See all 5 customer reviews (newest first)

Amazon link to the print version:

http://www.amazon.com/Alter-Ego-Tory-Allyn/dp/0692287507/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413303530&sr=1-1&keywords=alter+ego+by+tory+allyn

Amazon link to the Kindle version:

http://www.amazon.com/Atler-Ego-Tory-Allyn-ebook/dp/B00NCBZ6YO/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413303578&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=alter+ego+by+tory+allyn

Barnes & Noble link:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Alter-Ego-by-ToryAllynkeyword=Alter+Ego+by+Tory+Allyn&store=book

After a partially-covered body displaying unusual physical characteristics was found in the backwoods of Virginia, FBI agent Jack Stanwick is once again summoned. This was the third victim to be discovered in this condition, and with most of the brotherhood on another high-profile case, he needed some outside help. Jack knew just where to go. He hires three former police officers who work for the Davenport Detective Agency. During the initial investigation, the detectives focus their attention on the militia group, M.A.G.O.C. (Men Against Government Overtaking Control), only to find that several members and a high-ranking official in the White House are involved in a governmental conspiracy. Digging further, the detectives come upon Prescott Chemicals, where an elixir that was discovered in the Amazon Rain forest by the Mayapo natives years before, is now being transformed into a formula with irreversible consequences. While investigating a lead, the detectives accidentally come into contact with the elixir and experience a change to their bodies and minds causing some amusing, yet permanent issues. With the assistance of a beautiful journalist and a bitter French physicist, the detectives come upon the location of the perpetrators and uncover a plot which culminates into the betrayal and a secret that affects one of detectives, changing his life.  

Independent Book Stores

Some Tidbits, Dos and Don’ts

During my Best Seller Blueprint Program I read an excerpt from an article Steve Harrison (marketing expert) wrote for his Book Marketing Update. It was titled, “How to Market Your Book to Independent Bookstores”.  In his writings he mentions how lucrative a small independent book store could be for an author, but also indicates how authors need to make bigger efforts to get shelf space in an indie book store these days. Since Borders closed, a bit of that business has flowed out to the Independent stores. 

According to Michael Powell in this article, founder and president of Powell’s Books, a successful bookseller here in the US; authors are not doing all they can to get their books in the independent stores when they do not have their books available at  distribution centers. The article indicates that authors who do not use a distributor are making a mistake that could keep them from getting shelf space in that inde store they so wish to occupy.

Independent book stores like to order from those distribution centers because those distribution centers fit with their shipping, inventory, and billing systems.  The article goes on to say that in the case of self published authors, independent book stores won’t bother to seek out their books if it is too difficult for them to order.  They like the idea of one shipment from the distributor, rather than a bunch of little shipments with a whole pile of separate invoices from separate authors.  One Independent book store owner from West Chester PA, stated that she liked ordering from the distributors because they can get her what she wants in the way of a book shipment the next day.

Independent book store owners indicate that books that are self published, or books from a small publisher that are carried by a wholesaler are easier for the small independent book stores to order from.  They prefer that there isn’t a separate invoice, and order system for them to deal with.  Getting that one shipment makes it easier for the indie book store.  The easier it is to acquire your book, the more likely the independent book store is to stock your book.

The very large distributors like Ingram and Baker&Taylor don’t usually buy from self published authors.  A better way to go for your distribution would be to sign on with distributors that specialize in independent publishers or a regional book distribution co.  The article listed and stated… well-regarded distributors include: Independent Publishers Group; National Book Network; Greenleaf Book Group; Partners Publishers Group and Publishers Group West. To contact these distributors, information can be researched at the (IBPA) Independent Book Publishers Association.  www.ibpa-online.org/pubresources/distribute.ospx

Independent book store owners in this article explained how important it is to be professional; to remember to conduct yourself in a professional fashion when dealing with them.  They are not happy when their phone calls or e-mails are not returned in a timely manner. They like when you make an appointment to speak with them.  They do not like when you stop by and interrupt them.  They usually have a rather small staff, that requires their time for business, and they expect to be treated with professional respect. Showing up on time for your appointment, returning their phone calls and e-mails in a timely manner, and dressing professionally, will all help you to better deal with Independent book stores.  Good Luck!

Welcome 

Today I have posted a review written for Linda Derkez, and David Fielding’s new book:

    One Large Peanut Butter Sandwich to Go

 

A new Release from Guardian Angel Publishing

This is an ever moving story about a boy named Scotty who likes to eat his food while walking around the house.  His Mother is easy going and would rather not say no to Scotty, but also is concerned about the crumbs he drops as he travels around with his food. 

Scotty’s Mom uses her imagination, to peak Scotty’s imagination. The two of them come to a solution based solely on Scotty’s decision through his imaginary experiences. In the end, Scotty finds the perfect place to eat his food.

Scotty imagines himself outside with his very large peanut butter sandwich.  He meets a mailman, a neighbor, a hairy dog, a grandma, a gentle man in a hat, and many other people who all have the same thing in common; they are hungry!

The pictures in this book are vividly enticing. They jump off the page and grab attention. I think any child would be thrilled to read these pages written by Linda Derkez, and gaze upon the artwork of David Fielding; over and over again. This book could very well become a favorite in a child’s library.

I give this book ***** for color, and ***** for story content.  The mother in this story found a way to heighten her child’s reasoning without being cross or negative; a lesson to be learned for sure.

This book was reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature. http://Bagfullofbooks4kids.blogspot.com  www.susanhornbach.com 

I hope you will leave a comment for Linda and David. 

To purchase this book you may click the link below:

ONE LARGE PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH TO GO
www.guardianangelpublishing.com/peanut-butter.htm

About the Author

Linda Derkez has always enjoyed writing, especially journaling. The mother of three, she began writing children's stories that would reinforce lessons or values she wanted her children to learn. Linda is the author of two previously published children’s books, including: Caleb's Missing Whisper & Other Stories and Chip's Sharing Day. Linda also co-authored Cody Knows with award-winning author (and sister) Karen Wiesner. Linda also enjoys writing children's stories with her husband and her brother-in-law, David Fielding, who illustrated One Large Peanut Butter Sandwich to Go.