In recent news feeds I’ve received, there has been an influx of articles about how Amazon is handling the sale of some books.  It is my understanding from these readings e-books are not being affected (yet).

But, what I have gleaned from the articles is Amazon now allows third party sellers to compete for Buy Box positions thus promoting books being sold by those who are not the Author. This change in Amazon's policy can push "the publisher button to a less favourable position" writes Dr. Judith Briles of  The Book Shepherd. This is not to say the Author isn’t getting recognized, but the listing is now often NOT at the top of the seller’s list where it should be, in my opinion, when searched for. 

After seeing this topic as one that has been trending over the past few weeks/months, I wondered how Amazon was treating my books.  I started with From Our Home To Yours: Cookies and From Our Home to Yours: Cakes & Squares.  Because they are e-books only, they appear to be safe from the debacle now surfacing about the Amazon book store. ​Apparently this is not true for books written with Amazon's Create Space books. 

You can only imagine my surprise when I next typed into the Amazon Search box, my book title Moon Rising: An Eclectic Collection of Works and found someone actually has a hard cover copy listed for sale at $120.20 (shipping extra) - Used - Like New.

Now, I am flattered they think a Used-Like New copy of my book is worth so much; however, I get absolutely nothing from this sale other than bragging rites that my book is being offered at this price by a reseller on Amazon.  ​

So, what am I going to do about this? In my opinion, rather than continuing with a ‘you can’t do this to me’ attitude, there are a few ways for me to look at this, deal with this and use it to my advantage (or not). 

First, and again in my opinion, Amazon is Amazon and unless you are a Best Selling Author with sales going through the roof, you are dumped into the ‘you don’t really count pile’ and are basically forced to deal with their changes or pull your book. Amazon is going to make money on mine and other book listings, regardless of how they do it. 

Second, I want to inform other Authors (if they don't already know) about the changes in policies and to review their books posted on Amazon. 

Third, while I don’t like the price misrepresentation of my book, I see it as an opportunity to let my followers know that, yes these other books are available, although I have no idea where they have acquired them from; and, if you want to pay the exorbitant or lessor prices that is up to you; however, you will not be supporting me as an independent author/entrepreneur and may be encouraging others to pirate my work. 

Finally, purchasing direct from either MY website or from MY publisher's location, ensures you are getting MY hard and soft cover books; and yes, it also ensures I am getting the portion owed to me when a book sells. The bonus for everyone ordering from MY website is you will get an autographed copy of the book you order. 

If you are and Author or know of an Author with listings on Amazon, pass this information along to them. 

The very fact that you buy local means you are supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses owned and operated by those in your community. 

Have you ever considered what reading local means?

In every urban and rural centre there are people who write. Did you know that more than occasionally, these writers have had their prose and poetry published? But, unless you know the them personally or see an article in the local newspaper, you most likely will never know who they are. 

Usually, their work is available through social media outlets like Amazon; however, by teaming up with independent book stores and other shops in the area, unknown authors are becoming noticed. 

Often as not, these same literary artisans promote their books by making sure the local library has a copy, ensuring anyone who takes a mind to, can read the books.

Topics written about may vary in interest covering a wide selection of genres. These locally written books may not be on the New York Times Best Seller List, but through continued support of these writers by the public (you) and businesses, the budding authors will continue to be introduced to the world. 

Whether you call them authors, writers, or wordsmiths, they too are entrepreneurs in your community. Find out who they are, purchase their books and send them your reviews. Reading local means you are supporting local businesses. 

Do you read books by local authors? Share their names and book titles with us.

​January and February have flown by and March, it seems, has started without me and now it’s time to do some catch up.

The last few weeks have been an immersion of writing, deadlines, research and winter weather. Breathing room has settled, in and so have new schedules, Morning Muse included. 

They say a change is as good as a rest. I can attest to the fact, that this is true; however, making change sometimes comes without rest. 

Today is the last day of November and it seem a most fitting time to let you in on changes that have been happening on our website. You may have stumble across some already, but in case you haven’t, and are wondering what I am yattering about, here is a little run down of what’s been going on behind the scenes.

Next came a place where you can see what we are up to. A Schedule of events we are attending, new products being unveiled and promotions we are offering. ​

To end this part of our redesign, we have reduced the amount of drop down headings. Oh, don’t worry, all of our previously listed topics are still there, just organized a little better (we think).  If there is something you think is missing or can’t put  your finger on, let us know and we will redirect  you to its new location.

We do have a few more changes in store, but for now, here is an index of the new look.

Home - Where you will land if you type in AnnEdallRobson.com
Home Drop Down - Dames On the Range. Get to know this group of ladies I am a part of.
Home Drop Down - Keeper of the Words. Where you will find some of my writings other than my books.
Morning Muse - The place to be on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday’s. You’re here now!
Reviews - See what others are saying about us
Schedule - If it’s happening and we’re involved, it’s here! Home to current events that encompass our website, functions we’re going to/support, special pricing of our product, new products, and discount codes.
Contact - Send us a note, anytime. We’d love to hear from you
Shop - The word says it all.
Cart - Purchases can be made with Paypal or Credit Cards using PayPal and Square Reader. 

So what are you waiting for? Take a rest and have a look at our changes.

Let us know what you think.  ​

​Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life

My two passions, writing and photography are professions that are definite SOLOpreneur status. 

It is difficult to have a conversation with people who look at what I do as a hobby. You see that glazed deer in the headlights look come over their eyes at the first mention of the word author. Throw photography into the mix and in no time, they are in need to use the powder room. 

Joining groups and organizations (in person and on line) is one way of getting what you do out to the masses. It throws you into the blender, but if you don’t hit the pulse button and reach out, you might as well save your time, money and stayed home.

We take the time to join groups, attend meetings, maybe get involved in the cause. Why? 

If you own a business, are thinking about being your own boss or need to get out of the house occasionally, getting involved with like minded groups has its benefits. Sometimes!

If business is your game, you are most likely looking for networking opportunities, support, feedback and general camaraderie. You go with the plan to give what you can, with the anticipation that there will be those already in the group that will reciprocate. 

Unfortunately, it would seem that there are more and more people who take the plunge to infiltrate organizations with the thought that they need to take as much as they can without returning so much as a passing glance. I am told this is “just doing business.”

Well, I have to tell you, if this is doing business, I would rather stay at home and take my chances that my marketing strategy or lack there of, will make it on its own. But will it? 

There will always be a few who have the same moral and ethical convictions. They gladly help without question. Knowing you will do the same for them. 

The old fashioned term for this is a called "neighbouring". These are people you can turn to. They will help promote you, they will encourage you, they will be a sounding board for plans, project and yes, failures. They in turn know you are there for them when they need you. 

Pick and choose the groups you want to become involved with. Do your homework. Talk to people you know are already involved. This holds true for local involvement and online groups. Above all, don’t be afraid to opt out if you find they aren’t what you thought they would be. 

Are the organizations and groups you belong to worth your time and effort?

Like I said, answering yes to each question was easy for me. 

​
​Shopping at local small businesses is nothing but a win, win situation. I get to visit with the shop owner. I am always welcomed. The service I receive is genuine, and I know the product I am purchasing goes a long way to please several people . . . shop owner, me, the recipient.

I am also able to contact home based businesses I have become acquainted with either in person or online. These I know are unique gifts. Often one-of-a-kind pieces, well made and well worth the asking price. 

​I am not afraid to ask for a gift list from those I purchase for.  I also, keep a notebook with me that allows me to jot down ideas when we visit. These lists are used year round, and when it comes time to make my purchases, I have a selection of items to choose from I know the person on the receiving end will like. I like to hunt for “just the right thing” for the special people in my life. Yes, I buy gift cards (occasionally), but usually only when specific stores or style have been listed. I would prefer that my gift not have to be returned and a gift card does allows for that. 

Gift giving for any occasion, should be from the heart. Take the time to know the likes and dislikes of the people you buy or make for. The look of surprise, the smile it brings, the twinkle of excitement in their eye and the heartfelt thank you from a look of appreciation are all gifts you get to keep and cherish in your mind for a long, long time. ​​

Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life

“You should write a blog. Share your stuff. Get the word out there.” 

I hear this all the time, and truth be known, I have said it to people, too. It makes sense, but the reality is, it’s not always easy to do. Writing about what you know may not be the carrot on the stick that entices people outside your normal following to stop by for a read. 

Coming up with creative and new subject matter for a blog sometimes has me searching the airwaves and memory bank for content. It was one of these ferreting out sessions that I came across an article from one of the news feeds I receive. Mike Allton's sometimes interesting and  mind stimulating blogs about online marketing presented an easy and realistic approach to gathering new blog content. He calls it Newsjacking. In layman’s terms it's simply writing about things you are interested in, that are in the news. 

Case in point, I'm curious about social media marketing and I subscribe to news feeds that discuss the topic. I like to share my finds along with my personal experience and knowledge in hopes of helping others with learning curve questions. A dry subject to some, but none the less, one that instills some thought provoking answers for others. 

Keeping blinders on can be obstacle forming for beginner bloggers faced with the growing pains of getting traffic to come, read, comment and share their writings. If posting content others are in search of means taking something you find interesting in the news, expounding on the subject matter and embedding some links, I say go for it. Your readers just might find your twist on any given topic to be the one that keeps them coming back. 

What are your thoughts on Newsjacking?

In our two previous Pinterest for Business blogs, we discussed whether 'Pinterest is for Your Business' and 'How to climb the Pinterest Ladder'. This, the third, in this series will discuss how many Pinterest boards do you need to promote your business. 

Setting up a personal Pinterest account, you will encounter a section that outlines what you might like to call the boards you will be creating. There is so much to see, do, and squirrel away when it comes to Pinterest, we sometimes go overboard with the number of boards we think we need. 

Let's fast forward to recent weeks. You now decide it’s time to promote your business on Pinterest. Wise decision, but what about the 100 or so boards you have already started? Not a problem to move your personal account to a business account; however, you do need to review your personal boards to determine which if any will be used to promote business endeavours. 

In some instances, it may be beneficial to create a new Pinterest account strictly for business. Personally, I did not, but my board count was under 50 and I am now taking steps to minimize that number. 

The idea of marketing your business on Pinterest is to utilize the number of boards that people visit. If they only visit once and say, “No way on this green earth will I sift through all those pins!” It's time to house clean and organize. Keep in mind, the quantity of boards will and should match your business needs. 

There are several other ways Pinterest can play a large part in marketing your business. In future Morning Muse posts I will reveal what else I have found. ​