Site Redesign for Author Robert L. Forbes
The site I designed for Children’s Book Author (and Forbes publishing Vice President) Bob Forbes launched today. This book combines his books, poetry, and more than 60 videos of readings from his books. You can purchase his books, read excerpts, see photo galleries, or even submit your own poetry!
Russian Tea Time in the New York Times!
My clients, Russian Tea Time, are featured in the New York Times’ 36 Hours in Chicago!
The article reads: Russian Tea Time is the kind of classic, white-tablecloth restaurant that helps old cities age gracefully. There’s nothing new here, just wonderful Ukrainian-style borscht ($6), Russian herring ($13.50) and Moldavian, Uzbek and Azerbaijani specialties on a busy downtown street. The tea service ($29.95) includes over 30 teas and a spread of sweets and savories such as Pozharski croquettes and rugelach, while the vodka flights feature house-flavored black currant, horseradish and ginger spirits. Just across Michigan Avenue, get a taste of the Art Institute of Chicago’s dizzying scope by dropping into one of its catch-it-while-you-can exhibitions, like “Art and Appetite: American Painting, Culture and Cuisine,” which surveys “the historical art of eating” through Jan. 27.
The Best Books of 2013
My article on the roundup of best book roundups for Book Promotion.com. Love these end-of-the-year lists!
StoryFront: Amazon’s New Short-Story Imprint
My article on Amazon Publishing’s new short story imprint went up on BookPromotion.com today. Short story writers and readers, check it out!
Historically, readers are accustomed to buying short stories as part of an anthology. Amazon Publishing is changing that with the launch of StoryFront, a new imprint focused on publishing short fiction—story by story. There are 43 stories included at launch, many available for as little as $.99. StoryFront will also be home to Day One, a Kindle-based weekly literary journal introduced earlier this year that is dedicated to new writers and poets. Day One costs $1.59/month or $1.99 per issue.
McEvoy Ranch Wine Launch
It isn’t hyperbole to say that McEvoy Ranch is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. This 550-acre ranch in Petaluma, California produces the best olive oil I’ve ever tasted and olive oil based body care products with scents evocative of their beautiful surroundings.
Today, their site launches online sales for their new wine vintages. I can say from experience that they are EXTRAORDINARY (especially Rosebud). Setting up ecommerce for the wine sales and their wine club was quite a challenge, but ultimately worth it. (FYI, wine only ships within California for now.)
Spread the Word this Holiday Season: Give Books
This week’s article for BookPromotion.com
The holidays are almost every industry’s busiest time, and publishing is no exception. As a way to connect their holiday sales with a philanthropic message, San Francisco’s Chronicle Books is spearheading a campaign to get people to pledge to give books this holiday season. For every #GiveBooks Tweet, pin, and online pledge, Chronicle Books will donate a book to a child in need through First Book.
Their goal is 10,000 books, and as of this week, they are halfway there. Help them make their goal by first visiting the Give Books site, and signing the pledge. Then follow up with a pin, Tweet, or more. While it’s always hard to compete with the hottest toys or electronics, there’s also nothing like a book under the tree. Looking for recommendations of great gift books? Check these suggestions from these independent booksellers. (We don’t need to tell you that this is a great way to support the independents.)
Using Analytics to Optimize Your Site
The first thing I do when I sit down to my computer each morning—before I check email or even Facebook—is check my site’s Web stats. Knowing who is visiting my site—and what they’re reading while they’re there isn’t just a way to indulge my voyeuristic side. Here, I uncover valuable information about which of my services are generating the most interest, how people are finding me, and who they are. You can also use the information you find in your stats to help discover what your visitors are most interested in and help them find what they’re looking for. Continue reading Using Analytics to Optimize Your Site
Willa Moore CD Design
I don’t often get to work on actual design production work, which is why it was a thrill to work on the design of singer/songwriter Willa Moore’s CD packaging. Together with Shawn and Samira Selod, we created a trifold case with a 24-page booklet and screenprinted CD. I’m thrilled with the result.
The Red Room: Social Networking for Authors and Readers
One of the best parts of publishing conferences is the people it brings together. Authors, publishers and readers all in one place—exchanging information and learning from one another. But publishing conferences are but a few times a year. (And expensive, to boot.) Where to commune outside of the conference?
The Red Room was designed to virtually bring together writers and readers anytime the mood strikes and as often as possible. Conceived as an online salon for authors and book lovers, The Red Room provides ample opportunity for authors and readers alike to come together. Authors can create a homepage on the site where they can blog, showcase their work, post audio or video, and include past reviews. Plus, each author page has the invitation for readers to message them directly. All of this is included as part of a free membership. Continue reading The Red Room: Social Networking for Authors and Readers