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    Thursday, June 11, 2009

    Intrepid Media Partners with Lulu to Expand Services to Writers

    Partnership Creates Start-To-Finish Relationship with Authors Through Writing, Publishing, Promotion and Sales

    CHAPEL HILL, N.C., June 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Intrepid Media, a creative network and promotional site for writers, and Lulu.com, the marketplace for digital content on the Internet, have created a partnership to provide authors with expanded sources for creative assistance, publishing services, and promotional tools. Intrepid Media helps Lulu's authors write, market, and sell books, while Lulu helps Intrepid Media and its members publish. Both Lulu and Intrepid Media offer these services with no up-front cost to the author.

    Intrepid Media members include writers at every level, from beginners to New York Times bestselling authors. By posting columns to Intrepid Media during the creative process, authors generate targeted advice and feedback as well as build their brand via publication. Authors can also build a portfolio and create an online project for their book.

    Under the partnership, Intrepid Media serves as an incubator for the author and then walks them through Lulu's no-cost print and electronic book publishing services. Lulu handles all of the production, storefront, and distribution of print and electronic books, even allowing authors to sell their book on Amazon and other web-based booksellers.

    Once published, authors can return to Intrepid Media to promote their book by posting samples of their content or writing style -- short, easily consumable pieces that link directly to a storefront for their book.

    "We chose Lulu because we know them - we use them to produce and distribute books for our own publishing imprint," said Joe Procopio, founder and publisher of Intrepid Media. "The self-publishing market has become a large and legitimate one, but it's overwhelmed with so many authors publishing so many books, and there's little out there in terms of tools to help these authors promote themselves and, therefore profit. The partnership, combines elements of social networking, quality control, print-on-demand, and blogging to provide a start-to-finish service. We are thrilled that Lulu recognizes the value we offer writers who are looking to do it themselves."

    "We are excited about this partnership with Intrepid," said Jeff Kramer, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Technology Operations at Lulu. "Lulu has always been about helping authors profit from their work and Intrepid's vast creative network can provide our authors with valuable services that can help them do just that while Lulu offers a publishing solution for Intrepid members."

    About Intrepid Media: Intrepid Media (www.intrepidmedia.com) is a second-generation social network and promotional tool for writers and other artists. Founded in 1999, Intrepid Media has grown to over 1,000 members around the world, including New York Times bestselling authors, writers represented by major agencies, novelists, journalists, freelancers, technical writers, bloggers, students, and everything in between. Intrepid Media helps published and unpublished writers realize their goal of publishing their own books while employing the site's marketing and networking tools to assist with their business and creative interests. Intrepid Media also helps writers hone their talent, promote their work, build their brand, and further their career.

    About Lulu: Lulu.com (www.lulu.com) has over 1.1 million recently published titles, and more than 8,000 new titles added each week, created by people in more than 80 different countries. With over two million registered users, and two million site visitors each month, Lulu is changing the world of publishing by enabling authors to publish their work themselves for free with complete editorial and copyright control and empowers them to sell directly to their customers and the rest of the Lulu.com global marketplace. With free web storefronts, social networking offerings and available services and global distribution, Lulu authors are fully supported to profit from their work.

    Tuesday, February 17, 2009

    Publishers Adopt Mobile Technology to Reach Young Readers

    With the creation of MobiStories, Still Motion Media answers the call from publishers to advance children's literature distribution into the 21st century. With the latest MobiStories release of the children's picture book, "Mommy's High Heel Shoes", Kristie Finnan joins the growing number of publishers ready to extend the reach of their books through mobile digital devices including iPhones, iPods, laptops and portable DVD players. MobiStories maintains the integrity of each book by keeping the rich illustrations, but enhances the story time experience by adding music, sound effects, narration and "turning pages" to accompany the author's original text. Looking to reap the benefits of non-traditional methods of selling books, publishers are embracing this new format.

    Doylestown, PA (PRWEB) February 13, 2009 -- Still Motion Media, exclusive producer of MobiStories (www.MobiStories.com), digital books for kids, answers the call from publishers to advance children's literature distribution into the 21st century. With the latest MobiStories release of the MobiStories (www.MobiStories.com) [children's picture book, "Mommy's High Heel Shoes", Kristie Finnan joins the growing number of publishers ready to extend the reach of their books through mobile digital devices including iPhones, iPods, laptops and portable DVD players.

    Looking to reap the benefits of non-traditional methods of selling books, publishers are embracing the digital realm. By visiting the website, MobiStories.com, parents can download a digital file of a picture book to a multitude of portable devices, enabling kids to take their reading on the go. Utilizing experts in fields as diverse as reading education and Hollywood film production, MobiStories sets the bar for children's digital book entertainment and stands out as the only mobile-multi-platform provider.

    Amazon's Kindle, a favorite of Oprah's, has brought legitimacy to the world of digital publishing. However, until the advent of MobiStories, children's picture books had been left behind. "These days kids seem to come pre-wired to handle anything digital," says Rick Toone, Creative Director of Still Motion Media. "They have access to digital players at a much younger age. MobiStories utilize that mobility to instill the joy of reading and offer publishers the opportunity to reach their readers on today's terms."

    MobiStories maintains the integrity of each book by keeping the rich illustrations, but enhances the story time experience by adding music, sound effects, narration and "turning pages" to accompany the author's original text. The company consulted with reading experts and others in the field of education to ensure MobiStories' readers benefit from proper early reading strategies. Still Motion's latest release, "Mommy's High Heel Shoes," is the quintessential example of what sets MobiStories apart from the pack. Finnan's charming book, a heartwarming look uniquely told from a child's perspective at the numerous jobs a mother does and why a working mommy goes to work, is narrated by a child actor and is accompanied by music and sound effects by an award-winning Hollywood film composing team.

    "Creating the book in MobiStories format fits hand in glove with my life and many of the working mothers with whom I've had contact," commented Finnan. A full time working mom of two, with one on the way, and blogger, Finnan knows first-hand how hectic today's family schedule can be. Certain activities, such as reading together, may get lost in the shuffle. "Now, children can enjoy my book even when their Moms or Dads are unable to read it to them," said Finnan. "In fact, I have several MobiStories on my iPhone to use whenever my kids are with me."

    Bob Budlow, president of Still Motion Media, noted, "MobiStories aren't meant to replace the crucial early story-time experience with mom or dad reading to a child." He continued, "They offer children the opportunity to learn and enjoy a story-time experience on familiar digital devices, throughout the day, anytime, anywhere and on virtually any device. Now, screen time is reading time."

    The Perfect Gift For Any Man! 'Perfect Seduction' is a Guaranteed Turn On

    Diss, Norfolk (PRWEB) February 14, 2009 -- "Perfect Seduction" is a brand new book written by John James Newhouse. It is squarely aimed at heterosexual men who want to seduce a woman with all the best techniques available.

    "Seduction doesn't stop at the early stages of a relationship," said John James Newhouse when interviewed recently. "It is just as important for those couples who have been in a relationship for some time. This book is aimed at spicing up the love lives of couples both old and new!"

    So what makes "Perfect Seduction" the ideal gift to give to any heterosexual male?

    Firstly it is designed to be a real confidence booster. Every single step of the seduction process is covered, which alone makes this book stand out among the various others on the market which deal with this subject. Never before has something this comprehensive been published.

    But it is also a unique mix of fact and fiction. Once he has read the first two sections - which cover everything from Mars versus Venus to going beyond the kiss - he will discover a section which is guaranteed to keep him reading!

    This section contains a heady mix of erotica and brings the book and its lessons alive in a way that any man will appreciate. This section includes five complete fantasies packed full of erotic images that will give any man something to think about before he brings these fantasies to life with his own partner. This is essential reading for men of all ages who want to spice up their love life - no matter how long he has been with his significant other.

    "I've read a lot of similar books on the art of seduction and I haven't yet come across one which mixes fact and fiction in this way," added the author. "We've hit on something totally new here and I think men and women in heterosexual relationships are both going to be very responsive to it. It's a book to be enjoyed, not to sit on the bookshelf!"

    John James Newhouse's writing technique has certainly resulted in a unique book that covers everything a man will need to know to perform the perfect seduction. As such, while it makes the perfect Valentine's or anniversary gift it is also the best gift any day of the week.

    This is an erotic guide that will no doubt find its intended audience very quickly indeed - with the help of some eager women!

    To find out more about "Perfect Seduction" visit the Dragon Books website at http://www.dragoncub.com. Alternatively you can email the publisher for more information, including full ordering and pricing details, at Authors (at) DragonCub (dot) com.

    Friday, July 18, 2008

    Free eReader eBook Application for iPhone and iPod Touch

    Fictionwise, Inc. today announced that its popular, free eReader eBook reading application is now available for the Apple iPhone and iPod touch. Now, nearly 50,000 eBooks, including current NY Times best sellers and titles from top authors, large publishing houses, and fine independent publishers can be read on the iPhone and iPod touch. The eReader eBook reading application is the only application that supports best selling eBooks on the Apple devices now.

    Chatham, NJ (PRWEB) July 17, 2008 -- Fictionwise, Inc. today announced that its popular, free eReader eBook reading application is now available for the Apple iPhone and iPod touch. Now, nearly 50,000 eBooks, including current NY Times best sellers and titles from top authors, large publishing houses, and fine independent publishers can be read on the iPhone and iPod touch. The eReader eBook reading application is the only application that supports best selling eBooks on the Apple devices now.

    The eReader application may be downloaded free of charge after upgrading the devices to the 2.0 operating system using iTunes 7.7. The newly released Apple iPhone 3G comes pre-installed with the 2.0 operating system so eReader may be immediately downloaded to the new iPhone with no upgrade required. eReader may be found in the Reference section of the Apple on-device application store, or by searching on the word "ereader". For more information see

    "The Apple iPhone and iPod touch devices make killer eBook reading platforms," remarked Steve Pendergrast, co-founder of Fictionwise, Inc. "They have large screens compared to most PDAs, and those screens are sharp and clear. Battery life is solid at 6 to 8 hours, enough for reading nonstop on a typical coast to coast flight, for example. Wireless connectivity makes uploading eBook content a breeze."

    The eReader ebook reading application is one of the most popular ways to read electronic books, with hundreds of thousands of customers. The eReader application was already available on over 300 different handheld devices and the iPhone and iPod touch devices are likely to be among the most popular for reading eBooks. Currently there are nearly 50,000 titles available at eReader.com and Fictionwise.com, including best selling titles from Stephen King, Mary Higgins Clark, Michael Crichton, Ann Rice, James Patterson, Harlequin Romance, and thousands of others.

    Fictionwise believes that millions of consumers will prefer this platform over other recently introduced dedicated eBook reading devices. Many people will find the screen quality vastly superior on the iPhone and iPod touch: crisper, clearer, higher contrast, and with built-in backlight for easy reading in low light situations. The smaller form factor fits easily in your shirt pocket for on-the-go reading, and the Apple devices can be used for many purposes besides reading eBooks. The touch screen interface is far more natural and easier to use than many of the higher-priced dedicated reading devices.

    "The value proposition for reading eBooks on the iPhone and iPod touch is far more compelling than the dedicated eBook reading devices," commented Scott Pendergrast, co-founder of Fictionwise, Inc. "With eReader, your purchased content is not locked in to a single vendor's hardware. We have customers who bought eReader books eight or even ten years ago for other devices who are today reading those same eBooks on their iPhone or iPod touch without having to repurchase them in a new format. Our system protects our customer's investment in eBook content."

    ABOUT FICTIONWISE: Fictionwise, Inc., which owns and operates Fictionwise.com and eReader.com, is one of the oldest and largest eBook retailers in the world with tens of thousands of eBooks available on their websites and hundreds of thousands of customers. The Fictionwise.com eBook website supports many different electronic reading formats, including eReader and many unencrypted titles. The eReader.com website supports the eReader format, which many consider to be the safest, long-term eBook reader application for consumers because of the flexibility of its encryption technology. For more information check out their websites: www.ereader.com and www.fictionwise.com. (iPhone and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple, Inc.)

    Tuesday, July 8, 2008

    New Novel Addresses Domestic Abuse Based on Christian Religion Teachings

    Waneta Dawn new hit book, 'Behind the Hedge', follows a woman who turns to the Christian religion for guidance on how to deal with being a victim of domestic abuse.

    (PRWEB) July 8, 2008 -- 'Behind the Hedge' is a powerful novel of a domestically abused, yet loving, woman who uses the Christian religion and her own strength to deal with her abusive husband. The woman, Yvette, begins to confront husband to not only free herself, but also her spirit and her children. Through the comfort of her friend Delores and her mother Clara, Yvette is able to find the path of peace and fulfillment that had eluded her for many years.

    Running a dairy farm, caring for three children and a living with demanding, controlling husband was the day-to-day routine Yvette had faced alone for 15 years in the bucolic Midwest countryside. But behind the colorful garden and the front door of her farm, she began a journey for truth, one that terrified her and one she must face alone.

    Author Wanetta Dawn has skillfully crafted and researched a novel, published by Xulon Press, that will resonate with millions of women -- from the Christian religion (www.wanetadawn.com) or not -- throughout the world as it is a novel that is long past due. Here, she traces the path of one woman who pursues the meaning of her faith and an ethical route to guide her through a landmine of scripture and bible teachings that have been used by her husband, Luke, as a hand grenade for domestic abuse.

    "My aim in writing the book was to not only enlighten Christians, but also non-Christians about this seldom-mentioned side of domestic violence. It's amazing to discover how many men of all faiths believe that a woman is required, through various religious teachings, to submit to their demands," said Dawn.

    Behind the Hedge, a 246-page book, is available online through Amazon.com and Target.com, and through local booksellers.

    The Christian religion played an integral part of Waneta Dawn's childhood on a dairy farm in Kalona, Iowa. Soon after leaving the farm, she married and had one daughter. After experiencing domestic abuse in her own marriage, she spent several years researching the crime particularly dominance through verbal, emotional and spiritual abuse. She has facilitated a batterers education program through the Iowa Department of Corrections. More information can be obtained by visiting www.wanetadawn.com.

    Wednesday, July 2, 2008

    Successful Article Writing

    Article writing is an effective method to launch a successful online business. As an added benefit, it can be done for free. And there is no other advertising technique that can bring you traffic for years. Any other advertising campaigns that you initiate will stop bringing you traffic as soon as you stop sending them checks.

    Many people ask me how article writing can be used to start a successful online business. One of the easiest ways to get started is to write list type articles. That is; 7 Tips To , 10 Ways to, or 5 Steps to. These types of articles are always in high demand. Following are 7 article writing tips for a successful online business:

    1. Your article should include 250 to 500 words. This size article has been found to be most successful.

    2. Write it as you would say it. Don't try to impress your audience with big fancy words. You are not going to be graded on your vocabulary skills. People appreciate an easy conversational tone to the articles they read. Keep it simple.

    3. Break you article up into a number of different paragraphs and separate each one with a space. This makes it more pleasing visually and is easier on the reader's eyes.

    4. In your first (or second) paragraph, tell your reader about a problem and how your article will solve it.

    5. Include 5 to 10 facts in each article you write. Separate each fact into it's own paragraph.

    6. In the final paragraph, synopsize the information and tell the reader how they will benefit by using the information in the article.

    7. Write often! The more articles you write, the more successful you will become. Try writing 3 articles a day and you will be surprised at how quickly you can develop a successful online business.


    Written by Jo Mark, a website marketing and eBook author. For more information on how you can write "Million Dollar Articles" check their website at: Million Dollar Articles.

    Wednesday, June 25, 2008

    New Book! Systematic Approach Eases Medical Practices’ EMR Transition

    Keys to EMR Success: Selecting and Implementing an Electronic Medical Record by Ronald Sterling

    Phoenix, Maryland (PRWEB) June 24, 2008 -- Greenbranch Publishing announces a breakthrough book for medical practices eager to minimize the costs, confusion and outright risks of choosing and implementing an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. Just released, Keys to EMR Success: Selecting and Implementing an Electronic Medical Record is written by Ronald Sterling, CPA, MBA (paperback, 253 pages, ISBN: 0-9814738-1-4, list price - $129.00 with pre-publication price -- before July 11, 2008, $99).

    This book is an invaluable resource for practices facing the arduous task of choosing and implementing an EMR system. By following Sterling's methodical and detailed approach, the reader is transformed into a more intelligent buyer. The checklists are terrific!

    As a nationally recognized expert on practice-based computer systems, Ron Sterling has helped many medical practices evaluate whether an EMR investment makes sense (and for some practices, it doesn’t!). From there, he helps them define requirements, choose the right system, get physician and staff buy-in, and take the system “live” as smoothly as possible. Now, in Keys to EMR Success, Sterling translates his experience into a step-by-step process any medical practice can follow with ease, from first considering an EMR, all the way through post-implementation training and updates.

    “There is no question,” says Sterling that the selection and implementation of an EMR is a ‘bet-the-practice’ proposition. If you fail, you end up with more costs and greater frustration. On the other hand, few practices will be able to avoid implementing EMRs as these tools become necessary to meet patient expectations, payer quality requirements and pay-for-performance demands.” Keys to EMR Success provides a proven path medical practices can follow with ease – and the confidence they’re making the right decisions about features, vendors, integration with the practice management system, and other critical factors.

    Nancy Collins, President of Greenbranch Publishing says Keys to EMR Success is particularly valuable because it explores more than just the technology considerations. “From common care standards and disease management initiatives, to the HIPAA Transaction Set and Continuity of Care Record, Sterling offers bottom-line perspective on how current industry issues affect EMR decisions. For example, in looking at Pay for Performance, he points out how an EMR can help practices answer Medicare/Medicaid pay-for-performance initiatives — and how payers like BlueCross/BlueShield in Pennsylvania awards pay-for-performance points to practices with an EMR.”

    “Another thing that’s unique about this book,” adds Collins, “is that medical practices aren’t squeezed into a ‘one size fits all’ approach. The system works for every practice, but in working through the system, each practice will be able to identify the right EMR for their unique practice. This saves money – you don’t buy features you don’t need, but you don’t overlook features you’ll need down the road, either.”

    Selected Table of Contents

    Chapter 1: Should I Invest in an EMR? Who should — and shouldn’t —make the leap.

    Chapter 2: Evaluating an EMR Investment How to compare the system’s cost to potential ROI in patient care, document management, compliance, and other key practice areas.

    Chapter 3: Your Practice Management System and an EMR Best practices for getting these systems to work together — and with your practice management team.

    Chapter 4: Compiling a Practice-Focused Evaluation List How to define requirements and anticipate features you’ll need in the future.

    Chapter 5: Selecting Products to Review Narrowing the field of 400 EMR products to find the best candidates for your practice.

    Chapter 6: Reviewing Products for Your Practice How to complete due diligence in two months, including what to look in demos.

    Chapter 7: Making a Final Decision Using a weighted score system … and asking the right questions about server support, hardware specs, and other potential hidden costs.

    Chapter 8: Negotiating a Contract How to avoid tricky situations with warranties, termination clauses, upfront fees, and more.

    Chapter 9: Implementing an EMR. From clinical standards and policies, to data conversion and training: who does what, when.

    Chapter 10: Activating an EMR How to keep personnel and logistics issues from sabotaging your success with the EMR system.

    Chapter 11: Supporting an EMR Maintaining standards (e.g., clinical charting), motivating proficiency, training new employees, and regularly refreshing staff EMR skills.

    BONUS!...an EMR glossary and a list of vendors including company names, contact information, certification status, and specialty orientation.

    Stellar Reviews!

    “As a healthcare consultant, I have worked with Ron Sterling for over 20 years. He has always been my "go to" person for advanced technology issues facing my clients. He has an amazing ability to comprehend complex IT and healthcare business issues, and then to communicate them to lay persons in a simple -- and often humorous -- manner.”

    Barbara J. Grant, CPA, MST
    Principal
    Gates, Moore & Company
    Atlanta, Georgia

    “National initiatives to accelerate the adoption of health IT is directly linked to successful implementation of EHR-EMR systems. This book will guide you to a successful implementation.”

    Vinson J. Hudson
    President/POMIS,
    Industry Analyst
    Austin, Texas

    “This book is an invaluable resource for practices facing the arduous task of choosing and implementing an EMR system. By following Sterling's methodical and detailed approach, the reader is transformed into a more intelligent buyer. The checklists are terrific!”

    Karen Zupko
    President, Karen Zupko & Associates,
    Chicago, Illinois

    About Ron Sterling
    Ron Sterling, CPA, is President of Sterling Solutions, Ltd., Silver Spring, MD. A nationally recognized expert on practice-based computer tools, he has authored four books the topic, has reviewed electronic medical record and practice management systems from over 150 vendors, and has guided a variety of primary care and specialty practices in over 30 states in the selection and implementation of electronic medical record and practice management systems.

    About Greenbranch Publishing, LLC: Headquartered in Phoenix, Maryland, Green branch Publishing, LLC, is a privately held firm founded in 1998. The company is a leading publisher of medical practice management titles, electronic media and audio conferences for physicians, practice administrators and office practice managers.

    More information can be found at www.mpmnetwork.com, www.mpmjournal.com, www.mpmbuyersguide.com, www.soundpractice.net, and www.greenbranch.com.