Running Books

7 Steps is the atlas of editorial consulting, flowing with feeling, logic, and clarity. Through experience, the author brings knowledge and understanding of the editorial consulting business to the reader. In addition, the resources inside are abundant and useful.

A compact abundance of candid, practical information and advice. Best of all: encouraging!

Seven Steps... is a must for anyone setting up a freelance business in copyediting, proofreading, or any other publishing-related field. Ms. Frutchey breaks down the elements of freelancing into easy-to-read chapters covering such areas as organizing your home office, setting your fees, marketing your services, finding and retaining clients, and handling your finances. This handy little book is a quick read, yet it offers a solid starting point for launching your business. Once you have read Seven Steps..., you will feel better prepared for the road ahead.

Ms. Frutchey's book is an absolute must for anyone planning on starting (or perhaps just thinking about starting)their own editorial consulting business. She's been through it all before, and is passing along the good, the bad, and the potentially ugly of everything involved. Her book can help anyone navigate more easily through everything from setting up an office to negotiating fees and getting insight on just exactly what the client wants you to do. She has provided an essential timesaver by reporting truthfully on what she's been through, and what you can expect. This book also contains many helpful references and websites for more information, help, and job leads. She's done her homework, and it shows.

Lou Brooks is one of America's foremost designer-illustrators and his work has appeared in nearly every publication in America at one time or another. SKATE CRAZY doesn't contain many of Lou's masterful illustrations, but it does have his wacky, inventive mark on every page. Illustrators and designers across the globe are going to be drooling over Lou's delectable choices. Beautiful old advertisements, postcards, signs and stickers abound in this book--lovingly restored in many cases by Lou's wife, Clare (also a first-class artist).

But it's not only Lou's colleagues who are lucky to have Lou's jam-packed gem available. His fun, informative writing will delight anyone on your gift list. Buy a copy for creaky old grannie--she probably spent time in her youth on roller skates, mesmerized by the drone of the Hammond organ. Get a copy for the couch potato of your choice--it's time to bring back those halcyon days and hit the rinks again. Roll off those extra rolls! Send a copy to your kid at college--a great way to discover a nearly-forgotten, but once very important American pastime.

This is one hell of a buy, as well. It is crammed to the gills with photos and graphics and will inform and delight everyone who is lucky enough to get a copy.

If I could, I'd give this one 10 stars! Congratulations, Louie!

Although this book makes a perfect gift for someone who loves to skate, it's just as good for art students, pop culture buffs, and lovers of quirky, crazy stuff. The infinite variety of roller-skate images is dazzling. "Skate Crazy" belongs on the shelf of every graphic designer. Plus, it's a lot of fun! Some of the old roller-rink photos made me laugh out loud, and the wild assortment of vintage stickers are a joy to look at. I've only been roller skating twice, but I loved this book!

This book is a great compilation of skating memorabilia from the 30s, 40s, and 50s. The book is full of photos, ad illustrations, and postcards, but the best part is the stickers from individual rinks - there are over 400 of them! The restored graphics are amazing, and the vintage style will make anyone nostalgic for this era of skating. Anyone interested in art or graphics should take a look at the way Brooks updates the stickers, because he truly has done a fantastic job.

A tip of the hat to Lou Brooks for making this book such a delight to look at! The subject matter is pretty mundane and in the hands of many other book designers 'Skate Crazy' would just look bland but Mr Brooks knows his stuff. He knows how to select the right photos, handle color panels, overlap graphic images, choose a relevant typeface for headings and all the other little design elements that make each page sparkle and this book has 144 of them in a neat square format.

Although much of the material is similar Brooks has managed to split it into sixteen chapters and write a bit about each subject but the book is essentially visual. The four hundred rink stickers are the main pictorial items and nicely the index in the back is a geographical listing of past rinks across America. Strangely, despite a thorough coverage there are no close-up photos of skates, a page or two from a manufacturer's sales brochure would have been helpful I think.

'Skate Crazy' is a wonderful bit of nostalgia and if you rolled (or danced) around one of the three thousand rinks across the Nation in the Forties or Fifties you'll really enjoy looking at this book. Just super!

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

THE SLEEPING PALACE contains everything that is elegant and perfect in erotic literature.

It's no wonder that this 1997 Masquarade book is being re-printed in 2002 since the author is one of the few modern erotica writers that is able to capure the imagination of the reader as he has us meandering through delicious scenarios in the world or eros ....

The Sleeping Palace is written as three stories. In 'Maison Bizarre' a group of six young and nubile girls are more or less snatched from diiferent parts of Europe to be taken to a mansion of the Madam Maxan. The young girls, not fearing their 'captivity' are taken on a gently journey of erotic and sexual delights. The author's mastery of describing the the architectural beauty of the mansion make the setting very much part of the erotic experience.

In 'Lust Akademie' the second story, we find a school set in the backwoods of Europe for the purpose of providing a 'proper education of young ladies', and, a 'proper' erotic education is certainly provided.

In 'Baden Eros' the reader is treated to the experiences of Van Spinnaan, architect by repute but voyeur by choice. The story describes the sexual awakenings of vistiors to a European healing spa that was newly built over a re-discovered rejuvinating spring. The seeming magical powers of the healing waters loosen more than inhibitions of the visitors while our young Van Spinaan meanders through his voyeur's architectural wonder devouring the sights and sounds of carnal lust ....

As in the book 'The Architecture of Desire' the author displays his own distinct writing style and provides the reader of erotic literature with rich descriptions of the mansions and the gentle but deterimined activities of the followers and practicioners of sappho and bacchus within..... Yummie

This book offers three exquisitely plotted and choreographed tales...Orlando skillfully keeps readers on a pleasure/pain tightrope throughout the book...The result is a Gothic novel, a sexual fairy tale, and a sensual adventure. Very highly recommended, both for fans of his first book, THE ARCHITECTURE OF DESIRE, and new initiates.

The author has created an elegantly sensual universe imbued with an underlying sense of cruelty.

Reading this little book brought back memories of some of the wonderful gaffs that have occurred in public over the last 25 or so years. Some of the featured "speakers" are perennial favorites that misspoke almost every time they opened their mouths, and some are one time wonders. Either way, the people featured here had a severe case of foot-in-mouth disease and suffered the ultimate penalty....banishment from the public eye.

I really enjoyed the book and thought it was a lot of fun for a quick read. Just don't expect a long read or a lot of explanation. Do expect to chuckle!

I love this book, and I'm getting a bunch to give out as Christmas and birthday presents. Highly recommended.

As human beings, we all say things that we regret ever opening our mouths to say in the first place. However, if your job is in the public eye & you have millions reading, hearing or seeing what you say, it goes double to watch your mouth or the fame you worked so hard to build can go down in flames. A SLIP OF THE TONGUE not only shows just how badly loose lips can sink a famous person's ship, but may even make the average reader glad their verbal gaffes are not captured for all to see.

Even I admit I speak before I think sometimes, but reading the anecdotes in A SLIP OF THE TONGUE certainly makes my slip-ups seem tame & merely laughable. I can apologize for speaking wrong & move on. When you are famous, though, apologizing is not enough to save your career, image or self-respect. The public has come to expect something from you, and one little stray remark can turn someone from an ally to an adversary. Reading this book has even made me thankful that I am not a celebrity.

Most of the misspeaks in A SLIP OF THE TONGUE are of the politically incorrect variety that some people may deem examples of political correctness gone berserk, but I rather deem as just failures to practice simple common sense. Naturally, things said by John Rocker, Marge Schott, Trent Lott & Earl Butz (to name just a few) still go down in history as racial insensitivity, ne plus ultra. In the case of the first two, they apologized (how sincere was a matter of debate) for their remarks & got to keep their jobs, at least until their next verbal misstep. The last two seemed to show no remorse for their thoughtlessness (again, sincerity was questionable at best), and fell from grace faster than a stone. In particular, Butz's remark is still jaw-droppingly racist & shortsighted 30 years after it was first uttered, and I will certainly not recount it here (the fact he is from Indiana is enough to make me ashamed to be a Hoosier; in fact, I would like to apologize myself on behalf of Indiana for Butz's "masterpiece" of racial nearsightedness). But it is safe to say that even Butz's fellow Republicans began to disown him overnight.

Even slips of the tongue involving sex are enough to stop a promising career dead in its tracks. A SLIP OF THE TONGUE recounts those still infamous to this day (presidential candidate Gary Hart) & also those the public may have forgotten (CBS golf announcer Ben Wright & U.S. Congressman Martin Hoke). No amount of apologizing could redeem them, and they quickly became professional pariahs overnight. These stories in particular demonstrate the authors' fearlessness in proving just how foolish the speakers were in letting their lips do the thinking for them. Whether or not you like political correctness, you have to admit being sensitive to one's feelings is probably the best way to keep one's job, and yourself away from a sexual harassment suit.

Other stories A SLIP OF THE TONGUE recounts involve misspeaks that were just plain inappropriate, either for the time of their utterance or the situation at hand. Whoopi Goldberg's famously salacious joke about George W. Bush is documented early in the book, and while she may have not suffered permanently for her brashness, one can bet it took a while for the dust to settle in order to make her employable again. To her credit, though, she does make a valid point about being yourself & whoever decides to hire you for an engagement should keep that in mind.

In the foreword, the authors remind us that while sitting presidents like Bush & Reagan may have provided standup comics with years of great material with their gaffes, nothing they said ever cost them an election. However, Michael Dukakis may be an exception, with his legendarily glib, businesslike response to a question posed to him during the 1988 presidential debate. His failure to break down an icy, unsympathetic front literally gave George Bush, Sr. the election with just a few (or as the author points out, much more than that) misguided words.

A SLIP OF THE TONGUE is not afraid to report the facts behind the choice words that meant curtains for a celebrity's career. But the fact the authors are unafraid to irreverently comment on the situation & those involved is what makes this book a fast, entertaining read. After all, this book is in the humor section of your local bookstore for a reason. If there is only one thing lacking, it is that there are many, many more famous tongue slips in history, that A SLIP OF THE TONGUE is a little on the short side. Then again, that is what sequels are for.

Marvel at the fast falls from grace that A SLIP OF THE TONGUE recounts, but if you are not famous, be thankful you can misspeak & atone for it in peace.

"A Slip of The Tongue" is great fun...I'd highly recommend it. The writing is clever and funny, but what really made this book for me were the wonderful caricatures done by Richard Beckerman. Beckerman's playful and beautiful portraits have a richness and quirkiness, which is the perfect compliment to the text. If the stories don't have you laughing out loud, the art work will.

I came out here to find another copy of my favorite tea book to give my friends who helped me host a tea party. I really had no idea of how to have a tea party when I purchased this book several years ago. This book was written so that a novice could pull off a flawless tea party. It gives instructions on what to do at each step -- in idiot proof detail. It gave me the guts to do a tea party in my own style -- a hillbilly tea party! Unfortunately, looking at the cost of the current used and new price, I won't be buying my friend a copy!

This is, by far, my favorite tea book. Every recipe I have tried is simple to make and very good. I have bought copies for all my children because they kept wanting recipes from the book. It is beautifully illustrated.

Read this book in one sitting. Nice introductory book with a great variety of recipes. Interesting without being pretentious. I skim through it several nights a week because it is a nice way to relax.

Tea books come and go, but this is one of the best. M. Dalton King's beautifully illustrated and mouth-wateringly tempting book makes you want to head for the kitchen and put the kettle on to boil (don't forget to pre-heat the tea-pot too)

While I do not have a Cookshack smoker (have a Brinkman), the recipes in this book are wonderful. Love the salmon ones.

This book has recipes for things one might not ordinarily think to smoke, along with some more typical fare. Great addition to any BBQ/smoked food book collection. The company's cookers are the best on the market, and they don't waste your time with weak recipes.

bought this for a friend I like mine so much. you won't be disappointed. some trade secrets for even the seasoned smoker.

I recently bought a smoker for my husband as a father's day gift and could not find any recepies in regular cookbooks. So, after having to choose out of a pretty wide variety at Amazon, I picked this one. Although I prefer cookbooks with pictures, this book is clear, simple, without outrageous ingredients you can't find at any store. The ribs were delicious and we'll be using it again very soon.

Shelley Fredont is the author of five Linda Haggerty Mysteries and also pens romance novels under the name Gemma Bruce. She is involved in many writers groups, including the Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, New Jersey Romance Writers, and the Kiss of Death RWA chapter. She is also past president of the New York/Tri State chapter of Sisters in Crime. She is a Sudoku aficionado, and loves puzzles of all sorts. She hails from Ridgewood, New Jersey.

In this first Katie McDonald mystery we find the heroine, on break from her think-tank, classified, mathematics position in a think tank, arriving in her home town at the behest of her old friend Professor P.T. Avondale. Katie was a "geek" in school, which made for a lonely existence until the Professor took her under his wing. He runs a puzzle museum, and Katie arrives on the scene to find the museum in extreme disrepair and under the threat of repossession by the bank. Katie knows something is amiss, and when she finds the Professor stabbed she enters into a tension-filled relationship with the new Chief of Police:

"'Cut it out, you little termagant. I'm trying to help.'

That voice. She shook her head. She recognized that voice. She stopped struggling. Made herself look up. Chief of Police Brandon Mitchell stood over her. The light from the flashlight turned his features into Boris Karloff. She took a step back. 'Oh.'

'Oh,' he mimicked. He stepped away from her, leaving chill air in the space between them. 'Would you like to tell me what happened and why you felt compelled to clobber me?'"

THE SUDOKU MURDER is an expertly crafted whodunit with heart. Katie is an inspiring heroine, as she grows into her predestined role in life. The sexual tension between her and the Chief has the reader silently screaming, "Oh, for Pete's sake, get a room, will ya?" Shelley Freydont writes with a sense of humor and a brisk plot. Her characterization of Katie's hometown is smack dab on, and the sweetness of the murdered professor permeates the entire novel. We'll look forward to more Katie!

Shelley Glodowski
Senior Reviewer

When I saw sudoku turned into a mystery novel, I had to read about it. And I must say, this book was very good. I really liked the characters and plot. I definitely look forward to reading her next novel which I see in coming soon. Can't wait!

This is a good book for that rainy day when, on vacation, you have nothing to do. A little contrived, but what mysteries aren't. I enjoyed the book.

This well-written mystery grabbed my attention from page one. Katie is reluctantly drawn into a small New England town murder mystery full of intrigue that rings true, believable quirky characters and all. What with the popularity of sudoku, as well as all puzzles, The Puzzle Museum, almost istelf a character in this plot, will make you yearn to visit. The surprising plot twists will keep mystery lovers, as well as sudoku fans reading way into the night. I look forward to the next Katie McDonald mystery.

This book is a homerun!! I wish I would have had a tool like this when I started my business 20 years ago...this hits the mark spot on. It is an easy read and is applicable for those looking to get a head start before they open a business or for many owners looking for a "tune-up" for their operations. I have given the book as a gift to my staff so they can understand what is expected of them and the reason why. Well done Laura!!

Loved this book! Laura Harris hits the nail on the head with Surrender to Win. It's not just a book... it is a training manual for people serious about growing their business in an intelligent way. I came face-to-face with real help, real solutions and in real-time! This book is very thought-provoking and the evidence is found in the margins of my book!
Cover- to- cover Surrender to Win embodied strategic planning and the personal encouragement I needed to relinquish control, empower my team, and flourish! Calling all those who are self-employed... read the book and free yourself from the bondage of "doing" business! I would strongly recommend this book to people who are thinking about starting a business, those who are in business and to those who long to do business in a more intelligent way!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the titles of the chapters, the quotes sprinkled throughout and the chapters were short but full of great ideas. It was a very quick read and the way the book is designed I can go back to it quickly for insight on a particular situation - the summary page at the end of each chapter is great. I highly recommend it for anyone who runs their own business or is considering running their own business.

Laura has nailed it with "Surrender to Win". Whether you are a seasoned pro, just starting a new business, or somewhere in between, this book has dozens and dozens of ideas to start new processes in your business or make improvements to existing ones.

Her format for the book makes this VERY EASY for anyone to not only get great ideas, BUT at the end of each chapter provides thought provoking questions and gives the reader an action plan to run with. Most authors miss this critical point. There are not shortage of great ideas in this world, but without a plan of action for these ideas, that's all they are, great ideas.

Don't miss out on this book, it is a must for every entreprenuer's library. The introduction alone raised the hair on my arms. It was if Laura was in the room reading her book to me, powerful stuff!!!

Bill Gough

If you like sailing and physics this book will make you enjoy on a fourth dimension.

While written some 12 years ago this book is as fresh as a daisy. Some of the topics are still breathtaking in their implications for the future of sailing such as sailing dead downwind faster than the wind.

Already practical yachts have sailed straight into the wind, and it just awaits the technology to acheive this down wind trick.

As well there are straight forward guides as to how to handle a yacht in the real world of racing, as well as sobering discussions on the effects of breaking seas.

All in all it has made me a far more aware sailor with the knowledge to plan for exciting sailing and future fun.

Garrett goes all out in describing the real physics behind sailing. A great book for anyone with a serious need or want to understand the intricacies behind a wonderful sport. The book is very technical, especially in the latter parts. Very well written, and much less overwhelming than Marchaj.

good book for the intermediate and expert in yacht design/construction and yachting who wants to check the knowledge.

Every new endeavor starts somewhere and this book is a great place to start thinking about your organization's first online educational offerings. Author Robin Neidorf combines the basics of good teaching and instructional design with the realities of the online medium. She explores the different types of adult learners (perpetual learner vs. outcome oriented learners) and how to address them. She explores the factors that lead to e-learning success: collaborative community, availability of material that appeals to six different learning types, the ability of the instructor to connect with the students individually, the need for feedback, and more.

If you're going down this path for the first time, this book provides an excellent framework for approaching your project. The author also provides valuable references to online resources.

Highly recommended.

Teach Beyond Your Reach is a terrific resource for everyone who has to deliver knowledge from a distance. True, professional teachers and trainers who need to move their courses online will benefit from Neidorf's systematic approach to developing online instruction as well as her highly engaging and supportive writing style. However, others who find themselves in an unfamiliar teaching role -- for example, non-profits creating courses for their members or librarians delivering online information skills training -- will also appreciate the author's discussion of adult learning styles, her coverage of various distance teaching tools and activities, and her jargon-free presentation. This excellent resource is an easy-to-use, informative, and actionable guide of great value for anyone contemplating teaching at a distance, especially online. I have used it several times for course preparation, and always benefited from Neidorf's practical recommendations.

Training is part of my business, and Teach Beyond Your Reach has been both educational and energizing for me. It is the perfect companion to have at your side when you are making the leap from in-person to distance teaching. The book coaches teachers and trainers on the fundamental concepts and processes behind effective distance instruction, on making a connection when you are not there in the classroom. It is for teachers, not necessarily for techies. Chapter 1 surveys the range of tools and technologies involved, but the focus is on the teaching/learning aspects--adapting core learner-centric teaching skills to the new environment. Aside from the "distance" aspect, the book is useful for tips about communicating with learners no matter what the communication medium. College teachers, professional trainers, and organizations offering continuing education to their constituents could all benefit from this book.

Instructors interested in better meeting student needs through different teaching approaches will welcome TEACH BEYOND YOUR REACH: AN INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE TO DEVELOPING AND RUNNING SUCCESSFUL DISTANCE LEARNING CLASSES, WORKSHOPS, TRAINING SESSIONS AND MORE. Distance learning is one of the fastest-growing learning options in the country, allowing individuals to earn degrees, certifications and gain skills without entering a classroom. TEACH BEYOND YOUR REACH covers the basics of a successful distance learning approach and shares practices and examples from successful teachers. A fine pick for any teacher entering the cyberworld.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch