Here is the article that appeared in the iUniverse Newsletter today.


Author Spotlight --- Mary Greenwood

For more than 25 years, Mary Greenwood has worked to build a reputation as a successful mediator, arbitrator, trainer, law school professor, attorney, negotiator, and human resources director. Yet in a matter of minutes (the time it took to mail a letter), the author picked up several key boosts that have helped her sell an impressive number of books. Those boosts came in the form of awards.

Greenwood’s books, How to Negotiate Like a Pro and How to Mediate Like a Pro, have won 16 publishing The author began formulating ideas for her series while working as a chief negotiator for the City of Miami Beach. She took down notes of tactics that worked and those that did not. “My ‘aha’ moment came when I realized that these rules would work in any kind of situation,” said Greenwood. “That’s when I knew I wanted to write a book so that anyone could learn how to solve disputes.”

Once her first book, How to Negotiate Like a Pro, was completed, Greenwood began her search for a publisher. “I wanted to control my manuscript and to be published in a short time period,” Greenwood said. “In addition, I wanted assistance with formatting, designing the cover, getting the ISBN number and other logistics.” She soon found a publishing package that met her needs at iUniverse.

Her published books have received praise from a number of the top book awards and writing competitions open to self-published authors. How to Negotiate Like a Pro has won six awards, including best how-to book at the DIY competition and finalist in the USA National Best Books Awards. How to Mediate Like a Pro has won 10 awards, such as the best how-to book at the Reader Views Book Awards and best how-to book at the Beach Book Festival. Both books have been finalists for ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards.

Greenwood attributes her books’ success at competitions to their individuality. “Even though many books have been written about negotiating and mediating, mine are unique because they are based on my own experience,” said Greenwood. “They are easy-to-read and not full of legalese.”

The awards her books won have helped Greenwood’s book sales. Not only does each award raise her Amazon ranking, but readers feel more comfortable buying her books. Greenwood said, “The awards give the reader validation that the book will be worthwhile.”

Greenwood also offered advice for authors interested in winning awards and competitions. “Pick the right category,” said Greenwood, “Look at previous winners to see if your book ‘fits’ the category. Sometimes applying in two categories helps your chances.”

Currently serving as the Assistant Vice-President of Human Resources and Labor and Employment Counsel at Roger Williams University, Greenwood remains passionate about her work. “I am putting my negotiation and mediation skills to good use,” she said.

Greenwood hopes her books have impacted not only professionals, but anyone who is involved in any kind of dispute. She plans to publish the third book of her series, How to Interview Like a Pro, later this year.


Publishing Awards won by Mary Greenwood

How To Mediate Like A Pro
Best National Book Award Winner, Law Category
Pinnacle Book Award Winner, How To Category
Winner, How To Category, Readers View Book Awards
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best eBook, New York Book Festival
Best eBook, Indie Excellence Award
Runner Up, eBook, DIY Festival
Spirit Award, South Florida Writers Association
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival

How To Negotiate Like A Pro
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, eBook Category, New York Book Festival
Runner Up, Self-Help Category, New York Book Festival
Finalist Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival


Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com