On Sunday, November 1st, Dan Poynter ’s fight with acute cancer ended. A true giant. Dan was the catalyst and visionary and has remained in the center of the growing self-publishing community. Seeing the value of self-publishing, it was seeded with his love of parachuting and cats. That love led to the publishing of over one hundred books with the Para Publishing imprint and his name. His Self-Publishing Manual: How to Write, Print and Publish Your Own Book became a bible for mega-thousands of authors.
A long-time friend, I will miss him … and so will millions in the self-and indie-publishing worlds. Dan and I go back a long way to the mid-80s. Few today knew that he was my secretary, my right hand. As one of the presidents of the Northern California National Speakers Association years ago, he stepped up to the plate and said, “This will be fun … let’s do this.” And we did. The chapter flourished during our year, introducing the power of what written words in book form could do to a speaker’s career. When I started the PEG for the National Speakers Association and chaired its first publishing conference, I asked Dan to come play with me as I rolled it out.
Two of my favorite Danisms are:
If you wait for inspiration to write, you are not a writer … you are a waiter.
Book stores are a lousy place to sell books.
In other words, get off your tush. Get the book done … and get out there is promote like crazy–there are zillions of ways to move and market books.
I loved his spirit of generosity and “yes, we can.”
Always on the lookout for sharing information and protecting authors from publishing predators, I want to remind all to carry on his spirit. Remember the extraordinary power of your voice; the power of your words; the power of your opinion; and the power you have in helping others with your sage advice or gift on entertainment. We writers and authors must stay visible—keeping our words out there. If you are thinking about writing, then write. If you are thinking about publishing, the learn about publishing and publish smartly, as Dan would encourage you to do.
Dan Poynter was a gift to authors and publishing globally. He emulated that one person can make a difference. I am so thankful that he shared his gift with me for over 30 years.
Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and is the Founder of Author U, a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. Judith is the author of 34 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (ForeWord IndieFab Book of the Year), Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences. Book #34 was published this summer: The CrowdFunding Guide for Authors & Writers. Get your copy.
Become part of her inner circle by joining the Author’s Ark and exclusive monthly webinar and coaching event. Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged, a three day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2015, the dates are August 27-29th. Her audio and workbook series, Creating Your Book and Author Platform is now available. Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for Author U – Your Guide to Book Publishing on the Toginet Network at bit.ly/PublishingShow .
Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU and Judith Briles – TheBookShepherd on Facebook. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.
Author U is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Monthly education programs delivered face-to-face and online, The Author Resource ezine, BookCamps and the annual Author U Extravaganza are tools designed for authors pre, during and post publishing of their books. Join AuthorU.org today.
If you are looking for FREE author and book coaching … call in to Judith’s Author Monday Mornings at NOON Eastern each Monday. The number is 218-632-9854; Access Code 1239874444 … have your questions ready–there’s a full hour to ask and listen
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