How to Boost Your Kindle E-Book Sales

Can you boost the sales of your book? Do you feel overwhelmed knowing you are faced with hundreds of competitors in Kindle? Can you possibly increase your sales? The answer is yes. With the right information and determination, you can boost your e-book sales in Kindle.
For those who wish to earn while working home based, writing a book and publishing it on their own is one of the best alternatives available. In fact, you can find millions of books in Kindle published by independent writers who seek to create another source of income.
For beginners, this is a challenging market to enter. Imagine hundreds of books under the same niche are being published every day in Kindle which can push your book away from potential readers.
As a reader, seeing hundreds of books on Amazon is a delight but for publishers this is a challenging situation because it will be hard for them to market their book in a crowded marketplace. If your book is not on the top of the search list, it may never have the chance to be seen by potential readers.
As a publisher, your goal is to get the book noticed by the readers. The first step you can take is to change the categories or add new category under the book.
For example, go and visit the Kindle website and choose the Home category and click the Pets subcategory. From there you will see more subcategories related to pets and animal care.
By carefully selecting the subcategories, you are giving your book more exposure. Labeling your book will attract potential readers since they are those people who are specifically looking for something they need.
Instead of thinking about ranking the book in the main category, opt for subcategories as it present less competition with better exposure.
One important aspect of boosting your sales is to put a reasonable price on the books you publish. Nonetheless, don't choose for very low prices instead pick an average price range that can attract visitors and buyers.
For extra boost, enroll in the Kindle Direct Publishing Select program which can attract more attention. However, this may not translate to sales but it is worth trying and exploring.
The KDP Select program allows readers who are subscribed to the program to read as many books as they want. For the authors, giving away a book for free can translate to bigger sales. Most author will leave a link that will lead to other books written by you.
Other than Kindle, you can market your books in other e-books platforms to increase sales. You can try Barnes & Noble, Kobo and iBookstore.
However, you may have to edit your documents again to cater to their formatting style. If you are under the KDP program, you cannot sell your books in other platforms for 90 days once you participate.
If you are planning to expand your market, it is advisable to start with Kindle first. Avail their KDP Select and once you finish the period, assess your profit and move on to the next platforms online.
Remember different platforms have different policies and formatting styles so you will have to familiarize and learn before you publish your works.
Just like any other endeavor, you need hard work, time and sacrifice to really make a mark in the field you are in.

Get the latest tips on writing and publishing e-books from Rob Hillman, the Kindle expert. Visit him now at http://www.easykindleriches.com

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How to Effectively Market Your eBook

You've finished with writing your eBook and followed the required formatting style from Kindle. Then you click publish and your job is done. Now you can relax and enjoy a vacation. Or is it? Unfortunately, it's not yet time to celebrate.
Creating content and formatting the book is necessary and not the last thing you do as self-publisher. The content is only the first step of your writing career because your next job would be promoting and marketing the product, your book to the readers.
Your work is just getting started because the long term task will be focused on marketing your book to the millions of potential readers. Many authors failed to realized that in order to e successful in their writing career, they need to continue working on their market.
The existence of thousands of writer makes the competition tight and if you choose to stay complacent, you will be left behind.
Get to work by planning your marketing strategy. Since Amazon is a big market you need to be competitive. Create a plan that will put your book on top of the search list of your respective niche. Being at the bottom of the list will decrease your chances of earning because potential buyers do not see your product. Do not rely solely on Amazon to promote your eBook.
The first step in promoting your eBook is to create a plan. Use a spreadsheet and create a timeline by setting time limit for every marketing task. A good place to start your campaign is social media. If you have Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram you're good to go.
Build your audience by setting up a page about you or your book. Use this page to share your thoughts and ideas on things related to your book and current social news. You can also use the page to tell the readers about the book you are currently promoting. Don't forget to put the link to the Kindle store.
You can also make use of video sites such as YouTube and upload trailer about the book. Create a short video where you can introduce the book to the public. If you are willing to spend more, create a short simple commercial and upload it in social media sites. This is an opportunity that will promote your eBook without spending too much effort and money.
Join forums and groups related to Kindle and writing. Look for authors or individuals who are willing to review and critique your work. Ask for advice from those who have been in the industry for quite some time. Reviews can boost your visibility and credibility as a writer and readers often rely on reviews to help them decide whether to buy or not.
If you are willing to spend extra, avail press release services and share it on your local news station. You can also get a sponsored post in your local newspaper or in social media sites such as YouTube and Facebook. These two sites cater to commercial and advertisement from any companies or individuals.
As you go through all these options, write it down in your spreadsheet and put specific time to execute it. Once you slowly implement these marketing plans measure the effectiveness and adjust as necessary.

As an experienced writer, Rob Hillman shares valuable tips and secrets on Kindle eBook and its platform. Visit him at http://www.easykindleriches.com

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Authors - How to Promote Your Book Using Social Media

Are you about to launch a book you wrote? Then how exciting and congratulations! Social media has been a perfect avenue to showcase products and services for entrepreneurs and even major corporations and to keep in touch with their prospect consumers. Now authors can use social media in a similar way. If you are a writer who has or is about to launch a book, then this post is for you.
Launching a book takes a lot of preparation just like how you create its actual content. The action has to be planned to enhance its impact on your potential readers. One way of stirring excitement among them is by promoting it online. Here are 9 effective tips using social media!
1 Choose the Right Platform
There's a lot of social media sites out there but for starters let's focus on just a few-like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube, especially if you have already placed your book on Amazon to sale. A different social platform serves various purposes and caters to different kinds of people. Here's how to use each one.
2. Create a Facebook Fan page
Creating a Facebook Fan Page is really simple. You would want your banner page to mirror your book cover with a small photo of you the author. Your fan page title does not have to match the title of your book completely but close. Then work on getting "likes" to your fan page and start posting very short articles using excerpts from your book chapters along with a link to your Amazon page. Your goal is to "tease" your readers to want more by reading the book!
3. How to Use Twitter to "Tweet" Interest in Your Book
If you already have a Twitter account you can use it to send out tweets. If you don't then you can open a Twitter account as an author or writer, using your book cover as your profile picture. You don't want to use Twitter to broadcast your book but simply to draw interest to a particular subject or discussion using a question or photo-with a link to your Facebook Fan Page for further information. Just remember you only have 140 characters to do this!
4. Using LinkedIn to Promote
LinkedIn is another great social media platform to use because it allows people to see you as a writer with an added curiosity as to what you are writing about. If you are already on LinkedIn then simply add to your profile that you are an author or a writer, and provide a link to your Amazon page. You can also use LinkedIn to connect and engage with others with a link to your Facebook Fan Page inviting them to "like" your page in exchange to liking theirs.
5. How to Use YouTube?
Using videos is huge in promoting your book. There's two ways to use YouTube. First open up an account and create a very short and simple "trailer" for your book. A book trailer is just like a movie trailer and for a small cost you can have one made or just make one yourself and add it to YouTube. Another thing you can do is use a video from YouTube to draw interest to a certain subject-line that closely matches the topic of your book, by typing in a "keyword" in the search bar. Once you select your video then you can use it to promote the title of your book with a link to your Amazon page. According to Social Media Examiner, a video together with your fans is a good way to establish connection.
6. Promoting Your Book with Pinterest
Pinterest is one of the fastest growing social media platforms online-and in popularity! With Pinterest you can open up an account and create a board such as "Author" or "My Book" or whatever you like to name it, then pin a photo of your cover and add a link to your Facebook Fanpage or blog if you have one. Then like the other social media sites, work on building your friendship by following others so they can follow you back. Check back on a regular basis to engage.
7. The Right Time to Share
When you are planning to post, then choose a best time to do it. Just because you want to reach a lot of people, does not mean that you have to post in an irregular schedule. The basic to engage your prospect customers is to share during a peak time. You just have to take note that different social platforms have different time to shine.
8. Do Not Forget the Social Share Buttons
If you have a website or a blog, be sure you install Social Share Buttons as a plug-in. They are pretty basic when you are marketing your book. In fact, these buttons allows people to share your page on other social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn where their "friends" can see. If your book possesses statistics or information, you can simply post that where others might be motivated to share by clicking the "share" button.
9. Text and Visual Content Matters
The content is big factor to engage visitors. As an author, you have to do well at this point. Make the headline as catchy as possible. The same thing goes with the content. You can easily use a chapter of your book as the title and just copy a few paragraphs for your content. Other thing that you can do to attract visitors is to post rich content that relates to your book or illustrations or photos if your book have any.
Promote Your Masterpiece!
Social media sites are not made just to showcase products or services. It is more about the interaction of the people in the online premises. Although you will be promoting your book, gear it towards the people to inspire and motivate them. That is how you will gain momentum in finding the people you want to target.

For more information on when is the best times to post on social media: http://regjackonline.com/days-times-post-social-media.
For additional information or assistance: http://regjackonline.com/contact

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Using Book Flyers to Market Your Book

I've been a freelance writer and need to be careful with my budget. In today's publishing world, authors are often asked to pay for some of the marketing. Like many authors, I have to make my marketing dollars go as far as possible. This led me to the idea of a book flyer.
Many flyers are available from the Internet and they come in different sizes. Templates are available, too. I have a graduate degree in art, but I don't have the computer graphics skills, so I turned to a professional designer. He did an amazing job and the flyer contains all the necessary elements I need: eye-catching colors, author photo, book cover(s), explanation, release date, and ordering information.
The information should be brief and clear. "This mystery keeps you wondering." "A heartwarming love story." "A must-have for nurses."
My book launch is several months away, yet I'm using this publicity piece now, and giving it to as many people as possible. If you're artistic, and have the computer skills, you may design your own flyer. How can you use it?
Post it on social media. In today's publishing world, social media are your best marketing tools. You need to be on Facebook, Twitter, Google+,, and other websites. Get some coaching if you don't know how to do this. My grandchildren are my technical support and I'm grateful for their help.
Send it to NetGalley reviewers. Your publisher may have uploaded your book to this website. You will receive notice of who downloaded the book and who took the time to write a review. Send a thank you email to everyone on the list and attach a flyer.
Deliver one to the newspaper. City newspapers are always trolling for stories. Small town newspapers appreciate stories and images. Mail or personally deliver a flyer to the newspaper and include an information sheet about your book. Be sure to include a business card.
Talk with the folks at the public library. Make up a press kit, including the flyer, and deliver it personally. Ask to give a talk about your book. Tell them yo speak for free, that your talk don't be a commercial, and that it will contain new information.
Email it to a local magazine. I email the editor directly, and also attach an information sheet. persistence pays off, so stay in contact with the magazine. I just contacted a city magazine for the second time to remind the editor of my caregiving series, and attached a flyer.
Send it to close friends. You don't have to be pushy. Take a casual approach and say this is your latest writing project. Word of mouth is one of the best marketing tools and you want to generate buzz about your book.
Carry a copy with you. Often, when you're out and about, you meet people you haven't seen for months, or people who know you're a writer. When they ask you what you're working on, you can whip out your flyer and show them.

http://www.harriethodgson.com
Harriet Hodgson is the author of thousands of articles and 35 books. Her latest releases are Happy Again! Your New and Meaningful Life After Loss, Help! I'm Raising My Grandkids, an Seed Time: Growing from Life's Disappointments, Losses, and Sorrows. Visit her website and learn more about this busy author and grandmother.

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Personalize Your Foreword With Anecdotes To Make It More Powerful

Introduction
Anecdotes are an amazing literary device for writers, as well as marketers. They are a deceptively powerful writing and marketing tool. Using anecdotes in the foreword will immediately make your book stand out from the crowd. When written properly, they can be very engaging, and grab and hold onto the reader's attention. This is what the foreword is all about. Hooking the reader with an interesting story, and then reeling them in to make an emotional connection with the author of the foreword. Then hopefully the reader will want to continue reading the book, and be more receptive to buying a copy.
What Is An Anecdote?
An anecdote is a very short and interesting personal story from a person's past experiences - that is used to illustrate a point. It can be an experience from the writer, or from someone they know or have heard about. The anecdote, or mini-story, immediately puts the reader directly into the middle of the action. It usually describes one dramatic moment in time. It is written as a way to show, or illustrate, a particular point (show, don't tell). They typically involve something that happened such as a problem, or challenge, or mistake, or misunderstanding, etc.
How To Use Anecdotes In A Foreword
Here is one paragraph from a book foreword that I wrote entirely as a personal essay. I utilize personal anecdotes to show how the book had an effect on me - how I relate the information in the book to my life. I reveal my real life story to show the reader how I connect with the book. I use my personal story to illustrate a larger point about the content of the book. My job as the foreword author is to show the reader that I made an emotional connection with the book, and thereby the hope is that the reader will make an emotional connection with me - and then develop the desire to read the entire book. Wallace Wattles wrote the book. You can read the entire foreword on my blog.
"But now, looking back at my family life, I have since come to realize that my mother, with almost no formal education, no career skills, no money, and three small children to feed, inherently understood many of the basic concepts in this book. My mother was not as eloquent as Wattles, and she didn't have much of an opportunity to put Wattles' principles into practice. But me and my brothers were inadvertently living and learning Wattles' concepts every day - through the actions of our mother. She taught us that even in the worst of times, that by sticking to our single-minded vision to grow and thrive, that we will survive; and acting everyday with purpose to achieve our goals, that our faith in each other and in our dream of creating a successful life will help us succeed; and our gratitude to God for keeping us healthy so that we could keep working and studying, we would eventually be successful. And eventually, we were."
Conclusion
Anecdotes are one of the most powerful marketing tools available to the foreword author and the book marketer. Endorsements and testimonials from celebrities and other famous people are probably more powerful and will have a greater impact on book sales. But the foreword should never be overlooked as an important part of the book's overall marketing plan. The marketing power of the foreword typically comes from personal anecdotes which should be an essential part of a complete and effective foreword.

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How to Keep Today's Viral Hit Rolling Along

We can dream about our background story being important enough, wild enough, catchy enough that the Twitter-verse goes into overload. However, if there was a guaranteed formula for something going viral there would be no need for marketing your book. And developing awareness of your book is the single most important role you have as author and publisher. Developing awareness of your book is the first element in book sales, followed by reader interest and distribution. Having a great story, excellent writing, and a terrific message are your best tools. But they are often not enough in this competitive marketplace to gather reader's interests and therefore sales.
In our media driven world today's great story may be quickly surpassed by tomorrow's bigger flashier story. Imagine a review of your book was printed in a major publication like Publisher's Weekly, Foreword magazine, or the Denver Post. Most people would think this was a done deal for jump starting book sales. But tomorrow the headlines are all focused on the plagiarist who made up his supposed "true story". Your reviews can slip into the shadows as if they have never been. What do you do?
Now is not the time to coast and hope that the review will cause your book sales to soar. Instead use those reviews to make more reviews, more awareness of your book. Compound the interest in your book. Banks offer compound interest on your savings. Investing in your success and expanding on that success is exactly the same. Your money works for you, you earn interest. You develop the awareness of your book, you earn interest. You earn interest you gain readers. More readers equal more sales of your book. As you can see there are steps to this awareness process.
Now how do you do that?

• Blog about your review. Share your excitement.
• Post the review on your social media. Facebook loves success stories.
• Send out an eblast to your mailing list announcing the review.
• Ask your followers to share the review.
• Comment on the review online, and ask followers to do the same.
• Thank the reviewer and offer your expertise for future articles.
• Now that you have the validity of a review in a publication solicit more endorsements from colleagues and competitors.
• Research which other magazines or newspapers might cover your story and your book. Query them as to their interest.
• Research submission guidelines for articles in magazines similar to where your review was published. Submit articles.
• Each review adds to your credibility as an author. As you earn credibility you become more attractive as an expert and as a speaker.

There will always be the next bright shiny thing. You can count on it. People like bright shiny things, and are often distracted when the next one pops up. Who knows you may become a bright shiny thing for tomorrow. Meanwhile do you remember the last Meme on Facebook you commented on, or the last thread that you followed on Twitter? Did that flash translate in you buying something? Follow the thread, enjoy the meme, but be the one who continues to build awareness.
*Inspiration for this article came from a Buzz Feed post by Jami Attenburg about her story going viral: "I waited for the whole thing to turn into a moment. On Sunday morning, I did another interview, this one with a local cable news show. How many of these could I do? And what would any of it have to do with my books?"

Mari Selby is a contributing writer for San Francisco Book Review. For the past 16 years Mari has been the director of Selby Ink, a publicity and marketing firm. http://www.selbyink.com Selby ink promotes authors who make a difference, and helps those authors to develop name recognition through traditional publicity efforts as well as social media. Selby ink specializes in the following genres: body-mind-spirit, relationships, environmental issues, and social justice.

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5 Steps To Getting A "Big Name" To Write Your Book's Foreword

Introduction
It is very easy to get someone to write your book's foreword. The difficult part is finding the best person for the job. You need someone with a proven a track record, like being published author, or a successful person in their industry, or that has a huge social media following. Plus, they need to understand what a foreword is about, why a book has a foreword, and what role it plays in the success of your book. Here are the basic steps in finding the right person to write your book's foreword.
1. Make A List Of Names
This list should be a very easy task for you to accomplish. You must have certainly come across all of the "big names" while doing the research for your book. Also, doing a search on Amazon will help you find the names of authors whose books are actually selling. And an Amazon search will help you find the authors of newly published books. Also look at their websites. Ideally you want a person to write your foreword that has a large social media following, or substantial coverage in the press.
2. Start Making Contact
Find their email address on the internet - typically at their website or job. If you can't find their website, you can email their publisher directly. Many authors will give provide their email address somewhere in their book. (1) Send them your first email with a compliment about a book of theirs that you have read and referred to in your writing. Or, in place of that email, you can try to connect with them on LinkedIn, and give them a compliment about their writing or book. (2) Send them a second email within a few weeks asking them to write your book's foreword.
3. Make It Easy For Them
(1) In that second email, attach a PDF of the book. (2) Make sure that your book is very polished. No typos, no spelling errors, no mistakes. You must include a very professional looking book cover in your PDF. All of this will help you look like a professional. Like someone they can trust, and won't mind attaching their name to. (3) And finally, keep your request simple and short. Your request must be very honest and sincere. If there is any hint of dishonesty or lack of sincerity in your request, they will never deal with you again.
4. Explain The Benefits
(1) The main benefit that they will get from writing your book's foreword is exposure, or publicity. Make sure you tell them that you will be including their name on the cover of your book. Celebrities, industry "big shots", and "big name" authors are just as interested in publicity as the rest of us. We all want to attach our name to someone we believe has a good chance of getting us that exposure. (2) Explain to them that you value their opinion and that it is very important to you that you have their opinion included in your book. (3) A PDF of your book will show them how well designed and professional looking your book's cover is, plus see how well written your book is, plus read the great testimonials that you have already received for your book. Also, your website, blog, and LinkedIn page, all must look amazing. You website and blog must have great content on it, and look very professional. All of this will show that you are serious about your subject.
5. Follow Up
Wait about a week. Send them a third email asking them if they received your last email that was requesting that they consider writing your book's foreword. Tell them that if they have any questions, or need any more information about you or your book, to please email you anytime. Keep it shore and simple. If they are really interested, they will usually let you know within a week. If they don't, move on to your next choice on your list.
Conclusion
Asking someone to write your foreword is a simple process. Be nice to them, show them you are serious about your subject, and then ask them. But remember, you must first have everything on your end complete and looking great. And never forget, you need them more than they need you - so don't be a pest, and don't sound desperate. The worst that can happen is that they say no.

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How Do You Get a Literary Agent?

You've just finished writing a book. You've polished and polished the manuscript, so it's the BEST you can make it. Now, how do you get a literary agent who will sell your manuscript to a publisher?
You've heard that landing an agent can be difficult, if nearly impossible. Yet it doesn't have to be. Here are a few tips that should make it much easier.
1. Do your homework before you start contacting agents.
Make a list of agents who represent the type of work you have written. Also, check to see that these agents are all accepting new clients. Look for the submissions guidelines on each agent's website and follow these guidelines to the letter.
2. Look for agents or agencies that are just getting started.
New agencies are started all the time and that means they're looking for clients. Various writer communities and organizations will often pass along word of these new agents or agencies to their members. For example, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) sends out a bi-monthly BULLETIN to its members, which includes information about new agents or agencies for the children's market.
3. Attend writer's conferences and schedule a few "pitch" sessions with a few agents.
If you're serious about writing, you really MUST attend at least one writer's conference every year. Many conferences offer short sessions where a writer can "pitch" a manuscript to an agent. There is usually a fee (separate from the overall conference fee) for these sessions, but they can be well worth the money. Depending on your budget, and the agents who are available at a particular conference, sign up for sessions with at least a couple of different agents. Once an agent has heard your pitch, he'll let you know if he's interested in seeing your complete manuscript or proposal. If you've targeted the right agent(s) and prepared a great pitch, this can be an excellent way to get an agent to review your work and ultimately decide to take you on as a new client.
4. Get a referral.
Most successful writers network with other writers all the time. This networking should start even BEFORE you become a published writer. You'll learn so much from experienced, well-published writers, and, once they get to know you and your writing, a writer who writes the same type of thing you do may offer to refer you to his agent. You can network through online listervs for writers but also join writer's groups that meet regularly in your town or neighborhood.
It shouldn't be impossible to land a literary agent if you have a great manuscript and you follow these tips.
Try it!

For more writing tips, ideas, and other resources for writers, get your free subscription to The Morning Nudge at http://www.morningnudge.com.
Suzanne Lieurance is a freelance writer, a writing coach and certified life coach, and the author of over 30 published books.

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Think Beyond Bookstores: Other Ways to Become a Best-Selling Author

Becoming a best-selling author sounds like a great way to become rich and famous. Yet most authors won't write books that become best-sellers. At least, their books won't be best-sellers in the traditional sense.
The traditional way to become a best-selling author is to write a book that a traditional publisher buys, publishes, promotes, and puts in bookstores all across the country - and maybe even across the planet.
J.K. Rowling, Dan Brown, and Danielle Steel all became best-selling authors this way. But there are many other authors who have taken a somewhat different path to writing best-selling books, and you probably have never even heard of most of these authors.
What Did They Do?
Well, here are a few possibilities.
Sold Books to Corporations or Organizations
First, some of these authors may have written a book that had wide appeal to a particular niche market. But rather than rely on bookstores to sell their book, they sold their book in large quantities to corporations or organizations within their niche market.
Just imagine... you've written a book with tips for parenting children with asthma. Wouldn't it be nice to get booked as a speaker for an educational program provided by the American Lung Association who purchases your book as part of the materials for the program? It wouldn't take long to sell thousands of copies of your book this way.
Created a Wide Launch on Amazon
Other authors set up launch dates on amazon.com and became best-selling authors strictly online this way. Generally, this requires partnering with other professionals in your field who agree to promote your book on your launch date and offer an e-book or other product of their own as a free bonus when someone purchases your book from amazon.com. This method can be so effective that often it results in best-seller status within a single day.
Used Social Media to Sell Books
Some authors these days are able to get to best-selling status by growing and leveraging their social media. They don't target too many different social media platforms, however. They choose the one (or ones) that appeal to their target market. Pinterest, for a younger female audience, or Instagram, for millleninials, for example.
None of these methods of selling large quantities of books involves bookstores. That doesn't mean a particular book can't also be sold in bookstores. It just means an author isn't dependent on bookstores for the vast majority of sales of his books.
So, as you're writing your book, think beyond bookstores to become a best-selling author.
Try it!

For more writing tips, ideas, and other resources for writers, get your free subscription to The Morning Nudge at http://www.morningnudge.com.
Suzanne Lieurance is a freelance writer, a writing coach and certified life coach, and the author of over 30 published books.

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Stepping Out of Your Book Marketing Comfort Zone

I loved being a Girl Scout, but I didn't love selling Scout cookies. Although I sold some boxes to neighbors and church friends, my total sales weren't impressive. Selling wasn't my strong suit. Memories of Girl Scout cookies came to mind while I was writing a marketing plan for my new book series. Before I started the plan, I researched sales techniques.
Some techniques were familiar to me, and others were way out of my comfort zone.
A hybrid publisher is putting out my series. Under the terms of my contract, I'm supposed to write a marketing plan, help create a press kit, pay for the kits, and other necessary supplies. All of this sounded good, and I was willing to do the work, but I was on a tight budget, a couple of hundred bucks at most.
I tried to spend my money wisely. The steps I took may help you with book marketing.
Update your business card. Your card should include a photo, your publisher's website address, your email address, and social media icons. If you haven't joined any social media, do it right away. Check the Internet for business card deals.
Get bookmarks made. This is an old idea, yet it's still a good one. A surprising amount of information fits on a bookmark. Again, include your publisher's website address, your email address, and social media icons. Your bookmark may include copy from the publisher's press release.
Create a book flyer. You could do this yourself, or hire a professional designer. My flyer was designed by a professional and it was worth the money. He sent me two files, one for the flyer, and one for a large display. Your flyer should have a photo of your book cover, your photo, and explanatory words, such as "An historical mystery."
Create a display. I took the flyer file to a local office supply store, and asked the printing folks to create a huge poster. The poster is on foam board, a mistake, because the corners bend easily. Next time I'll ask for the display to be on heavy cardboard. I bought a $25 folding easel for the poster.
Participate in book blogs. Several days ago I joined a blog for authors and bloggers who review books. Seconds after I posted my first blog, I received an email from another author. Blogs are a way for authors and readers to connect with each other. My publisher uploaded my books to a reviewers' website. Reviews are forwarded to me and I email a thank-you to every person.
Tap the power of the Net. I never thought I'd join social media networks, but I have, and it's been a learning experience. After giving it some thought, I subscribed to a service that posts information about me on social networks. The results were instantaneous and I'm hearing from people in different parts of the world. Time will tell if this exposure sells books.
Plan a book launch. The county history center is going to host a Book Launch for the first two books in my series. I think the center is willing to do this because I'm giving a free talk at the center two weeks after the launch. Hosting the Book Launch is good for the center and good for me. I'm providing coffee, cookies and handouts.
Stepping out of my book marketing comfort zone has given me the confidence to try new marketing ideas. Even if you couldn't sell Girl Scout cookies, or were good at school fundraisers, don't underestimate yourself. You've worked hard, are proud of your book, and be proud to let others know about it.

http://www.harriethodgson.com
Harriet Hodgson has been a freelancer for 37 years and is the author of 34 books. Her latest releases are Happy Again! Your New and Meaningful Life After Loss and Help! I'm Raising My Grandkids. The Family Caregiver's Guide and Affirmations for Family Caregivers come out in the fall of 2015. Visit her website and learn more about this busy author, grandmother, and caregiver.

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Breast Implants Before or After Pregnancy?

If you have never had kids, and you've thought about getting breast implants, it is likely that you have put some thought into whether or not you should wait until after you've had kids. Unfortunately, when it comes to this issue, there is no right or wrong answer, it is ultimately up to you. Most women like to ask their doctor about this, but most doctors will tell you the same thing, 'the choice is yours'.
Although the choice is yours, there are pros and cons to both. If you are a young woman in your late teens or early twenties thinking about getting breast implants, then you might have also put some thought into this. While some young woman are positive they want kids, others are not. If you want breast implants now, but are not planning on having kids for another ten years, then getting breast implants now may be the best choice for you. Most young women that really want implants now at young age, are not willing to wait that many years to have the breasts they've always wanted.
Secondly, you may also not want to wait until after you have kids to get your breast implants because at the end of the day, you may change your mind in a few years and never have kids. Some women say they want kids in the future, but plans change, so why wait until later to get your breast implants?
Now for the women highly considering waiting until after having kids, I know you've probably heard all the rumors. One of the most common rumors about having getting implants before pregnancy is not being able to breastfeed. Although the thought of this may sound scary, it is not particularly true. Most women that get implants before getting pregnant are still able to breastfeed after. During a breast augmentation, most plastic surgeons try to avoid damaging any nerves or tissues around the nipple and areola. Therefore, it is very rare for women to not be able to breastfeed after getting breast implants. Again, if you do not want to risk this possibility, then it may be best for you to wait until after having kids.
When considering getting breast implants, you should think of all factors that come into play. Whether you decide to get them now or after having kids, it is likely that you will get the breasts you've always dreamed of!

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5 Tummy Tuck Facts to Know

Many Americans continuously struggle with losing weight and on and off dieting and exercise. Unfortunately, sometimes a healthy diet and some exercises aren't just enough to give you the flat and toned stomach you really want. Especially when you've already lost a big amount of weight, it can be difficult to get the toned and tight stomach you once had. Sometimes, a person's skin just won't go back to the way it used to be. For people who struggle with wanting this flat stomach that seems impossible to achieve, a tummy tuck may be the perfect answer. This procedure, which is also referred to as an abdominoplasty, restores your abdominal muscles and removes excess skin and fat to create a smoother and more youthful looking tummy. Before getting a tummy tuck or considering it, there are a couple of things you should know:
1. A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. Although a tummy tuck does remove some fat, it is not meant to treat overweight patients as a tool of weight loss. If you have already lost a great amount of weight, it is recommended that you wait a while before doing this procedure, just to make sure it is stable.
2. Recovery will last a few weeks. This procedure is one of the most extensive cosmetic procedures that does require a few weeks of recovery. For about the first five days after your procedure, you will need help from a friend or family member. You must rest your body and take your pain medications to help you recover faster.
3. There are different types of tummy tucks. Luckily, you have several choices when considering this procedure. The traditional abdominoplastic removes skin and fat as well as tightens the abdominal muscles. The mini-tummy tuck focuses on the loose skin only below the belly button. The extended tuck targets your whole lower torso. You should speak to your doctor before deciding which fits your needs best.
4. Men can get abdominoplastic too. Although abdominoplastic are more common among women after pregnancy, men are also great candidates for anaplasty after losing an extreme amount of weight. Men can also have loose abdominal muscles and sagging skin in the tummy area that just can't be fixed with exercise.
5. Results of a tummy tuck are fairly permanent. The results of your tummy tuck are permanent as long as your maintain your weight. You should definitely avoid any fluctuations in weight.

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The Five Most Important Things Every Woman Should Know About Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery removes excess skin and breast tissue to achieve a breast appearance in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts. During the procedure, once the skin and breast tissue is removed, the nipple is repositioned higher on the chest.
We recently discussed insurance coverage for this procedure and how a woman's weight can be a factor in the coverage decision made by your insurance carrier. We want you to be as informed as possible before you choose to have breast reduction surgery, so if you or a loved one is considering it, continue reading this article! We hope these quick facts will help you better prepare for a consultation with your board certified plastic surgeon.
1. Will there be scars after surgery?
Scars are a product of all surgeries, but it is important to understand where breast reduction scars will appear. Our scars are located around the nipple, straight down to the fold beneath the breast and in the fold itself. They are the shape of a keyhole or anchor. They are inconspicuous and can be easily covered with clothing. However, when your breasts are uncovered, the scars will be visible. There are procedures that leave shorter or less scars, but in my opinion, these do not give as natural a breast shape once healed.
2. Will I lose feeling in my nipples?
Although rare, complete loss of nipple feeling can occur due to nerve injury. This may interfere with sexual arousal and breast-feeding. Ten to 15 percent of patients experience some change in breast feeling. This can include loss of nipple sensation.
There are risks with any surgery. Infection, excessive bleeding, abnormal scarring, poor healing, slow healing, skin loss, changes in skin sensation, muscle or nerve injury, although uncommon, can occur. Although rare, loss of a nipple is possible. Fortunately, most problems resulting from such complications are correctable with additional surgery. You must completely understand your risk of complications before you choose to have breast reduction surgery. There are many different ways to perform a breast reduction procedure. Talk to your plastic surgeon about the pros and cons of their chosen technique.
3. How old do I have to be to have this surgery?
Breast development can continue into the early twenties. When breast reduction surgery is done before this time, there is a chance the surgery will have to be repeated. In addition, it may be emotionally difficult to adjust to the surgery during teen years. For these reasons, many insurance carriers will not cover the cost of a breast reduction if a woman is younger than eighteen years of age.
4. How long must I wait after breast-feeding before I can have breast reduction surgery?
You must wait for three to six months after breast-feeding before you can proceed with breast reduction surgery. This is due to an increased risk of blood and/or milk collections. In addition, it is impossible to predict what the size of your breasts will be until all the milk formation has passed.
5. Will breast reduction surgery increase my risks of breast cancer?
Breast reduction does not increase your risk of developing breast cancer. However, all women are at risk for breast cancer and one in eight women in the US will be diagnosed with a new breast cancer. If you have family members who have had breast cancer, your risk is increased. Examine your breasts monthly and have mammograms as suggested by your primary care physician. Remember that breast cancer can occur at any age and a physician must properly evaluate all breast lumps. All breast surgery can interfere with the interpretation of mammograms. With this in mind, when you do have a mammogram, be sure to tell the physician or the x-ray technician that you have had breast reduction surgery, so they can do extra x-ray views, if necessary.

Dr. Mahsa Moghaddam is a Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) trained plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Meet her at http://www.nipntuck.com/dr-mahsa-moghaddam.

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Breast Augmentation - Silicone Implant Vs Fat Transfer

A pair of healthy looking breasts is what every woman desires to possess. While many have been naturally blessed with it, some will need to go through an augmentation in order to achieve the appearance that they will truly love.
The lack of breast volume may be due to past surgical procedures brought about by medical conditions. It may also be because of hereditary factors, something that the individual does not have any control over. Whatever the cause may be, breast augmentation remains to be among the top scientifically proven safe and effective solutions for women who wish to address their issues concerning a smaller breast size.
The majority of the breast augmentations performed are done using implants. These are prosthetics made out of a silicone sac that are filled with either saline, a fluid substance, or silicone gel. The silicone gel is being used far more than its saline counterpart for it gives off a more supple feel to the wearer. Silicones are also prevalently utilized in studies conducted about the procedure which increases its credibility of being the smart option between the two.
A contender to being the most popular breast augmentation procedure is slowly making waves in the cosmetic surgery arena. The fat transfer breast augmentation is growing increasingly in demand because it is less invasive and appeals to patrons looking for a more subtle increase. The Fat Transfer process starts with the extraction of fat from the patient's own body through liposuction. This also adds to the procedure's appeal for it offers slimming as a side effect. The specimen harvested will then be treated and purified to remove unwanted elements such as lipids, traces of anaesthetics, and other medical substances that may have transferred during the removal process. Once contaminants have been eliminated, the pure form will be injected in small quantities into designated areas surrounding the breast until the desired size and form is attained.
Breast augmentation using implants will remain to be the top option for it has been widely practiced and studied by astute medical professionals. It will not be, in any way, replaced by another procedure any time soon for it is truly a magnificent breakthrough and is sure to provide the results that the patient desires. Performed by a reputable board certified cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon, breast implants will leave long lasting satisfaction to the patient.
But let us not take the fat transfer breast enhancement procedure out of the game for, as earlier mentioned, more are starting to look for a natural and less gruesome alternative to a bigger breast size. It does not, however, guarantee a dramatic increase to your breast's fullness and is more suitable for patients who are aiming for a more subdued change. Chances of fat being re-absorbed by the body, though very slim, may also happen which will cause for your breasts to decrease in volume over time.
If you are still unsure of which procedure to undergo, a consultation with your trusted cosmetic surgeon will definitely help in your decision making. Depending on your goals and the medical team's assessment of your body's overall readiness for the procedure, your doctor will be able to determine which breast augmentation type will deliver the results you want. Your heart's desire for a fuller chest, after all, is what we endeavor to give.

If you are deciding where to have a cosmetic surgery, having it in the Philippines is definitely a safe and good decision. To know more about your cosmetic surgery procedure, be sure to read our blog. Also, It would be best to consult your Filipino Surgeon, so that you may know all your options regarding breast augmentation procedure in Manila.

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Fat Grafting Offers Natural Alternative for Breast Reconstruction

One in eight U.S. women are diagnosed with breast cancer. It is the most common cancer among women in this country and yet, many know little about what happens after diagnosis.
Women choosing a mastectomy should talk to their breast surgeon about different mastectomy options (traditional, skin sparing, nipple-areola sparing and breast lift-reduction pattern) to see which is right for them. Not all mastectomies are the same and the design and execution of the mastectomy is a major factor in determining the aesthetic result of the reconstruction.
Every woman diagnosed with breast cancer should seek a referral to a plastic surgeon. Breast reconstruction plays a vital role in a woman's self-esteem and sense of well being and it's imperative that a patient knows and understands all of her reconstructive options before her cancer is treated and removed.
The goal of breast reconstruction is to restore the breasts to near-normal shape, size and symmetry after lumpectomy or mastectomy. Breast reconstruction typically involves several procedures performed in stages, starting either at the time of mastectomy or later.
Implant reconstruction is a common choice because it's widely known. However, there is another option called fat grafting that many medical professionals are unaware of. Here's how it works:
Fat is harvested from the abdomen, flanks and thighs by liposuction. It is then processed and injected into the breasts through small incisions. Like other reconstructive techniques, fat grafting is a staged procedure with results achieved over time. This is an outpatient procedure, with each stage carried out every three to six months. The number of stages required for completion varies on an individual basis. Recovery time from each stage is typically less than one week with minimal down time from surgery. The results are long lasting and the patient also receives the added benefit of liposuction at the donor sites. Patients can expect breasts with a more natural look and feel.
Fat grafting is natural, flexible and versatile. It allows the plastic surgeon to gradually sculpt and reconstruct the breast to a natural looking shape and feel. This technique may be used for correction of deformities resulting from lumpectomy, as well as for post-mastectomy reconstruction. Studies suggest that fat graft injections may improve the quality and texture of radiated skin and provides an exciting new option for breast reconstruction.
Total breast reconstruction with fat grating is less common among plastic surgeons, but as one trained to do it, I've found the results to be very good and long lasting, whereas implants typically need to be replaced after 10-20 years.
All breast surgery will leave visible scars on the chest and although breast reconstruction will rebuild a breast, the results are variable. A reconstructed breast will always feel different from a natural breast.
Women should speak with their primary-care physician, breast surgeon and plastic surgeon about options and ask for guidance in making the decisions that will bring the best quality of life in the long run.

Dr. Mahsa Moghaddam is a Mayo Clinic trained plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Meet her at http://www.nipntuck.com/dr-mahsa-moghaddam.

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5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Your Brazilian Butt Lift

Before getting any type of surgery, it is important to ask as many questions as you feel you need to make you feel as comfortable as possible with your doctor and the procedure. You should not be scared or ashamed of asking questions. The more questions the better!
The Brazilian butt lift is a fairly new technique used to increase the size of the buttocks. Because this is a serious procedure, you should take the time to think of what questions you may have about it. Just to help you out a little, here are some questions you should definitely ask your doctor:
1. Are you a board certified plastic surgeon?
Before even visiting a plastic surgeon, you should do your research to make sure he/she is a board certified plastic surgeon. If you haven't done so prior to your appointment, then this is definitely the first question you should ask. Many surgeons are board certified in other specialities that are not plastic surgery, this makes a huge difference! You want to make sure your doctor has all the right qualifications and specialties.
2. How many Brazilian butt lift have you performed?
It is important that your doctor has enough experience with this procedure. Because this surgery requires the removal and injection of fat, a certain skill level is required in order give each patient the best results for their body. Your doctor should be able to show you various before and after pictures of previous patients with a body type similar to yours.
3. How do you perform this procedure?
Your surgeon should be able to explain his technique so that you fully understand how the surgery works. The three most distinct aspects of this procedure are the liposuction, the fat processing, and the reinjection of fat.
4. How long will surgery take?
Each patient may have a slightly different surgery time. A typical Brazilian butt lift takes anywhere between 5 to 8 hours. This depends on how many areas of liposuction you wish to get and how much fat will be reinjected into your buttocks.
5. What do you think would look best for my body?
Although you may already have a clear idea of what you want your butt to look like after surgery, it may not be realistic. You want your body to look proportional. Therefore, having the right waist to hip ratio is key to creating the perfectly shaped body. Let your doctor tell you what would look best on you. Remember he has many years of experience and knows best!

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Is Breast Augmentation Good for You?

Unfortunately, many different factors of life can negatively affect a woman's breast tissue over time, such as weight changes, pregnancy, childbirth, genetics, and gravity. While many women just turn to push up bras to get their breasts back into place, others begin to consider permanently boosting them up through plastic surgery. The breast augmentation procedure is currently the most commonly performed procedure in the U.S. with over 300,000 surgeries per year. If you have started to consider getting breast implants, there are a few things you should think about.
The right time. Before getting implants, many doctors recommend that women should be in good health, not smoke, be at a stable ideal weight, and have fully developed breasts. Some women also prefer to wait until after they are done having children, but this is not necessary. Due to swelling of the breasts during pregnancy and nursing, women sometimes end up with bigger breasts and don't find the need for breast implants after all. But there is no way to predict if this will happen to you. Think about when would be the perfect time for your breast augmentation.
Do it for the right reasons. It is important that you do this for yourself and not for anyone else. Plastic surgery is a big a deal and should not be done to please anyone but yourself. Before following up with this decision, make sure it is exactly what you want.
Have realistic expectations. It is extremely important to have realistic expectations before getting breast implants. For the first few months and possibly up to a year, your breasts may not look completely natural. They will rest high on your chest for the first few months and it will take time for them to soften up. Do not expect to go from a AA to a DDD. Most patients with minimal breast tissue cannot jump to a huge breast size because the skin's elasticity may not cooperate, causing stretch marks. Your doctor will help you decide which implant size is right for your body.
Know the risks. Although a breast augmentation is a low risk procedure, there are possible risks that come with this procedure, just like any other type of surgery. Some risks include infection, bleeding, loss of sensation, contracture, and wrinkling of the breast implant. Following all orders from your doctor can help prevent any of these complications from occurring.

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More and More Butt Lifts and Augmentations

Society's image of the "ideal body" is always changing, and what may be considered beautiful today may be completely different in a few years. These changes are typically a reflection of celebrity gossip, fashion trends, and the industry of cosmetic and plastic surgery. In 2014, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that there has been a pretty interesting shift of trends. For many years, a boob job was the most performed cosmetic procedure, but within the last year the number of butt lifts and augmentations performed has skyrocketed.
Amongst all categories of cosmetic procedures, the butt lift reflected the biggest increase in 2014. Buttock augmentation using fat grafting more commonly known as the Brazilian Butt Lift, accounted for a 15% increase. The number of performed butt lifts increased by a surprising 44%. So what does this mean? It seems as this procedure, which was once looked down upon, is becoming more socially acceptable and desired. With celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Nicki Minaj popping up all over our media sources, society can't help but to notice their round, plump behind. Naturally, we can't help but to find these figures attractive, making many women want to have a bigger behind.
Just a few years ago, the most common form of buttocks augmentation was the use of buttocks implants. Although these techniques yielded great results, the newly found technique of fat grafting has called the attention of many plastic surgeons and women worldwide. Through the Brazilian butt lift procedure, fat is removed from different areas of the body through liposuction, and then transferred to the buttock to create the perfectly shaped behind. One of the most beneficial factors of the procedure is the use of something natural, the patient's own fat. This one aspect alone has caused many women to turn to the idea of getting buttocks augmentation through this technique.
Over the last few years, this technique has become more and more popular. Because of the natural look and feel that results from this procedure, women all over the world are seeking the best doctors to give them their dream butt.
While breast augmentations still lie at the top of the charts, butt augmentations and lifts are rising to the top at an increasingly fast speed. The idea of having a small waist and big butt seems like a dream to most women and this procedure seems to be giving patients exactly what they want.

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Breast Reconstruction With Fat Transfer: Why It Makes Sense

Breast reconstruction with autologous fat transfer (from the same individual) is an option for breast restoration after lumpectomy, partial mastectomy and/or mastectomy for breast cancer treatment. Fat transfer to the breast is commonly used with implant based and flap based techniques to improve the shape and contour of a previously reconstructed breast. Total breast reconstruction with fat transfer is a newer, exciting option for women who do not want implants or an invasive flap procedure.
Minimal downtime
Breast reconstruction with fat transfer is an outpatient procedure which means you will not need to spend the night in the hospital after surgery. The discomfort associated with these procedures is less when compared to other breast reconstructive techniques (implants or flaps) and several women report that taking Extra Strength Tylenol (Acetaminophen) alone is enough. Most women choose to return to work after a few days of rest. You can resume all activities of daily living within two to three weeks after surgery.
It's versatile
Unlike breast implants which have a pre-determined shape, fat grafts are versatile and can be sculpted into a natural looking breast shape based on your body type. Plastic surgeons frequently use fat grafts to round out and fill in areas of the breast around previously placed implants and flaps to give these reconstructions a softer and more natural appearance. Now, with newer techniques and instruments, you can have your whole breast reconstructed with fat. Studies suggest that fat transfer can improve the quality of previously radiated skin and in select patients; it may restore some sensation to the skin of the breast after a mastectomy.
It's natural
It's your fat and it's yours to keep. Because the fat transferred is living tissue with a blood supply, the risk of infection, wound breakdown and/or skin loss is less when compared to breast implants. Complications of implant exposure, implant infection, rupture and capsular contracture are virtually non-existent. Although some of the fat and fluid injected will be resorbed in the first three months after surgery, once healing is complete the results are permanent. Additional fat grafting sessions can be added over time if more volume is desired.
Flap surgery is also a natural option for breast reconstruction. However, these procedures are more invasive, complex, lengthy and require a hospital stay of at least three to five days. Complex and long surgical procedures often carry a greater risk of complications and a longer recovery period measured in months.
Less hassle
The recovery from a fat transfer procedure is simplified. There are no elaborate wound care rituals and no drains to take care of. Also, unlike other procedures where antibiotics are required for weeks after surgery, with fat transfer, in most cases, they are not needed unless there is an unforeseen problem. The need for narcotic pain medications is also minimized. Since there are no implants involved, there is no need for multiple doctor's office visits for breast expansion prior to an implant exchange. All breast reconstruction is staged which means that more than one procedure will be required to achieve the final desired result. Breast reconstruction with fat transfer allows a woman to return to her daily life with less interruption and it allows her to plan her breast reconstruction around her other priorities in life.
It has fringe benefits
Because the fat grafts are typically harvested from the abdomen, thighs and flanks by a technique similar to liposuction, women choosing breast reconstruction with fat graft injections will see the benefits of liposuction at the sites from which the grafts are harvested. This usually means an improvement in contour and shape in the tummy, thighs and/or back.
Breast reconstruction with fat transfer is a newer technique among plastic surgeons and not everyone is comfortable offering this procedure. All surgical procedures have potential risks and complications. Make sure you understand all of the potential benefits, risks and complications of a procedure before deciding to have surgery. Ask to speak with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who has experience in breast reconstruction with fat transfer.

Learn more about how breast reconstruction can be naturally simplified with fat transfer by visiting http://www.nipntuck.com.

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An Overview on Breast Implants

If you are among those thinking about getting breast implants, it is better if you do some research before taking action. A lot of women fall for the "before and after" pictures of breast implants in adverts on TV and online, but in reality the procedure is very difficult, expensive and lengthy. Therefore, this article will attempt to shed some light on breast implantation.
The medical devices implanted underneath breast tissues to increase the size of breasts are breast implants. Implantation may be for augmentation or reconstruction of the breast. Moreover, breast implants can be used to improve the outcome of initial surgery. Generally, there are two kinds of breast implants: saline-filled implants and silicone gel-filled implants. Both feature an outer shell made of silicone, with different implants differing in size, hardness and shape.
Saline Breast Implants
For the women aged over 18 years, FDA approved saline breast implants are best for augmentation and reconstruction, regardless of age group. These implants have an external silicone shell packed with disinfected saline. Other features include the following:
• May be supplied unfilled (and filled during the implantation process) or supplied already filled
• Available in various sizes
• May have an even or textured surface to their outer shells
• Can be positioned with integrated fill-in ports to allow postoperative correction of implant saline level
• Less expensive than products filled with silicone
• Implant rupture promptly detectable
• Potential visible implant wave on augmented breast's surface with slim breast tissue
Silicone Gel-filled Breast Implants
These FDA approved implants are suitable for augmentation in those aged 22 years or above and breast reconstruction for women of every group age. These implants consist of silicone gel within an external shell. Other features include the following:
• Available in diverse sizes
• May have an even or textured surface to the exterior shell
• More expensive than saline-filled implants
• Feel more natural than implants filled with saline
• Less visible rippling in sensitive augmentations
• Cannot be positioned using a transumbilical incision; it is, however, possible to implant them using transaxillary, periareolar and inframammary incisions
Potential Complications
Generally, complication rates are higher in breast reconstruction surgery compared to primary cosmetic surgical procedures. The following complications might occur after implant procedures:
• Hematoma: Blood clotting in the breast that frequently causes swelling and pain
• Wound infection: Generally because of Staphylococcus aureus from the lactiferous ducts, though also sometimes due to rarer pathogens like Clostridium perfringens, mycobacteria, Curvularia spp, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger
• Seroma: A pocket of fluid collecting in the region of the implant
• Hypersensitive or hyposensitive breasts
• Problems with lactation, including trouble breast feeding among 20 percent of women
• Displacement of implants
• Implant undulation

Before initiating surgical operations in your body, it is wiser to collect knowledge on your medical procedures. You can find more information on how to get large natural breasts from our compiled article.

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VoIP Trunking in Brief

The term "VoIP Trunking" usually refers to a trunk connection between a customer VoIP Network and the VoIP service provider who provides the connection to the Public Voice Networks such as the PSTN and Mobile networks. The VoIP Trunk is also more often called a SIP trunk after the protocol used to setup, manage and clear calls. This protocol is called Session Initiation Protocol.
SIP Trunks are quickly replacing traditional voice trunks that mainly utilise ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Networks) technology. The SIP Trunk is used to connect the customer to the public network and the service provider will port a subscriber's number or numbers on to it's own telephone exchange. The service provider will invariably use an Internet Protocol connection to carry the SIP exchanges back to its network, and it is essential that Quality of Service is maintained throughout the transfer of customer VoIP connections. This is normally achieved by using a leased line connection, or more recently an MPLS (Multi Protocol Labeled Switching) or VPLS (Virtual Private LAN Service) connectivity.
SIP Trunks come in a variety of guises such as:
A managed service where the provider supplies Customer Premises Equipment and is then able to monitor the trunk connection and provide guarantees about the reliability of the service.
An unmanaged service which only provides a simple, basic phone service.
A SIP connection between two applications
Traditional legacy trunking comprised T1 or E1 ISDN lines which were channelized, with each separate channel carrying a single phone connection. SIP can use almost any IP capable trunk, and in the case of a T1 or E1 line can operate with the line not having any channelization. The line or trunk can simply be thought of as a pipe providing a certain amount of bandwidth over which SIP connection can be carried within IP packets, with as many separate conversations as the bandwidth will allow.
The number of simultaneous calls that can be carried across a SIP Trunk will be dependent on the amount of bandwidth that has been made available and the voice codec chosen for the connections. Each call will consume a certain amount of bandwidth determined by the voice codec, which is often G.711 or G.729, although other voice codecs can be used. A call using a G.711 codec will need approximately 95Kbps per simultaneous call, whereas the G.729 codec will only require around 40Kbps. G.729 SIP Trunks are the most common and the most efficient due to the lower bandwidth requirements and also the fact that this codec provides good compression with only a small drop in call quality.
The method used to deploy a SIP Trunk will be determined mainly by the customer's PBX (Private Branch Exchange). Most IP-PBXs are configured to set up a native SIP trunk without the need for any protocol conversion, whereas some older PBXs may require an interface in the form of a gateway usually supplied by the SIP Provider. In some cases the gateway will have to convert SIP messages to messages compatible with TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) standards such as ISDN. This is referred to as SIP to PSTN internetworking and can take a number of forms, two of which are complete protocol internetworking and protocol encapsulation or SIP-T (SIP Telephony). SIP messages are converted to the equivalent ISDN messages outbound and from ISDN to SIP in the reverse direction.
There are two distinct components parts to a SIP voice call:
The media in the form of a codec which can be different on the SIP Trunk and in the PSTN to which the call is connecting. For example, G.729 on the Trunk and traditionally G.711 with the PSTN TDM systems. Translation between these codecs will be performed in the gateway which will have an IP port on the on the customer side that is bridged to a TDM trunk on the provider side.
The signaling involves translating the SIP signaling messages to one of a number of PSTN signaling standards, predominantly ISUP (ISDN User Part) of a common channel signaling system known as Signaling System 7 or SS7.

This article relating to VoIP Trunking was written by David Christie, MD at NSTUK Ltd, Website http://www.nstuk.com.

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MGCP - What Is It Used For?

MGCP (Media Gateway Control Protocol) was developed from two Internet Protocols known as SGCP (Simple Gateway Control Protocol) and IPDC (Internet Protocol Device Control). It is used by Call Control Agents in VoIP systems to control the actions of a Telephony Gateway. MGCP was developed as part of the Internet Protocol Suite and the ITU-T had a standard that performed a similar function known as H.248. A working group known as MEGACO was formed to promote interoperability between the two standards.
The Call Control Agents can be SIP Servers, proprietary call agents such as Cisco's Communications Manager or an H.323 Gatekeeper. MGCP as a protocol uses a series of single line commands and responses to communicate with a telephony gateway, and these commands are simple ASCII based. When Voice over IP became viable, most of the media gateways were TDM (Time Division Muliplexed) based and elements of the VoIP system needed to communicate with these media gateways. This is the reason that MGCP was developed.
In a telecommunications systems utilising VoIP where there is a need to route calls to the PSTN a media gateway provides the interface between the IP-based VoIP system and the traditional TDM-based PSTN that would normally use ISDN as its medium of choice. The information coming from the PSTN had to be packetised using IP Packets in order to be transmitted on the VoIP side of the connection, and VoIP media needed to be de-encapsulated from the IP and RTP packets and assigned a channel in the TDM system.
The call control agents use MGCP to control and manage the actions of the media gateways using simple 1 line commands, and these agents are able to communicate with each other using media gateways as interfaces to ensure the voice and signaling streams are translated appropriately.
The Signaling information from the PSTN is sent to a Signaling Gateway and then to a Call Agent who ensures the information is translated to the appropriate SIP messages for onward transmission within the VoIP network to SIP endpoints or other Call Agents.
There are 9 commands used by MGCP and the MGCP packets are transmitted using UDP (User Datagram Protocol) as the transport method. These command messages are identified as:
AUEP - Audit Endpoints
AUCX - Audit Connection
CRCX - Create Connection
DLCX - Delete Connection
EPCF - Endpoint Configuration
MDCX - Modify Connection
NTFY - Notify
RQNT - Request for Notification
RSIP - Restart in Progress
The AUEP and AUCX messages are used by a Call Control Agent to query the status of the media gateway. The media connections that invariably use RTP are managed through use of the CRCX, DLCX and MDCX messages, which create, delete and modify connections. A Call Control Agent can request information on event notifications from a media gateway by using the RQNT (Request Notification) message, which should be responded to by the gateway with a NTFY (Notify) message. The types of events that we are referring to include:
Off Hook Notification
On Hook Notification
DTMF Digits
Fax Tones
Hookflash
Continuity tones
Modem tones.
Coding information can be changed in the gateway by means of the Call Agent sending an EPCF (Endpoint Configuration) message, and if successful the gateway will respond with an RSIP (Restart in Progress) message.

This article relating to MGCP was written by David Christie, MD at NSTUK Ltd, Website http://www.nstuk.com.

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Employment Positions in Telecommunications

As communication outlets continue to evolve through social media and the Internet, so does the demand for telecommunications specialists. There are numerous opportunities for study and specialization, as well as occupations that range from technical installation to customer service. While we all believe finding an exact niche is important, no one said it was easy to choose! Here are some of the latest positions to keep an eye out for:
Installation
There are two types of occupations offered in installation: line and equipment. Line installation involves installing, testing, and repairing external cables while an equipment installer focuses on internal aspects like setting up networks, telephone communication/exchange, and handsets. Both of these positions tend to work for carriers and companies that send employees out on special jobs. The median annual wage for a line installer is $50,000, and the wage for an equipment installer is $54,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Research and Development
In order to maintain perfect network performance, engineers in research and development are hired to help stabilize the connection distributed throughout the company. This type of trade also includes creating new applications for smartphones and updating systems. A secured gig in research and development (R&D) at a telecommunications firm is considered to be the highest paying position, where you can earn at least $80,000 a year.
Administration
Every firm needs administration, even a telecommunications one. The administration staff works on handling paperwork, processing orders, billing, and organizing customer databases. Because there are different levels of administration, the annual income for this position can be anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000.
Customer Service
Employees in this area deal with customer satisfaction and complaints about the company's service. They ensure that each client is receiving proper technical support. They will take care of any existing problems and update customers on new software, deals, and discounts. According BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), a customer service representative makes up to $30,000 a year.
Sales and Marketing
A representative in sales and marketing focuses on advertising and selling. They may sell products like service providers, smart phones, mobile services, equipment, and cable. A sales and marketing position is largely based on commission, which is why each employees' pay may vary.
Freelance
Once you've gained all the outside experience dividing your time among big telecommunication companies and firms, working from the comfort of your home can be another option, especially if you're tech savvy. Some freelance positions may include configuration, developing applications, advertising, communications, IT consulting, technical support, and much, much more! The opportunities are endless, and so is the pay.

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Exploring Options in VOIP Service Providers

Voice over internet protocol involves phone service provided over an internet connection. People with an adequate connection can typically receive this service instead of contracting through a local phone company. As you prepare to make a final choice, consider your options in VOIP service providers to find one that fits your needs and budget.
Consider Your Necessary Options
Review your current account to determine what options you need and which ones you may be able to omit from your monthly bill. Typical features include call waiting, caller ID, three-way calling, and call forwarding. Note your current bill amount to enable you to compare this cost with the costs you will have after changing your account. It is likely that you will save money by making this change. It is common for VOIP service providers to offer bundling options, but you also must compare each price carefully to ensure that you do not pay more than you would pay for each separate option. Ask for a demonstration if you do not understand any features offered. If you determine that you don't need features, keep looking until you find a plan that fits your needs precisely.
Research Companies and Terms
Explore different VOIP service providers to learn about these companies. Take notes as you gather information, so you can remember the different features that each company offers. Examine money-back guarantees, details about contract terms, equipment provided, and policies about returning the equipment. Never consider a firm that does not offer at least a 30-day satisfaction guarantee to ensure that you will have recourse if you are not happy with the service. Some companies will use offers of free service to get customers to sign lengthy contracts. It's optimal if you don't have to sign any contract at all because this gives you the most protection and flexibility.
Number Portability
Find out whether a company offers number portability, which will enable you to maintain your current number instead of changing to a new number. Most firms provide this feature. Unless you're willing to update all your contacts about your new number, keep looking until you find a company that will enable you to keep your current number.
Network Test
You might not know whether your internet connection is fast enough to enable VOIP. The problems that people experience with VOIP often pertain to the speed of their connection and not with issues with the company. Therefore, before you proceed, request a network test to evaluate your network. The business should help you conduct this diagnostic test to evaluate your network. A business that does not offer this test may not have the knowledge and expertise to deliver quality assistance.
Technical Support
Issues and problems will invariably arise. As you consider various VOIP service providers, check into the technical support and maintenance provided by each firm. Optimally, the firm needs a system for resolving issues quickly with a team of experts standing by to assist customers.
With due diligence and careful research, you can find a business that will serve your connectivity needs to keep your phones connected at all times.

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Consider IP-Based Phone Systems for Your Growing Business

IP-based phone systems use your existing data network (your local area network, or LAN) to administer and process your business calls. There are a number of advantages to using this type of telephone service, including:
- There are no long-distance call charges because the calls are run through your existing intranet and network service provider.
- It's easy to add new services and expand the number of units.
- Users can access, personalize, and manage their communications from any location, as long as they have access to the company's intranet.
- By having your voice and data managed on a single network, you won't need as much equipment.
Phone systems can provide the equipment and services suited for your business, with solutions for the small office with a few lines, or for the larger office with 1000 or more users. You can also continue to use existing analog or digital equipment. This is helpful if you would like to expand to the upgraded technology in phases, or if the network connection is down.
The following are a few other advantages to utilizing IP communications:
Cost
While the initial installation cost of equipment may be higher than digital equipment, the service will save money in the long run. Depending on what you already have in place, you may only need minimal upgrade equipment to connect to the network. The call rate is usually lower or free, depending on the services you choose for your business. Plans are available for long distance calls, but they are also sometimes included for free. Talk with your provider about your normal business operations to make sure you are choosing a plan that fits your business needs.
Portability
Equipment can be easily moved to different locations in the office, or even to different geographical locations, without affecting the user's connection or extension number. All that is required is connecting the power and the Ethernet cable, and each unit will start up with the same number and extension. With digital, you have to involve the service provider when equipment needs to be moved.
Management
Because equipment can be accessed remotely, diagnosing and solving technical issues is much easier. The service provider doesn't need to come to your place of business during your operating hours to provide assistance. They can look at your systems and send signals to check for problems, reset equipment, and walk you through any configurations that may need to be performed on site.
Availability
Equipment needs your Internet connection. If you have regular issues with your Internet service provider or intranet, you may want to delay installation of a system until those issues are resolved. As an alternative, you may choose to have digital or analog equipment available in the times when the Internet service is down.
IP-based phone systems are an ideal choice for your business if you have a strong Internet service and want to take advantage of the newest technologies at overall reduced costs. Talk with your local provider about your business needs and the options available to you.

When looking for phone systems, Hackensack businesses should consult http://www.abcnj.com/toshiba.php.

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What Are the Different VoIP Businesses I Can Start?

So you want to go in the VoIP industry and open up your own VoIP company but not sure what you want to sell exactly? Here is a guide of the different services you can offer;
· Consultation Services for VoIP: so many homes and businesses are changing over to VoIP these days because it is so much cheaper. There are so many different VoIP plans and packages out there, they don't always know what to choose. By being a consultant you will help them choose the package that will best suit their needs.
· VoIP Call Center Solutions: a VoIP call center is a call center hosted by a VoIP provider and not a physical location. By offering VoIP call center solutions, you will help companies set up call centers so that they can handle calls correctly, minimize wait time for callers, and improve company efficiency all while keeping costs low.
· VoIP Wholesale provider (wholesale termination): sell VoIP minutes to people so they can make VoIP calls
· Prepaid calling cards: you provide an access code with you calling cards so that people can make national and international VoIP calls from their landline and mobile phones without the need of a computer. The customer will need to put in their unique pin, found on the back of the card before they can start talking. These calling cards can then be bought by the customers in news agents, local retailers, grocery shops or online.
You can also offer pinless calling cards. With pinless cards, the customer will need to put in their access code but either the system will recognize the phone number they are calling from or they have a unique access code so a pin is not needed.
· IP PBX: An IP PBX is a home or business VoIP system for making internal and external calls. It consists of an IP PBX server, one or more SIP phones or VoIP phones and sometimes a VoIP Gateway. The phones are connected to the server. When someone wishes to make an internal call, they will go through the IP PBX server which has a directory of all the phones and their SIP addresses in the system and the call will be connected to the recipient. If one wishes to make an external call using the IP PBX it can be done with a VoIP Gateway or VoIP service provider.
The IP PBX business is growing really fast. By becoming an IP PBX service provider you will help your clients set up their systems.
In order to provide these services you will need to buy or host a VoIP switch. If you are new to the VoIP world or do not want to invest a lot of money into your business it is best to host. Your VoIP switch provider will be able to tell you what you will need exactly in order to start a VoIP company and provide the services you wish to offer.

At VoipSwitch, we allow you to brand your VoIP phone services under your own name, where the actual provider is unknown to your customers, and enable you to choose a reseller plan that does not require an initial investment or capital outlay. Contact us today at http://www.voipswitch.com for an affordable quote.

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How to Choose a Company to Get Your VoipSwitch From?

If you search online for VoipSwitch providers you will find loads of different companies offering VoIP switches for resellers. But while there are seemingly so many companies offering this same product not all offer them licensed. The most important thing when buying a VoipSwitch is to make sure that the VoipSwitch comes with a license because otherwise it might just be a crack version and it is not guaranteed to work properly.
When researching different companies it is better to get your VoipSwitch from a company that is not brand new. An older company will be more established and there is less chance that they will close down soon. Well-established VoipSwitch companies are constantly re-inventing their products to make sure they are up-to-date with the market, by using them you know you get the latest software. Look for awards when researching companies and check out if they participate in different trade shows and exhibitions, this again shows you how integrated they are in the market.
Ask how many clients the company has, where their clients are mainly based, what services their clients offer, what size of company their clients have...
Do they have clients based near you? Do their clients have companies similar to the one you want to start?
It is important to get clear answers on these questions so you know what these companies specialize in.
What type of services do you wish to offer? Make sure the company you want to get a VoipSwitch from offers the products you will need in order to provide that service. They should be able to tell you what you will need in order to start and should help you set it up.
Another important thing is to make sure that you get 24/7 support. Things do go wrong and you will need someone to help you. Find out how support can be contacted in case of a problem.
You also need to consider the price. What is your budget? If you do not have or do not want to invest a lot of money there are many companies that offer a hosted VoipSwitch instead of buying one. This way you just pay a monthly fee which includes everything.
Some companies will offer cheaper products but it comes with less services, so research what you get for the price you pay. Sometimes it is better to pay a higher price if that will include more.

At Voipswitch, we allow you to brand your VoIP phone services under your own name, where the actual provider is unknown to your customers, and enable you to choose a reseller plan that does not require an initial investment or capital outlay. For hosting services, contact us today at http://hosted.voipswitch.com for an affordable quote.

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