Year after year, surveys indicate that a majority of adults in our Society (The Gallup Organization says 82% of the adult population) strongly believe that there's at least one book in them. Maybe it's the great American novel, or maybe it's a guide to ultimate success. In any case, the urge is real and, by all indications, growing among the populace.
It's fortunate then, that so many have encountered Dan Poynter, a one-man publishing force who has counseled, mentored, and befriended authors, perhaps, more than anyone else alive. Through his publishing company, Parapublishing.com, Dan serves as a beacon of information on every aspect of self-publishing and quite a few areas of mainstream publishing.
A Mega-Author
The author of 29 books himself (121 counting revised editions), including his perennial bestseller The Self-Publishing Manual, Dan continually hones and refines his own craft. He's revised that book more than 14 times to continually ensure that readers obtain the very latest information to prepare them to enter the world of self-publishing.
Dan has spoken across the United States and all over the world. As he jokingly muses, his address is in Santa Barbara, but he resides on United Airlines. As the author of 36 books myself, with 91 foreign publications, 28 book club selections, and awards of all nature, I thought I knew everything there was to know about publishing.
Was I ever wrong. I had the opportunity to attend one of Dan's publishing workshops and to say that I was amazed and impressed is to understate the issue. I found myself taking copious notes the whole time Dan was speaking.
A Can-Do Attitude
In his gentle, but quietly forceful way, Dan conveys positive, high-energy. He has a can-do attitude which is infectious. People leave his presentations believing they can and indeed will get their books published, even individuals who may have been sitting on their idea for years.
Dan is an encourager with a capital E. He's seen the publishing industry from all sides as an author, ghost writer, consultant, coach, publisher, distributor, you name it, he's been there, knows what works and what will blow up in your face. A quick visit to Parapublishing.com reveals that Dan is an avid believer in providing lots of free information for visitors. He maintains, for example, one of the most comprehensive databases of publishing industry information available.
A Fountain of Knowledge
Click onto to http://parapub.com/statistics/, you'll immediately encounter statistics on the number of books published annually, how many are self-published, and total industry sales. Peruse the site a bit further, and you'll see information on publishing resources including printers, suppliers, distributors, promoters, consultants, ghost writers and copy editors.
Annually, Dan is a permanent fixture at the Publishers' Marketing Association annual convention. His sessions are usually packed to the hilt. His reputation precedes him and it's all earned. If you have the opportunity to work with Dan Poynter, benefit from his wisdom, or simply brush elbows with him, leap to the chance. There are a few things you can do in life that will give your publishing aims as big a boost.
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Jeff Davidson helps organizations and individuals overcome the relentless burden of information and communication overload. Visit www.BreathingSpace.com for more on Jeff's keynote speeches and seminars including "Managing Information and Communication Overload" and "Prospering in a World of Rapid Change."
