HELLO! Nice of you to visit . . .

Did you know that there are organizations who supplement their staff with volunteers, offering free room and board? All you need do is get there! Second Career Volunteer details how pre/post retirees, Boomers, unemployed college graduates, and those displaced by the current financial upheaval can get-out-and-give back within their budget while sharing their skills. Whether one week, one month or one year, single or a couple, this lifestyle allows travel, camaraderie, and adventure, irrespective of finances. Come join me!

Available! NEW and REVISED 2nd Edition

 

 

 Later-Life Story winner!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barbara lives in upstate NY where she is pleased to make personal appearances about her volunteer lifestyle. Contact her at secondcareervol@gmail.com 

 

Later Life Story contest winner! The Center for Productive Longevity (CPL) in Boulder, CO ran a Later-Life Story Contest and I won! Nice prize too. This article appeared online in Forbes , PBS Next Avenue, and other venues. I am thrilled to share the news, read the article on the FORBES website, or Google Forbes, Alan Hall, Contributor.

Self-Publishing Workshop Calendar Time-Line:

For those who are anxious about the amount of time, dollars, and PR/Social media, I am posting my Time-Line Calendar from my Self-Publishing Workshop:

NOW – Immediately ….

Research & investigate self-publishing websites; get an INFO Kit of your choice; access http://ParaPublishing.com; choose a title and practice a tag line (one line description of your book); decide if you wish to DIY or pay others for services like obtaining a website and Blog; decide on YOUR audience.

While writing your book ….

Set up a Publicity Binder (with notices of all PR presentations); set up an Excel grid to view options for self-publishing; get quotes for editing your finished book; Google search your title; get permissions for pics or interviews if applicable; solicit testimonials. And…don’t forget to WRITE.

While your book is being edited ….

Select “projected” publish date (remember, most reviewers like to print reviews BEFORE a book hits the stands); order business cards (if not included with self-pub packet chosen); make a list of your targeted audience – clubs, libraries, bookstores, community venues applicable to your audience; begin to contact targeted venues – allow at least 6 mos lead time; prepare marketing; research key words for marketing/PR package.

While your book is being printed ….

Concentrate on marketing; WRITE; visit bookstores; keep business cards handy, available to distribute while you recite your “tag” line i.e. elevator speech; TALK, TALK, TALK to anyone you feel would be interested in purchasing your book.

When your book(s) arrive ….

Make time to initiate whatever marketing plan/package chosen i.e. social media, local media, postcards, Press Releases; WRITE .. articles for Blogs, digital magazines, perhaps using excerpts from your book; distribute a newsletter using Constant Contact or other vehicle to advertise availability; visit bookstores, introduce yourself with a business card and copy of book; update your Publicity Binder; WRITE; find time for family and friends; Promote – Promote – Promote and WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!

 

Remember, your book is your product. If you wish to be successful, you must treat yourself as a business with the very best product (your book) that you have to offer! These are just a few guidelines.

GOOD LUCK!

 

 

Am on Pg 148! Click on pic.

Am on Pg 148! Click on pic

Book: The Single Woman’s Guide to Retirement. Take a look!