Giving Your Books Away on Kindle

Marketing Through Kindle Pricing

Here is a riddle that was recently in the New York Times.

Question: How do you make your book a best seller on the Kindle?

Answer: Give copies away.

The article went on to say that the Best Sellers on Kindle are not necessarily "sellers" in that they are often given away.

Question: Why would someone list their book for nothing or something close to it?

Answer: To get a low ranking on Kindle and intoduce a new type of marketing.

By marketing themselves this way, it is an entre for new writers and then once hooked, the theory goes, the reader will pay for future books by the same author.

This and other articles on Kindle got me thinking about my own situation. Both of my books, How To Negotiate Like A Pro, which has won six book awards, and How To Mediate Like A Pro, which has won 11 book awards have had modest success on Amazon and Kindle (I am not quitting my day job though). My books are ususally in the top ten on Amazon in the Alternate Dispute Resolution category, sometimes #1 and/or #2.

On Kindle they are listed at about half the price of the printed versions. I decided to try an experiment. I have just listed How To Mediate Like A Pro for $.99. The Kindle site says it takes 24 hours to be relisted. I am going to try this new price for a week and see what happens. If I get some "sales", I will list How To Negotiate Like A Pro as well.

Fellow Kindle writers, I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

If you have Kindle, this is a good time to purchase my Mediation book.

Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Mediate Like A Pro
New England Book Festival, Runner-Up, How To Category
Best National Book Award Winner, Law Category
Silver Prize, ForeWord Book of the Year Awards, How To
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 E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Award
Spirit Award, South Florida Writers Association
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Jackisms

These are my Dad's sayings, which we call Jackisms

JACK GREENWOOD’s Jackisms 1915-2009
A Gentleman and A Scholar

1. If you stick with me, you will be wearing diamonds.
2. Keep your snorkel up
3. Keep your chin up
4. Better than a sharp stick in the eye
5. Oppydildock
6. Bellyup (like a fish)
7. Don't take any wooden nickels
8. Let it roll off your back.
9. Roll with the punches.
10. As I live and breathe.
11. You are a sight for sore eyes.
12. Go get 'em tiger.
13. Connecticut is God's country
14. Connecticut is the banana belt of New England
15. The head gink.
16. Never get into a pissing contest with a skunk.
17. Put your best foot forward.
18. Always dress your best.
19. Go pound sand
20. Knock themdead
21. You can always tell a Greenwood, but you can't tell him much.(on pens at 90th birthday party)
22. What have you done for your country today?
23. Hold the fort.
24. Rigamarole
25. discombobulated
26. Don't forget your mittens. (from Shaggy Dog movie and when Marnie rented the porch to live)
27. Good on you.
28. Everyone is a critic
29. Give me high test (coffee)
30. That will grow hair on your chest
31. That will stick to your ribs
32. That is good for what ails you.
33. Have a hot toddy.
34. Pipe down
35. Hold the phone (stop)
36. Hold your horses
37. He's a peach of a guy
38. Trust in the lord
39. You don’t know how to eat.




Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

How To Mediate Like A Pro Wins Award in New England Book Festival

How To Mediate Like A Pro is Runner-Up Winner in the How To Category in the New England Book Fesitval. The ceremony honoring the winners will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2010, at the Omni Parker House in Boston, Massachusetts. This grand literary hotel was once a place where writers like Thoreau, Emerson and Longfellow met at the legendary Saturday club for poetry readings and high-minded discussions.

This is the 11th Book Award for How To Mediate Like A Pro


Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Mediate Like A Pro:
42 Rules for Mediating Disputes,
Runner-Up,New England Book Festival
Best National Book Award, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Pinnacle Book Award Winner, How To
Winner, How To Category, Reader View Book Awards
Spirit Award, South Florida Writers Association
Silver Prize, ForeWord Book of the Year Awards
Runner-Up, DIY Book Festival, E-Book
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Happy Holidays

My grandsons, Jack (3) on the left and Gage (1) on the right
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year






Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of ten book awards
Best National Book Award, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Book Review in Ghanian Journal

Review of How to Negotiate Like a Pro

Author: Mary Greenwood

Everyone finds themselves in a situation they need to negotiate their way out of. For some it is more often than with others.

Right from childhood when you had to negotiate with your parents about letting you attend a friend’s party they weren’t comfortable with, to workplace negotiations with the boss about a pay rise or promotion, or even with a stubborn spouse on matters of family and love. A sale bargain or a hotel you think didn’t give you good service and they need compensate. Sounds familiar? Mary Greenwood’s ‘How to Negotiate Like a Pro’ offers a good guide on how to win in negotiations.

Simply written, quoting relevant examples readers can identify with, the book discusses various rules for resolving disputes. While it is laden with tips on winning in professional negotiations, others like disputes with a boss, a spouse (or ex-spouse), other family members, banks, credit card companies, hotels or restaurants, buyers or sellers among others are also highlighted. Face to face, telephone or email – the rules are there.

You need to prepare psychologically before a negotiation. That is key. Emotions such as anger and tantrums are a no no – unless as an extreme tactic; a last resort where all else have failed. But even so, a tantrum or anger has to be stage managed, and a reader needs to read and understand the approach, because this is a sensitive one. Angry and upset that all is not going well? Focus on what you hope to accomplish and tell yourself that nothing is going to stand in the way of that goal, the book advises.

Know exactly what it is you want, as well as what the other side wants. Know also what you are willing to give up getting what you want. Make sure you’ve done your research, because you don’t want to risk quoting information and figures out of context.

What if it is clear you are headed for a deadlock? That is why you should have had a backup plan in the first place, or alternatives that will help seal the deal.

The book helps you deal with someone who is unreasonable and gives you a clear picture of what to expect in such situations. There are also ways to read what the other side is thinking. The author has also given scripts and words (at the end of each rule) the reader can use verbatim, when faced with various queries. Setting ground rules before commencing any critical negotiation will save time and pain.

Did you know negotiating is an art? For instance, make sure when coming into the room for the first time you look the part. Also set the tone for the negotiation. If you are hopelessly deadlocked, it helps to break the impasse. Extreme tactics are provided for you (when the negotiations are taking too long or don’t look too good) to use, or recognise them when used against you.

It can be frustrating and tiring when negotiations go on and on. Read also when and how to close the deal. What happens when negotiations fail? You might want to try mediation or arbitration.

You will love to read this book because it is so simple – and relevant. At the end of it, you lack an excuse for not negotiating like a professional.





Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Layaway for the Holidays

Layaway is here again this year. Last year Sears and K-Mart brought back layaway, and now for the 2009 holidays, many other companies have joined in such as Walmart (jewelery only), Costco, Target, TJ Max, Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-Us (bikes, televisions, strollers)especially for high ticket items.

In case you don't remember layaway from your childhood, layaway is a way to purchase an item without paying the full price upfront. Instead of taking the item home and paying with a credit card or some other installment plan, the customer does not take the item home until all payments are completed. The customer pays a non-refundable fee upfront and has a payment plan to pay the amount due. It the customer does not pay all the installments, generally, the customer still gets a refund of payments made minus the nonrefundable fee and the item goes back on the shelf.

Layaway goes way back. People bought farm equipment and sewing machines on layaway. It was also popular after the Great Depression in the 1920's and 1930's. Some stores continued the tradition, but it had lost favor, probably because we have become a nation of people who want instant gratification and don't want to wait to actually get the item to take home. They would rather just use a credit card and get it over with.

But Layaway has made a comeback. Because so many holiday buyers are cash-strapped and can't get credit cards, many stores are bringing the concept of layaway back and many people are discovering it again. There are even some modern twists to it. There are now websites like elayaway.com where you can pick out your item, sign up for a layaway plan, and when you are finished paying, your item will be sent to you.

What are the pros and cons of the layaway system?

Advantages:

1. You can reserve an item that may go out of stock such as popular Christmas toys.
2. You can avoid high credit card interest.
3. You won't have that holiday hangover with big payments after the holidays.
4. If you change your mind and don't pay all installments, you get your money back, minus fees.
5. You can shop early, but pay later.

Disadvantages:

1. Even with layaway, you still might not be able to really afford the item.
2. There is delayed gratification; this is more important to some than others.
3. If you pay your installments by credit card, you may still have high interest payments.
4. Maybe you could have gotten the item cheaper with post-holiday sales.

As in any transaction, Let the Buyer Beware.
Ask yourself these questions:

1. With the present economy, can I really afford this item?
2. Can I get it cheaper elsewhere?
3. Can I wait and pay in full and not incur any fees?
4. Will I really get my money back if I don't make all the payments? Check the fine print on anything you sign.
5. Are you paying installments on credit cards and defeating the purpose of the layaway?
6. How much are the fees? Can I afford to lose them?

If used wisely, layaway can be a viable alternative for holiday shopping.


Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

How To Negotiate With Your Family During the Holidays



Ever notice that when you get together with your family for the holidays that the same arguments and resentments bubble up through the good cheer year after year. Despite your best efforts not to let your siblings' comments bother you, you end up playing the same role in your family that you had in junior high. Here are some tips for getting along with your family this holiday season.

1. Concentrate on having a great holiday and don't get distracted by your emotions.

During this stressful holiday season, it is important to check your emotions at the door. Emotions such as anger or resentments lead to lack of control. You need to get past this stage if you are going to have a happy holiday. If you are the one who is angry or upset, you need to concentrate on what you what to accomplish (such as no scenes or confrontations) and not let anything stand in your way. It does not matter if you don't like a member of your family. Even if someone is rude, insulting, or even baiting you, don't give him or her the satisfaction that he or she has gotten to you.

2. Look Forward Not Back. The Past Is Called The Past For A Reason.

Don't try to settle old scores during the holidays. Remember your goal is to get through the holidays without any flare-ups. Even if one of your siblings did something to you in the past that still makes you mad, get beyond that and try to live in the moment and be happy. No matter how sophisticated and worldly we have become, somehow those same roles we had in high school show through and the same old pecking order manifests itself. In this situation, déjà vu is not a good thing.

3. Be Willing To apologize.

If you are estranged from a relative, maybe this is the year you will make the first move to reconcile. Be prepared to shoulder some of the blame even if you don't remember what the original argument was. Don't say, "I did not do anything wrong." or "It is against my principles to apologize!" That is beside the point. When considering whether to make the first move, keep in mind that people do make mistakes. Also consider that your first move may be rejected and don't be upset by that. At least you know that you made the effort and tried to take the high ground. A sincere apology, and I mean sincere, can go a long way.

4. Beware And Be Aware.

Be aware and don't let your guard down. Even if you think the holidays are going smoothly, don't be lulled into complacency. Be careful what you say and how you say it. One well-placed comment or zinger by you or someone else can spoil the whole holiday mood. Be alert to others' feelings. It is only a couple of days and you can get through it.

5.Be Thankful.

Be thankful for being able to share the holidays with your family. Remember that some of them may not be around next year or the year after and those very maddening habits you dislike now, you might even miss when they are gone. Try to remember all the good things and accentuate the positive. As my mother says, "If you can't say something nice, don't say something at all." Try saying something nice and see where it takes you. Happy Holidays.



Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of ten book awards
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 E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Award
Spirit Award, South Florida Writers Association
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Negotiate Like A Pro
Winner if six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, E-Book and 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

Best National Book Award, Law Category

Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

How To Mediate Like A Pro and How To Negotiate Like A Pro Published by Macmillan India Publishers

Macmillan Publishers India has just published both of my books, How To Mediate Like A Pro and How To Negotiate Like A Pro.

The Vision of the Publishing Company is the following:
“To contribute towards the upliftment of education in India and to provide highest quality education materials” Rajiv Beri
Managing Director.

HISTORY
Two brothers Daniel and Alexander Macmillan founded Macmillan in England in 1843. They started publishing the works of great authors and writers. As the company grew, an ambitious expansion programme was initiated in the late 1960s when Harold Macmillan retired from politics after his spell as Prime Minister of England and became chairman of the company.

Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH, a large media group created in 1971, whose headquarters are in Stuttgart, owns the Macmillan group.

Macmillan has been operating in India since 1892. It is amongst the oldest publishing companies in the country and has provided high-quality educational books to generations of Indians.

Macmillan is one of the largest and best-known publishers in the world. It is characterised by high-quality academic, educational, fiction and non-fiction publishing in many forms: educational course materials, science, technology and medicine, college textbooks, dictionaries, monographs and reference materials. A unique player in India’s education market, Macmillan Publishers India enjoys a cutting-edge niche as partner-in-progress in the socio-economic development of the country. It is in this field that Macmillan's flame burns the brightest – publishing educational books and materials for over 100 years.



Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

How To Negotiate Like A Pro: Questions to Ask To Get A Good Deal

In this economy everyone wants to negotiate or haggle for the best deal. I have compiled a list of questions to ask when you are trying to negotiate a better price or deal. If one of these questions does not elicit any response, try another. Be persistent.

Here are the questions:

1. What is the best you can do?

Sometimes there is usually what I call "wiggleroom" built-in on the price of the item. It does not hurt to ask even in places where you don't think you can get a discount.

2. Is this the lowest price?

This sounds like question 1 but is a little different. If one does not work, try this question to see if you get a response.

3. What is the lowest price if I buy 2?, 5? or 10?

Try buying in bulk. This can make a big difference.

4. What if I pick up the item?

This can save them considerable expense especially if free shipping is offered.

5. Can you give me a discount since it is chipped, damaged, or a floor model?

Often a damaged item is very hard to sell so a seller may be glad to get this sold even at a reduced price.

6. Since you are already in the neighborhood, can you mow my lawn, too?

Seize on an opportunity if a worker that you need is already doing a similar job in the neighborhood. The convenience may allow the seller to give you a large discount. Remember time is money if he is already in the neighborhood.

7. Are you willing to barter?

I am a carpenter, massage therapist, piano teacher, and I am willing to trade my services for yours.

8. Are you willing to do a trade?

I will give you this if you give me that.

9. Is there going to be a sale? Is this on sale?

If there is going to be a sale in the near future, the seller may give you the sales price now or allow you to come back with your receipts during the sale and get the discount then.

10. Why don't you give me a discount and you won't have to carry this heavy item home?

Especially at the end of the day at an antiques fair, where the packing up can me a hastle, it might be an attractive offer to sell an item today and not have to keep shlepping it.

11. Can you give me an upgrade?

If you get bad service, especialy in a hotel or with the airlines, ask for an upgrade or free stay or flight. Some companies are really into customer service and may give you something for your inconvenience. Even if you didn't get bad service, explain that you have special needs and ask for them to help you.

12. Can I have a free refill or a free sampler?

Once you are in a restaurant, ask for a free refill for your drink. Ask for a free dessert sample. Ask for three for the price of two.

13. Can you throw something extra into the deal?

If you are getting a high ticket item, ask for something else to be thrown in. For example if you get a sofa, ask for some free pillows. If you get the expensive necklace, ask for the earrings free. You get the idea.

14. Do you do layaway?

Layaway is something that people may consider very archaic, something that is no longer fashionable. However, layaway may be the new credit card. It is a way to get something you want but can't pay for at this time without paying any interest fees. Generally a fee is paid to hold the item. Even if not advertised, ask for it anyway.

Once you start thinking about getting a better deal, the questions are endless. Don't give up. Keeping trying.




Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

More Bookstore Pictures Mary Autographing Books

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Photographs courtesy of Anita Trezvant,
owner of Hope Gallery, 435 Hope St.








Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com