this book from Amazon.com and it's a wonderful guide for those just beginning the adoption process or those currently involved in adopting internationally. This guide is now currently (October 98) aiding us to expedite our adoption via the comprehensive information and step by step guide to fulfilling all international requirements. A great find!

This book provided an explicit course for the adoption of our children from Russia. We worked with an agency that provided the help we needed for the Russian side of the adoption. We largely guided ourselves, with the aid of this book, through the US/INS international requirements. Following the adoption, the guidance for the readoption procedure in the States, and the procedure for obtaining citizenship for the children was almost the only guidance we could find without paying an attorney. We came across only one discrepancy. The guidance in the book reads to mail all INS-required paperwork to the nearest major INS office (offices listed in an appendix). We learned that the paperwork was to be turned over to our local INS office, and not to a major INS office. Overall, we are AMAZED that such a clearly defined path for international adoption procedures has been laid out by the authors. We did compare this book to other "how to adopt" books and found that this book clearly stands out in its field; the procedures are numbered and examples of what the forms look like are published. To the authors...Thank you!

I had been searching for a book that would spell out all the information I needed to adopt internationlly. This book does the trick! Now, I know where to go, who to contact, and exactly what to expect in the process! I was so thrilled to read this book that I want to pass on my recommendation to anyone who is looking to adopt internationlly. The Erichsen's really know their stuff and show it

"How To" is most appropriate for this useful guide. I discovered this book at the very beginning of our international adoption process and it has been a wonderful guidebook. It is extremely well organized and explains the process and the paperwork required. It provides a lot of information but is not a thick, wordy volume that is intimidating to read. It is a source of information complementary to what my agency provides, and has increased my confidence that things are proceeding as they should. Tips like what kind to expect in a home study and what questions to ask when that important referral call comes makes this book compare to a knowledgeable friend who has been through the process.

As the Adoptive Parents of Vietnam listowner, I recieve questions about the complex process of international adoption on a daily basis. The Erichsen's guide will be a great resource to anyone interested in international adoption. I reviewed this book in detail on our website, but here is a quick synopsis. "How to Adopt Internationally is the best guide now available to the complex and sometimes frustrating experience of the paper chase required for adopting internationally from any country. The Erichson's include a step by step guide to every requirement and procedure, starting with the U.S. required home study and INS's I-600 all the way through post placement and final adoption requirements. For every major step, they include the actual or example forms, along with suggestions for completion. For anyone involved in international adoption (or even contemplating an international adoption), this book will get you started and be a welcome resource through the process. It provides an overview of the reasons and requirements of the international adoption process that is duplicated nowhere else. If your agency is less than helpful with the paperwork requirements, this book will be worth its price many times over."

IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE makes an excellent companion to THE HIDING PLACE and TRAMP FOR THE LORD. After discovering all the stories of Corrie ten Boom from the time she went into a German concentration camp during World War II until her death, her early years had always remained a mystery. And now, IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE tells exactly what happened to Corrie during her first 50 years of life.

Starting out with Corrie's great-grandfather, the book tells the story of how the early events in Corrie's life shaped her and prepared her for prison. Some of these stories will make you smile (Corrie was apparently a little rascal at times), and some will make you want to cry. Corrie's life was an amazing tapestry of love for people and her Savior. From Corrie ten Boom's girl clubs to the great halls of St. Bavo's Cathedral, you'll fall in love with Corrie ten Boom all over again with IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE.

The end of the book brings everything full circle up to the point of THE HIDING PLACE, and then is followed by the Golden Tea Party (you'll have to read to find out about that!). All in all, IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE is another great read from the life of Corrie, but I do recommend reading THE HIDING PLACE first. That book makes this one a little easier to understand.

Check it out!

This quite-amazing book chronicles the half century of Corrie ten Boom's life before being imprisoned for helping to save Jewish people in Holland during World War II. I can't express just how profoundly this book enlightened me to the Christian way people could actually live. I haven't been around many outstanding Christians and the ten Boom family was definitely a Christian family. How blessed I am to know about them!

This book is simple and to the point and beautifully written. It gives the reader the insight of how human Corrie Ten Boom was and yet how much she relied on God for her direction. It is filled with humor and innocence as Corrie recounts her childhood memories, but always making it a point to let the reader know that the main focus is God. The delightful stories will stick in your memory bank. It was a very delightful book which I shall cherish and re-read in years to come.

As someone who voraciously gobbles up the writings of Corrie ten Boom, I have to say that _In My Father's House_ is my favorite. Anyone who has read _The Hiding Place_ , _Tramp for the Lord_, _A Prison and Yet_, or other books relating to Corrie's Nazi concentration camp imprisonment and her resulting ministry should do themselves a favor and savor _In My Father's House_. I am so glad this book is back in print and can now reach a new audience. Corrie discusses how the twists and turns of her childhood, teen years, and pre-imprisonment adulthood all came together to prepare her for her WWII and postwar ministry. She shows the evidence of God moving in her life to prepare her for her upcoming adventures. If you don't think so already, _In My Father's House_ may be what convinces you that there's no such thing as coincidence. The simply written, very basic family story of this book holds some deep implications. It may startle you in a pleasant way.

I particularly recommend this book to parents, especially parents of young children. This book will show how God uses you to raise your child to fulfill God's purpose for his/her life. Corrie writes in a very touching way of how her parents, siblings, and extended family were so responsible for the extraordinary woman she became. This book is a beautiful testimony of how God uses families. It will inspire you to go pick up and cuddle your child while praying fervently. It will also remind you of your need to lean on God and rely on his guidance for this your most important job. _In My Father's House_ is a very powerful book.

I recommend that you buy a copy of this book rather than borrowing it or checking it out from the library. As your glance flits across your bookshelves, perhaps a slight smile will come to your face as you notice the familiar spine peeking out at you. I return to my copy frequently and have repeatedly drawn from it for Sunday School lessons and devotional topics. _In My Father's House_ would be a valuable addition to your book collection.

She writes with the love and forgiveness that became her trademark after suffering terrible things at the hands of the Nazi's during WWII. I never cease to be encouraged, uplifted, and inspired when reading anything that she writes-this book included. Very few could have forgiven their tormentors the way that Tante Corrie did. She did it by the grace of God and her life was all the better for it.

I found this book to be one of the most concise and well written I have come across in my training. There is a tremendous amount of material without any of the filler. I recommend this book to any medical student, non-anesthesia resident or first year anesthesia resident.

I found this book to be one of the most concise and well written I have come across in my training. There is a tremendous amount of material without any of the filler. I recommend this book to any medical student, non-anesthesia resident or first year anesthesia resident.

I thought the book was well organized and covered alot of pertinent subjects and algorithms commonly aked about and seen in everyday anesthesia practice.

Also the fact that the handbook can easily fit into a lab coat pocket makes it a great quick reference while in the hospital.

Although anesthesiology is an enormous subject the pocketbook book fullfills its purpose as a quick
reference. I would recommend it to any fourth year on an anesthesia elective or intern on an anesthesia rotation.

Great review for those who are new to anesthesia (med students and new residents).
Covers the basic in a concise paragraph form.
Covers lots of information, but is well written.

I loved this book! (I wasn't even interested in anesthesia until I read it.) This book can take a student who knows nothing about anesthesia and turn her into a functioning, knowledgable member of an anesthesia team in a matter of days. Read this book (or at least the first few chapters) the weekend before your start your anesthesia rotation, and finish it by the end of the first week. You will be able to answer questions from the attending, and ask even better ones! It is concise, easy to read, and very high-yield. To add to it, it fits in the back pocket of your scrubs.

The word on the street among Harvard Med students is that there are two textbooks that every med student should have and read cover-to-cover: Weinberg "Pulmonology" and Lilly's cardiovascular text. Now that I have discovered this book, I would say that there are three books, and this "Clinical Manual of Anesthesia" is one of them!

"On the Brink" should be on display in the Smithsonian. This book is a National Treasure that will inform people for generations to come on how one man with inestimable integrity; conviction to principle; and unwavering backbone, changed the world and did the impossible: Toppled Communism in eight short years, and launched Freedom and Liberty on a virtueous crusade around the globe. It's all in "On the Brink". This book is a MUST. Winik's years of tireless research has rewarded us with a timeless gem that will go down as one of the best political books of all time. David Monks E-Mail: monksd@nabisco.com

This is a wonderful, to-the-point saga of the years that changed history! It should be a textbook--and the only reason it WON'T be is that it crosses too many agendas!

BTW--why is this book out of print?

"On the Brink" should be on display in the Smithsonian. This book is a National Treasure that will inform people for generations to come on how one man with inestimable integrity; conviction to principle; and unwavering backbone, changed the world and did the impossible: Toppled Communism in eight short years, and launched Freedom and Liberty on a virtueous crusade around the globe. It's all in "On the Brink". This book is a MUST. Winik's years of tireless research has rewarded us with a timeless gem that will go down as one of the best political books of all time. David Monks E-Mail: monksd@nabisco.com

This was a very good book. The pace and detail kept me glued. I was surprised, however, at how little Reagan is mentioned in the book, given the subtitle. One of the other customer reviewers had it wrong, it was not *one* man (Reagan) who ended the cold war. Rather it was a collection of men and women, and this book brings you their stories (with particular emphasis on Richard Perle).

These were historic times, and while the biased official reviewer is correct in stating that few pages are given to the internal failings of the eastern bloc, to suggest that the hard-line stance of the Reagan administration wasn't the primary instrument of the Cold War victory is ludicrous. It was the Reagan administration after all who seized on the USSR's problems and pushed them over the brink.

Fantastic book! It's a real pleasure to see some of the lower level staff/cabinet people given credit for an historic 8 years. Before I read this book, I had no idea who Richard Pearl was and now I understand why the Reagan Presidency was noted for it's "hawkish" pro-defense policies. The best history reading is one that reads like a novel while still able to get across all pertinate points and this book does so overwhelmingly. "On the Brink" doesn't necessarily cover in detail all the policies and activities of the Reagan administration (like Lebanon or Iran-Contra...read Lou Cannon's "Reagan" for this) but those it does cover, it does so in "delicious/readable" prose. Highly recommended!

The fact that everyone uses the web in some way or another, this is a good book to have. I am a computer junkie and this book definitely kept my head afloat. But I highly recommend you read "A Branded World" by Michael Levine. This author really knows what he's talking about. The next time a company hands out memos to its employees, make sure "A Branded World" is on the top of the page!

Bob really knows what he is talking about. He gives a lot of wonderful easy to read tips on how to get your name recognized on the web. He is very clever & witty and fun to read. I recommend you get a copy now.

The Internet offers a lot of "get rich quick" schemes, and advice based on 20th-century advertising techniques. However, what worked in the past century and before the Internet, is not working now. From "Cluetrain" to "Gonzo Marketing," there's ample proof of that.

But, if you're self-employed and/or building your online identity... how do you start? And, if you've been online for awhile but you're somehow missing the boat--or at least your audience--what do you do without a corporate advertising budget and webmaster/advisors to help you?

The answer is simple: You get this book. And read it. I've read Chapter Two at least ten times, and I'm still making notes about what I'm changing on my own website (online since 1995, and boy-oh-boy have I made mistakes! *sigh*).

Baker's books are not for wimps. And, they're not the sitcom version of business, where you spend a few days creating a by-the-numbers clone of others' websites, and then sit back expecting income to flood in like clockwork.

Instead of being a book that you read, say, "Oh, that made some good points," and then put on a shelf to collect dust, this is a book that you'll read, re-read, and keep close to hand. Baker's book is information-packed. There is no way that you'll learn it all in one reading, or even two.

This is easily in the top five books that everyone who is (or wants to be) in business online MUST own. Sure, you can read the sample chapters at Baker's website, or take this book out of the library, but it contains too much important advice for that. And, you'll refer to it often, as well.

Buy this book. Roll up your sleeves and do what he says. It's how to succeed on- and offline, in the 21st century. It's not your parents' business era anymore. Learn the new rules in this book, and give yourself a genuine chance for success.

Baker's information would be cheap at ten times the price; it's already helped me to increase the daily hits at one of my websites from 500/day to over 800/day. And, I'm still on Chapter Three!

I haven't made it past chapter 3 and I have already read a wealth of helpful information on branding your business name and branding tools. The author provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to branding and marketing techniques one can use both online and offline. This book is a must read for first-time start-ups and entreprenuers.

This is a great book for those of you who want to make a name for yourself on-line. Bob has an abundance of ideas to get you started and to keep you going as you explore the ways to market yourself online. Bob has a very witty and humorous way to keep you interested in what he has to say. I think Mr. Baker is on the cutting edge of where the future of online marketing is headed. I highly recommend this book.

In this engaging book, George Pyle avoids clichéd hand-wringing about the "Crisis of the American Farmer." Instead, he delivers an informative, fascinating farmers'-eye-view account of US agricultural policy within the larger context of economic globalization, the energy crisis, global warming, water pollution, the US obesity epidemic, genetically modified foods and terrorism. Pyle enriches his account with links to slavery, communism, the Dust Bowl, Star Trek and Nobel economist Amartya Sen. Sprightly, direct writing, clear information and convincing analysis, all in 200 pages. Read this book, and you'll to understand where your dinner fits into the Big Picture.

I 'm a city girl and though I was raised in Kansas, I know little about the argricultural market. This book was an eye opener. The author's premise is sound and believe me, it took a lot of convincing on his part to bring me to this point.

Let's stop feeding the poorer nations with our "surpluses."

Since the 1930's when subsidies were provided to farmers that grew program crops (corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, tobacco...), we were told by pretty much every politician running for office that such subsidies were necessary to save the family farm. Finally, somebody has taken the effort to point out that telling this lie for over seventy years hasn't made it true. In fact, if there is any one factor which is working to limit the viability of mid-sized family operations, it is the grain subsidies which encourage overproduction and mismanagement of the land and water resources and has created a producer base whose primary skill is "farming the government" rather than being true stewards of the land.

While I agree with the author's main point, that grain subsidies are putting family operations at a disadvantage relative to the larger "mega-farms", I respectfully disagree with the point that the subsidies are being maintained for the benefit of all agribusiness entities. While major players in the grain market (Cargill, ADM, Continental Grain) have a vested in interest in having a lot of bushels of program crops around which they can handle and thereby tack a fraction of a cent/bushel margin on, I don't think this conspiracy includes the beef packing industry. Rather, this industry just evolved to its present state to operate in the environment which the subsidies created. If such obscene profits were being realized by all agribusiness entities, IBP (Iowa Beef Processors) would not have been boughten up by the poultry industry juggernaut, Tyson Farms and Swift Packing Co. would not be on Smithfield Farms acquisition list. In fact, I think these events provide a certain degree of circumstantial evidence that the grain subsidies provide a comparative advantage to the pork and poultry industries over the beef cattle industry. However, this one slip can easily be dismissed on the basis that the author is an aging baby boomer and raging against the establshment is what boomers do and shouldn't detract from the point that the grain subsidies are causing more problems than they solve.

I've known farmers and always wished them well. However, I never really had a burning passion for their survival. Growing up in Houston didn't exactly make me a "man of the soil".

Yet, after reading George's book, I understand and finally do care about their success. This is a great book for folks who, like myself, don't understand. A side bonus - unlike a textbook, it's fun to read. George brings the issue down to the level of the consumer, then elevates that level to greater understanding. You learn about the health, security, and economic reasons that you care...even if you didn't know you cared.

I had the honor of working with George in Salina. Anyone who knows his body of work has to feel that, whether you agree with him or not, he's an excellent and entertaining writer. He's also a great guy.

Bryant

RAISING LESS CORN, MORE HELL: THE CASE FOR THE INDEPENDENT FARM AND AGAINST INDUSTRIAL FOOD by George Pyle is an eye-opening treatise on the damage that overproduction and overdevelopment of food does to our economy, our health and our ways of life. These wrongs are committed through the industrialization of food that has occured in the United States in the twentieth century, and Pyle makes a convincing case in easy-to-read reportage that outcomes of this process are not good.

Pyle, who is currently an editorial writer for the Salt Lake Tribune, was raised in Kansas and spent several years as editorial page editor at a newspaper in Salina, Kan. He was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 1998, and this book shows his valuable journalistic sensibilities in an issue of great public interest. He is able to clearly (and colloquially) make his case in all the areas he focuses on through thorough citation and primary reporting.

The book (after an interesting prologue titled "Searching for Roots: Or, How I Learned to Start Worrying and Love the Small Farm") is divided into sections with chapters that explore the aspects of "Wealth," "Health" and "Security." "Wealth" deals primarily with the faulty economic assumptions that spur American growers to grow not just crops but their own operations, borrow money for bigger and better machinery, and commoditize themselves right out of a profit. He also deals with the corporate farms and giant cattle and hog farms that are springing up all over the nation. (The farmers make all the investments in facilities and the corporations take none of the risks, but control all the prices. The corporations can also decide not to use a farmer for whatever reason after he or she has made the investments in all the facilities...) This sections lays the groundwork for the fundamental pricing issue of Pyle's thesis: Overproduction drives down prices for American farmers, causes worldwide commodity "dumping" and discourages developing nations from growing their own foods. It's really a "death cycle" of farm economics, but individual farmers feel compelled (and are supported by short-sighted governmental policies) to get as much as possible out of their lands to get bigger profits (or smaller losses) each season, even while this action contributes to driving down real farm wages over time.

The second section, "Health," deals with the consequences of genetic modification of crops and the issues associated with feeding livestock corn and chopped up animal bits, contrary to nature. And there ARE consequences. Some of the consequences are trade related (the EU and other nations won't allow GM crops to be imported, resulting in trade embargoes, political conflict and accusations and aspersions cast on U.S. crop exports) and some are health related (cows should not be fed corn, as when they are, e. coli develop in their intestines... this would be fine if slaughterhouses were clean or careful enough to keep the organs away from the saleable meat, but they aren't... also, mad cow comes from feeding cattle, which are herbivores, bits of other animals, including brains, to fatten them up). Pyle makes such a convinincing case against both these practices, that it has caused me to be more careful in what I purchase and what I eat.

The third part, "Security" focuses on how easily U.S. food production could be terrorized, either by a malicious party or by nature because of its uniformity and its determined ignorance of natural threats and defense. The previous two sections figure in this argument given all that the author has laid out for readers leading up to this penultimate part.

The afterword is particularly instructive. Pyle ties together the themes of his work and focuses the reader on going forward toward something positive. We must find local growers of food, we must allow our food to be a local product, we must be receptive to nature's lessons, and we must seek change in the economic and political climate that encourages our own farmers to drive themselves out of business and our food out of natural confines.

The book is serious, but fun to read, as Pyle's voice is colloquial, strident, but personable. One of my favorite passages, in which he makes an analogy that instructs us on crop rotation, and intermixed crops: "Imagine that you are a discerning, well-cultured, and intelligent person. Imagine that you really like chocolate. But I repeat myself" (p. 187). His headnotes for chapters are diverse, interesting and eclectic, as he quotes communicators from William Shakespeare to William Shatner.

I strongly, strongly recommend this book. It's something we should all be concerned about, and Pyle's treatment of the issue is comprehensive and accessible. It changed my thinking about food, made me more informed as a consumer and a citizen, and I think it will do the same for you!

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....