Publishing News

Ghostwriters Find Success With the Wealthy

2010-06-22T14:28:00.000-04:00

Though their names are usually nowhere near the covers of the books they write, ghostwriters are finding acclaim amid the more affluent circles of society as more wealthy clientele seek the prestige that a book can create.

"As wealthy clients look for innovative and lasting ways to build their brands, they're looking more and more to the professional expertise of ghostwriters," says Larry Leichman, co-owner of Arbor Books (www.arborbooks.com), a leading ghostwriting, editing and self-publishing firm.

A global company, Arbor Books has seen a recent increase in business from the affluent. Having a book ghostwritten has become a major trend among business leaders such as Ivanka and Donald Trump, Bill Gates and Warren Buffet.

"A book is the hot item right now," says Joel Hochman, co-owner of Arbor Books. "Ghostwritten books offer tremendous returns on investment for our wealthy clients because books can shape their images and create long-lasting, impressive showcases for their businesses."

Wealthy individuals have many reasons to seek out ghostwriting services--and many reasons why the books they produce will be successful. The latter includes:

1. A built-in audience. The rich have already-existing platforms for promotion in their businesses as well as their community and industry contacts. With their many friends and colleagues, they have willing audiences who will clamor to learn their secrets.

2. Clarity of purpose. The wealthy are driven and have clear pictures of what they want to accomplish. This makes working with a ghostwriter to put together a memoir, business book or even a novel simple and straightforward.

3. Business acumen: People who have achieved success in the corporate world understand the power of self-promotion when it comes to brand building and are eager to work with ghostwriters on books that can disseminate the secrets behind their most successful business endeavors.

4. A wealth of knowledge. Many successful individuals--for example, Donald Trump--have an enormous amount of wealth-building secrets to share. With such a large pallet from which to draw, a ghostwriter can craft not just one book but a series that will appeal to and inspire readers--and keep them buying time and again.

5. Prestige. The business leaders and entrepreneurs who have worked with Arbor Books have been some of the best, offering great opportunities for our ghostwriters to showcase their highly accomplished lives. By combining their respected reputations with our ghostwriters' expertise, our wealthy clients have created books that have increased their presences and their already-established esteem.

At Arbor Books, ghostwriting a gook generally costs between $35,000 and $60,000, though the price can increase based on several factors including the length of the manuscript, its complexity and the writer chosen for the project. Arbor Books has access to many best-selling writers. Most books can be written in less than 120 days and are completed with absolute confidentiality. Only the client's name appears on the finished product, and he or she owns 100 percent of the rights to the book and keeps 100 percent of the profits.

The process of ghostwriting is simple. Payments are divided into installments. After the client makes the first payment, Arbor Books matches him or her with a ghostwriter who will produce the manuscript based on regular interviews with the client via phone calls or e-mails or in person. Some clients also opt to provide their ideas via Word documents, audio tapes or videos. As the ghostwriter progresses, work is sent to the client for approval.

Arbor Books' ghostwriters have years of experience in writing books with highly accomplished, wealthy and successful people from all walks of life.

For more information, please visit www.arborbooks.com or call 1-800-877-2500.

Seven Reasons the Rich Use Ghostwriters

2010-06-22T14:19:00.002-04:00

Ivana has three of them. The Donald has more than a dozen of them. Bill Gates has several and so does Warren Buffet.

What do the super rich have that you don't? Books with their names on them. From fiction to nonfiction, the rich are ponying up big bucks to have ghostwriters put their words on paper and share their wisdom with the masses.

One of the top companies the wealthy turn to when they want to create a written work is Arbor Books, a leading ghostwriting firm that has been writing and publishing books for the wealthy for more than a decade.

"The wealthy expect a different level of service and attention to detail," says Larry Leichman, co-owner of Arbor Books (http://www.blogger.com/www.arborbooks.com). "We have written for celebrities, sports figures, infomercial giants, pharmaceutical kings, industrialists, defense industry heavyweights and more. We're able to deliver top-quality showcase books for our clients every time."

Why do the super rich clamor to have their books ghostwritten? Here are the top seven reasons:

1. To create a legacy. A book is a great way to ensure that the story of your achievements and accolades endures for generations. No one can tell your story as clearly and compellingly as a professional ghostwriter.

2. For the prestige. Even in the age of blogs, being a published author still impresses people. The title carries a level of authority and esteem that no other medium can match.

3. As a showcase. The super-rich know things other people don't--that's how they've reached such levels of success. Sharing your knowledge and expertise is a great way to express your ideas, offer insight and "give back" to a community or industry--and make some money while doing so.

4. To promote your business. If you have a book and your competitors don't, you've got the edge when it comes to branding and name recognition. Working with a ghostwriter can help you take your business to the next level.

5. To generate even more income. The Donald has a series of books--not just one--touting his business acumen. Creating a franchise of educational books is a powerful revenue stream and opens the door for seminars, TV appearances and more.

6. For image rehabilitation. These days, large corporations are taking beatings in the media. A professionally ghostwritten book can go a long way towards humanizing executives and their businesses and getting the behind-the-scenes story out to the public.

7. For promotion. When launching a large line of new products, it helps to have a famous face for endorsements. Who better than a CEO with a new book to sell? More and more, corporate leaders are getting involved in the commercial promotion of their own brands, and a
ghostwritten book can be an excellent tool in this area. A book can
open a direct line to customers and offer promotional opportunities that other forms of media cannot.

Arbor Books, a global company, has worked with business titans and the independently wealthy from a wide variety of industries. The firm works closely with clients to plan their projects so that they meet the strictest standards of excellence.

"Books are hot items right now," says Joel Hochman, co-owner of Arbor Books. "If you work with a ghostwriter to put together the perfect written showcase of your business and your accomplishments, you can control your message and keep your name at the front of the public's minds."

At Arbor Books, ghostwriting a gook generally costs between $35,000 and $60,000--though the price can increase based on several factors:

1. The length of the manuscript, its complexity and the writer chosen for the project

2. The after-market add-ons, such as book design, marketing, and printing considerations such as quality and number of copies.

3. The level of customer attention required. Some clients want face-to-face meetings; others are content with simply speaking to their writers on the phone.

Most books can be written in 120 days through interviews with the client via phone calls or e-mails or in person. Some clients also opt to provide their ideas via Word documents, audio tapes or videos. As the project progresses, work is sent to the client for approval. The entire process is completely confidential; only the client's name appears on the finished product, and he or she retains 100 percent of the book's rights and profits.

For more information, please visit http://www.blogger.com/www.arborbooks.com or call 1-800-877-2500.

5 More Reasons to Ghostwrite Your Business Book

2010-06-22T10:54:00.000-04:00

(New York, NY)—Adding the title “author” to a resume has become a new trend in business, according to vocational experts. It can mean the difference in being hired, keeping your job, getting a raise or bonus, or moving ahead with a promotion or a better job.

“These days, ghostwriting is a sensible, profitable, and game-changing investment for top business leaders,” says Larry Leichman, co-owner of Arbor Books (www.arborbooks.com), a leading ghostwriting, editing and self-publishing firm. “It’s a real competitive advantage and everyone from CEOs to sales professionals to motivational speakers can benefit from putting out a book of their ideas and advice.”

A professionally ghostwritten business book can push your career to the next level and establish you as:

1. A celebrity. Trump, Buffett, Branson, Orman—books have brought these names out of the business world and into the global cultural vocabulary. A good business memoir or advice book builds upon your renown in the corporate realm and turns you into a household name. And don’t forget to let everyone know on such social networking sites as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn all about your new book!

2. An expert. Why just be good at what you do when you can be widely known as the number-one leader and expert in your field? A book proliferates your ideas and creates lasting impressions on the minds of millions of readers. Join the ranks of talking heads on Bloomberg, CNBC, FoxBusiness, Reuters, Forbes, Money-CNN, the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and more.

3. A valuable asset. Imagine going into an interview for a job or promotion and being able to say, “As I wrote in my book…” Bringing a published work to a job interview, an online job site (Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, The Ladders.com, Aerotek.com, jobs.com), or to the new department you intend to join shows a company just how much you have to offer—and how much more business you will be able to bring them in the future. It can be far better than an educational degree or even years of experience.

4. Media-friendly. Send your ghostwritten business book to TV and radio producers, Web sites, newspaper and magazine editors or any major media outlet to let them know that you’re available for interviews and consultations—and give them a taste of the important information you have to share.

5. A public speaker. The first step to booking engagements as a corporate speaker, motivational speaker and/or public speaker is ghostwriting your book. With your ideas in print, you can begin to build your own motivational/business advice empire.

A global company, Arbor Books has created many popular, message-critical and media-seductive books for individuals, companies and associations. The firm works closely with clients to plan their projects at prices that meet their budgets.

Arbor has also worked with some of the best-known PR and advertising firms in the world including Ogilvy & Mather, Stern Advertising, Weber Shandwick and Paine PR.

“Whether the project is B2B or for the general public, our goal is to create for each client a unique image and brand that makes him or her distinctive and memorable,” says Joel Hochman, co-owner of Arbor Books. “Ghostwriting a business book involves more than just putting words on paper. It’s about creating a look and feel and establishing the author’s identity and intent.”

At Arbor Books, ghostwriting a business book generally costs between $10,000 and $60,000, depending upon the length of the manuscript, its complexity and the writer chosen for the project. The firm works closely with clients to plan their projects at prices that meet their budgets. Most books can be written in less than 120 days and are completed with absolute confidentiality. Only the client’s name appears on the finished product, and he or she owns 100 percent of the rights to the book and keeps 100 percent of the profits.

The process of ghostwriting is simple. Payments are divided into installments. After the client makes the first payment, Arbor Books matches him or her with a ghostwriter, who will produce the manuscript based on regular interviews with the client via phone calls or e-mails or in person. Some clients also opt to provide their ideas via Word documents, audio tapes or videos. As the ghostwriter progresses, work is sent chapter by chapter to the client for approval.

Arbor Books’ ghostwriters have years of experience in writing business memoirs and corporate histories and have covered just about all the hottest business topics, including reputation management, investing, financial planning, sales, mergers and acquisitions, branding, bankruptcy, financial scandals, corporate law, traditional marketing, Internet marketing, promotions, business opportunities, the credit card industry, public relations, coaching, Six Sigma, time management, Management by Objectives/SMART criteria, value chains, lean management, technology, associative leadership paradigms, blue ocean strategy, stress management, church-government coalitions, maximizing human capital, Pareto's Principal, management by trust and more.

For more information, please visit http://www.arborbooks.com/or call 1-800-877-2500.

7 Reasons Ghostwriters Help Fulfill the Christian Mission

2010-05-17T15:14:00.002-04:00

7 Reasons Ghostwriters Help Fulfill the Christian Mission

(New York, NY)—If you think Christian books are all still non-fiction, scholarly works written by college professors and ministers, you could not be more wrong. The world of publishing has changed, and many ministries are encouraging members to write with the help of professional ghostwriters.

“The demand for Christian books of all stripes has skyrocketed,” says Larry Leichman, co-owner of Arbor Books (http://www.arborbooks.com/), a leading ghostwriting, editing and self-publishing firm. “Many Christians are determined to share the word of God through fiction and children’s books but are not writers.”

Mr. Leichman’s company has seen a growing demand for ghostwriters and editors who specialize in Christian books as many denominations have made it a priority for their members to proselytize through new publishing mediums, such as print-on-demand (POD), e-books, and audio books.

Among the benefits Mr. Leichman sites for ghostwriting a Christian book are his top 7:

1. Evangelism: Written works are still the best way to spread your testimony and the teachings of God, according to Mr. Leichman. Ghostwriters help to polish and shape the message.

2. Examining our lives: Personal memoirs and testimony are powerful tools for bringing a humanity to the face of Christianity.

3. Getting closer to God in your daily lives: Putting thoughts to paper and taking the time to think through your thoughts about God and His works can be a great way to deepen your understanding and connection with Him.

4. Therapy: Let’s face it, we all struggle with doubt and tragedy. Writing remains a great way to achieve catharsis.

5. Teaching: Formal settings like churches can intimidate some spiritual seekers. Having a professional book written for the curious among us can help teach Christian tenets.

6. Advice: As a Christian, you are probably asked constantly for spiritual advice. Why not formalize that advice in a written book you can share.

7. Bible study: Scholarly works are still purchased in droves by those seeking to know more about the Christian story.

“Writing is not easy for everyone,” says Joel Hochman, co-owner of Arbor Books, “but for Christians it is very important work. Christian publishers are now looking for creative, new ideas and will scour the earth to find good work. A ghostwriter can help ensure quality.”

Mr. Hochman points out that some of the hottest Christian books are works of fiction. He points to such top Christian fiction writers as Frank Peretti, William P. Young, D. Shane Burton, Randy Alcorn, Ted Dekker, Samuel White, Shaunti Feldhahn, Jan Karon, Dee Henderson, Janette Oke, Lillian K. Duncan, George MacDonald, Robert Calvert, Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, Bill Myers, Shane Johnson, and Alton Gansky.

A global company, Arbor Books has worked for years with the Christian community to produce inspiring memoirs, insightful histories, thrilling novels and many other books in this genre. The firm works closely with clients to plan their projects at prices that meet their budgets. Ghostwriting a Christian book generally costs between $3,500 and $19,000, depending upon the length and complexity of the manuscript desired by the client.

Most books can be written in 120 days through interviews with the client via phone calls or e-mails or in person (some clients also opt to provide their ideas via Word documents, audio tapes or videos). As the ghostwriter progresses, work is sent to the client for approval. Completely confidential, only the client’s name appears on the finished product, and he or she retains 100 percent of the rights and profits.

Arbor Books ghostwriters have years of experience in writing books with Christians from all walks of life.

Arbor Books’ ghostwriters and projects have been published by industry giants such as HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Warner Books and Penguin. The firm even features many writers who have written multiple Christians books for both laymen and clergy.

For more information, please visit http://www.arborbooks.com/ or call 1-800-877-2500.

7 Reasons to Ghostwrite Your Memoir Now!

2010-05-17T15:13:00.001-04:00

(New York, NY)—Memoirs, life stories, autobiographies, tell-alls, diaries—no matter what you call them, they’re a hot trend in publishing. People like talking about themselves as much as others like reading about them.

Everyone, young or old, is a candidate for a memoir; all you need is a story to tell. Retirees, veterans and senior citizens, as well as students, parents and business people all have memoirs inside them. The problem is that many people don't have the time, inclination or ability to write. And that's where a ghostwriter comes in.

“Having a book ghostwritten might be among the most important things a person can do,” says Larry Leichman, co-owner of Arbor Books (www.arborbooks.com), a leading ghostwriting, editing and self-publishing firm. “We all want to be remembered, and with the availability of ghostwriting firms and the advancements in self-publishing options, we can almost create our own immortality.”

Mr. Leichman points out the main reasons to use a ghostwriter are: speed and expertise. Most people tend to put off projects. By using a ghostwriter, a person can be assured the project gets done and gets done quickly and expertly.

When considering a memoir, there are some things you should ask yourself first:

* Will you be revealing personal secrets you might want to keep hidden?

* Will you be violating secrets about others that might upset relationships or even lead to defamation lawsuits?

* Will you be recalling verifiable facts or just memories that might be open to contradiction or dispute?

In any of the above cases, you can still put it all down on paper and then either include a caveat or edit the more controversial material out of the final manuscript.

A professionally ghostwritten memoir can be compiled by a writer in mere months and can be formatted as a traditional book, an e-book or an audio book. Here are just a few reasons why you should have your book ghostwritten book now:

1. As a gift: A well-done memoir makes a far better holiday gift than a sweater, tie or toaster oven.

2. To give advice: You’ve learned a lot in your life. Shouldn’t you share your hard-won lessons? Your wisdom will help others, especially family and friends, to maximize their life experiences.

3. To contribute to a family tree. Genealogy services have taken off in recent years because Americans are curious about their ancestors. Your account of your life will provide invaluable records for your family.

4. To share your personal insights. A memoir allows you to connect with your audience in a way no other format can. Even close relatives will learn poignant details about your life that might otherwise go unspoken.

5. As therapy. Catharsis is something we all seek when dealing with hardships. A memoir offers a chance for closure and a process through which to deal with regret.

6. To build a legacy. What is the point of your life? If you think that your life isn’t worth hearing about, perhaps you have doubts about your purpose or accomplishments. A detailed look back will remind you of the work you’ve done and the contributions you’ve made to society.

7. To create a piece of history. A memoir can be a powerful milestone in your life, whether you’re a young person or a retiree. What better way to keep track of your feelings and pursuits than in a professionally ghostwritten and bound book?

A global company, Arbor Books has created many compelling, fun and touching memoirs for individuals and families. The firm works closely with clients to plan their projects at prices that meet their budgets.

“Whether the book is for just a few family members or a general audience, we can help you create a unique memoir that makes your story distinctive and memorable,” says Joel Hochman, co-owner of Arbor Books. “Ghostwriting a memoir involves more than just putting words on paper. It’s about conveying emotion and establishing your identity as an author.”

Ghostwriting a memoir generally costs between $3,500 and $25,000, depending upon the length (48 pages vs 400 pages) and complexity of the manuscript desired by the client. Most books can be written in 120 days through interviews with the client via phone calls or e-mails or in person (some clients also opt to provide their ideas via Word documents, audio tapes or videos). As the ghostwriter progresses, work is sent to the client for approval. Completely confidential, only the client’s name appears on the finished product, and he or she retains 100 percent of the rights and profits.

Arbor Books’ ghostwriters have years of experience in writing memoirs and personal family histories and have covered just about all subgenres including religious, political, corporate, family, gay, immigrant and more.

For more information, please visit _www.arborbooks.com (http://www.arborbooks.com/) or call 1-800-877-2500.

5 Reasons Environmental Activists Turn to Ghostwriters

2010-05-17T15:12:00.000-04:00

5 Reasons Environmental Activists Turn to Ghostwriters

(New York, NY)—As oil washes up the coast in the Gulf of Mexico, environmental activists are pushing for tighter legislation to prevent further accidents like the one caused by the sinking of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig. Ghostwritten books could help spread their message.

“Time is of the essence now for environmentalists hoping to spread their message,” says Larry Leichman, co-owner of Arbor Books (www.arborbooks.com), a leading ghostwriting, editing and self-publishing firm. “a ghostwriter can help speed the process of writing a book that may shape the future of climate change legislation.”

A professionally ghostwritten book can be compiled in months and can be formatted as an e-book or audio book, allowing for electronic disbursement of critical messages. Here are five more reasons why environmentalists should use ghostwriters:

1. No message, no matter how sincere is going to have an effect if it is poorly communicated. Ghostwriters help ensure quality writing.

2. With the help of a ghostwriter, activists can effectively double the manpower researching and disseminating their message.

3. Climate change legislation is making its way through the Senate right now. The debate process could take months so there is still time to publish a book.

4. Mainstream publishers may edit or otherwise change your book, diluting your message. With self-publishing and ghostwriting, you own the work.

5. The environmental message is becoming mainstream, but many are still confused about the facts. You can set the record straight with the help of a ghostwriter.

A global company, Arbor Books has worked for years with the environmentalist and scientific communities to produce non-fiction works, histories, essays and memoirs in this genre. The firm works closely with clients to plan their projects at prices that meet their budgets.

Ghostwriting an environmental book generally costs between $5,000 and $25,000, depending upon the length (48 pages vs 400 pages) and complexity of the manuscript desired by the client. Most books can be written in 120 days through interviews with the client via phone calls or e-mails or in person (some clients also opt to provide their ideas via Word documents, audio tapes or videos). As the ghostwriter progresses, work is sent to the client for approval. Completely confidential, only the client’s name appears on the finished product, and he or she retains 100 percent of the rights and profits.

Arbor Books ghostwriters have years of experience in writing books with professionals from all walks of life. Arbor Books’ ghostwriters and projects have been published by many mainstream publishing companies.

For more information, please visit _www.arborbooks.com (http://www.arborbooks.com/) or call 1-800-877-2500.

National Career Award Competition for Literature

2010-05-17T15:11:00.001-04:00

Arbor Books to Judge National Society of Arts and Letters Competition

(New York, NY)—Arbor Books, the nation's leading ghostwriting, editing and self-publishing firm, will be a key participant at this year’s National Career Award Competition for Literature, organized by the National Society of Arts and Letters.

The competition will be held in Florida from May 20 to 23.

The competition, which is open to short-story authors between the ages of 18 and 33, is part of NSAL’s long history of promoting the arts in America. The winners of the competition will be announced on May 22 in Clearwater, Florida, where Arbor Books will be represented by Larry Leichman, co-owner of the company.

“This is a terrific opportunity for aspiring writers,” says Mr. Leichman. “Being an NSAL finalist or winner adds crucial cachet and credibility to a writer's query letter or resume, and nowadays that can make all the difference between acceptance and rejection."

Mr. Leichman appeared last year before the Tampa Chapter of the NSAL to deliver a speech on ghostwriting and careers for ghostwriters.

Arbor Books employs nearly 100 ghostwriters who work on various projects and assignments around the world. These writers have been published by mainstream publishers such as St Martin's Press, Random House, Wiley, Baen, HarperCollins, Del Rey, Simon & Schuster, MIRA Books, Scribner, Bantam, Warner Books, Doubleday, Dutton, Tor, Pocketbooks, Pinnacle/Kensington Books, Penguin Putnam and others.

Arbor Books also employs reporters who have worked for some of the top newspapers and magazines in the US, including The New York Times, The New York Post, The Miami Herald, Rolling Stone and others.Arbor Books also employs media tie-in writers who have written books for some of the most popular series in the world: Star Trek, Star Wars, Stargate, Dr. Who, Halo, Warhammer, Jurassic Park and more. Many of Arbor’s writers are members of the Horror Writers Association, International Thriller Writers, the Mystery Writers Guild and Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Some of their writers have been optioned for movies and TV by New Line Cinema, Fox Searchlight and many other production companies.

The top award in the National Career Award Competition is $10,000 and will continue NSAL’s longstanding tradition of patronage. NSAL was started in 1944 by a group of American women who first met in the Maryland home of Mollie Davis Nicholson. The NSAL has always been nonpartisan and nonprofit.

“The future of our publishing industry is dependent on organizations like the National Society of Arts and Letters,” says Joel Hochman, co-owner of Arbor Books. “Whether they help to open doors, garner publicity or land a job, competitions such as those sponsored by the NSAL are more vital than ever in promoting a writer's career.”

A global company, Arbor Books and its ghostwriters have worked for more than a decade with clients both young and old to produce inspiring memoirs, insightful histories, thrilling novels, business books and many others. The firm works closely with clients to plan their projects at prices that meet their budgets. The process is completely confidential--only the client’s name appears on the finished product, and he or she retains 100 percent of the book’s rights and profits.

Arbor Books’ ghostwriters have years of experience in writing books with clients from all walks of life, though Mr. Leichman and Mr. Hochman also help young writers to develop.

For more information, please visit http://www.arborbooks.com/ or call 1-800-877-2500.

Arbor Books to Judge NSAL National Literature Competition

2010-05-17T13:50:00.000-04:00

(New York, NY)—Arbor Books, the leading ghostwriting, editing and self-publishing firm in the country, is pleased to announce that it has been selected to help judge this year’s National Career Award Competition for Literature, organized by the National Society of Arts and Letters.

The competition will be held in Florida from May 20 to 23.

The competition, which is open to short-story authors between the ages of 18 and 33, is part of NSAL’s long history of promoting the arts in America. The winners of the competition will be announced on May 22 in Clearwater, Florida, where Arbor Books will be represented by Larry Leichman, co-owner of the company.

“We’re honored to be a part of this competition,” says Mr. Leichman. “The NSAL has been promoting the arts for more than sixty years and to be asked to take part in their work is a great privilege. Our company employs dozens of young writers, so we know how important development and support can be for them.”

The top award in the National Career Award Competition is $10,000 and will continue NSAL’s longstanding tradition of patronage. NSAL was started in 1944 by a group of American women who first met in the Maryland home of Mollie Davis Nicholson. The NSAL has always been nonpartisan and nonprofit.

“We’ve been following the work of the NSAL for years,” says Joel Hochman, co-owner of Arbor Books. “Their contribution to the American tradition of literature cannot be overstated. Making a living as a writer can be difficult even in the best of times, but with today’s economy, these competitions are more vital than ever.”

A global company, Arbor Books and its ghostwriters have worked for more than a decade with clients both young and old to produce inspiring memoirs, insightful histories, thrilling novels, business books and many others. The firm works closely with clients to plan their projects at prices that meet their budgets. The process is completely confidential--only the client’s name appears on the finished product, and he or she retains 100 percent of the book’s rights and profits.

Arbor Books ghostwriters have years of experience in writing books with clients from all walks of life, though Mr. Leichman and Mr. Hochman also help young writers to develop.

Arbor Books’ ghostwriters and projects have been published by many of the publishing industry's giants.

For more information, please visit www.arborbooks.com or call 1-800-877-2500.

8 Reasons Motivational Speakers Should Ghostwrite Their Books

2010-04-29T17:45:00.002-04:00

All successful public speakers know that when it comes to creating a unique brand for themselves, it’s not just about what they say—it’s also about what they sell.

A professionally ghostwritten book is an excellent promotional vehicle for for motivational speakers, public speakers, business coaches and life coaches because it's fast, easy and allows you to spend your time attending to promotions and other commitments. It also brings in revenues and adds to the credibility of the speaker when doing interviews and other public appearances.

Making every speaking opportunity into a sales opportunity is essential for a speaker or coach’s success. Offering products such as books for clients to buy after hearing a talk can increase revenues and ensure that people leave with tangible reminders of the event. It creates a permanence to the likeness and teachings of the speaker in addition to doing the following 8 things:

A ghostwritten book can:1. Give a speaker or coach real professional polish. In these fields, image can be everything. A published book can go a long way toward showing your clients that you’re more than just a flash in the pan—that your ideas and methods are important enough to put into print.

2. Act as a calling card. Meeting new potential clients? Give them books to get to know you. Chances are, they’ll pass them on to interested friends, creating a chain of referrals that no simple business card could ever match.

3. Upsell, upsell, upsell. Once customers are hooked with your book, they’re more likely to pay for other products or services that you offer.

4. Open doors to mass media. Once you’re published you can shop your book around to TV and radio producers, Web sites and print publications to secure interviews, profiles and attention for your platform.

5. Build your brand. Does the method you’re teaching have a catchy name? Make that the title of your book and it’ll become a household word in no time.

6. Create credibility. “Published author” is still a prestigious title, even in this electronic age. Give yourself immediate authority in your field by putting your name and face on a professionally written and published book.

7. Increase BOR. "Back of room" sales are essential for all public and motivational speakers or business and life coaches who want their audiences to remember their names and want to make some money in the process.

8. Jump start cash flow. Once a book is ghostwritten and published, it becomes a practically self-perpetuating income stream. It’s a bonus that no speaker should let slip by.

Ghostwriting might be the only alternative for some speakers and coaches. While many have great insights and ideas to share, they also have hectic schedules--and most just don’t have the time to write a book. So, they hire ghostwriting firms such as Arbor Books to help them.

At Arbor Books, ghostwriting a book is simple. Payments are divided into installments. After the client makes the first payment, Arbor Books matches him or her with a ghostwriter who will produce the manuscript based on regular interviews with the client via phone calls or e-mails or in person. Some clients also opt to provide their ideas via Word documents, audio tapes or videos. As the ghostwriter progresses, work is sent to the client for approval.

Once a ghostwritten manuscript is completed, the client can either look for a mainstream publisher or self-publish the work, which offers immediate gratification and 100-percent control over content and profits.

Ghostwriting a book is an excellent way not only to increase visibility of your program as a public or motivational speaker or business of life coach but to open yourself up to new experiences and opportunities.

5 Reasons to Ghostwrite Your Business Book

2010-04-29T17:41:00.004-04:00

Adding the word “author” to a resume has become a new trend in business, and vocational experts are recommending that job seekers looking to stand out invest in self-publishing a work which showcases their expertise.

There are 5 key reasons why a professionally ghostwritten business book (the route most business personalities use to write their books) can push your career to the next level and establish you as:

1. A celebrity. Trump, Buffett, Branson—books have brought these names out of the business world and into the global cultural vocabulary. A good business memoir or advice book builds upon your renown in the corporate realm and turns you into a household name.

2. An expert. Why just be good at what you do when you can be widely known as the number-one leader in your field? A book proliferates your ideas and creates lasting impressions on the minds of millions of readers.

3. A valuable asset. Imagine going into an interview for a job or promotion and being able to say, “As I wrote in my book…” Bringing a published work to the table shows a company just how much you have to offer—and how much more business you will be able to bring them in the future.

4. Media-friendly. Send your ghostwritten business book to TV and radio producers, Web sites, newspaper and magazine editors or any major media outlet to let them know that you’re available for interviews and consultations—and give them a taste of the important information you have to share.

5. A public speaker. The first step to booking engagements is ghostwriting your book. With your ideas in print, you can begin to build your own motivational/business advice empire.

Remember it's important to find a company that has worked with prominent PR and advertising including Ogilvy & Mather, Stern Advertising, Weber Shandwick and Paine PR.

Whether the project is B2B or for the general public, the goal should be to create a unique image and brand that makes you distinctive and memorable. Ghostwriting a business book involves more than just putting words on paper. It’s about creating a look and feel and establishing the author’s identity and intent.

Ghostwriting a business book generally costs between $10,000 and $60,000, depending upon the length of the manuscript, its complexity and the writer chosen for the project. It shouldn't take longer than 120 days to write most books (though there are exceptions) and they should be completed with absolute confidentiality. Only the your name should appear on the finished product, and you should own 100 percent of the rights to the book and keep 100 percent of the profits.

Arbor Books Picks 2009 Holiday Favorites

2009-12-22T17:43:00.000-05:00

Independently published books are filling a much-needed role as affordable gifts this year, but which ones should you buy?

Arbor Books (www.arborbooks.com), a backbone of the independent publishing movement for more than a decade, has compiled a list of some of its favorite titles to help consumers get right to the good stuff this holiday season.

"Our brief list of suggestions is a fun way to highlight some of the best books produced by the independent presses we've worked with--and a way to help consumers sort through the thousands of titles released each year," says Joel Hochman, co-founder of Arbor Books.

This year's list includes children's books, wealth-building books, personal memoirs and holiday-specific titles, and covers the entire family when it comes to genres and reading levels. According to Mr. Hochman's partner, Larry Leichman, "This list gives the whole family something to look forward to."

The independent publishers on the recommended reading list for this holiday season hail from around the country. The authors come from around the world.

"The presses that Arbor Books works with are very special," says Mr. Leichman. "Just as the independents in the music, film, theater and art industries forge new paths, making available works and titles that would not be available to consumers otherwise, so do these independents in the publishing field, and we're proud of each and every one of them."

Below is the list of Arbor Books' picks for the best of the holiday season:

1. Self-Help

Susan Bosscawen, Blueprint Your Future: Creating Powerful Personal and Career Results through Alignment (ISBN: 0615273912)

Raymond Salcido, LCSW, Chaos to Balance—A Life Changing Strategy (ISBN: 0-9822302-0-6)

2. Children's Fiction

Jolie Vanier, Puwaii Adventures With Joliea & Friends...The Adventures Continue (ISBN: 0-9822341-1-2)

Shannon Bates, Yes! You Can! An Iknowicant Tale (ISBN: 0-9821509-0-3)

3. Business/Personal Finance

Santiago Maggi, Investment Strategies for Uncertain Markets (ISBN: 0615325815)

David Schumacher, PhD and Steve Dexter, Buy & Hold Forever: How to Build Wealth for the 21st Century (ISBN: 0-9701162-6-8)

4. Personal Memoirs

Judy Joseph Hamlin, From Riches to Happiness: A Semi-Autobiography by an Enlightened Orange County Woman (ISBN: 0615310362)

5. Business Memoirs

Michael J. Ellis, The Metabolife Story: The Rape of Cinderella (ISBN: 0-9822402-0-1)

6. Business/Management

Debi Brown, It’s All in the Delivery: How to Move Mountains Without Crushing the Villagers (ISBN: 978-0-9812098-0-7)

7. History

Barbara Schwartz, Mercy, Mandates, Merger (ISBN: 978-0-615-28720-1)

8. Religion

Catherine Walters, The Hand of God: A Message of Faith and Love (ISBN: 0-9818658-6-0)

9. Mystery

Rick Ward, The Lawmaker (ISBN: 0-9823564-0-4)

Christine Whitehead, Tell Me When It Hurts (ISBN: 0-9822946-0-3)

10. General Fiction

Ryan O'Reilly, To Nourish and Consume (ISBN: 0-9794128-1-1)

11. Thrillers

Rick Ward, Blood-Stained Justice (ISBN: 0-9823564-4-7)

12. Science Fiction/Fantasy

Timothy A. Bramlett, Sharkey and the Parallel Universe (ISBN: 0-9796444-2-9)

13. Medical/Health

Dr. Vikki Petersen and Dr. Richard Petersen, The Gluten Effect: How "Innocent" Wheat Is Ruining Your Health (ISBN: 0-9822711-0-7)

Dr. David Siroospour, MD, FACS, Spinal Surgery Myths: A Surgeon’s Personal Experience With Back Surgery (ISBN: 0-9823362-0-9)

14. Family/Parenting

Armen G. Ketchedjian, MD, Will It Hurt? A Parent's Practical Guide to Children's Surgery (ISBN: 0-9815373-0-8)

Kay Mixson Jenkins, Who Is Pee Dee? Explaining Parkinson’s Disease to a Child (ISBN: 0-9819129-0-7)

All of these books are available on Amazon.com, where millions of holiday shoppers are searching for just the right books to give to friends, spouses or relatives. Mr. Hochman says that he believes these titles are a good start.

"As the country begins a period of economic and spiritual renewal, it's a pleasure to be a part of a movement of small presses and independent publishers," he says. "The people in this field, with their optimism and vision, are the future of publishing as they break the stranglehold of the larger, traditional publishing houses. We're proud of each and every one of them."

Arbor Books (www.arborbooks.com), a mainstay of the independent publishing movement throughout the world, is a provider of ghostwriting, editing, self-publishing and marketing services to individuals, corporations and independent presses.

Best Buy, Verizon to Boost E-Book Sales by Millions

2009-09-23T18:35:00.000-04:00

(New York, New York)--Best Buy and Verizon have joined the eBook craze witha new reading device that may rival Amazon's best-selling Kindle.Called the iRex DR800SG, it is already one of Europe's most popular e-readers. Priced at $399, the touch-screen device will be able to buy digital books and newspapers wirelessly through the 3G networks of Verizon, AT&T and Sprint. Suppliers include Barnes & Noble's e-bookstore and NewspaperDirect, offering more than a thousand papers."Over five million e-readers are expected to be sold this year as eBooks continue to grow exponentially in popularity," says Joel Hochman of Arbor Books. "Add this to the millions of cell phones that can also act as e-readers and digital books are expected to take an even larger chunk of print sales."Thousands of Best Buy employees have been trained to demonstrate e-readers like the Sony Reader and iRex, and all the chain's 1,048 stores will have dedicated areas to showcase the different devices.The black-and-gray iRex (with an eight-inch screen) is similar to rivals like the Kindle DX, which has a ten-inch screen and costs $489, and Sony's new $399 Reader Daily Edition with its seven-inch screen."E-Books and eBook downloads are the future," says Larry Leichman of Arbor Books. "Just as with music, our publishing industry is undergoing an exciting revolution. Content will be king. Anyone with a book--whether ghostwritten or written with a ghostwriter--will have an equal shot at fame and fortune."Barnes & Noble said it planned to market eBooks "in really big and interesting ways" to the seventy-seven million customers who walk into its stores every year.The immediate goal for the eBook market is to bring the costs of e-readers to $99 or less, which could happen if wireless providers like Verizon subsidize the devices and sell them in their stores, as they do with netbooks. This could happen soon if e-readers continue to sell well because wireless providers get paid for the bandwidth required to distribute content--a potential major revenue stream.For now, the next anticipated steps are Apple's entry into the market with a more general-purpose tablet computer and Google's possible move with its own device to complement its book catalog and book programs.

E-Book Revolution: Sell Your Book Direct To Customer

2009-09-14T12:53:00.001-04:00

eBooks have taken over the publishing industry -- just like iTunes took over the music industry.

Downloads are clearly the future. While paperback and hard cover book sales plummeted, sales of eBooks tripled in June.

The good news is that it means more money for authors, more money for self-publishers. Less money for publishers.

No more printers. No more publishers. No more distributors. No more brick and mortar stores.

Even Barnes & Noble has hopped on the eBook bandwagon: it will offer more than one million download books within a year.

eBook FACTS: The genius of the Amazon Kindle was in it's ability to instantly download books anywhere, anytime directly to the device. The Kindle's stand-alone, wireless feature is appealing on three levels: 1) instant gratification, 2) convenience, 3) it is synched to the wireless/download future -- along with music and soon movies and television. Books are way overdue to be digitized. People are often reading two or three books at a time, eBook customers often download dozens of books a month, traditional books are bulky and take up space, people like to move with a library of music and a library of books when they go places (vacation, doctor's office, train/bus to work, gym, etc.).

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Our eBook blow-out price is still only $895
That price includes setting up your eBook account, getting your manuscript eBook-ready (including front and back cover), uploading the files, AND setting up your eBook web page on the eBook stores. If you have published with another company, the price is $1,195 to reset text files. Charts, graphics and photos are an extra $75 each due to the extra work involved (if you want them included).

STUDENTS, SCHOOLS GET NEW 9/11 COURSE

2009-09-14T12:50:00.001-04:00

(New York, NY)—The 9/11 terrorist attacks are the subject of a new course that will be taught in America’s classrooms.

Aimed at junior high and high school students and initially targeted for schools in New York City, California, New Jersey, Alabama, Indiana, Illinois and Kansas, if successful, the course will be offered nationwide.

“The 9/11 terrorist attacks are among the most pivotal and dramatic event in America’s history,” says Steven M. Centore, author of the new book One of Them: A First Responder’s Story. “The attacks continue to reverberate throughout the country and the world and for that reason alone should be taught to every kid.”

Mr. Centore is a federal employee, a 9/11 first responder, a nuclear physicist and a Navy veteran who has appeared at congressional hearings to advocate for the medical care and financial support of the thousands of first responders who were made ill by contaminants when the World Trade Center collapsed. His book details his own personal experience at Ground Zero on 9/11 and after.

“On September 11, 2001 our nation’s path was forever altered. Later, as we went to war in Iraq and Afghanistan, our course was again changed. Thousands of Americans have been killed or wounded, more than a trillion dollars have been spent on the ongoing ‘war against terror,’ and our government has passed Draconian laws against our citizenry—leaving us with an uncertain future,” adds Mr. Centore.

The 9/11 course was developed by the New-Jersey-based September 11th Education Trust in collaboration with educators. The curriculum includes:

· Videos, lectures and interactive exercises
· Interviews with elected officials including former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
· Interviews with 9/11 first responders, rescue workers and survivors
· Interviews with 9/11 victims and their family members
· Mapping of terrorist activities via Google Earth

“It’s very important that we help our younger generations understand what really happened that day and why people sacrificed their health and even their lives in the rescue and clean up efforts,” says Mr. Centore.
To learn more about how you can help or to buy the nationally acclaimed book One of Them: A First Responder’s Story, visit www.SteveCentore.com or www.wadv-oneofthem.com. The book is also available on Borders.com, Target.com, Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.
For more information about One of Them: A First Responder’s Story, contact Steven M. Centore directly at Scentore@yahoo.com.

WORLDWIDE ASSOCIATION OF DISABLED VETERANS, INC. and author Steven M. Centore chose Arbor Books, Inc. (www.ArborBooks.com) to design and promote One of Them: A First Responder’s Story. Arbor Books is an internationally renowned, full-service book design, ghostwriting and marketing firm.

World's Largest E-BOOK Store to be Opened by Barnes & Noble

2009-07-22T11:58:00.001-04:00

Barnes & Noble is challenging Amazon's Kindle.

Barnes & Noble said that it will offer more than 700,000 titles, including more than 500,000 public domain books from Google Inc., and that it expects to be able to offer more than one million titles within a year.

Under the plan, Barnes & Noble also struck a strategic partnership with Plastic Logic, maker of the Plastic Logic eReader device due in early 2010.

Book formats supported by the new Barnes & Noble e-bookstore include those that can be viewed on Apple Inc.'s iPhone and iPod Touch, BlackBerry smartphones and most Windows and Mac computers.

FIND A JOB BY WRITING AND PUBLISHING A BUSINESS BOOK

2009-07-22T11:48:00.000-04:00

FIND A JOB BY WRITING AND PUBLISHING A BUSINESS BOOK (New York, NY)—With millions of executives interviewing for fewer openings in a dwindling job pool, the savvier among them are employing a stand-out device to separate them from the crowd: their own (usually ghostwritten) business books.

The fact is that being an author of a business book remains the fastest way for any corporate executive to establish instant expertise and status, according to public relations and marketing experts who recommend hiring a ghostwriter for speed and project management.

“Having your own book looks great on your resume, gives you, the executive, and the job interviewer something to talk about, is better than a business card, and leaves an impression that can’t be beat,” says Susan Bosscawen, a former banking executive and the author of "Blueprint Your Future" (www.blueprintyourfuture.com).

Ms. Bosscawen hired Arbor Books to help publish her book independently. The exciting news is that her book was recently reviewed by “The Miami Herald.”

“A business book that showcases your talent and communicative skills is a huge bonus on a resume,” says Joel Hochman of Arbor Books (www.arborbooks.com) a full-service firm that has helped dozens of business leaders create books. “That distinction can lead to higher-paying positions, speaking engagements and lucrative consultancies.”

According to Larry Leichman of Arbor Books, ghostwriting is an expedient means to getting an executive onto the business stage. It garners publicity, separates the businessperson out from the pack, and gives voice to opinion. The business world is apparently listening—a flood of independently written and produced books have hit the market in recent years.

Particular investment is being made in ghostwriting the content, whereas the publishing and marketing costs have dropped significantly.

“Social media and business networks are exploding, and it seems like almost everyone has a Twitter feed, a Facebook page and a blog,” says Mr. Hochman. “But business pros everywhere seem to agree that when we ghostwrite a business book, the impact is far greater. Your book becomes a showcase because a business ghostwriter—like the ones we have on staff—can turn you into a distinctive personality, a leading expert in your field.”

According to Mr. Hochman, his firm’s clients want a combination of services, including:

* A quality book that runs anywhere from a short, 96-page work to 400 pages and more* Stand-out cover design* Just a few copies to hand out

* Positioning on Amazon and availability in Borders and Barnes & Noble

* An eBook/Kindle version of the book ready for download

* An Audio book—they’re hot on iTunes and other sites* Marketing by people with connections in the industry Arbor Books is a full-service book-packaging firm (www.arborbooks.com).

FIND A JOB BY WRITING AND PUBLISHING A BUSINESS BOOK

2009-07-22T11:42:00.002-04:00

(New York, NY)—With millions of executives interviewing for fewer openings in a dwindling job pool, the savvier among them are employing a stand-out device to separate them from the crowd: their own (usually ghostwritten) business books. The fact is that being an author of a business book remains the fastest way for any corporate executive to establish instant expertise and status, according to public relations and marketing experts who recommend hiring a ghostwriter for speed and project management. “Having your own book looks great on your resume, gives you, the executive, and the job interviewer something to talk about, is better than a business card, and leaves an impression that can’t be beat,” says Susan Bosscawen, a former banking executive and the author of "Blueprint Your Future" (http://www.blueprintyourfuture.com/).

Ms. Bosscawen hired Arbor Books to help publish her book independently. The exciting news is that her book was recently reviewed by “The Miami Herald.” “A business book that showcases your talent and communicative skills is a huge bonus on a resume,” says Joel Hochman of Arbor Books (http://www.arborbooks.com/) a full-service firm that has helped dozens of business leaders create books. “That distinction can lead to higher-paying positions, speaking engagements and lucrative consultancies.” According to Larry Leichman of Arbor Books, ghostwriting is an expedient means to getting an executive onto the business stage. It garners publicity, separates the businessperson out from the pack, and gives voice to opinion. The business world is apparently listening—a flood of independently written and produced books have hit the market in recent years. Particular investment is being made in ghostwriting the content, whereas the publishing and marketing costs have dropped significantly. “Social media and business networks are exploding, and it seems like almost everyone has a Twitter feed, a Facebook page and a blog,” says Mr. Hochman. “But business pros everywhere seem to agree that when we ghostwrite a business book, the impact is far greater. Your book becomes a showcase because a business ghostwriter—like the ones we have on staff—can turn you into a distinctive personality, a leading expert in your field.” According to Mr. Hochman, his firm’s clients want a combination of services, including: * A quality book that runs anywhere from a short, 96-page work to 400 pages and more* Stand-out cover design* Just a few copies to hand out* Positioning on Amazon and availability in Borders and Barnes & Noble* An eBook/Kindle version of the book ready for download* An Audio book—they’re hot on iTunes and other sites* Marketing by people with connections in the industry Arbor Books is a full-service book-packaging firm (http://www.arborbooks.com/).

2009-07-14T10:48:00.002-04:00

How to Choose a Ghostwriter

2009-07-13T12:43:00.003-04:00

An aspiring author has a lot of choices when it comes to choosing a ghostwriter, be it a firm or a freelancer. Choosing the right ghostwriter doesn’t have to be hard if you follow a few simple rules.

If you’re looking for a ghostwriter, there are several must-ask questions that will steer you away from the fly-by-night freelancers. The process of looking for a writer should be as thorough as looking for a doctor.

Before you sign a contract with someone to write your book, make sure that he or she has proof of the following:

* He or she is NOT a referral agency farming out your work to incompetent writers.
* A relationship with a publishing law firm and insurance company—for your protection.
* Full insurance against PLAGIARISM and defamation lawsuits.
* A guarantee that you own 100 percent of ALL the rights, profits and royalties to your book.
* A listing with Dun & Bradstreet and Literary Market Place.
* Writing supervised by professional, on-staff editors and proofreaders.
* Total confidentiality and nondisclosure—you don't want your ghostwriter claiming ownership after you’ve nailed your book or movie deal.
* Full publishing and promotional services including literary agents, TV, radio and print.
* All the promises in writing—be sure that everything is marked in the contract!

There are a lot of people making a lot of promises to hopeful authors. Good firms will guide you through the entire process of writing your book, from concept to marketing.

How Ghostwriting Works

2009-07-13T12:38:00.000-04:00

Ghostwriting is a booming industry used by everyone from large corporations to your favorite celebrity to your neighbor’s grandmother. But few people who are looking for a writer really know how ghostwriting works.

The process usually follows these steps:

1) Initial interviews: the opening phase with the ghostwriter about the book’s concept and audience.

2) Outline creation: a crucial roadmap for the writing of a book and a good protection against veering off from the established plot (in fiction) or content list (nonfiction). It can also prevent lost time if another writer must be brought in to work on the project.

3) Initial writing sample: the writing of the first chapter and a review of the tone, language and style.

4) Writing: the phase in which the bulk of the book will be written based on writer-and-client collaboration through additional interviews.

5) Review: once the manuscript is completed, a final pass by an editor and/or proofreader—similar to a punch list used in construction. At this juncture, the manuscript may also be sent out for peer review.

6) Marketing: the phase where the manuscript is either sent out to agents and publishers and/or self-published. Self-publishing options include traditional printing, POD, eBook (digital download) and audio book. Marketing includes posting on Amazon, Borders and Barnes & Noble; library distribution; and publicity through traditional and online media.

If you’ve contracted with a ghostwriting firm and they don’t do something as basic as an outline, run for the hills. The initial interviews are also critical for the ghostwriter to get a sense of the client and the direction of the project.

Many Print on Demand Companies (POD) Fall Short of Promises

2009-06-17T11:21:00.001-04:00

Print on demand (POD) is making headway as an alternative for some self-publishers, but a number of companies that employ the process are failing to meet the expectations of authors and book buyers alike.

POD is a process whereby books are printed one at a time with a glorified Xerox machine, as opposed to using a traditional web offset printing press that runs off 50, 500, 1,000 or more copies of a book.

While the actual method of printing is not a major problem, the quality of service offered by the companies in the business of POD can be spotty.

Recently, there has been a spate of articles in major news publications—The New York Times, TIME, US News & World Report and others—discussing the option POD provides self-published authors. However, rarely are the shortcomings of the POD method addressed.

While print on demand offers authors the chance to self-publish, industry insiders question the quality of the editorial and customer support offered by companies like Author Solutions and Lulu, and instead support a new model that includes ghostwriting and professional marketing for those asking, “Where can I get my book published?”

Some shortfalls seen in POD companies include:

· Poor editorial support
· Unattractive cover design
· Amateurish back-cover copy and layout
· Inadequate marketing support
· Embarrassingly bad production quality
· Problems with royalty payments to authors

E-Books Getting Some Color, But Slowly

2009-06-17T11:18:00.001-04:00

If you’ve ever read an eBook, you've probably noticed something: they’re all in black and white. But that could change in the coming years as manufacturers race to overcome the many technical challenges faced in switching from black and white to color.

Currently, Fujitsu is the only manufacturer with a color reader. It’s Flepia e-book is only sold in Japan and other manufacturers are finding that overcoming the technical hurdles presented by color—slow refresh rates, inadequate screen size, problems with brightness and poor clarity—is taking longer than they expected.

Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, says that his Kindle platform is “years away” from a color version.
While Apple is rumored to be working on a touch screen, color reader, it appears that book aficionados will have to wait to enjoy the vivid colors in their favorite books.

Once e-books are available in color, they might include features such as author reviews, links to similar books and even video.

Google Gives Orphan Books a Home

2009-06-16T15:23:00.003-04:00

Google’s never-ending quest to build a modern-day oracle—a super-repository of all human knowledge—has hit a snag. It has to do with what are euphemistically called "orphan books."

The six-year-long Google Book Search project, which scanned 7 million books into electronic format, included many of these orphan books. These are books with no clear rights holder (for example: the author is long dead, has no heirs and the publisher is out of business).

Orphan books can cover every subject, genre and category.

The Author's Guild and the Association of American Publishers, among others, sued Google because they claimed the search engine giant was violating copyrights by making these orphan books available over the Internet for a profit.

Google recently settled that suit for $125 million while agreeing to give 63 percent of all profits to the Book Rights Registry, a non-profit that will distribute the money to benefit the writing and reading public (whatever that might mean).

So far, Google will have the right to offer a preview of twenty pages of each book and then sell it at a price they determine. But Google isn't out of the woods yet. Other groups are claiming that Google is essentially monopolizing the online-library format. Amazon, for one. We wonder if the original Oracle (the one at Delphi) had to deal with copyright issues and lawyers.

iPod Becomes Second Option for Reading eBooks

2009-06-16T15:18:00.002-04:00

With the emergence of Kindle, e-books have become an increasingly popular alternative to paperbacks and hardcovers. Digital books are about to spread further and faster with the addition of the iPhone and iPod Touch as platforms for reading eBooks.

Amazon announced that they are optimizing more than 300,000 e-books for the Safari browser used by Apple. iPhone and iPod Touch owners can preview, download, read and transfer e-books with their handheld devices.

What’s even more impressive is that users can automatically synchronize their devices to pick up on the last page they read, no matter which device they happen to be using at the time: Kindle, iPhone or iPod Touch. Customers can preview and purchase the New York Times bestsellers and even read the first chapter for free before deciding to buy.

Unfortunately, Kindle newspapers, magazines and blogs aren’t yet available on Apple’s handheld devices, but the books that are available can be enjoyed using a bunch of great new features. If you have the iPhone 2.1 software update, which is required for this application, you can read in portrait or landscape mode, change background and text colors, turn pages by tapping on either side of the screen and pinch to zoom into images.

Online Textbooks the Wave of the Future?

2009-06-16T15:10:00.005-04:00

Digital text books have now officially arrived: The upcoming school year will be the first without paper textbooks for California, which has one of the largest school systems in the nation.

California is looking to close a $24 billion budget gap, so it’s going to use online textbooks for its math and science courses. Last year California spent $350 million on textbooks alone.

Online textbooks will be easily updatable and students will be able to download their books to handheld devices like the iPod. Poorer students present a problem for budget-crunching California because the state will likely have to purchase computers and readers for those families that cannot afford them.

You can be sure other states will be paying attention. If the Golden state's move to online text books saves them money it could become a trend across the nation as states seek ways to tighten their belts and avoid raising taxes.

What's more, this is just one more giant step in the e-book revolution...

New “In-Motion” Comics Coming to iTunes From Marvel

2009-06-16T14:59:00.007-04:00

One of the biggest names in entertainment is getting in on the eBook revolution - in a distinctly unique way.

Marvel comics will sell "In-Motion" comic books in Apple's iTunes Store. The comics will feature animated panels suited to the iPhone and iPod Touch and will include voice-overs from famous actors.

These same comics will later be released in the traditional paper format.

Just a footnote: In the first quarter of 2009, major American publishers earned more than $25 million in wholesale revenues from e-books, according to the International Digital Publishing Forum.

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2009-06-09T12:12:00.003-04:00

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2009-06-09T11:44:00.001-04:00

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