Q: Who is Inspired Authors LLC?

Answer: An independent Publisher created in 2006. Inspired Authors is the sole publisher for the Thank God I…® book series.

 

Q: What should I know about the Thank God I…® book series?
Answer: Thank God I…®...

• Volume 1 is an amazon.com best seller 

• Volumes contain stories from multiple NY Times Bestselling Authors

• Contributors come form all walks of life, religions, careers, backgrounds and cultures. 

• Books have international distribution through NBN

• Book covers were designed by the same designer that designed the cover for the Chicken Soup For The Soul book series

• Has received thousands of applications from all over the world and has already accepted hundreds of contributors for upcoming releases 

• Volume 1 has touched people all over the world with book sales in USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Spain, New Zealand, Australia, UK, South Africa, Israel, and Holland to name a few

• Has already attracted work from best selling authors and industry leaders like Janet Attwood, Bernie Siegel MD. John Demartini, John Kremer, Laura Duksta, Peggy Oneil, John Joseph, Luann Mitchell and many more…

• Contributors have already appeared on TV shows like Oprah, Larry King, and Q:ueen Latifa, and have appeared in movies like “The Secret”

• Founder John Castagnini has been featured on ABC in an interview with Spencer Christian (right before Oprah), and on radio with Joey Reynolds, and has been featured in multiple publications (see press and John’s Bio)

• Contributors have evolved past victim mentality and honor the perfection that exists in even the greatest of life’s challenges.

• Books share true stories of transformation told in the contributors own wordsTopics cover rape, cancer, death, divorce, addiction, and everything in between.

• Book series is only one part or the Thank God I…® brand which also includes the Thank God I…® Social Community Of Inspiration & Gratitude, the Thank God I…® Imperfectology™ education - including home study, coaching, and live events - as well as Thank God I…® merchandise and projects which include a documentary and network tv series.

 

Q: I would like to be published in an upcoming Thank God I…® Volume. What do I do next?
Answer:

• All of the stories that get published in the books are chosen from authors who submit the publishing application found HERE

• All Thank God I…® books are compilations; some contain a variety of topics and others are single titles like “Thank God I…® Was Cheated On” and “Thank God I…® Had Cancer”.

• Please look at the current titles so see which stories are currently receiving preference.

• You may submit as many stories as you like under as many subjects as you like. Note that it may take up to 4 years to develop certain Volumes.

• Becoming active on the Thank God I…® Social Community Of Inspiration & Gratitude is a good way to increase your social authority, branding, and visibility through the provided tools and platforms such as those for blogging, posting videos and galleries, forming groups, holding directed virtual chats, publicizing events and classifieds - and becoming active in forums. Inviting your friends to view and comment on thye material(s) you add, will also help you - and the brand - gain exposure. 

• We have a tentative release schedule and will list titles that we are giving priority to those listed on the “Upcoming Titles” section of the "Titles" page. These are the titles we are looking to release next. If your story doesn’t fit into one of these titles then we may be able to use your story in one of our upcoming annual compilations but submit now as space is limited.

• To stay current with Thank God I…® upcoming submission schedules and deadlines you should signup for our newsletter (this happens automatically when you join our community), follow us on Twitter and join one of our groups on Facebook.SUBMIT YOUR STORY NOW

Q: What is the Thank God I…® Social Community Of Inspiration & Gratitude?

Answer: Our community is similar to Facebook or Myspace and provides the functionality - and serves the place of multiple communities like Facebook, LinkedIn, Ning, etc.. Features include live chats, blogs, groups, discussion forums, polls, classifieds, the ability to post videos and galleries, the opportunity to form connections with other Thank God I…®Thank God I…® published authors, other friends and followers and more. Generally speaking, this is where published authors, readers, students and visitors may all connect to share inspiration through social media. We just launched this community in November 2009 so essentially, this is a "ground-floor" opportunity for you to become one of the major faces of this community and help guide it's growth and direction. Additionally, because this is our community, we - and you - get to totally control the direction it takes and the message disseminated throughout this platform. This also means you have a tremendous opportunity to build your authority and reach by becoming a leader in this environment.

 

Q: What are some other reasons to join the Thank God I…® Social Community Of Inspiration & Gratitude?
Answer:

• Connect with others going through an experience similar to yours to either help or gain help.

• You will find many of the Thank God I…® published authors available on the community.

• Blogging is a great way to self heal, inspire and shareVisibility.

• Active users will be more likely to get noticed as media attention associated with the Thank God I… brand draws traffic to the website

• Get noticed by other publishers

• Get valuable feedback as others review and comment on your blogs, forum posts, and videos for feedback.

• Gain an international audience. Network with other authors, teachers, students and more…

 

Q: So what does it mean to be chosen as a Thank God I…® Author?
Answer:

• To be one of the less than 1% chosen to be included in some of literatures deepest expressions of the heart in it's triumph by appreciating Life's challenges.

• To have your words lead many in their road of self discovery, past their illusions, back home to their heart.

• More importantly, it means that your unique experience will touch the souls of the cultures of humanity all around the world for generations to come.

• It means that your unique contribution to "The Perfect Idea™" will become a part of history.

• It means networking with other brilliant minds and opening the door to plenty of opportunities world wide. 

• Most of all, it means that your story will be commemorated alongside world renowned authors, and thousands of others to illuminate the world in discovering "The Perfect Idea™"

 

Q: Are Thank God I…® books available in bookstores?
Answer: The Thank God I…® book series has distribution through the National Book Network. Our books are also available for purch.ase online, at live events. and in select stores. International rights are handled through Literary and film agent Peter Miller.

 

Q: What happens if my story is NOT accepted for publishing?
Answer: While every story is special, we regret that we do not have space for every story in a Thank God I…® published book. If the story you submitted for a title isn’t accepted we recommend the following:

1. Share your story online by creating a FREE profile in our online community and begin a blog. Here you will be able to get immediate exposure and feedback from Thank God I…® community members and other authors.

2. If there is enough attention and interest in your story, we will take notice, and may reconsider our decision. Submit for another title.

 

Q: I want to write my own book, is it true Inspired Authors owns my life story?
Answer: No. Inspired Authors does have the rights to use in whatever form fit, the story that was accepted for publishing in the Thank God I…® book series. You are free to use your story in any other way you wish. You may even re-use the exact story you shared in the Thank God I…® book provided you give proper credit that this was already a published work in the Thank God I…® series.

 

Q: What if my story is more than 1500 words?
Answer: For the purpose of book publishing your story must fit into the desired specifications. As a Thank God I…® published author we recommend you elaborate on your story, bio, etc. within your profile in our social community. This will enable you to better connect with other Thank God I…® authors, readers, students, and follwers.

 

Q: Are you publishing any other works?
A Not at this time. The Thank God I…® series is our sole focus at this time.

 

Q: Are you accepting stories that don’t fit into one of the pre-selected titles on the "Titles" page?
Answer: Yes, there may be room in one of the Thank God I…® limited compilation books that are released from time to time.

 

Q: If I’m accepted, When will my story be published?
Answer: Our publishing schedule is dependent on a number of factors. Our main focus is individual titles at this time. Please note it may take as long as 4 years to develop and publish certain titles. The titles we list on our website are the ones that currently have priority.

 

Q: If my story doesn’t fit into one of the titles that’s listed for immediate release can I still submit?
Answer: Yes, In fact it’s recommended that you do so. There are a limited number of stories accepted into each title and once those spots are filled the book is closed. Just note that stories that fit into our current publishing schedule get 1st priority for review.

 

Q: What types of books do you publish?
Answer: Currently Inspired Authors is only publishing the Thank God I…® book series. For more info you may pick up a FREE copy of one of our 1st books HERE.

 

Q: Does my story have to be a certain length for it to be in a Thank God I…® Volume?
Answer: Yes. Stories have a maximum word count of 1500 words.

 

Q: Do I have to submit my story in a certain format?
Answer: We do ask that you follow the submission guidelines posted on the publishing application.

 

Q: Can I include images with my story?
Answer: Sorry, at this time there are no images in Thank God I…® books. You may include images, video, and audio in your author profile in our community.

Q: Can I include a bio with my story?
Answer: YES, you will have room for a 70 words in your bio. The bio will appear immediately following your story. Once accepted you will also be featured on our web site in the “Meet The Authors” section. This will link to your online community profile where you may blog, post videos, host forums and more as outlined above.

 

Q: Where will my book be available for sale?
Answer: Thank God I…® books available for sale through a number of online retail and wholesale distribution channels, including Amazon.com and many other locations. Thank God I…® has international distribution through NBN and foreign rights representation from Peter Miller.

 

Q: Does Thank God I…® market my book? Or do you have programs and resources to assist me in my marketing efforts?
Answer: As a published Thank God I…® author, you decide the level of activity you’d like to play the marketing efforts surrounding your book. Inspired Authors LLC occasionally offers opportunities to grow by offering discounts on printing/production/marketing/promotional education services through our strategic partners. In the past education has included PR training, book marketing, cover design, book signings, online marketing, and social media marketing. We intend to offer more services like business cards, t-shirts, flyers, and online tools like email templates, twitter templates, landing pages, promos, and more. It is the intent of Inspired Authors to create a community of authors that work together in promotional efforts. While each contributor has individual goals, the common goal is exposure in the market both online and in the books.

 

Q: When should I begin planning book signing events?
Answer: While it may certainly prove useful to begin planning book signing events well in advance of your book reaching completion, you should not schedule any book signing events until your book has been scheduled for printing. Work with your book manager in coordinating with other contributors in your local area. This will give you adequate time to both promote and receive the books you will need for the event.

 

Q: How do I order copies of my own book?
Answer: Be sure to keep your mailing address up to date for your pre-ordered copies. For more copies you may contact your book manager and they will point you in the right direction.

 

Q: Do I receive a discount when ordering copies of my own book?
Answer: Yes. You receive generous author discounts when ordering copies of your own book for resale and promotion.

 

Q: I’ve been thinking about completeing my own book, if accepted why should I choose to become a Thank God I…® … Author as opposed to publishing on my own?

Answer:

• Foundation and Experience. Inspired Authors and the Thank God I…® book series entered the publishing world in one of the worst economic recessions in history. It’s the dedication of this team to the work that insures this company will be around for a long time. Combine that with hundreds of accepted contributors all over the world that pre-purchase their promotional copies and you have a business model that allows the company to produce at zero cost and still maintain a dedicated marketing and sales force. This is the kind of foundation you want in a bad economy.

• Furthermore, in spite of the economy, Thank God I…® has expanded into a online presence, books, education, events, media and more…

• Community. You’re one of 60 contributors in a title. It’s far more effective to promote and market as a team than it is to do it alone. For example, as you are all promoting your book title, you are leveraging the power of each other's current following(s). 

• Leverage. Again, capitalize on reaching not only the database of the authors in your book but all of the authors in the entire series promoting the project/brand to their lists. 

• Expertise. The Thank God I…® message is unique. There are two rules to building a successful business- be 1st or be the best. As a Thank God I…® author you’re positioned for massive exposure in niche markets as a part of a much bigger brand.

• Credibility. The 1st Thank God I…® Volumes have already made best seller lists, reached thousands in countries all over the world, and published some of the biggest names in the business. Attaching yourself to names like Jack Canfield, Janet Attwood, Luann Mitchell and Michael Beckwith isn’t a bad thing.

• Reach. You’re not just entering the publishing world. Thank God I…® is simultaneously building a massive online presence with our community, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, YouTube and more. Not to mention expanding into merchandise, Hollywood-directed movies, documentaries, and possibly, network TV.

• Platform. The average self published book sells roughly 12 copies. If you don’t already have a platform, the numbers don’t lie. Thousands of books are produced annually but most never make their initial investment back. Publishing your 1st work in a major series gives a low risk opportunity to enter the market and build a platform of followers as a part of a major brand. Why go at it alone when you can start with a support team?

• Simplicity. Work with a trained Thank God I…® story coach to write a story you’re happy with. Don’t worry about agents, editors, cover design, formatting, isbn, returns, warehousing, distribution, press releases, book reviewers, printers, and more… Just write your story and follow our lead.

• Time. Do you have a year to write a 60,000 word book, edit, format, design, approve, pitch, fund, market etc…? Let us ease you into the publishing world and set you up for success. 

• Education. Not only will you learn to manage you’re emotions (priceless) but you’ll also learn business. With 150 of your own copies to promote you’re set up to make money...not lose it. We are not trying to scare you off but if you don’t think you can sell 150 copies of your book, no publisher is going to want you. Get your feet wet in a compilation and ease into the publishing world as painlessly as possible. It just plain feels good. Thank God I…® stories are unique. There’s a shock value that reaches people and gets them to open up. You’re story will most likely make a huge difference in someone's life provided the story gets to tthem to read. Well, it’s our mission to get these stories out there. You’re true story is the best representation of “The Perfect Idea™” there is…

 

Q: What are the benefits of being a Thank God I...® published author?
Answer:

• Prestige. Once you’re published, you're considered an expert. That’s just how it is. As a published author your opinion carries more weight in the eyes of the general puplic. You’ve crossed a hurdle they haven’t. You’re story is good enough to have been chosen amongst thousands of applicants worldwide. Almost every major business figure has written a book or is in the process of writing one. Being Published opens doors… that’s all there is to it.

• Impact. Books are one of the last tangible gifts that leave an impression. 

• Money. Are you a speaker or coach? Books make a great back of room sale after a successful speech or event.

• Publicity. Thank God I…® creator John Castagnini is included in a Hollywood-directed film with the Dalai Lama, Jack Canfield, Janet Attwood and more. A Thank God I…® documentary is currently being filmed and a major network TV series being pitched. The opportunities of massive exposure continue to grow as more books are developed and the Thank God I…® sphere of influence grows.

• Public Speaking. With a good message and likable personality there are associations, groups, churches, book clubs, colleges, support groups and more that are constantly looking for a fresh and inspirational message. Building your platform as a Thank God I…® published author is a good start to opening up new opportunities.

• Exposure. If your story stands out and you promote well, then other publishers take notice. Look at Marci Shimoff. She began with a story in Chicken Soup for The Soul and went on to have her own NY Times Best Seller

 

Convinced? Apply Here Now!