Friday, December 7, 2012

Book Writing - Page Count and Chapter Length

Regardless of genre, there is no hard and fast rule about how many pages or words each chapter should contain or how many chapters should be in a book. However, there are some general guidelines in this article that may help you determine the page count and chapter length needed for your book.

Pages in a Chapter:

Many people read in spurts, at lunch time, or on the subway to work, readers enjoy chapters that can be finished in ten to fifteen minutes.

Book Writing - Page Count and Chapter Length

I try to set my chapter lengths by how long it takes me to read the material. If it goes past fifteen minutes, I may decide to divide a chapter in half and make two chapters out of it. Take into consideration that I write mostly non-fiction.

As you probably know, there's a difference in the way fiction and non-fiction are handled. In a fiction book, writers use shorter chapters. Some are only one page if that is all it takes to catch the reader up on the action of other characters in other scenes. When writing non-fiction, your chapter content needs to be specific to your chapter's heading or title.

Twenty pages per chapter is a good rule of thumb, but the most important thing is to include everything that relates to a particular topic in one chapter. For example, if your book is about fishing, you want to include the bulk of your information about fly casting in one chapter. All your info about bait and lure would be in another chapter.

Chapters/Pages in a Book:

These guidelines should give you a general idea of how to determine the length of your chapters and your book.

If your book is titled "The Accuracy of the US Census" you may have 52 chapters (one on each state). If your book is titled "Ten Tips for Marketing" you may have only ten chapters. There's no rule about how many chapters a book can or must have.

In order to be considered a book rather than a pamphlet or booklet, a book needs to be at least 10,000 words. If your book has more than 475 pages, you might want to consider producing it in two volumes.

Because you will submit your manuscript as an 8.5" x 11" word-processing document, you cannot be certain of its final length until after your publisher formats it for print. I have found that 250-300 words will approximate one page of 12-point font text in a standard size (5.5"x8" or 6"x9") perfect-bound book.

Book Writing - Page Count and Chapter Length
Check For The New Release in Health, Fitness & Dieting Category of Books NOW!
Check What Are The Top Cooking Books in Last 90 Days Best Cheap Deal!
Check For Cookbooks Best Sellers 2012 Discount OFFER!
Check for Top 100 Most Popular Books People Are Buying Daily Price Update!
Check For 100 New Release & BestSeller Books For Your Collection

Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer and the owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services (WITS). She and her team of ghostwriters are ready to assist you with writing and editing for books, eBooks, Web text, business documents, resumes, bios, articles, and media releases. For more information about writing, networking, publishing, and book promotion, or to sign up for free email delivery of WITS newsletter, please visit http://www.writersinthesky.com New subscribers receive a free eBook Tips for Freelance Writing.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Bow Tattoo Meanings

The bow tattoo is becoming a popular feminine inked choice. The design, size, colors and locations are being chosen to reflect a variety of personal meanings, depending on where they are being inked. This style is being creatively designed to reflect the meaning or location on the body. Bows have been used culturally in many ways to visually express a sediment or meaning or practicality. Bows often have a feminine flavor of representation, perhaps one of the reasons why they are being chosen for inking.

The traditional dictionary explanation is that a bow is formed by using a cloth or string, tied in a way that has curved parts on either side with two loose ends. A classic visual example of this is looking at shoe laces after they have been tied. Women have worn bows in their hair both as a decoration and often in securing or tying their hair.

To the gift giver, often a bow is one way of fancying up the presentation and used as a visual acknowledgment to the receiver, that it is a present. A now common visual symbol of a gift.

Bow Tattoo Meanings

Bows have been used to represent as a reminder to not leave the past behind, as in the saying "Forget me knot".

Often yellow ribbons are tied around trees with a big bow, to display a representation that family & friends are waiting and honoring a return of a loved one, from a journey or war.

They are sometimes used to symbolize an accomplishment in life and how it could become untied through circumstances and fragility.
In the clothing fashion industry bows have been used in many different styles from the head to the toe. Some styles incorporate a physical bow and others have used a bow printed material. The classic mens' formal wear is often represented with a bow tie.

Sometimes cartoon characters are represented with a bow placement, to visually represent that the character is female.

Bow ribbons are often worn or displayed. A pink ribbon for example is known to symbolize or represent a fight against breast cancer. It can be a visual expression of supporting family or friends in a overcoming breast cancer. Or sadly represent a loss of a family member or loved one to breast cancer.

Bow tattoos designs from loud to delicate have been used on the body to represent jewelery on toes and fingers. On the back of legs, where the old style garter clips would have been located, some women are choosing to have a bow inked. Others have chosen to have a ribbon wrapping around their ankle tied in a bow inked.

Feminine twists are being designed that incorporates a bow on traditional skull, cross & bones and designs that were more originally masculine.

Perhaps the appeal of bow tattoos, to the one choosing to have it inked on their body, is the variety and versatility of possible meanings it could have or represent for them, with a feminine creative twist.

Bow Tattoo Meanings
Check For The New Release in Health, Fitness & Dieting Category of Books NOW!
Check What Are The Top Cooking Books in Last 90 Days Best Cheap Deal!
Check For Cookbooks Best Sellers 2012 Discount OFFER!
Check for Top 100 Most Popular Books People Are Buying Daily Price Update!
Check For 100 New Release & BestSeller Books For Your Collection

Ozzy Soth is an Author and tattoo enthusiast that enjoys writing informative articles on body modifications. For more information on Bow tattoo [http://www.picturesoftattoos.org/bow-tattoos] meanings and pictures, check out the website at [http://www.PicturesofTattoos.org] See you soon!

Friday, November 30, 2012

Newsletter Name Ideas - Creative Ideas to Choose A Good Name for Your Newsletter

When you want to choose a name for your newsletter, you should come up with as many newsletter name ideas as you can think of. Because the more ideas you get, the easier it will be for you to choose a good name.

You may want to brainstorm, get inspired by other people's newsletter names, or even learn from offline magazine names. You can also ask your friends, colleagues, family members, online forums, or anyone who might give you good ideas.

You should collect all these ideas in a list and then start choosing the best ones. Of course my personal experience shows me that doing it in reverse is much easier and more effective. I mean, instead of choosing the best ones, cross out the less good titles.

Newsletter Name Ideas - Creative Ideas to Choose A Good Name for Your Newsletter

Do it until you have 5 names on your list. Then put your list aside and don't think about it for a day or two. Let your mind rest for a while. Then come back to your list and pick up the best one.

Your newsletter name should be simple and attractive. It should describe what your newsletter is about. It should also motivate people to subscribe. Depending on the topic of your newsletter, you may choose a serious or funny name.

Just remember it's essential that you choose a good name right from the start. Like naming a baby, you should spend enough time to choose a name you're completely satisfied with, because it will be very difficult to change it later.

Also your newsletter name can make or break your newsletter's success and readership. A great name will make people curious and pulls them to read your every issue. But a poor name will just push them away.

Wish you the best of luck on starting your newsletter!

Newsletter Name Ideas - Creative Ideas to Choose A Good Name for Your Newsletter
Check For The New Release in Health, Fitness & Dieting Category of Books NOW!
Check What Are The Top Cooking Books in Last 90 Days Best Cheap Deal!
Check For Cookbooks Best Sellers 2012 Discount OFFER!
Check for Top 100 Most Popular Books People Are Buying Daily Price Update!
Check For 100 New Release & BestSeller Books For Your Collection

You can get a FREE step-by-step guide to help you choose awesome newsletter names that pull people to subscribe and read your newsletter.

Also to learn more easy, effective secrets to publishing a successful newsletter, you can check out these Easy Newsletter Ideas.

Ladan Lashkari is the author of this article and is giving away lots of helpful tips and ideas to help you start your own successful newsletter.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Writing A Book For The First Time - Easy Habits To Help You Finish That Book

If you're either thinking of writing a book for the first time, or you are in the early stages of writing, remember, it's not going to write itself. Maybe you've always dreamed of writing a book. It's important to realize that you're the only one that will make that dream come true. You can write a book more easily by starting to implement some habits into your life. If you're serious about writing a book, here are some easy writing habits you need to begin using on a regular basis.

Habit #1 - Establish A Daily Writing Time

First, if you're writing a book for the first time, it's important that you establish a daily writing time. Get into the habit of writing on a regular basis. Even if you don't write much, it's important to develop this habit. Some days will be more difficult than others, but you have to at least dedicate some time to write. While you may write at other times, come up with a specific time frame when you write every day. Usually it's best to start out with 30 minutes and then work your way up to a couple hours.

Writing A Book For The First Time - Easy Habits To Help You Finish That Book

Habit #2 - Take Time To Brainstorm

While writing daily is an important habit, you also need to take time to brainstorm. No doubt, you're engrossed in your book, but you need to have dedicated time in your schedule to think about your story and brainstorm new ideas for your book. Dedicate some time to brainstorming. It's fine to do this while engaging in other tasks that don't require thinking, such as while walking, cleaning, washing dishes, or even exercising.

Habit #3 - Write Down Ideas

It's so easy to come up with great ideas, only to lose them because you didn't write them down, this is especially true when writing and it can even happen to seasoned authors. Wherever you go, have a notebook with you so you can write down the ideas as they come to you. Maybe you think of a plot twist or hear some dialog from people around you that spurs off a brilliant idea. Don't miss out on great ideas - write them down.

Habit #4 - Just Get Started

There will be plenty of days when you won't feel like writing. Sometimes you may deal with writer's block. You may have no idea what to write, but you still need to get started. Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis or procrastination. Just start writing and often this will get you past blocks in writing. Simply starting to type can help you get going and you'll find that the writing comes easier from there.

Unfortunately, most people who are interested in writing a book for the first time don't realize that it takes real discipline. While writing comes easier at some times than at others, it's always going to require some hard work and discipline on your part. However, if you can develop some good writing habits, it can make the process easier for you. Start out by adding these habits to your daily life and you'll find that writing becomes easier as you go along.

Writing A Book For The First Time - Easy Habits To Help You Finish That Book
Check For The New Release in Health, Fitness & Dieting Category of Books NOW!
Check What Are The Top Cooking Books in Last 90 Days Best Cheap Deal!
Check For Cookbooks Best Sellers 2012 Discount OFFER!
Check for Top 100 Most Popular Books People Are Buying Daily Price Update!
Check For 100 New Release & BestSeller Books For Your Collection

Want to know more about writing a book for the first time?

To discover unique, comprehensive information and secrets that you can use for creative writing to become a top selling children's author and learn all that you need for a successful writing career, go here NOW!

http://www.creative-writing-prompts.com

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Top Ten Tips for Writing a Professional Overview or Biography

A professional biography or overview, showcasing your background, experience and expertise, is a necessity for every business owner. This often overlooked marketing tool is an excellent way to introduce you and your business to potential clients and possible strategic business partners. Potentially, it might open up opportunities for speaking engagements, radio or television interviews, or a feature print article. While any information about you and your business is helpful, information that is presented in a professional, well-polished manner can make all the difference in how others perceive you. Consider these important points as you craft your own professional biography.

1. One page wonder.

Your professional biography should be a few paragraphs and kept to one page or less. One page is perfect for copying on the reverse side of a handout or flyer. Several paragraphs, left justified make it easier to read and skim.

Top Ten Tips for Writing a Professional Overview or Biography

2. First, second, or third person?

Always write your biography in the third person. That is, refer to yourself by your name or she/he as appropriate. It sounds more professional as it appears that a third party wrote the text. For example, "Alexandra has been featured in the New York Times, Forbes, Newsweek, and Time magazines."

3. Business in brief.

Not only do readers want to know what you do, but also they want to know who you work with - because they might want to work with you! A professional biography should include a sentence or two about your business niche (or niches) as well as the types of clients you serve. A modified version of your 30-second elevator pitch might be perfect.

4. And the winner is....

Make sure that you include a list of awards that you have received. Readers are interested in knowing about your talents and the organizations that recognize you for them.

5. Organizations.

Include names of the organizations, clubs, or associations to which you belong. A reader's interest might be highlighted at seeing that you belong to the same alumni association or professional business group. Again, these connections might possibly lead to some interesting and exciting business opportunities.

6. Certifications and designations.

Include any professional certifications or designations you hold. Make sure you write out their names in full, rather than use abbreviations. Not everyone might know that CMA stands for Certified Management Accountant. And, perhaps, in a different discipline, it might represent something else - like a Certified Materials Analyst. If you no longer hold a particular designation, but it has played a major role in who you are and what you do, don't hesitate to make a reference to it. For example, "Ann is a former Certified Data Processor and spent the last decade as an adjunct faculty member teaching higher mathematics at the University of Colorado, Boulder." Don't include abbreviations of college degrees, like MBAs as it looks unprofessional. The only exception to this would be for a Ph.D. designation.

7. Published?

Have you written any articles, books, e-courses or e-books? Self-published or not, your works add to your level of professionalism and credibility. Showcase them in your biography and you might earn additional royalties in terms of new clients or other opportunities.

8. Did I mention the media?

Have you been a guest on talk radio or television? Were you or your business featured or even mentioned in a newspaper article? If so, readers want to know. Again, these types of "mentions" add to your credibility and presence.

9. Call me any time.

People who want to know about you will read your biography for just that reason. And, if its compelling, rich, and includes the information they're interested, in, they'll want to contact you. Include complete contact information like your title (if any), name, address, telephone, fax, email, and website address. Make it easy to find this information by including it in the last paragraph of your professional overview.

10. Write, rewrite, and do it again.

After you have written your biography, edit, edit, and edit again. You may need to do a dozen or so revisions before you get it just right. Eliminate extra words, use descriptive words, keep the sentences short but varied in length, and write in the third person. Ask some friends to provide input as well. Make sure to revise your biography regularly to keep it up-to-date and refreshed.

Copyright 2004 by Tara Alexandra Kachaturoff.

Top Ten Tips for Writing a Professional Overview or Biography
Check For The New Release in Health, Fitness & Dieting Category of Books NOW!
Check What Are The Top Cooking Books in Last 90 Days Best Cheap Deal!
Check For Cookbooks Best Sellers 2012 Discount OFFER!
Check for Top 100 Most Popular Books People Are Buying Daily Price Update!
Check For 100 New Release & BestSeller Books For Your Collection

Tara Alexandra Kachaturoff is a business consultant, writer, speaker, Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach and producer/host of Michigan Entrepreneur Television. Drawing on over 15 years of corporate experience, she coaches executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs on business and lifestyle issues and has been featured in print, radio and television. Her websites include http://www.virtualleverage.com, http://www.tarakachaturoff.com, and http://www.michiganentrepreneurtv.com

Monday, November 19, 2012

Writing Contests for Teens - Something to Do With a Boring Summer!

Somewhere between standardized testing, number 2 pencils, and bubble in the circle...children lose their love for learning. With the loss of funding in most schools, and in some places so much so that there is not enough money to supply even text books, the fine arts programs take a back seat to math, science and language.

Learning stopped being fun for kids somewhere around the time that the music programs were slashed, fine arts and art classes were removed or made extracurricular, and school libraries have to make do with what they can get through grants and donations.

All children need a way to escape, to be transported to magical times and places, faraway lands they may never visit in real life, or take a trip through history. Video games have become the way of the future, but there's not a lot to be learned from a video game. So how can children learn while also enjoying the experience? By reading!

Writing Contests for Teens - Something to Do With a Boring Summer!

The problem is, reading isn't as exciting to children as it once was. Computers, video games, internet, and other such modern marvels have taken the place of a good book in many youngster's lives. There is nothing wrong with these kids loving the internet, and there is much that can be gained by using the internet. In fact, a lot of these children use blogs as a creative expression and outlet, so they are writing. So why not take that writing these kids are doing and put it to some creative use?

There is a way. Several small publishers have opened up writing and illustration contests to young readers. These contests allow children to use their creative talents while also having a chance to be published in books or periodicals sold all over the country and even receive royalty contracts or scholarships.

One such publisher, who has created contests for kids this summer, and they also plan to keep contests running for children all year round, is Koboca Publishing. I recently spoke with Bo Savino, the author of Reggie & Ryssa, and the Summer Camp of Faery, one of the books used for facilitating this contest through Koboca Publishing, and here is what she had to say about the children's contests:

"I am very excited about the contests... [They are] going to be a great thing to energize kids...I love that most of all."

While most traditional writing and illustration contests have entry fees, Koboca Publishing's contests for kids don't have any entry fees at all. When I asked why Koboca Publishing decided not to charge an entry fee, here is what they had to say:

"No entry fees.... and [we] could probably make some money from entry fees...but [we] want it available for all kids...and some won't be able to do it with entry fees."

There are other small publishers and magazine publications / periodicals that offer writing and illustration contests for children too. Some of these charge small entry fees, some charge no entry fees, but they all offer a child a way to see their name and their art or work in print, while at the same time bringing back a love for literature and the arts. To find these contests, simply use your favorite search engine and search for children's literature or writing contests. Be sure to always check the authenticity of the contests before entering or allowing your child to enter into the contest.

These contests can help foster a love for the fine arts again, by getting kids involved in the literary and illustrative process, making them a part of something bigger, along with some noteriaty that all kids crave. Why not pick up a few copies of some interesting books for your kids today and get them started on a journey into the unknown that reading can bring? After a few books, help your kids get involved in writing or illustrating for publishing companies that hold these contests for the types of books they enjoy. Not only will this help bring a love of the written word back to your child, but it just might keep them busy during those long summer months and you will no longer hear, "Mom, I'm sooo bored. There's nothing to do!"

Good luck to all who choose to enter contests this year!

Writing Contests for Teens - Something to Do With a Boring Summer!
Check For The New Release in Health, Fitness & Dieting Category of Books NOW!
Check What Are The Top Cooking Books in Last 90 Days Best Cheap Deal!
Check For Cookbooks Best Sellers 2012 Discount OFFER!
Check for Top 100 Most Popular Books People Are Buying Daily Price Update!
Check For 100 New Release & BestSeller Books For Your Collection

Michelle L Devon is a professional writer and professional freelance editor, providing editing and writing services through her company, Accentuate Services. For more information and additional hints and tips about writing and grammar, and to network and connect with other writers, please visit her FREE writer's forum at [http://www.writersforum.info].

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Funeral Announcement Template

Funeral announcements are a way to inform all the deceased family, friends, and acquaintances of the recent passing of your loved one. It can be as formal as a printed or engraved invitation to the funeral service or a simple email notice. Templates are a great timesaver for this type of funeral notice.

There are funeral announcement templates created in Microsoft Word, Publisher or Apple iWork Pages. These type of templates allow you to enter your customize text, photo and then print the announcements. They are generally sent via U.S. mail or hand distributed.  The downside to creating the funeral announcement with this type of template is the cost of postage, printing and the time interval it will take before the recipient receives it.

Today, the most cost effective way to inform everyone is to send out email notifications of the death. If you would like to send a more creative email notice, you can send it with a funeral announcement template. These types of templates allow multiple recipient names with a beautiful photo image along side of the announcement text.

Funeral Announcement Template

There are website resources that enable you to send a free funeral announcement template just by registering your name and email address. Once registered, you can select a type of ecard which resembles somewhat of a postcard. This type of ecard template does have word limitations since it is only meant to accommodate a funeral announcement and not intended to be used for a lengthy letter.

Email is one of the fastest way to communicate in today's internet age and is the most cost effective. Because more and more people are getting away from sending mail via the traditional U.S. post office, sending funeral announcements via email is the preferred choice.

This type of communication can also save you time and money. As long as you have email addresses of those you want to notify, then emailing funeral announcements using a template will be a great help to you as you notify your family, friends and acquaintances of the death.

You can also state on the announcement the date and time of the memorial service and location if it has already been set. Otherwise, you may want to resend the date, time and location in a separate email.

Funeral Announcement Template
Check For The New Release in Health, Fitness & Dieting Category of Books NOW!
Check What Are The Top Cooking Books in Last 90 Days Best Cheap Deal!
Check For Cookbooks Best Sellers 2012 Discount OFFER!
Check for Top 100 Most Popular Books People Are Buying Daily Price Update!
Check For 100 New Release & BestSeller Books For Your Collection

For a free funeral announcement template you can send via email, visit The Funeral Program Site where you will find a wealth of information that can assist you in the details of the funeral or memorial service. This website also offers beautiful funeral programs that highlight your loved one's life.