"The Indie Author Show" Presents Author Melissa M. Williams LIVE!

The Indie Author Show and host, Bobby Ozuna feature author/public speaker & indie publisher, Melissa M. Williams LIVE on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 @ 7PM CST.

Be sure to catch this week's edition of The Indie Author Show on blog talk radio network with your host Bobby Ozuna, as we feature best-selling children's author Melissa M. Williams of LongTale Publishing.

Melissa is the author of the Iggy the Iguana children's chapter-book series for kids, co-founder to READ3Zero and owner of LongTale Publishing. Melissa has been able to turn an idea for a story, which started at the age of 8, into a publishing business that has been able to generate something most indie's have difficult creating: book sales. At her most recent book signing for Barnes & Noble, Melissa was able to sale 120 books to her fans and is close to selling 1,000 books in her most recent 90-day marketing plan with Ozuna Publications.

On Monday, November 23rd, 2009 @ 7PM CST, The Indie Author Show will discuss secrets to her book-selling success in the children's marketplace, discuss her approach to selling books to kids, her current short-story project with READ3Zero and also share insight into upcoming projects, her third book in her series--Turtle Town--and answer your questions.

Click below to follow the link to The Indie Author Showpage!

MELISSA M. WILLIAMS LIVE INTERVIEW ON THE INDIE AUTHOR SHOW

The Indie Author Show features a live "chat" with our guests and host and a call-in number, where you can pose your industry questions directly to our guests and hosts. Be sure to catch the live broadcast HERE on blog talk radio network!


...supporting the independent arts...

~Bobby Ozuna
Book Marketing Consultant
Literacy. Creativity. Learning.

*Bobby Ozuna is a private book marketing consultant, offering a range of services for indie authors & publishers. To contact Bobby Ozuna regarding his services and learn how he may benefit your publishing and selling needs, contact him here.*

Indie Author, Melissa M. Williams breaks records sales at Barnes & Noble Book Signing!

In a business where expectations are high and actual results are relatively low, one indie author and publisher is making headway in an overcrowded industry and has most recently reached a pinnacle in book sales with Barnes & Noble.

If there has ever been one constant I have easily recognized in the countless forums and discussion boards on the Internet that deal specifically with indie publishing and authoring, it is this: It is hard and almost impossible at times to sale any significant amount of books. The business is overcrowded, the buyers determine the market when they have access to what they are wanting or think they want, and the big corporate conglomerates control the destiny and bottom line for book sales from the very precious few who actually land a traditional publishing contract. And although there are new and exciting authors emerging every day thanks to greater technologies and ease-of-use and functionality online, it is still very difficult to discover a method to obtain the overall objective of every author: book sales.

I am honored to say today however, that despite the odds and despite the roadblocks and the vast array of impossibilities, my client has transformed those odds into something we all long for, even deep down in our souls beyond the place where we simply, just love to write. I am proud to say the methods and strategies and philosophies I have presented, when actually put into practice have begun to produce the impossible: book sales in steady stream and flow and with of course, poetic flair and professional presence and credibility, not so much from what we believe, but what the consumer actually desires in an author--indie or traditional. They want to meet us, learn from us, become inspired by our passions and lastly, hold a signed book in their hands as they leave our presence to escape into imaginary worlds.

I began this most recent venture with LongTale Publishing less than three months ago, and in that time helped isolate and identify key areas where an author and indie publisher needs to focus to help establish credibility, online presence, marketability and of course, present a product worthy of the efforts it takes to create a finished book. With a web presence that was steady but relatively low and a desire that seemed to be lingering somewhere between overwhelming and hibernating, we at LongTale Publishing have transformed the presence of the other green reptile from that of a good book to one of pure desire in the youth of the Lone Star State. With close to 100 school visits in the past 13 months, author presentations, the agonizing but required book signings that conjure up greater costs in time than they produce in sales, and a steady stream of Press Releases and credible articles, interviews and practiced placement online, the Iggy the Iguana chapter-book series for kids has become an indie book publishers dream. What began as a dream for an eight year-old little girl in Houston, Texas has become the pinnacle of a desire to share something beautiful with kids. This new children's favorite in chapter-book series for kids is on its way to breaking another milestone: 1,000+ books in just under 90 days.

At her most recent book signing event at Barnes & Noble in  Houston, Texas, Melissa M. Williams was able to perform an almost impossible feat in the book signing business. With average numbers of celebratory success coming in at less than ten books per signing, Iggy the Iguana captivated the wondrous eyes and attention to children and parents alike in a book signing that closed with some 120+ books out the door. And it is unlikely that any of the remaining books in stock will be returned--another aspect that breaks the bank for indie publishers--but rather sheathed upon the shelves in anticipation for the next child in search of the "tale of a different kind."

With a strong web presence generating some 128+ visitors per day (a striking increase from the 200+ visitors per month just a season ago), Melissa M. Williams has been able to incorporate a business approach to selling books that has solidified her expertise of studied practice and learning of the previous five years, with steady online content, articles, guest appearances from other industry professionals and a new column on Houston's (e)newspaper, The West Side Story, all in efforts to establish the ever elusive brand which is required of any indie author wishing to establish a presence of sales and longevity.

To further enhance the three foundational pillars of LongTale Publishing--Literacy, Creativity, and Learning--Melissa M. Williams has co-founded a literacy foundation with yours truly, designed to nurture the creative and learning desires in our youth: READ3Zero. Presently, READ3Zero is accepting manuscript submissions for short stories written "by kids, for kids" through February 1st, 2010 for all children in the US (in and) between grades third through eighth. Next year LongTale Publishing will honor each of these winners in an anthology entitled: "I Write: Short-Stories By Kids, For Kids." By focusing on the creative aspects and desires of our youth, READ3Zero will allow a means for parents, community and educational leaders to re-establish and strengthen an enthusiasm in kids to learn again.

When asked about her most recent sales spike and of course, her record breaking numbers from her Barnes & Noble book signing last night (Nov 18th, 2009), Melissa Williams said she was "in shock as much as she was comfortable." She went on to say, "I was amazed at the draw and at the same time, not surprised at all. I got into this business to sell books and when I think of book signings, I think of long lines with kids eager to learn about all things Iggy." When I asked her to elaborate on the secrets behind her sudden surge and rise in popularity, especially within the greater Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth area, Melissa says, "It's about the work. You have to be willing to work at this every day, for hours on end, with countless follow-up, constant event booking and of course, do it with passion, the very passion God put in your hart to succeed."

For a list of upcoming events, book signings, author visits and more, please be sure to stop by the official homepage for Melissa M. Williams. Also, to discover more insight into the book selling process and approach that has allowed LongTale Publishing to record breaking book sales within the indie book publishing business, you won't want to miss Melissa's LIVE one-hour interview with Bobby Ozuna on The Indie Author Show, Monday November 23rd, 2009 @ 7PM CST.

Melissa M. Williams featured LIVE on The Indie Author Show!


To book your author interview, school visit or author presentation, please contact Bobby Ozuna, online marketing manager for LongTale Publishing.

...supporting the independent arts...

~Bobby Ozuna

Literacy. Creativity. Learning.

*Bobby Ozuna works as a private book marketing consultant for indie & small press authors.*

Opportunities to Publish Stories for Children

I am writing to get some assistance in spreading the word on a new program and opportunities for children to have their stories published. As many of you know I work independently as a book coach and marketing assistant for several authors and companies, but more importantly, I have partnered with Melissa M. Williams (Iggy the Iguana) at LongTale Publishing to co-found a new program designed to help the fight against childhood illiteracy. The program is called: READ3Zero. The mission of READ3Zero is to offer people a means of making an outward stance in committing to reading 30 minutes a day with their child.

To help incorporate the cooperation within communities, READ3Zero will be funding literature to institutions and organizations where children are in need of reading material, based on contributions (purchases) made by businesses WITHIN that respective community. So, if a title-1 school, hospital or daycare were in need of literature for children, a business established within their respective community would help fund the necessary reading materials for kids in "their own backyard."

Also, to help with nourishing the creative spirits in our youth, LongTale Publishing (as part of READ3Zero) is now accepting submissions for short-stories written by kids, for kids in grades 3~8. The anthology will release next year and it will be entitled: "I Write--Short Stories for Kids, by Kids." Not only this, but some lucky child in grades 3~8 will have their artwork selected for the cover design for this first anthology.

What I am asking of you...

Help me spread the word. You can get general information here on the READ3Zero Homepage.

You can re-tweet this article, post information on your blog, post the READ3Zero logo, ask all the questions you wish and if possible, help us (where necessary) ensure we cover all the aspects of helping publish, nourish, encourage and ultimately, serve the youth in their literary and learning endeavors.

If you are using Facebook, show your initial support by joining the READ3Zero Facebook Group!


~Bobby Ozuna
LongTale Publishing, Online Marketing Manager
Literacy. Creativity. Learning.

*Be sure to Subscribe to Bobby's Blog or Follow his updates on Twitter or connect with him on Facebook.*

Author Melissa Williams featured on Houston Channel 2

I am always happy when someone I know accomplishes something great for the sake of their art. Today, my dear and special friend Melissa M. Williams, author of the children chapter-book series, Iggy the Iguana, was featured on Houston's Channel 2 news.

If you ever wanted to truly learn how to accomplish great tasks, from an independent author/publisher perspective, I would highly recommend you watch and mimic the business approach to author branding by Melissa Williams. She not only works to incorporate her audience in every story she writes, but she markets herself--not to other authors like many people do--but on the contrary, solely to students, school faculty and parents. By understanding her market, her vision and goals for her literary future and by honoring God in her efforts to give back to the children of her Houston (Texas and beyond) followers, Melissa has been able to create huge book sales and a serious fan base.

I speak from experience when I say too many times authors spend an excess amount of time performing online marketing and social networking, and although this aspect is critical in branding and marketing yourself effectively, you have to learn to work beyond your comfort zone and get right in the face of your audience. Having an educational background in professional counseling, Melissa felt inclined to serve the reader community by incorporating strong values, lessons, and morals in her stories and especially her characters. Each animal character takes on human traits (in a non-human world) and the students (animals) struggle with some of the same pressures our children face everyday--acceptance, bullying and friendship.

I have seen her work and learned more from her than any other author. I have watched her work beyond mere authorship and work her publishing company--LongTale Publishing--into a brand that represents and stands for children's literature. She works with librarians, teachers and school administrators to schedule school visits, lectures and (of course) book signings. She teaches children about the importance of pursuing a dream and following through with your vision by setting goals. Having dreamed of creating stories about her own childhood pets, Melissa shows our youth how your background, experiences and simple life happenings, can turn into a future if you work hard, study and stay focused on your goals.

Earlier this summer Melissa launched the first of many children's writing and illustrations camps in the Houston area. Her illustrator came down from New York to help her in a week long workshop designed to spark, nurture and enhance the minds of young and future artists. She has worked to develop a line of Iggy the Iguana stuffed dolls, t-shirts, online videos and more. And to incorporate her soon-to-release sequel, Summer League, Melissa will feature baseball cards depicting every character from her Iggy series.



Be sure to follow the URL below and watch her recent interview from Houston's local Channel 2 news. Last week she was featured in the Houston Chronicle at the local youth baseball park--the Tomball to help announce the release of the sequal, Summer League!

Watch Melissa on Houston's Channel 2 News

Read the Houston Chronicle Feature Interview

You can view Melissa's complete profile, find contact information, upcoming tour dates and news on LongTale Publishing's official homepage.  Also, be sure to connect with her online to learn about her upcoming workshop in the Houston area, where she will teach others how to create success by writing and publishing children's literature.




...supporting the independent arts...

~Bobby Ozuna

Melissa M. Williams LongTale Publishing Channel 2 news Houston Texas children\'s author children\'s chapter book children\'s literature Iggy the Iguana iguana Bobby Ozuna Ozuna Publications amazon books best-selling books Perceptive Marketing Drawing Stories With Words author interviews book marketing selling books children\'s workshops writing and illustration camps iguana dolls

"The Story Behind the Story"--June 22nd 2009

"The Story Behind the Story, an Author Interviewed" Q & A session is my new measure to help the world of independent authors and publishers. If you have released your own book and are looking for ways to promote your efforts, your book and your soul as the creator of your work, contact me HERE to book your online interview on this blog, "Drawing Stories...With Words."

***

To start this segment (of course not knowing whether I would get any interest), I went to my friend, literary companion and kindred soul...Melissa M. Williams of LongTale Publishing.







Q. What is the title of your book?
A. Iggy the Iguana. Oh, and Summer League is my new sequel releasing July 1st, 2009!

Q. What genre is your book? Who would you consider your audience?
A. Juvenile Fiction (Middle Grade Chapter Book) ages 7 ~ 11--male & female


Q. In 50 words or less, tell us what your book is about.
A. Iggy the Iguana is a fun loving story about the challenges and experiences elementary school animals go through while growing up. Whether you are the new lizard at school, the only animal of your kind in class, or have to deal with the stresses of little sisters, secret crushes, and classroom bullies, you will definitely find a character to relate to in this story!


Q. Apart from being an author, who are you in relation to your gifts?
A. I am a giver of insight and knowledge...a promoter of passion and dreams...and a representative of giving back what God has given to me.

Q. Why did you choose to write this particular book?
A. I have been writing this story since I was eight years-old. I had to write this book, because I will never be one of those people who say, "I shoulda, coulda, woulda."

Q. How much of your personal psyche, your struggle and your insecurities are hidden within the characters of this particular story?
A. I definitely show up in all of my fictional (animal) characters. Iggy had an anxiety issue and a fear of public speaking...as I did in the past. he represents my insecurities, yet he is a leader and constantly overcomes challenges. The major influences in my life have shaped me to be this way as well. Molly has a huge imagination and is known for being a brat and showoff...um...guilty as charged! Snap Shell shows my open-minded and philosophical perspective to life and a constant need to have big dreams. Kit Kay is definitely the goofy side of my personality. And Liz, well, she stands for the type of gal and qualities I hope others see in me...caring...accepting...and easy to get along with.

Q. Apart from writing stories, in which direction do you envision your career heading and what do you plan to bring to the literary world outside producing new stories?
A. In the years to come, I will be developing my name as a public speaker, promoting literacy for our youth, encouraging others to listen to their inner intuition and use their God given gifts to follow their passion and dreams. I have always seen myself as a teacher, so eventually the insight gained in the literary world will fuel my desire to write for adults as well.

Q. Who would you say is your literary mentor?
A. An author and dear friend of mine, Elaine Acker.





Q. What has been your greatest inner struggle to overcome with relation to your literary career?
A. The constant inner need to be perfect...the imaginary timeline that is my greatest tool and worst enemy...the balance between being an artist and a business woman while trying to stay sane at the same time. My struggles are often the things that I love one day and hate the next.

Q. What words would you like to leave the world when you are gone?
A. Stand apart and be like no one else. God has made each of us extremely unique, so find what He wants for you and do it...never stopping to settle!

***

You can stay connected, meet and greet or connect with our feature author, Melissa M. Williams of LongTale Publishing by following any one of her URL's below.

Melissa M. Williams Homepage

Melissa's blog page

Melissa on Twitter

Melissa on Facebook

Melissa on JacketFlap

Texas Authors Group Page

*******************************************************************************
If you would like to feature your author's Q & A session or book your own interview, please contact Bobby Ozuna HERE.



...supporting the independent arts...

~Bobby Ozuna

Author | Ghost-Writer | Book Coach | Press Release Services | Internet Radio Talk Show Host

OZUNA PUBLICATIONS

"The Bobby Ozuna Show"--June 17th, 2009

"The Bobby Ozuna Show"--June 17th, 2009

I will feature my friend, literary companion and inclusion author for my next book tonight on The Bobby Ozuna Show: Melissa M. Williams of LongTale Publishing. She is the author of the children's chapter-book series, Iggy the Iguana and as you will see, a true inspiration and sample of success in the indie publishing world.

Melissa M. Williams is offering a "Children's Writing and Illustration Camp" next week in Houston, Texas. We will discuss three scholarships she is giving away to three lucky children in the Houston, TX area and also discuss aspects of her second release in the Iggy the Iguana children's chapter-book series: Summer League. Lastly, we will discuss her brand-building and concepts that have helped her create true literary self-publishing success.

She will be giving away three scholarships to children in the Houston, Texas area, insterested in attenting the writing and illustration camp. So, you won't want to miss this interview!

To learn more about the creative writing camp or to contact Melissa M. Williams, follow this URL:
LongTale Publishing CREATIVE WRITING & ILLUSTRATION CAMP for children


Show Time:     7pm CST, via Artist First Radio Network
Show Place:    The Bobby Ozuna Show on Artist First Radio Network
*Simply click the Listen Live button @ 7PM*



Talking Points for June 17th, 2009

*The Quest of the Independent Author, inclusion chapter for indie authors

"Marketing 101"--February 28th, 2009

"Marketing 101"--February 28th, 2009

Hey everyone, I wanted to share a new video from a fellow author/writer, Ms. Melissa M. Williams of Long Tale Publishing. She is the author of the children's chapter book, Iggy The Iguana and she was featured on my show, The Soul of Humanity on February 4th, 2009. Be sure to listen to the re-broadcast of our interview HERE

*Iggy on Amazon.com*

She has created a new video documentary and (as a very smart tactic) has utilized children's reviews as well as teacher testimonials to help promote her work as a public speaker and author. Be sure to watch the video to help show your support.

You can view the video on my right-hand sidebar of my blog (look at the top right under "Iggy Tube" or simply navigate to the follow URL below and stream the video directly from YouTube.com.

*Melissa M. Williams and Iggy The Iguana video*

...supporting the independent arts...I am Bobby Ozuna, author of Proud Souls and host of The Soul of Humanity, Internet Radio Show!!!

Technorati Tags:
amazon author, internet radio show, bobby ozuna, proud souls, amazon books, ghost-writer, Melissa M. Williams, Iggy the Iguana, childrens chapter books, childrens author, childrens fiction,
Add to: | Technorati | Digg | del.icio.us | Yahoo | BlinkList | Spurl | reddit | Furl |

Melissa Williams on "The Soul of Humanity" w/Bobby Ozuna

"Drawing Stories...With Words": "The Soul of Humanity"--February 4th, 2009 with Melissa Williams, author of Iggy The Iguana.

Be sure to click the title to listen to the recent interview from February 4th with Melissa Williams.

Be sure to post some comments!!

"The Soul of Humanity"--February 4th, 2009

I am pleased to announce my first guest for my new Internet Radio Show, The Soul of Humanity--Ms. Melissa M. Williams, author of Iggy The Iguana.



Melissa is a native Texan living in Austin and author of the children's chapter book: Iggy The Iguana. Tonight we will discuss every aspect of her literary career--from her early development, to the specifics of how she came to write her first novel, to the steps she has taken to creating success as an independent book publisher. If you have aspirations of seeing your self-publishing endeavors become a reality, this is definitely a show you will not want to miss.

Melissa will be giving away one free autographed copy of her book to a lucky listener tonight. To qualify, simply listen tonight @ 7PM and during the course of the interview (or after) post a comment and offer some feedback here on this blog posting. Melissa will be responding to every listener comment and at the end of the night, she will draw a name and offer one autographed copy!!!

You can order your copy of Iggy The Iguana by clicking on the Amazon widget in my right-hand side-bar (-->>>). The image will take you directly to the Amazon storefront for Melissa's book. Be sure to post a reader review when you are done!!!

If you are local to the Austin, Texas area, please stop by the Barnes and Noble at the Arboretum and ask for Heather or Mairead to pick up your copy today.

Address
Barnes & Noble at the Arboretum
10000 Research Blvd #158
Austin, TX 78759
512-418-8985

Show Date & Time: Wednesday, February 4th @ 7PM Central
Show Location: The Soul of Humanity (Simply click the ON AIR button)


~Bobby Ozuna
Ozuna Publications
"Drawing Stories...With Words"
817-812-2009

Technorati Tags:
amazon author, internet radio show, bobby ozuna, proud souls, amazon books, ghost-writer, Melissa M. Williams, Iggy the Iguana, childrens chapter books, childrens author, childrens fiction,
Add to: | Technorati | Digg | del.icio.us | Yahoo | BlinkList | Spurl | reddit | Furl |