author website Archives - rainbowsoverruins

Could it have something to do with the approval copy of my physical book Rainbows Over Ruins that arrived on Friday? Or that it’s possible to let over 500 people hear the news with just one post on Facebook? Or that Peter posted on his page as well? And that people have already started to request a copy and others are asking what it’s about?

Publishing Rainbows Over Ruins has been happening in stages. First, there was the manuscript to create, followed immediately by developmental editorial revisions. Once those were completed, there were layout questions, back and forth between me and the Balboa Press staff before they could send me the galleys. Galleys are what the book will look like in its physical printing. Only after the galleys are approved can a physical copy of the book be created. Once I send my approval on that copy, the book will go live as an e-book and the books will be printed.

That’s it. With the flick of a wrist, I attain the status of published author. Already, the staff has been preparing me for the next stage of publishing – its distribution and marketing. There are so many new tasks to do here. There are lists from people who coach writers, suggestions from the publisher itself, and guerrilla techniques to save money on what can quickly add up to a serious investment. I wonder if other authors are as naïve as I feel I have been, holding off many of the decisions and strategic planning for this phase until the book is on the bookshelf.

It’s not that I’ve been sitting around eating bonbons while the notes went back and forth. My author website needs to be finalized. As my virtual office, it is exactly like setting up a real office with a display room where people can meet you and see what you have to offer that is of value to them. There are colors and templates to choose to give it the right design component. Additionally, it needs to function as a point of sale location so that people can transact business there. Too many times people forget that part of the web design and never make any money from their websites. The most creative part for me will be to create content that adds some fun to the mix – like edutainment.

Looking ahead, Balboa Press has me surrounded by a team to help me share the message of Rainbows Over Ruins. My book consultant is talking about book orders and an initial launch – a party which can be real or virtual. My marketing consultant is making sure that information gets to those who will create the campaign. E-zines and other publications are contacting me to place ads with them. And I am prioritizing all these requests so that I can efficiently allocate my spare time and enjoy doing all this.

That really is the point for me – to enjoy the creative process, lighten up and appreciate all the wonderful things that are happening in my life right now, as well as down the road a bit. It would be easy to get buried in the details or worry about whether this project will be successful (however that is defined). But I am not going to do that. I am going to enjoy the sweet feeling of accomplishment, the tingle of pride, and the joyful anticipation of the next part of this creation. I hope you can keep those feelings toward whatever you are creating today.

To your success,

Susan

Testimonials

“What I appreciate about you is your sincere and great generosity of spirit. You have an almost unlimited tolerance for the foibles of others and manage to find humor in some of the most trying circumstances. I can always count on you to give me an honest, balanced assessment of whatever is happening privately or globally. You never stagnate. You’re always seeking ways to make your life better and more meaningful. That is inspirational to me.”

Susan Scudder
Actress, Casting Director
“When the Producers Guild of America merged with the American Producers of America, limited benefits were available for a fast growing membership. Susan Sherayko stepped in and created the most successful enrichment programs possible for the PGA. She became the Chairperson of the Seminar programs and was able to offer the membership an opportunity to learn the essentials of how to be a better producer of TV, Motion Pictures and Syndication for many leaders and icons in our industry. The subject matter was vast as each seminar attempted to instruct the producers in a vast array of subjects. Susan produced or was responsible for the vision of this stellar committee. Turnout of attendees for these seminars was consistently gratifying in both in numbers and approvals. The legacy of Susan’s organizational skills and execution is exemplified by the continuing programs being offered today for the PGA membership…now over 4000 members strong. Thanks, Susan, I personally enjoyed attending your seminars and afterwards felt more confident and wiser. ”

George Sunga
Executive Producer, “The Jeffersons”, Governor, Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
“A modern-day Siddhartha. Rainbows Over Ruins walks you through a spiritual journey that is not focused on the ‘out there’ but more on the ‘in here.’ How do we transition from one phase of our lives while allowing ourselves to grow from what we have learned from the past? Susan helps you help yourself.”

Wileen Charles
Founder, Starseed Foundation
“Susan ran the Producers Guild of America seminars program for years – and while she was heading it up we had an amazing array of well-produced, always-well-attended and interesting seminars and “evenings with” events. She has a real handle on putting together top-notch panels, finding guest speakers and outlining the main topics for the seminars, as well as a great attention to the details needed to pull these off. I highly recommend her and her fantastic skills.”

Tim Gibbons
Executive Producer, HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, Governor, Producers Peer Group, Academy of Television Arts and Sciences