Introducing the AMC2010 Track Development Process

Introducing the AMC2010 Track Development Process Help sustain Allied Media Projects: CLICK HERE TO DONATE Every year following the Allied Media Conference (AMC), tons of ideas for new tracks emerge.  In the past, Allied Media Projects (AMP) staff have coordinated several broad tracks at the AMC: Youth; INCITE!; Media, Education and Movement-Building; Policy; How-to and Kids.  This year we want to break those large, general track categories into smaller, self-organized tracks (each one hosting 2-4 sessions at the AMC).  We want the process of organizing an AMC track to support year-round collaboration between organizations and individuals in the AMP network.  Our goal with this new structure is to de-centralize the AMC content-development process and to grow the AMP network's ownership and management of the conference. Guidelines for proposing a track Proposals must come from two or more organizations OR individuals in two or more cities. Proposals must center media, technology, art or other creative communication strategies Each accepted track must identify two point people to act as coordinators and participate in the AMC2010 Advisory Board We encourage proposals that advance strategies for transformative social justice organizing We encourage proposals that grow out of and support year-round collaboration Timeline November 23rd, 2009: Deadline to submit an AMC2010 track proposal November - December, 2009: Track proposal review process January 2010: AMC2010 tracks announced January - June 2010: Track coordinators participate in regular track-planning meetings with AMP staff (avg. 4 hours per month) January - June 2010: Track coordinators participate in AMC2010 Advisory Board conversations to foster intersection between tracks and develop the vision for the conference (avg. 4 hours per month) Track proposal form The online form will be available at www.alliedmediaconference.org later this month.  These are the questions it will ask: Who is proposing this track? What is the proposed name of this track? Who are the two point people for this track? We appreciate hearing all the details you have at this point, but no more than a short paragraph is necessary for the following questions. What prior work has led to this track proposal (past collaborations, AMC workshops or caucus discussions, planning conversations, etc.)? What are some of the skills and concepts you will share with the AMP network through your track? How will the process of organizing this track and the time spent together at AMC2010 support the year-round work of the organizations/individuals who are proposing the track? What communities and organizations will you outreach to in the process of organizing this track? Are you aware of any other AMC2010 track proposals that would intersect or compliment your track proposal? How will you fundraise to get participants in this track to the AMC? What support will you need from AMP in order to coordinate this track? FAQ Can you give an example of what a track would look like in this new structure?  Here's one: There are groups all around the country using media to organize for immigrant justice in Spanish-speaking communities.  Five of these organizations identified the need for a Spanish-language track at the AMC, where these groups can share skills and strategies and build alliances with other networks of media organizers. They created a website to communicate with each other throughout the year and develop a vision for the track.  Over the next year they will assess the media training needs and resources of their communities to determine the most useful and innovative skill-shares and strategy sessions for the track.  They will hold fundraiser/outreach events to mobilize their network to participate in AMC2010. If I don't submit a track proposal now, will I still have an opportunity to submit an individual session proposal later in the year?  Yes.  We will do a call for session proposals in the early Spring of next year.   Do the organizations collaborating on a track proposal have to be in different locations?   No, but the more geographically-diverse network of folks involved in a track, the better. Can I call you to talk about my ideas for a track and ask other questions?   Please email info@alliedmediaconference.org to schedule a phone or Skype meeting. Or email us with questions or ideas.

Fw: Frankfurt Book Fair and the New Digital Appetite

www.digitalbookworld.com | follow us on twitter | join our linkedin group October 15, 2009 digitalbookworld Co-sponsored By: JAN. 26-27, 2010-New York, NY Register by Nov. 15 to Secure the Best Rate! DBW's FREE eBook Webinar is on Wednesday—Sign Up Today! What exactly is an eBook? How do you decipher the alphabet soup of formats and acronyms? What's the difference between the Kindle, Sony Reader and iPhone, and what in the world is a Vook? Is DRM a necessary evil, or is there another solution? Get the facts aduring the FREE Digital Book World webinar, The Truth About eBooks: Devices, Formats, Pirates (Oh, My!) on Wednesday, October 21st at 1 pm EDT. Click here to register now. Kirk Biglione of Oxford Media Works will moderate informative presentations by and a discussion with eBook experts Samir Kakar, CTO of Aptara and Joshua Tallent, owner of eBook Architects and author of Kindle Formatting: The Complete Guide. Kirk Biglione Kirk Biglione is a consultant, writer and technologist. His diverse media background is perfectly suited to the new era of convergence. In addition to his extensive Internet experience, Kirk has also worked in radio and the music industry. Over the past decade he has helped scores of businesses and government agencies develop and improve their online presence... MORE Samir Kakar As Chief Technology Officer, Samir Kakar is responsible for Aptara's technology vision, its Content Technology Solutions practice, and oversees the company's global IT infrastructure. Since joining in 1993, Samir has been instrumental in developing Aptara's technology portfolio technology and processes in support of key customers such as Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, Amazon and Random House... MORE Joshua Tallent Joshua Tallent has been an eBook developer for 7 years, and is an expert on formatting eBooks in the variety of formats on the market, including Kindle/Mobipocket and ePub. His book, Kindle Formatting: The Complete Guide, has been praised as the most helpful and thorough explanation of the detailed process involved in formatting great-looking eBooks for the Amazon Kindle... MORE Space is limited so don't wait another day to secure your space. If you're unable to attend, be sure to encourage a friend or colleague to take advantage of this FREE webinar presented by Digital Book World. Click here for more information and to sign up now. Follow Guy Gonzalez's Live Tweets from the Frankfurt Book Fair The Frankfurt Book Fair is happening right now and if you weren't able to make it to the event, social media provides the perfect opportunity for you to become an armchair traveler. As the Director of Audience Development for Digital Book World, Guy Gonzalez has been actively engaged in introducing DBW to the publishing community; building networks on Twitter, LinkedIn, and on the DBW blog; and sparking and contributing to conversations about the toughest issues publishers face today. He's currently attending the Frankfurt Book Fair, where F+W Media will be exhibiting in Hall 8 J911, and live-tweeting and blogging the highlights throughout the week for the benefit of those unable to attend. Follow all the action on Twitter and check out the DBW blog for the latest updates. Frankfurt and the New Digital Appetite Stephen Bateman, Publisher and Managing Director of David & Charles Ltd. blogs, "The fact we're in a recession year will mean fewer visitors [at the Frankfurt Book Fair] and those who are coming will want to justify the cost of their travel with a shorter stay, and a more intensive and harder-working visit. So, whilst the halls might feel quieter, it promises to be a serious and productive trip. It is worth noting that China is the guest-of-honour nation and they will have a 2000-strong delegation. It is no mystery that Publishing has entered the Digital Age and the organisers of this year's Fair have put a special emphasis on Digital..." MORE Sponsor Spotlight: SBS Worldwide SBS Worldwide has been an integral part of the publishing industry's supply chain for 26 years as the driving force behind freight management. In the past decade, SBS has enhanced its capabilities to meet the ever-changing needs of the industry with a range of new products and services. They are excited to launch their new software, eDC, that could alter the traditional shipping model to bring books to market quicker and cheaper, all via the web. Click here to learn about eDC—SBS's new e-commerce hub. Stay Connected Get the latest news as soon as it's announced at the new Digital Book World blog. In addition to updates on sessions, speakers and events, you'll find original commentary from our presenters, advisors and other industry professionals. Join the conversation today and post your questions and thoughts. Join our group on LinkedIn and get connected to fellow attendees before the Conference. Follow @digibookworld on Twitter. Click here to register now for Digital Book World 2010.                                                                 www.digitalbookworld.com | follow us on twitter | join our linkedin group

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Improve Your Blog in 31 Days

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If you haven’t heard the name Darren Rowse before then now is the time to listen. He’s a very popular blogger who makes 6-figures a year on his Problogger site and definitely knows his stuff. A while back he put together a month long series called “31 Days to Build a Better Blog” and it was such a hit, he decided to turn it into an e-book.


This downloadable e-book is designed to help you jump-start your blog by giving you 31 tasks that will turn your blog into the powerhouse you’ve always dreamed of. The great thing about Darren’s e-book is that you can do it at your own pace and in your own way. Set a goal of reading a chapter a day and take notes. I usually dog ear and highlight the important pieces and come back to them later.

The workbook uses a great approach to teaching and is designed so that you come away from the challenge having not only learned how to build a dynamic blog but you’ll have actually done something with the knowledge. 31 Days to Build a Better Blog is for virtually bloggers at different stages of their blogging which includes:

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• Those who have had a blog for a while but it’s stalled in its growth
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I was actually in a Borders bookstore the other day and saw a published version on the shelf and couldn’t help but pick it up. I first started thumbing through the chapters but soon realized I was reading it word for word. The book was addicting and I learned some things which I apply to my blogging today.

The cost of this e-book is only $19.95 and there’s even a money back guarantee.  Darren is one of the best known bloggers in the world. All of his works are top notch and his latest offering is no exception. If you want a better blog, you can have it in the next 31 days. Buy it today and you’ll be able to start reading it in minutes. Trust me, it pays for itself!

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Are you ready for MORE? Lace up your Boots and Get to a Boot Camp!

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Lace up your BOOTS,   Time for a Turn Around...    There's a shift going on - but you have to click it to get it!   Want to learn how to leverage the internet to make money?     Tech Club CPR's Social Media Boot Camp   Saturday, Oct. 17 from 10 am to 4 pm     Want to learn how to get BUZZ for your book & explode as an "authorpreneur?"    PR Boot Camp Online    Teleclasses begin on Tuesday Oct. 20 for 4-weeks   You are one click away from awesome.   Why struggle?   You don't have to try to figure it all out by yourself.   Invest time and money to grow your business and brand your book.   Are you living your dream?    What are you spending your time doing?   Either you're making money - or making excuses!   Lace up your boots and come to a Boot Camp and get the information you need to help you realize your dreams.     Click and get in the game. We're in it to win it!     Last Call....Time to KICK it up a notch!   Forward email / Digital Evangelism!

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Five Things Christian Writers Should Know

 By Pam Perry

"Just because you have a computer, doesn't make you a writer," said a publishing executive at a recent Book Expo of America. 

Fact is 81% of all Americans think they should write a book (according to Write & Publish magazine) and only two percent of that crowd ever actually complete a manuscript - and get it published.

True computers have made writing a book easier and print-on-demand (POD) has made publishing a snap. Problem is there are about 150,000 new books a year and they're not all selling!

So here are some simple things to do to move you from book idea, manuscript to real sales!

Learn about writing. Taking writing courses. You can go to American Christian Writers website and get info on their American School of Christian Writing, The Writer's Institute and/or Writer's Mini Course. Also subscribe to their newsletter (The Christian Communicator or The Advanced Christian Writer). Take time to go to various writers' conferences where you'll meet editors, publishers and other authors. You may even find a mentor at some of these events.

Getting a writing mentor is so critical to your success - if you listen and heed their advice! There are tons of book coaches. Google book coach.

Finally, read! Best-selling Christian fiction author, Victoria Christopher Murray, said on a recent Chocolate Pages Show, "In order to be a good writer, you have to read good writing." I am so surprised when I talk to many Christian writers and I ask if they have read any of the "best-sellers" - as least the Christian or spiritual books. They answer, "NO."

Some have never even read "The Purpose Driven Life" (the best selling book of all time), The Shack (a Christian publishing phenomenon in the book world) or The Secret (at least take cues how they have marketed the mega-star of a book). Most Christian authors don't even take note of any of the top 10 New York Times or CBA best-sellers.

Ughh! You have to know what the market is buying and read it to see why the book is highly acclaimed. By doing a little homework, you can improve your writing. You have to move it from a hobby to a craft if you want a viable book.
Books Every Writer Needs at Their Fingertips!

- On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Knowlton Zinsser
Best book I've read on what, specifically, makes up a great piece of writing
- The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr., E. B. White
Also subscribe to Writer's Digest. Invaluable information every month!

Learn about self-publishing and how the book industry works. I have had writers come to me and tell me their "publishing nightmare" stories. They talk about how printers or subsidy publishers took advantage of them.
Yes, there are companies who will swindle you. But, if you are well-informed, it will lessen the chances of someone ripping you off. Don't rely on one source for all your information. Use Google and do some research! You must do your due diligence.

Know where to get an ISBN, how to get national distribution, where to find a cover designer, typesetter, printer, etc. Ask other self-published authors what they've done and how it has worked for them. Follow the leaders. Do what they did to achieve success.

Study what Kendra Norman Bellamy, Stephanie Perry Moore, Marilynn Griffith or Kim Brooks have done. Most authors have their "publishing testimonial" on their website or offer publishing tips to new authors. Read their advice - you can learn from mistakes or from mentors. Mentors are cheaper.

Learn about marketing and publicity. Build a platform. No book will sell without telling others about it - over and over again. Not just once. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising. Creating "buzz" requires a strategy and a strong platform. (See this Podcast show)

Once the book is published a lot of authors believe it will sell by itself. Many Christians sway the other way and are too humble to tell anyone about their book. They believe if they put it up on Amazon or tell a few of their "yes buddies" it will take off. NOT! Just like any product that is sold for cold cash, it must be marketed and promoted in order to sell. It takes money to make money.

Learn about agents. Agents are not your "literary fairy God-mothers." They are in business to make money. And they make money by selling "marketable" writers to publishing houses. Besides having a great book, decent platform, an audience - you must also have a good book proposal. The proposal is what sells your book. Part of that proposal is the marketing plan. Again, it's about the bottom line.

It took former Heart & Soul editor Stephanie Stokes Oliver 25 years to have her first book published. And she had a platform and was a professional writer. She had to find the right publishing house. She says she went through 10 agents and eventually got the divine connection and got three book deals.

Learn about Web 2.0, podcasting, blogging, social networking. Did you know you can blog on Amazon.com if you're an author? You can even put up video reviews. How cool is that? You must embrace technology and keep up with what is moving books. Obviously the best way to move books is to get people talking - and the more they hear your passion and get curious about all the "buzz" they keep hearing from you online - the more you will attract customers.

So, "get out there" by joining Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace and Twitter. Do a Blogtalk Radio Show and get a Youtube channel. Post up your blogs in RSS feeds and even do some daring stuff like join a lot of "nings" or start one! Join the Chocolate Pages Network (a new social network for Christian Authors). There is so many ways for an author to get exposure online - hey, it may even up on Oprah as part of her "Book Club."

Ministry marketing pioneer and PR Coach Pam Perry helps African American Christian authors garner publicity and leverage online strategies. As a 20-year PR veteran, she is also the co-author of "Synergy Energy: How to Use the Power of Partnerships to Market Your Book, Grow Your Business and Brand Your Ministry." For a free MP3 of "What Every Christian Author Should Know," go to http://www.PamPerryPR.com/. She's also the creator of the ChocolatePagesNetwork, a social network for Christian authors and the Chocolate Pages Show at Blogtalk radio. She offers free help at her blogsite: http://www.MinistryMarketingSolutions.com/ with her monthly Ezine and teleclasses. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pam_Perry

 Learn More about book business at The Essence of Motown Literary Conference and Jam

Attend the Essence of Motown Literary Conference and Jam November 13 - 15, 2009

 http://essenceofmotown2009.eventbrite.com 

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How are you keeping up with the social media revolution?

FREEInfo Click and listen Tech Club CPR founder, Ralph Claxton and I give away real "secrets" on how to leverage social media to make money online. More than just blogging, podcasting and tweeting - it's the new economy! Please contact us with any questions at the email address above or at  www.tehclubcpr.eventbrite.com Only 7 seats left for Tech Club CPR... Social Media Boot Camp - Courtyard Marriott Livonia, Michigan From 10 to 4 pm. The Tech CPR Boot Camp is basic training for people who are comfortable with the internet but find it hard to really leverage it to make money online, brand themselves and keep up with all the new social media tools. Claxton and Perry will provide hands-on internet training so that everyone will leave with knowledge of how to play the game of Social Networking.    Go to: www.TechClubcpr.eventbrite.com Don't miss out. Act now. www.TechClubcpr.eventbrite.com phone: 248.426-2300 On Saturday, October 17 from 10 am-4pm (Sweetest Day in Michigan), The Tech Club CPR will host a sweet deal for those who are serious about making money online leveraging social media. Tech Club CPR - is here to help! Hey, just got my Christian Retailing magazine in the mail today. What's going on?  A digital revolution that is taking over in Christian publishing!  Social media campaigns help publishers in 'reaching new audience' Written by Eric Tiansay Twitter, Facebook, iPhone efforts and offers on books and other products  seek to tap into growing digital communities Christian publishers and suppliers are finding ways to plug into a wider audience through the popular iPhone as well as widely used online services like Twitter and Facebook. They say that by tapping into the benefits of social-media technology, their companies are promoting their authors, books and other products.     Ministry Marketing Solutions, Inc., 33011 Tall Oaks, Farmington, MI 48336, USA

TechTown eNewsletter - October

October 09 Newsletter Volume 2, Edition 7 SmartStart steps it up with new services for startups Entrepreneurs, take note! SmartStart has made some exciting enhancements in an effort to bring you the best resources and assistance to put your startup company on a fast track to success. SmartStart, a business accelerator program for innovative startups, provides essential resources and one-on-one guidance to maximize your company's success. SmartStart has launched a new logistics accelerator program just for innovative startup companies, SmartStart Logistics. Ticket to the FastTrac continues momentum of summer conferences Open houses connect entrepreneurs with training programs The series of entrepreneurial conferences hosted by FastTrac to the Future this summer was a tremendous success, attracting more than 1,200 budding Detroit business owners seeking advice and training. To satisfy the continuing hunger for entrepreneurial training in Detroit, TechTown created Ticket to the FastTrac, monthly open houses where entrepreneurs can meet with advisors who help them select and enroll in the program best suited for their business goals. Ticket to the FastTrac is a part of FastTrac to the Future's three-year initiative to reshape Southeast Michigan's economy by encouraging entrepreneurship and small business development. How a gray army of baby boomers will bring back Detroits boom times The latest from Randal's Detroit blog Last week, the cover of Time Magazine captured a snapshot of a ruined city. It could have been Stalingrad in the 1940s when young untrained Russian youths were thrown into desperate battle with one rifle shared between two men, to save a city that was already reduced to rubble. In fact last week's issue of Time depicted a tragedy that on the surface, at least, seemed as stark as that 20th century communist battle for survival. E2 Detroit sweetens the deal with lower admission rate, distinguished keynote The E2 Detroit 2009 conference for entrepreneurs announces it has lowered the general admission price from $150 to $90--that's savings of 40 percent! Seats are going fast, so register soon at http://www.e2detroit.wayne.edu/. In the News Check out some recent TechTown headlines and economic development stories including a writeup about Asterand's new lease at TechTown, an interview with TechTown Executive Director Randal Charlton in the Oakland Press, and a CNN Money profile on the FastTrac to the Future conferences. Company Profiles CYJ Enterprises keeps kids and caretakers in touch in crises Carole Johnson is putting her training and vast experience in information technology to work for a critical group of consumers: childcare customers. Johnson's company, CYJ Enterprises, LLC, has developed e-CYREN, software that stores, formats and prints emergency contact information mandated as part of the state's emergency card (Michigan form OCAL-3731). E2 Detroit 2009: Developing the Right Entrepreneurial Team October 15, 2009 In today's business world, you can't afford to launch that great company or that great idea with anything but the perfect lineup of people. That's what makes E2 Detroit 2009 -- "Developing the Right Entrepreneurial Team," so timely. With panel discussions such as "How to Make Your Company More Entrepreneurial," this year's gathering is as fast-paced as today's business climate. Click here for more information. Ticket to the FastTrac Sponsored by FastTrac to the Future October 19, 2009 at 3 p.m. Entrepreneurs, mark your calendars! TechTown is opening its doors the third Monday of every month to give entrepreneurs an opportunity to meet with advisors who help them select and enroll in the program best suited for their business goals. Click here for more information. TiECon Midwest 2009 Conference October 23-24, 2009 History tells us that in every economic downturn a new group of corporate giants is born. Microsoft, MTV, HP, Disney, IBM, Proctor & Gamble… in fact, 16 of the Dow Jones 30 companies were launched during a recession or depression. It takes a truly innovative entrepreneur to launch and grow a business in the current economic climate. Click here for more information. MIT Enterprise Forum Great Lakes Chapter Savvy Entrepreneurs Series October 30, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. A moderated panel will discuss how to protect your precious intellectual property without bankrupting your fledgling enterprise and how to navigate the dreaded NDA with prospective customers and partners. Click here for more information. First Friday Sponsored by Holiday Market and Corp! Magazine November 6, 2009 at 4 p.m. Looking to market your message and expand your professional network? Join the fastest-growing community of entrepreneurs at TechTown's First Friday in NextEnergy. Click here for more information. © 2009 TechTown Forward email