Meet Author Shira Barak

Welcome! 

We hope you enjoyed our 5 week series of getting to know the JLB Creatives Publishing Team. If you didn't get to catch all 5 weeks, not to worry - simply scroll down and visit the archives listed on the right hand side of the blog.

This week we return to our author features, and this week we are featuring the wonderful. . .

Shira Barak

Perhaps the first thing you will think of when imagining India is its diversity. There are many languages used in every state. With 28 states and 8 union territories, it has unique traditions, and most importantly, traditions in terms of its food. In fact, food from one region may actually be totally foreign to those living in other regions.

Religion and climate are two factors that have significantly influenced the development of cooking styles and food habits in India. North Indian cuisine is ancient, steeped in tradition, diverse, and an amalgamation of different ethnic influences. Gourmet fare of North India is typically associated with the food cooked in the courts of its royalty, principally those of Mughal emperors in Delhi and Lucknow. It is distinguished by the proportionately high use of dairy products such as ghee, milk, paneer, and yogurt. The common string that distinguishes and runs through most of it is the use of various spices that create flavor and aroma.

Religion has a great contribution to India's culture and tradition. It has deeply affected the North Indian’s eating traditions. Hinduism, per se, advises respect for all life forms and has subsidized the dominance of vegetarianism. One effect of this on cuisine is the use of lentils and beans as the main sources of protein instead of fish and meat. Even though cows are sacred to the Hindus, milk is considered favorable, including milk products such as cottage cheese or paneer, curd, and milk solids. Spices are liberally used to provide variation in the vegetarian diet, but certain sects of Hinduism forbid the use of garlic and onions in food, and due to that, substitute flavorings such as ginger, cumin seeds, and cashew paste have been merged into the cuisine. Later, with Muslim rule being established, the cuisine began to reflect Islamic influences. The chief alteration from traditional Hindu cuisine was the use of fish and meat. Meanwhile, unlike Hindus, who are vegan, and Muslims, who are prohibited from eating pork, most Christians do not have restrictions on the kind of meat that they eat. The Mughal influence resulted in meat-eating habits among many North Indians. Lamb and goat meat are found as ingredients of many recipes. Fish and meat are cut into small pieces to make flavored curries, which was a common use for large families when meat and fish were not affordable.

Climate varies across the country, and as a result, each region is characterized by distinct food habits based on what is locally available. These differences have been erased somewhat by modern transportation, which increases their availability, although much of Indian food—especially vegetables—are grown and eaten locally.

A typical North-Indian meal consists of chapatis or rotis, which is unleavened bread that is baked on a griddle; rice; and a range of side dishes like fried vegetables, dals, curries, chutney, pickles, and curd. The varieties used and the method of preparation can vary from one region to the other.

North Indian cooking features the use of the "tawa" (griddle) for baking flat breads like roti and paratha, and a "tandoor" (a large and cylindrical charcoal-fired oven) for baking breads such as kulcha and naan. Their main courses like tandoori chicken also cook in the tandoor.

Traditional Dip of Mashed Eggplant

Servings: 3

Total Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

·                    1 large eggplant

·                    1 tsp cumin seeds

·                    1 large, finely chopped onion

·                    1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

·                    1 tsp fresh garlic, minced

·                    3  medium ripe tomatoes, diced

·                    1/4 tsp turmeric powder

·                    1 Tbsp coriander

·                    1 Tbsp cumin powder

·                    1 Tbsp garam masala

·                    3 tsp red chili flakes

·                    1 Tbsp coconut oil

·                    3 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Method:

1.                  Rinse eggplant, dry, and coat with oil.

2.                  Turn stove on high and use tongs to hold the eggplant over the heat to burn the skin and to soften the eggplant.

3.                  Let cool, remove the skin, and mash the flesh, set aside.

4.                  Sauté ginger, garlic, onions, and the remaining spices, cook until tender.

5.                  Add tomatoes and mix well.

6.                  Add the mashed eggplant and mix well again.

7.                  Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro.

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I don't know about you, but I'm ready to run to the kitchen and get busy - 
but first I want to grab a copy of Shira's cookbook! 
You can do the same by clicking on the pic below...

 

WEEK 5 of 5 Meet the JLB Creatives Publishing Team: Author Elise VanCise ~ Media Director

First things first!

This week, especially today, is very special to many of us Irish folks out there. So before we dive into Part 5 of our 5 Week Mini Series we want to wish all of you a very Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

And if you have a passion for Ireland, may we suggest you follow our 

Ireland Goodies board on Pintrest.

CLICK HERE to go directly to our Ireland Goodies Board.

And if you're ever in need of stock photos for free please visit our JLB Creatives page on Flickr.

All photos are free to download and use, all we ask is that you give credit where credit is due by including a link to our Flickr site.

CLICK HERE to dive into over 1800 awesome photos taken by 

Author Janet Beasley

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And now, back to our regularly scheduled program. . .

Welcome fans and followers. We're so glad you have taken the time 

to stop by the JLB Creatives Blog.

You're just in time to join our 5 week mini series of posts. Over 5 weeks we will be introducing you to the JLB Creatives Publishing Team members to give you a feel for those who are willing to dream with you. 

Because we see no team member more important than another, and the fact that it takes this entire team to bring to fruition the professional publications they do, the #JLBCP team members will appear in alphabetical order:

Week 1 Feb 17, 2014 ~ Dar Bagby  Senior Executive Editor

Week 2 Feb 24, 2014 ~ Janet Beasley  Founder/Owner and CEO

Week 3 Mar 3, 2014 ~ Jean E. Lane  Senior Financial Director

Week 4 Mar 10, 2014 ~ Connie Thompson  Graphics Design Director

Week 5 Mar 17, 2014 ~ Elise VanCise  Media Director

Welcome to final Week 5 of our mini series

~Elise VanCise~

What does the JLB Creatives Publishing media department do for authors?

I’m very glad you asked. Hi there my name is Elise, I am the Media Director for JLBCP. It’s my job to make sure authors have a strong platform and the tools to make their book a success.

My own author career began in 2006. I was a total novel novice with a 54,264 word book fresh out of NaNoWriMo. With eyes as big as saucers when I realized everything I had to deal with as a first time self published author.

Since then I have had the ultimate pleasure in learning from others whose media and marketing skills are Jedi level. I don’t claim to be a marketing Jedi but I have gained some awesome experience and resources. I can’t wait to share that knowledge with our JLBCP authors.

We, in the media department, know that it takes more than just putting a book on the shelf to get sales. If your book isn’t successful then neither are we, therefore JLBCP will be right along side the author using social media and other marketing strategies to ensure just that.

What kind of strategies does JLBCP offer in their basic publishing package? To begin with we will be blasting press releases down every news and entertainment avenue we can find, both domestic and internationally. Those releases will go to newspapers, magazines, internet news, social media and entertainment venues.  Anywhere we can find a place to shout about your fantastic book, not only when it’s released but also after, we’ll do it.

Our extra services go the extra mile when it comes to platforms. For an extra charge we are available to build your author media platform from the ground up, or tweak the platform you have to work for your needs. We will organize blog tours, host author parties on social media, and in the future give our authors the chance to appear at local area events and book signings. Whether you are an experienced author or this is your first book, JLB Creatives Publishing is your go to place for platform development, social media marketing and more.

After listening to what authors found the most annoying about publishing companies, we have put in place a new way of doing things. One of our best qualities is that we communicate with our authors throughout the publishing process. Each of our department heads will be in contact with you when your manuscript reaches their hands. You will enjoy the benefit of having access to each dedicated department head for correspondence.

Working with JLB Creatives Publishing is a dream come true. I hate to use a cliché, or sound repetitive as I know other team members have said it. . .but there really are no other words to describe the experience of being involved with such a dedicated team of individuals. I feel we truly are,  Bringing Light to the Literary World.

If you would like to know more about JLB Creatives Publishing we encourage you to visit our website http://jlbcreatives.com

Would you like to know more about Elise? Visit the Meet the Team page on the JLBCP website, her own website http://elisevancise.webs.com or her blog http://gladiatorspen.blogspot.com

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We certainly hope you enjoyed our 5 week mini series of Meet the JLB Creatives Publishing Team. For more information you can check out our FAQs here on the blog or visit our website JLBCreatives.com

Here's wishing you a stellar week ahead!

Until next time - stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me!

Your Blog Host

Author Janet Beasley

WEEK 4 of 5 Meet the JLB Creatives Publishing Team: Author Connie Thompson ~ Graphics Design Director

Welcome fans and followers. We're so glad you have taken the time 

to stop by the JLB Creatives Blog.

You're just in time to join our 5 week mini series of posts. Over 5 weeks we will be introducing you to the JLB Creatives Publishing Team members to give you a feel for those who are willing to dream with you. 

Because we see no team member more important than another, and the fact that it takes this entire team to bring to fruition the professional publications they do, the #JLBCP team members will appear in alphabetical order:

Week 1 Feb 17, 2014 ~ Dar Bagby  Senior Executive Editor

Week 2 Feb 24, 2014 ~ Janet Beasley  Founder/Owner and CEO

Week 3 Mar 3, 2014 ~ Jean E. Lane  Senior Financial Director

Week 4 Mar 10, 2014 ~ Connie Thompson  Graphics Design Director

Week 5 Mar 17, 2014 ~ Elise VanCise  Media Director

Welcome to Week 4  - Connie Thompson

The past 25 years in the Publishing Industry have been a time of epic upheaval.

Technology has progressed at a staggering rate and I, as Design Coordinator for JLB Creatives, have been involved in the industry changes as they have evolved.

            The internet has also wrought tremendous changes – both good and bad – and part of what is happening is that everything has taken on a cold and impersonal edge due to the lack of face-to-face meetings.

            We here at JLB Creatives want to assure you that you will receive personal attention from each member of our team. As your manuscript progresses into the Design/Layout Department, I can assure you that your project will be handled with the utmost care and that it will receive my personal attention.

            We want you to LOVE what our team produces for you and we want you to know that we are very amenable to tweaks and changes to your book design along the way.

            Our attention to personal requests is what sets JLB Creatives above the rest of the publishing industry. We care about your book project and your happiness is our main concern.

            We strive to put the ‘human’ back into human service and you can expect that we will treat your project as special as you are.

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Until next week - stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me!

Your Blog Host

Author Janet Beasley

Cover Reveal Sydney Finds a Job illustrated children's book by Shari Todd and Thom Battisto

JLB Creatives Publishing is proud to reveal the cover of the anticipated upcoming children's book Sydney Finds a Job.

In Sydney Finds a Job, children follow Sydney as she tries to find a job that's right for her. Through humor, she tries several different jobs that just don't work out, but she finally finds one she loves. Helping children read.

Sydney Finds a Job is more than just a book. Sydney is a real dog with a real job, helping children learn to read. The Australian Sheppard/Chow mix was adopted from a no-kill animal shelter by author Thom Battisto about two years ago.

Sydney was trained and earned accreditation as a therapy dog and visits nursing homes to bring a bit of furry joy to the residents lives. She also visits schools, libraries and events to educate children about the human treatment of animals. Sydney’s favorite part of these visits is when the children are given the chance to read to her.

The First Lady Laura Bush had this to say after receiving a copy of Sydney Finds a Job.

“Dear Shari and Thom,

Thank you... for your work with the Read to Sydney Foundation and for sharing Sydney with others.”

---First Lady Laura Bush

About the authors:

Shari Shaw Todd grew up in a small town that gave seed to big dreams of being an author. Co-writing this book with Mr. Battisto has helped her make two dreams come true:  now she gets to be involved with kids and animals. Ms. Todd is currently dreaming up ideas for other books in the “Read to Sydney” series. Look for them to follow.

Thom Battisto was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in the Chicago suburbs. He is now a Florida resident and is a passionate advocate of animal rights. He has adopted several shelter dogs and has volunteered at a local shelter. Wanting to do even more, Thom and other supporters started the nonprofit organization called “Read to Sydney.” This is Thom's first book.

Sydney Finds a Job will delight early readers as well as older children and inspires a joy of reading in all ages. Stay tuned to this blog, JLB Creatives Publishing on Facebook, Twitter and G+ for more the release date and festivities to follow! 

So what do you think of your first peek at Sydney? 

WEEK 3 of 5 Meet the JLB Creatives Publishing Team: Author Jean E. Lane ~ Senior Financial Director

Welcome fans and followers. We're so glad you have taken the time 

to stop by the JLB Creatives Blog.

You're just in time to join our 5 week mini series of posts. Over 5 weeks we will be introducing you to the JLB Creatives Publishing Team members to give you a feel for those who are willing to dream with you. 

Because we see no team member more important than another, and the fact that it takes this entire team to bring to fruition the professional publications they do, the #JLBCP team members will appear in alphabetical order:

Week 1 Feb 17, 2014 ~ Dar Bagby  Senior Executive Editor

Week 2 Feb 24, 2014 ~ Janet Beasley  Founder/Owner and CEO

Week 3 Mar 3, 2014 ~ Jean E. Lane  Senior Financial Director

Week 4 Mar 10, 2014 ~ Connie Thompson  Graphics Design Director

Week 5 Mar 17, 2014 ~ Elise VanCise  Media Director

Welcome to Week 3 - Jean E. Lane

Hi - I'm Jean E. Lane, the Senior Financial Director for ‪JLB Creatives Publishing. ‬ I'm the one who handles the contracts, royalties, and I am responsible for reporting where your book is in our publishing process. If you have questions regarding our contract, royalties, and/or the task flow of our publishing process I am the one that can answer any questions that you may have. I've attended Penn State University for finance and Writers Institute for journalism. Most of my life was spent working in financial accounting and steel purchasing, but now I'm doing what I love, writing. In the past I've had poetry published in Seacoast Life Magazine, Wide Open Magazine, and many poems published in the Writers Institute newsletter. I've combined my love of writing and sci-fi to focus on children’s novels.

A contract or agreement is an important document to both the author and the publisher. It’s simply a list of terms agreed upon by both parties. It’s written to avoid any confusion about the service(s) that will be rendered by the publisher and expected by the author. In essence, the agreement is an outline of what to expect. It states what the publisher is going to do for you and what the author needs to provide to the publisher so that the publication process can flow smoothly. 

I will be your one of your initial contact people and will be able to answer many of your upfront questions. I will continue to support you during the process, if you have questions about anything financial or adding any of our additional services to build your platform.    

We are a hybrid publishing company, which means that we have blended the best aspects of self-publishing and trade publishing. Unlike a vanity press we do not accept every manuscript we receive, and our royalty rates are some of the best out there. We are always looking for the more serious writer that has an interesting story to tell, perhaps that's you? If so, I would like to personally invite you to send us a submission. You may begin the process of submitting by visiting our website www.JLBCreatives.com and look for the Publishing page.

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We hope you're enjoying our 5 week mini series of posts, Meet the JLB Creatives Team. Get ready, next week we will be featuring our Chief Graphics Designer, Connie Thompson.

Until next week - stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me!

Your Blog Host, 

Author Janet Beasley

FREE ALERT ~ Come join the celebration...

FUN N' FREE ALERT! 

The party has started - and it will last through Mar 2! Come over and join in the celebration fun of the 2 year anniversary of Hidden Earth Series Volume 1 Maycly the Trilogy by JLB Creatives #1 Best Selling Author Janet Beasley ~ PLUS download FREE ebooks from Volume 1 (3 separate ebooks) AND Volume 2 Planet Land the Adventures of Cub and Nash. Hope to see you there!  

FACEBOOK EVENT LINK (share it with your friends!) 

https://www.facebook.com/events/487539761352215/?context=create&ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

WEEK 2 of 5 Meet the JLB Creatives Publishing Team: Author Janet Beasley ~ Founder/Owner and CEO

Welcome fans and followers. We're so glad you have taken the time 

to stop by the JLB Creatives Blog.

You're just in time to join our 5 week mini series of posts. Over 5 weeks we will be introducing you to the JLB Creatives Publishing Team members to give you a feel for those who are willing to dream with you.  

Because we see no team member more important than another, and the fact that it takes this entire team to bring to fruition the professional publications they do, the #JLBCP team members will appear in alphabetical order:

Week 1 Feb 17, 2014 ~ Dar Bagby  Senior Executive Editor

Week 2 Feb 24, 2014 ~ Janet Beasley  Founder/Owner and CEO

Week 3 Mar 3, 2014 ~ Jean E. Lane  Senior Financial Director

Week 4 Mar 10, 2014 ~ Connie Thompson  Graphics Design Director

Week 5 Mar 17, 2014 ~ Elise VanCise  Media Director

Welcome to Week 2 - Janet Beasley
(Warning: My team reminds me regularly that I am the epitome of epic...this article is total proof of that!)

Who knew I would be celebrating my birthday in yet another big way, just as I did only two short years ago. I have to admit it is humbling to say the least.

It's been 3 years I have been working on building my network, researching, and learning the ropes of publishing. The journey has been nothing shy of amazing!

Two years ago on February 26, 2012 I published my first fiction novel. Yeah, I had been published in trade magazines, written non-fiction, and even award winning poetry. But to pull of a high fantasy trilogy for my first attempt at the craft of fictional writing proved to be a challenge. . .but a challenge well worth it for sure!

You may be asking yourself, what made February 26th so exciting for a publishing date? That just so happens to be my birthday. 

I remember the day well. Family had come in from out of town to help celebrate the grand events - my birthday, and the release of my first novel. I awoke like any other day, though a tad more. . .OK a whole lot more. . .excited than usual! As I made my way to the kitchen for some breakfast my sister-in-law came back into the house screaming. Startled, to say the least, I jumped and asked if she was OK. 

She replied, "Yes! Yes! I'm OK, but you're going to be even better!" I could not imagine how I could be any better on such a day.

She handed me the morning paper and I read the head lines. I busted out laughing as it was ever so fitting to my circumstances. It read: 2 MEGA-EVENTS CREATE EPIC DAY.

Of course it had NOTHING to do with my two epic events, but it brought epic laughter throughout the house indeed! 

Since that day I have re-released Hidden Earth Series Volume 1 Maycly the Trilogy as three separate books and given them a make-over with new covers, co-written and published a full color illustration companion book to the world Maycly - The Chukkons Say Ye Need ta Be a-Seein' Maycly, published a cook book that stems from the world of Maycly - More Than Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, released Volume 2 Planet Land ~ The Adventures of Cub and Nash, have turned in Volume 3 Planet Water ~ Draugar of the Abyss for first round editing, begun Volume 4 Planet Sky ~ Search of the Winged Carrier, and published the first in a series of non-fiction book - Production P.A.R.T.Y. And not to mention the numerous blog posts I've written along with shorts for anthologies.

Late 2012 I was invited to co-create and teach the Young Writers Workshop (YWW) with our Senior Executive Editor, Dar Bagby, for the Pickford Community Library in Pickford Michigan. The YWW event is strictly a volunteer event, and all services and publications from JLB Creatives Publishing are complimentary. We feel there's no better way to support a community library, than by what we are doing with these fine aspiring writers. And thanks to head librarian, Ann Marie Smith, who has a huge heart and a lot of guts, and Judge Church for "building" the teen corner at the library, this particular event has grown by leaps and bounds from last year to this year. Dar attends the sessions in person while I attend via Skype from Florida. Plus, each of our team members make guest appearances throughout the season. It's a total blast!

This year we've not only welcomed our returning teen YWW students, but also new teens AND tweens! We decided to divide the class into beginners and advanced. Our beginners are going to be published in an anthology, and our returning advanced students will each have their very own novella published by JLB Creatives Publishing. We couldn't be more thrilled.

2013 proved to be a very busy year. I had already been working within the literary world with Dar, Connie, and Jean E. Together we took a serious look at the publishing industry. Being that individually we came from either the trade or self publishing worlds, we learned we had a lot to offer each other. We studied and researched the features and benefits of both sides. We then created the perfect blend of trade and self publishing's best features. In our networking with even more authors throughout 2013, we were elated to discover Elise; the missing piece of the puzzle for us to take JLB Creatives Publishing to the next level.

I serve as the CEO, and handle all initial submissions for consideration to JLBCP. If you submit your manuscript through our website, you'll now know that I am the first one to lay eyes on it. What am I looking for? A lot of things really. First and foremost I'm seeing if you have the hook line that grabs my attention. Secondly I'm looking to see if you have basic writing skills. And thirdly I'm looking for stories that have the content that will captivate your audience. We do not publish everything that gets submitted. We do however publish stories, true to life and fictional, that we believe will gain the attention of and entertain the genre of readers you are trying to reach. We do not accept anything obscene or slanderous - so when it comes to romance please keep the heat level no higher than a 3 if you would like to be considered for publication. We've also been asked, and the answer is: No, we do not publish cookbooks (yes, I know I have one published, but what a booger to put together! LOL!) To read more about our Publishing process and submit your manuscript I'd like to personally invite you to visit our Publishing Page.

I have served as a speaker, facilitator, and exhibitor at international conferences. It's truly an honor and a joy to do so. I and my team are available to speak at conventions, conferences, seminars, schools, libraries, book clubs, and other literary events regarding publishing, writing tips, and other things that have to do with the world of books. 

Well, all I can say is here I am facing the week of my birthday 2 years from my first creative fiction release, and once again I'm humbled at the amazing happenings. 

I cannot thank my JLB Creatives Publishing Team enough for their sincere dedication, passion, and enthusiasm toward the craft of writing as well as publishing. I am honored to be a part of a team with over 100+ years combined experience who is excited every day to come to work. We are ready and willing to communicate, educate, and dream with our authors. 

When I'm not spending my time in the literary world, you'll find me spending time with family (the dog included!), kayaking the crystal clear spring fed rivers of Florida, photographing nature, or maybe even baking cupcakes. 

Together with my team, we hope that if you are an aspiring writer and find yourself at the crossroads of Trade and Self-Publishing, and you decide to take the Trade route you take a hard look at JLB Creatives Publishing to handle your needs. 

  

Until next week - stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me ;-)

~Janet~

WEEK 1 of 5 Meet the JLB Creatives Publishing Team: Author Dar Bagby ~ Senior Executive Editor

Welcome fans and followers. We're so glad you have taken the time 

to stop by the JLB Creatives Blog.

You're just in time to begin our 5 week mini series of posts. Over the next 5 weeks we will be introducing you to the JLB Creatives Publishing Team members to give you a feel for those who are willing to dream with you. 

Because we see no team member more important than another, and the fact that it takes this entire team to bring to fruition the professional publications they do, the #JLBCP team members will appear in alphabetical order:

Week 1 Feb 17, 2014 ~ Dar Bagby  Senior Executive Editor

Week 2 Feb 24, 2014 ~ Janet Beasley  Founder/Owner and CEO

Week 3 Mar 3, 2014 ~ Jean E. Lane  Senior Financial Director

Week 4 Mar 10, 2014 ~ Connie Thompson  Graphics Design Director

Week 5 Mar 17, 2014 ~ Elise VanCise  Media Director

Welcome to Week 1: Dar Bagby

I LOVE MY JOB!

I'm Dar, head of the Manuscript Editing and Proofreading Department at JLB Creatives Publishing, and one of my favorite things is reading new output from dedicated authors. It's my privilege to see unpublished material before anyone else, and believe me, it IS a privilege. So many people harbor unbelievably wonderful stories, and so few get to share those stories with the world of readers.

Our publishing team wants to get your story “out there” as both a paperback and an ebook, but we refuse to do it any way other than the RIGHT way, and that involves combining the best of both trade publishing and self publishing. We insist on selling our business through our quality service leading to quality products. Our books are, without a doubt, the best on the market, and that is because of our communication with our authors. We deal with writers one-on-one. We know that each author deserves to have his/her story told, and readers deserve to have it presented to them in the most professional manner possible.

How many times have you picked up a book or downloaded an ebook only to lose interest in it after the first few chapters, or even the first few pages? Have you ever wished the print size was a bit larger or the lines were not so close together? Does it frustrate you when you have to spread the book apart in order to read the portion closest to the spine? Do you end up seeing more errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, missing or repeated words, or other similar things that grab your attention more than the actual plot? If so, you're not alone. Most readers aren't even aware of their reasons for closing a book permanently before reaching the last page.

JLB Creatives Publishing accepts submissions to be considered for publication on the basis that an author has written something worthy of the reading public, and if your manuscript is accepted, we give our solemn promise that it will be RIGHT before it reaches the readers. Our team members have all written books and know how important it is to you, as the author, to have a top-notch, professional end product that you can be proud of. I can't tell you how thrilled and proud I am to see your project reach the final steps and know that I was a part of getting it there. What a fantastic way to make a living!

After you get your thoughts on paper (or on the computer monitor), the manuscript must be properly edited. If you choose me for that procedure, it becomes my responsibility to see to it that it all makes sense. I make sure you've presented it in a chronologically ordered manner (which doesn't mean you can't move back and forth from one time frame to another, it just has to be easily understood by the reader). I make sure you've maintained the story from the correct point of view. I make sure you didn't add too much “fluff”—stuff that's extraneous to the story and could possibly bore the reader. I make sure you've kept the tense the same within sentences and throughout the entire story. I make sure that, when you decided to change a character's name halfway through the book, you went back and changed it from the beginning of your manuscript to that point (Oh yes, it happens more than you'd think!) And I do all of this by SUGGESTING changes, additions, or corrections. Then I work directly with you so we can come to an agreement about each of the suggestions. When it comes to proofreading, I've been an English Language Specialist since 1990, so you can count on the spelling, punctuation, and grammar to be correct. Best of all, each of our departments—Author Contacts, Contracts, Design/Layout & Pagination, Printing, and Marketing/Media—works the same way.

I'm chomping at the bit to read what you've written. Please check out the various departments and team members on our web site www.JLBCreatives.com and learn how your book can be the best possible representation of your work. While there you'll also find a link to the submission guidelines page to find out the kinds of books we publish, as well as the actual submission form. I'd love to read your story and help you get it out to the public through JLB Creatives Publishing.

Dar

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To learn more about Dar you may visit the Meet the Team page of our website:

www.JLBCreatives.com

Until next week - stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me.

Your Blog Host

Author Janet Beasley