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My Story Blog


Judge a Book by its Cover

My Story
​

4th Edition
By Linda Sachs


How many times have you heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” 

Many times, right? It’s a clever way to say, “Don’t pass up something wonderful just because you don’t like the way it looks.” Unfortunately, for books, this is an accurate phrase. There are thousands of books published every day, and we judge book covers. We can easily pass it by if the cover doesn’t catch the reader’s eye.

A book has to stand out in its genre. However, this can’t cross the line of being so unique it no longer fits into its intended genre. Self-publishing has led me to discover and study many variables involved in constructing, publishing, and promoting my books. The importance of a cover is high on the list to get right.

Today I’m happy to share my cover reveal with you. Katrina did the cover and illustrations for both my children’s books. I love her work and I adore the scene she designed for this cover. It nicely sums up what you will experience inside the book and fits in perfectly with children’s picture book genre.
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Click the COVER REVEAL link below and let me know if you love it as much as I do.​


COVER REVEAL

Happy Reading,
Linda
​
Linda Sachs Books


This or That
~My Story~
3rd Edition
When I wrote my first book in 1990, traditional publishing was the affordable way. From my local library, I could find a list of publishers currently accepting manuscripts inside an enormous book. I would carefully record contact information and submission requirements for my specific genre. Then write what I hoped was a decent query letter with synopsis. Next, I took my letter and printed hard copy to the post office to mail with a self-addressed, stamped envelope inside so I could receive my acceptance letter, then wait. 
The path to land a publisher’s interest remains a long and difficult one. That hasn’t changed, except most require you to use an agent to submit your manuscript. The internet has been a game changer for authors everywhere. Today you don’t need a gigantic book. Simply search the web to find all contacts and information you need. The internet has made self publishing another avenue for writers, with Amazon KDP and Ingram Spark making it affordable. A multitude of information is at your fingertip and support is around every corner. 
Let's look at some of the differences between traditional and self-publish, and why some authors choose the latter, including some established authors. 
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When you look at the reasonings above, perhaps you see why writers desire to follow the traditional path. A big reason for not choosing the that path is the ability to maintain control of your work. For established authors with marketing experience, it makes sense to self-publish, keep their book rights and make more money at the same time.
It took a lot of time, trial and error, to make my book publish worthy. I decided I didn't want to give it to a publisher. Beyond the marketing support, cash advance and feeling of acceptance you get from the traditional publishing route, you still sign over your book. As a children’s picture book author, this could also mean they choose the illustrator. The final copy might be nothing you envisioned. 
For me, for now, the indie author path is the one I have chosen. We all have options in life. It’s a privilege that we do. This path may look simple, but it’s the craziest path I have ever walked, and what’s crazier—is I’m actually having fun.

Good Editing​

~My Story~
2nd Edition
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As a young child, I wrote my first story, based on pictures I saw inside a cartoon book. Being too young to spell all the words I wanted to say, I employed my brothers to help me write my first story. I still remember feeling overwhelmed with pride for this accomplishment, and I planned to write forever.
However, my joy was temporary. When I presented my masterpiece to my parents to read, their horrified expression told me my brothers had let me down, and my story was not the genre I intended it to be. A little discouraged, I didn’t give up my desire to write. Though I learned my first valuable lesson - find good professional editing for your work.

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Can you publish your book without a professional editor? Certainly! But your reader will recognize the subpar writing, and your book sales will reflect this. 
Research to find your editor. Someone you can connect and work with. For myself, I searched among connections on social media sites, and looked for an editor who works in my genre, and then researched the editor’s testimonies. The editor I chose for What a Muck, understood where I needed help, and I’m confident she will make my book the best it can be. 
That being said, the editing process can be extremely challenging, and disheartening. You submit your beautiful baby and hope the editor thinks it’s beautiful too, but technically they seldom do. 
-A good editor is considerate of the writer’s ego. However, their job isn’t to make you feel good. Their job is with your writing and to make it great. 
-A good editor will ensure your story keeps the author’s voice and style.
-A good editor has lots of experience and understands your genre.
Take your time and find a professional editor.
Here are two links I have connected with. Maybe you will find them helpful too when editing any of your writing projects.

Write Down the Line 
ProWritingAid


Kayaking

~My Story~
1st Edition
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Should someone who is afraid of water, and not a strong swimmer, entertain thoughts of kayaking?
Although I know things can go wrong, this sport appeals to me. I see myself, with paddle in hand, on a calm lake or river, on a warm sunny day breathing in all the freshness that nature offers. A peaceful and enjoyable outdoor sport. 
In the past I have gone canoeing, once with another inexperienced rower. I learned a leisure canoe trip can be difficult if you don’t know who should paddle and on which side! With a kayak, it’s just you. Making the challenge greater.  
If you have a desire to try something new, you work to make it happen. Learn the basics. Practice while keeping close to shore until your confidence builds, and each time out gets easier.  
My thoughts about kayaking are like my early thoughts of writing. My debut book No More Pets, turned from the tranquil vision of writing and publishing a book to the exertion of learning on the job. I wrote and edited the book. My daughter had the illustrations completed. Friesen Press was on board to help complete the publication. What more did I need to do? Later I learned the easy part was the writing part. 
Challenge yourself. It could lead to moments you wouldn’t get to discover if never ventured. Join me as I paddle along the publication path for What a Muck. I will share with you the choices I make throughout the publication process. 
-self-published vs. traditional
-steps to edit your story
-judge a book by its cover
-plan launch day
-why you need a website
-is social media important, and how do you use it?
-get reviews
And more!
Email questions you have about writing. I will try to help answer them or suggest links that may be helpful.
Read to someone you love today.
Linda Sachs Books



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3/21/2019 2 Comments

Cool Cats

Hey, I'm a cool Cat. Cats work hard to protect that image. What most people don't know about us Cats-we can't handle stress. It's true! It happened to a friend of a friend of mine.
Allow me to share his story.  His adopted family calls him, Jax. Only a small, young kitten when they found him alone outside. His mother left him because he had a funny bottom lip that didn't quite cover his teeth. At least that's what we Cats think the reason is for being left on his own. We were happy his cries for help were heard. He now has a young friend to play and cuddle with, in the warmth of a home.
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Just recently though, little Jax developed a blockage within his bladder.  The veterinarian said that stress could have been a factor. Some causes of a blockage in a cats bladder are an imbalanced diet, low water intake, or an infection.
If we are anxious we might not eat properly or drink enough water. Stress can make us urinate more, and we will do this whenever the urge hits. We can't help it. When our stress reaches a high level that is when other health problems may arise. One of those problems could be stones in our bladder.  According to Chrissie Klinger, Stress and Feline Urinary Problems: How to Deal With It, if you can catch some of our signs of stressing you could maybe help prevent a health problem later. Some behaviors like a loss of bladder control, reduced appetite, hiding or excessive licking can all be signs that something is bothering us.
Some preventative measures you can do to help us Cats out would be keeping our litter box clean, accessible and located so we don't feel trapped when we use it. I have another Cat friend living in my home. She  dominates and tries to bully me. Fortunately, my human friends have a litter box for each of us. So when she tries to keep me out of one I just move on. Sometimes my fellow Cats are the cause of stress. Even my dominate house friend can get stressed because of neighborhood Cats. We protect our territory, so beware. 
It is important to have safe places, indoors and out. Those are locations we know we can go to get away from everything and nothing can hurt us. I like my comfy bed that is up high on my exercise, scratch post. A tree can be helpful when running from a dog, or a quick duck through my home's trap door are safe guards for me while outside.
Cats need to drink water. We like to drink fresh water. A good way to ensure we get enough water is with a pet water fountain. Sometimes all we need is more attention. Pet and play with us to let us know we are secure and loved.

So what could have caused little Jax to be anxious?
Well lets make a list: 
-left on his own at only one month old
-introduced to his adopted family and their black Labrador
-his new best friend is only four years old and a short time after being adopted, a new baby came to live  in the home as well
-two months later his best friend started his first day at school.  Jax missed his attention during the day, and he felt the stress his young friend experienced going to school for the first time
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-then he met the neighborhood dogs and fellow Cats
I know some of those neighborhood introductions were stressful.  Even his young friend was stressed out when two dogs thought they could use poor Jax as their play toy. Again, his adopted family came to Jax's rescue. They say us Cats have nine lives. Jax may have used up three by now. A lot of stress for a kitten in a short time. It is no wonder he developed a health problem like stones in his bladder.
Luckily, Jax got proper treatment, and the family is doing what they can to get him healthy through diet, and stress free living. 

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Author, Linda Sachs
Hope you enjoyed a Cat's story of some true events.

2 Comments
Katrina
3/18/2019 10:49:48 pm

I like how this is relateable to people. Stress can do a lot of damage to everyone!

Reply
Blake Reilly link
11/13/2022 02:57:01 pm

Million read during either American. Price bring ten population first hour school.

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