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Open to all comers. 

I have some good news for you.  I toil away at my ‘day job’ over at InfoSource Learning.  One of our divisions there, Teachbits.com, is the teacher-to-teacher marketplace where teachers can buy, sell, or share learning materials.

I’ve spent the last few months at various educational conferences and trade shows, and one of the hottest topics at each conference has been the use of podcasts in and for the classroom.

But, as you know, podcasting is a hot topic in general, not just with teachers.

So . . . that’s why I’m excited to tell that I want to give you (freebies . . . no charge, no hidden costs, no sweat) access to three online podcasting courses.  We’re making this offer to all of our Teachbits participants (which is no charge as well).

These online little jewels (each about 90 minutes long) take you all the way through the podcasting basics and simple-to-understand terminology to integrating podcasts in the classroom.  Each course is written by a been-there-done-that-in-the-classroom teacher, but they apply to everyone in just about any walk of life or business.

Good, yummy, useful stuff. Check ‘em out.

We normally sell these courses to entire school districts for their teachers’ professional development needs, and the charge is somewhere in the $25 per-course-per-teacher range, but . . . for you, again, no charge, no hidden costs, no sweat.

To sign up:

You’ll need to be a Contributor (no charge for that either) at Teachbits.com, so you should sign up there first. 

Go to http://www.teachbits.com/sell/ to create your account (no charge) as a Contributor.  You’ll need to remember your ID and password!

Go to http://freelearning.howtomaster.com/and use your Teachbits ID and password – they’ll work here as well.  Use PODCAST as your free passcode to get into the courses at the freelearning site.

Questions or problems? Simply send me an email at mwerner(AT)infosourcelearning.com and we’ll get on the case.

Happy podcasting to you,
Michael

Popularity: 73% [?]

Are you a teacher?

Can you write?

Know a little about using blogs, wikis, podcasts, or other Web 2.0 tools in the classroom?

If so, we need you.  Actually, another company I’m involved with needs you.

Check out this company:  InfoSource Learning.

If you like what you see and think you’re qualified to get involved, drop me a note.

Popularity: 23% [?]

I’ve told you about the Teachbits venture I’m involved with — a teacher-to-teacher marketplace whereby teachers can share learning materials.

Well, I got to thinking . . . and just realized that this site — with all of its freebie goodies — is really right for nearly everyone, teacher or not.

Going back to school? Check out our library of free stuff, where you’ll find almost 100 completely free lessons, lesson plans, and book chapters by creative educators and various contributors. With lessons literally covering topics from A to Z (Anthropology to Zoology), you can see how your fellow TeachBits colleagues have been educating and enriching students on a variety of topics. And once you’ve checked ‘em out, be sure to leave a rating and feedback for the author! It only takes a second and it helps everybody find the good stuff.

Check ‘er out at Teachbits.

Popularity: 10% [?]

I’m involved in a couple of other businesses, and one of my latest passions is helping teachers earn supplemental income.  Perhaps it’s because I grew up in a household of teachers, or just because I value what teachers do so much — and are so incredibly underpaid for — I thought it might make sense to put some of my business brains behind a venture or two to help teachers.

So, check out TeachMarket.com when you get a chance . . . it’s an extra-bucks-for-teachers resource courtesy of InfoSource Learning.

Then, if you’re still in a teachery sort of mood, you’ll like want to know about Teachbits, another new business division from InfoSource Learning. Teachbits is a teacher-to-teacher marketplace that lets teachers sell their lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, digital photos, spreadsheets, online lessons, or just about anything else that can be put into a digital computer format.

Popularity: 17% [?]

Teachers and trainers wanted to develop (from scratch or using existing materials) lesson plans, worksheets, online lessons, slide shows, Powerpoint presentations, and other digital teaching materials. If it’s something you use in the classroom and it’s in a digital format, we’ll likely be interested. All topics, all grades . . . from K through adult education and professional development in the corporate world.  We will buy outright ($10 to $1,000, depending on item) or offer 65-75% royalty if you choose to sell your materials directly through us.  InfoSource has been in the online learning business since 1983 and serves teachers, schools, and professional corporate development throughout the world. For more information about our company and this project, send email to mwerner(AT)InfoSourceLearning.com (use the @ symbol in the email address, of course). Please provide your school district or organization name and location.

Also, check out the TeachMarket site for other ideas for teachers/trainers to earn supplemental income.
 

Popularity: 25% [?]

Applies to everyone, not just teachers . . .

As part of one of my other endeavors with my online learning company, InfoSource Learning, we’re setting up a teacher-to-teacher marketplace whereby teachers can buy and sell their own learning materials.

As part of that venture, we’ve set up a site to help teachers earn extra income.

It occurs to me that much of what we’re publishing there — ways to generate extra income — would apply to anyone, teacher or not.

Check ‘er out at TeachMarket and let me know what you think.

 

Popularity: 13% [?]

You have a business or other work that could be used as a model for a part-time job for a teacher, something the teacher would do in the evenings, weekends, or during holidays.

Do you tutor, offer test-prep courses, develop online learning, offer professional development for teachers, or anything of that sort?

If so, we’d like to write about what you do at TeachMarket, a site devoted to helping teachers develop supplemental income.

Popularity: 15% [?]

There are some reviewers, literary critics, and traditional publishers who believe that self-publishing, in all its varieties, is for the unprofessional and untalented author. Self-published authors have not faced any critical review of their work, and the companies that do self-publishing are motivated by money rather than the quality of the work! There is definitely some truth to this, but it applies equally to some of the traditional publishing houses. These houses have, over the last 10 years or so, maintained an unhealthy fixation on “Best Sellers” and on the “bottom line” — none of them have said they are not interested in making money. Many in the publishing industry are concerned about this trend and about the trend that the bigger houses have become too removed from the general writing population.

Clearly there are differences between self-publishers and the major publishing houses. The major houses have editors who edit the books. The major houses pay for the production costs, start to finish, for their authors. The major houses have good distribution systems and will heavily advertise books they feel will break through and become “Best Sellers.”

It is naive to think that authors taken on by the major houses are not paying for their books to be published. These authors do pay to get their work published — and pay and pay and pay. They receive royalties (as low as 10%) on actual book sales. The author also loses a great amount of control re copyright, editorial, graphic, and marketing decisions. The accounting practices of some major houses have left some authors waiting for months to be paid or to have recalculations and holdbacks on their advances. It is not until you become an important and saleable author that you can negotiate to make the traditional publishing house deals more equitable.

After sorting through all the debate, there are some valid criticisms that can be directed at self-publishing authors and firms. Those valid points are: unprofessional editing, formatting, and printing.

Who Should Self-Publish?

** Authors who want to receive a higher financial reward and maintain control over their material (i.e., not signing away copyright to a publisher). Traditional publishers, as mentioned above, are notorious for paying low royalty fees and for slow payment.

** An author who has written a book that will appeal to a very small but important audience. Traditional publishers have no interest in esoteric and overly specific books — the economics of their distribution and pricing system make them a non-sector from the start.

** People who have specific expertise and offer consultations and/or seminars to their clients. Usually the volume of sales, in this case, would be too low for traditional publishers. It is an excellent way to reinforce your “expertise” and make additional money after the seminar.

** Authors of books that deal with subjects or material considered too controversial for traditional publishers. Traditional publishers are litigation-shy and have a big stable of titles to defend. They don’t want to jeopardize their stable for a book that is too close to the edge.

** Authors who have talent and a good product but haven’t been able to match up with a traditional publisher interested in new talent. Most publishers are mega-corporations and, like such beasts elsewhere, adopt formulas of success (i.e., “best-seller syndrome”) and are very reluctant to try out an untested author.

** Authors who want to avoid the bureaucratic and slow machinations of the large publishers.

Who Should Not Self-Publish?

** Authors who firmly believe they have a book of wide appeal and great salability. The backing of a large publishing house partnered with extensive distribution makes this a virtual no-brainer for the confident. The economics of self-publishing favors small production runs, reducing the availability and eventual profitability of a successful book.

** Authors who are unable or unwilling to champion their own work. Believe it or not, there are writers out there who would be afraid to ask their own friends, relatives, and colleagues to buy their books.

** Authors with limited financial assets. The cost of self-publishing does not have to be high; it can be less than $500 if properly set up by the author. (The usual cost will be around $1,500.) Some struggling authors would not have this cash; JK Rowling, who was on social assistance when she wrote the first Harry Potter book, is a good example.

Author:  Alex Landels at A.G. Landels.

Source:  WordPreneur

Popularity: 6% [?]

All writers need the press, especially new writers. As a new novelist, I know I need name recognition. The best way for me to get the public to learn about my novel, The League, I figured, was to get some reviews in major magazines and newspapers.

Now, being unknown, this might seem like a tall task. It really isn’t. In fact, I was shocked by how simple it really is.

In looking for media coverage for the May 2005 release of my novel, I first decided to approach magazines that focus on the area that is most closely related to the plot of my novel. So, I started with fantasy football magazines and websites, since my novel is about a group of wealthy men who play fantasy football for a $30 million prize.

My approach was simple but effective. I emailed the editor or publisher of as many magazines and websites as I could find that focus on professional football and fantasy football. I sent them the synopsis of my book, and I told them that my book has major appeal, because it is the only work of fiction of its kind. Then, I asked them for a review in their magazine or just a quote that I could put on the dust cover of my novel, with a tagline that would also promote their magazine or website.

I found this method of self-promotion to be a lot like sales. I got about a five percent return - that is five percent of the people I contacted actually gave me a review or a quote. All, just because I asked.

So, when you write your article, short story or novel, don’t hesitate to ask people to review your work. You’ll be shocked at the results.

Author:  Mark Barnes is the author of the novel, The League, the first work of fiction based on fantasy football. He is also an investment real estate and home loan finance expert.

Source:  Wordpreneur

Popularity: 10% [?]

The following, from writing pro Terri Pilcher, is really for just about anyone, not just writers.  Good way to add some supplemental income and get your name out there.

Why would anyone want to write for trade journals? Aren’t the topics are dry? Don’t they require specialized knowledge? Not necessarily. You may want to consider trade journals to increase the potential market for your articles – and for the money. Trade publications make up a significant portion of the hidden source of funds for professional writers. Breaking in can be surprisingly easy – when you know the tricks.

What Can You Write?
Use a brainstorming list to begin your search for a specialty. To write for a trade publication, you will need in depth knowledge of a topic. Don’t force yourself to learn the inner workings of gravel mines when you love the elegant designs of classic furniture. Trade publications require professional knowledge of a topic, so make sure it’s a subject you’ll want to spend a lot of time with. Start your list by including things you enjoy and love. Whether you volunteer for a non-profit organization or have a degree in agricultural science, include all of the categories in which you have experience. Some trade publications accept articles of personal experience or interviews with recognized authorities in their field. Include your connections with professionals to make your list more complete. Keep this list handy and add to it regularly.

Where Can You Find Those Trade Journals?
Now that you have a list of specialty areas that you want to be immersed in, you need to find the journals that pay for your information. Almost every profession has a trade journal. The first place for you to look is with a professional organization related to your area of specialty. If you love elegant furniture, than perhaps you should consider “Interior Decorators of America”, “American Furniture Manufacturers”, or “American Pine”. Join at least one of these major professional organizations. Membership rates are often cheaper for affiliate members (those not practicing professionals in the field). Marketing companies buy the organization’s list and send free publications and resources to members. These items may include “throw-away journals”, free journals paid for by advertising. Even if you join the organization only one time, the professional materials will appear in your mailbox for years. This information will keep you on the cutting edge of your chosen industry.

Online resources are helpful in finding associations, but they include only a few of the possibilities. The most complete resource available is the Encyclopedia of Associations found in your local library. It contains the most complete list of organizations, many of which produce magazines specific to their members. It may take days for you to wade through this tome, but when you find ten journals that correspond to your qualifications, it will be worth the effort.

How Do I Start?
Begin by researching past issues of the magazine. Editors always recommend that potential writers analyze at least six months of back issues and a copy of their writer’s guidelines. This is essential with trade journals. Articles seen in the trades are far different in style than those seen in consumer magazines. Pay attention to the complexity of sentences, commonly used terms, and the assumed knowledge of the readers. Style is often less conversational and more technical than what most people read. Many trade magazines use technical terms that are a foreign language to industry outsiders. Make sure you use their language, or you will sound amateurish.

Make a list of published topics. You want to know what not to do as well as the topics they prefer. Painting and Wallcovering Contractor focuses on the professional painting industry, while Walls and Ceilings focuses on plaster restorers and finishers. There is some crossover, but you increase your chances of selling the interview with the restorer of the Sistine Chapel to Walls and Ceilings because of the focus. In addition, Painting and Wallcovering Contractor likes articles on how-to meet regulatory standards. If you know of a regulation that has not been covered recently, send a query offering to update their readers on the topic. Trade journals often recycle subjects with fresh information on three to four year cycles. If you can approach old ideas in a new way, you can give them an article that they will buy.

Which Comes First, the Query or the Manuscript?
Query first, but if the editor does not know you then he or she will want to see a complete manuscript before making a commitment. Many writers despise writing on speculation, but in this case they should consider it. Most journals are in desperate need of good writers. They don’t have huge slush piles stacked around the office that your article will have to compete with. As long as you have a topic they can use and can match their style, your article will sell.

Where Can You Find That Professional Knowledge?
Begin with the Internet. Online searches enable you to find the title, author, and journal of the article you want, and request a copy of it from your local public or college library. Medical and health topics can be found on Pubmed at http://www.nih.gov/. For other journal searches, contact your local community or college librarian. Without charging you, most libraries will order the article from another library if they don’t have it in their collection. They’ll even call you when it’s ready.

Other useful sources of information include government regulators, local businesses, the business section of the phone directory, and professionals in the industry.

Can You See Your Byline in Trade Journals?
Most full-time professional magazine writers include trade journals in their portfolio. Trade journals need knowledgeable writers who can produce interesting and well-written copy specific to their magazine. Finding these writers is difficult, because most people don’t think writing for trade journals is interesting. You’ll know differently when you see the check in your mailbox. Many trade journals pay $200-$300 for a 1,000-word article, making it well worth the effort to learn to write for this large and diverse market.

Trade journals are not the flashiest places to publish. Your friends may not be amazed by your publication in Pit and Quarry but, as a writer trying to sell work, do not ignore the journals that want to find you.

Terri Pilcher publishes a free weekly e-ezine, Writers Guidelines Magazine. Sign up at http://www.terripilcher.com/. She also wrote “MONEY Markets 2005: 101 Publishers that Pay Writers in 6 Weeks or Less” and edits PowerPen Market Search (2-day free trial). Find both the book and the searchable database of writer’s guidelines at http://www.powerpenmarketsearch.com/.

Popularity: 12% [?]