Four of the authors had the opportunity to have a book signing event at a Barnes & Noble in Greensburg, PA, southeast of Pittsburgh. All four are natives to the Western Pennsylvania area. 

Bob Fulton (left) and Dan Rose (right) are the authors of Burial at Home Plate: An Oddball History of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Little Boy Blue, respectively. Burial at Home Plate tells the story of Pittsburgh Pirates baseball over the decades through fun, quirky anecdotes. Little Boy Blue is a crime novel, detailing how a young boy grows up to become a deranged killer. Fulton has decades of experience in sportswriting, while Rose drew on his past experiences as a cop for his debut novel.

Readers also got to know Carol Kieda and Catherine A. Roser Rybak at the event. Both ladies are authors of children’s books with Dorrance. Kieda, pictured right, is the author of The Sock Thief, and Rybak (left) is the author of Pooch In A Pound. Both of these children’s books feature dogs. The Sock Thief is the tale of a pup who steals their owners socks, while Pooch in a Pound is told from the point of view of a dog waiting to be adopted by a loving home. “I met other Dorrance Publishing Authors with their talented books. I feel like I have acquired some special friendships!” Rybak said of the event.

The event was not far from Dorrance’s home base – which meant that one of our staff members got to visit the authors! The authors were excited to see Brittany, who works in the promotion department, in attendance. 

But this wasn’t the only author event close to home recently. Marc Stevens, author of Zombie Apocalypse: Day 91, had an event in the Pittsburgh area a couple days earlier! 

Zombie Apocalypse is a guide to Stevens’ tabletop roleplaying game, in which the player has to survive the zombie apocalypse. At the event, Dorrance staff members Alessandra and Amber played the game with Marc. All had a great time, sticking around for hours to play the game.

The face to face interaction between these authors and Dorrance staff members at both of these events is something everyone will remember for years to come.

Several of these books have received local media attention in recent months. The authors have also had previous book events, both in Western PA and elsewhere. 

We are excited to see where they go next!

The post Dorrance Publishing Authors Shine At Pittsburgh Area Events appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

There has never been a better time to become a published author!

A recent survey by the Alliance of Independent authors showed that self-published authors earned more in income in 2022 compared to 2021. The survey of English-speaking authors found that incomes rose for self-published authors over 50%. Key findings from the report will be showcased at this year’s London Book Fair on April 18th, 2023. 

Indeed, there is no better time to be an independent author! Interest in becoming an independent author has risen over the past several years, according to the Alliance of Independent Authors. 

25% of respondents to the survey said that they released their first book in 2020. Over half surveyed had published 10 or more books independently. The most popular types of books among the self-published are fiction, with genres such as romance, science fiction and fantasy, and crime/mystery making up the majority. 

Alliance of Independent Authors director Orna Ross hopes these trends will show that self-publishing is a viable option for authors. Authors can achieve their dreams of publishing without a big publishing house.

Will the publishing and literary establishment take notice of these trends? Alliance of Independent Authors campaigns manager Melissa Addey hopes that they will notice. “It’s time for literary organizations to wake up to the realities of how authors work and earn in the 2020s, and do right by all authors,” she said.

While certain changes might be slow, the movement of authors working to achieve their dreams is not! 

(Source)

The post 2023: A Great Time to Be a Self-Published Author appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

1.) Moravian Book Shop – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 

Moravian Book Shop in Pennsylvania is the oldest bookstore in the United States, and one of the oldest continually operating bookstores in the world! First opened in 1745, the bookstore is part of Moravian University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Initially operated independently, the store is now operated by Barnes & Noble as part of the college. 

Fun fact: Dorrance has also operated in Pennsylvania all through its 103 year history!

(Source)

2.) Warwick’s – La Jolla, California

Warwick’s is the oldest family-owned and operated bookstore in the United States. The bookstore, founded in 1896, boasts a long and rich history. According to their website, Warwick’s is also a center for author events and a great place to buy gifts in La Jolla, California. 

(Source)

3.) Andover Bookstore – Andover, Massachusetts

Founded in 1809, Andover Bookstore is the oldest independently owned and operated bookstore in the United States. With a rich literary history in Massachusetts, Andover Bookstore’s hometown feel and dedication has been a community staple for over 200 years. 

(Source)

4.) Brattle Book Shop – Boston, Massachusetts

Brattle Book Shop in downtown Boston specializes in antique books and out-of-print selections. According to their website, they work with the numerous universities in the Boston area, establishing the shop as a true hub for literary studies. In operation since 1825, the shop is owned and operated by the Gloss family. 

(Source)

5.) Hakim’s Book Store – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hakim’s Book Store is the first and oldest Black-owned bookstore in Philadelphia. The shop specializes in African-American literature, with a mission to educate Black Philadelphians about their history. Open since 1959, Hakim’s is still on this mission today. 

(Source)

6.) The Mysterious Bookshop – New York, New York

Located in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan, The Mysterious Bookshop is the oldest bookstore focused exclusively on the mystery genre. According to their website, The Mysterious Bookshop stocks mystery hardcovers, paperbacks and periodicals, and “a superb collection of signed Modern First Editions, Rare/Collectible hardcovers and Sherlockiana.” Whether or not you should check this unique bookstore out isn’t a hard mystery to solve!

(Source)

7.) Janke Book Store – Wausau, Wisconsin

Janke Book Store, first opened in 1874, has been a community pillar for generations. The shop sells books, but also prides itself on supplies and other gifts. The independently owned and operated store has survived and served the local community through wars, economic trends, and more. 

(Source)

8.) Klindt’s Booksellers & Stationers – The Dalles, Oregon

This store in operation since 1870 is the oldest bookseller in Oregon, as well as a renowned place for stationery! According to their website, Klindt’s is a staple in the community, boasting a book club and offerings for casual readers and bookworms alike. 

(Source)

9.) Horton’s Books and Gifts – Carrollton, Georgia

Horton’s has been a staple in the Carrollton, Georgia community for over 130 years. A family affair, Horton’s offered a wide variety of products for sale until gradually focusing on books and gifts only. The store founded in 1891 aims to be a break from the modern world, according to their website. They even have three cats that help take care of business, as pictured above!

(Source)

10.) Vroman’s Bookstore – Pasadena, California 

Vroman’s is Southern California’s largest independent bookstore. Founded in 1894, the store has two locations in Pasadena as well as miniature locations in LAX airport. The company has a legacy of philanthropy in the region as well as being a community center. 

Fun fact: Dorrance author Bunny Russell recently held a book event at Vroman’s!

(Source)

So, if you ever get the chance, be sure to check out these bookstore mainstays!

Ready to put your book into the world? Contact us!

The post Here are some of the oldest bookstores in the United States! appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

She also became the first woman hired by a Fortune 500 company in a sales position. Breaking through the “glass ceiling” opening doors for other women in a male-dominated world. Terry Wells-Jones fought many battles to reach her level of success in business while also cultivating a happy family life. In Reflections!, Terry shares the philosophies that helped her on her journey, as well as the disappointments and opposition she faced along the way.

Read on for some behind the scenes on the creation of her book and learn what the publishing experience was like!

(Pictured: Terry Wells-Jones at a recent Barnes & Noble book signing.)

Name: Terry Wells Jones

Book Title: Reflections! Looking in the Mirror

Hometown: Milwaukee/Palm Desert

Why did you want to tell your story through this book?

As a legacy for my children and future generations.

How long did it take to write the book?

A year and a half.

What was the most difficult part of the writing journey?

Organizing it and making sense of all of the information I had accumulated as well as my computer skills.

How did you decide what to include – and what not to include – in the book?

I had to do many edits and include what was important to me and the reader.

What do you hope readers take away from the book?

I hope readers will conclude that challenges are no match against faith, belief, hard work and determination.

Do you have any advice for anyone looking to write a memoir?

Stay the course no matter how difficult it gets.

Besides writing this book, what are your other interests?

Travel

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

Prompt responses, and helpfulness and knowledge of the publishing business.

Thank you, Terry!

Purchase Reflections! at the Dorrance Bookstore.

Ready to share your story? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Terry Wells-Jones, “Reflections!: Looking in the Mirror” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

When you think about publishing a book, chances are your first thought is a fictional novel or a nonfiction book such as an autobiography. But there are many types of books out there that you may not have thought about. We have published many unique books over the years that might not be the typical novel or memoir. Everyone has a book in them. Here are some examples of unique books you can publish with us. 

Cookbooks

Share your favorite recipes with the world by publishing a cookbook! Cookbooks are timeless publications. In fact, they have some of the longest print runs of any book! With this in mind, if you are passionate about cooking and the power of food, consider publishing a cookbook.

Family histories

Preserve your family legacy with a book about your family. Tell the story of your family tree through words and photos, all in one place for future generations. We have published several such books over the years.

Show off your collections

Many people collect things. Show off your collections by publishing a book about them. Taking photos of your collections and cataloging each item is a great way to preserve the collection and connect with other hobbyists. One unique collection we have published is a book about a glassware collection!

Photography books

Professional photographers and hobbyists alike can publish a book of their original photography. Full color photo books make a nice addition to a coffee table or a bookshelf, and they serve as part of your portfolio of works as an artist! 

Dissertations and thesis papers

Have you ever written a big academic project such as a PhD dissertation or a Master’s thesis? Publish the finished product! Put your name alongside other scholars and make a physical copy of your research available.

Lesson plans

Teachers and educators can share their lessons with others by publishing books of lesson plans. 

Humor and jokes

There will always be a need for humor in this world. Publish a book of humorous stories and jokes!

Bottom line: If you can dream it, you can publish it. When you have your book idea, let us know!

The post Unique Kinds of Books You Can Publish: Cookbooks, Photography Books, and More appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Imagine: you have an idea for a novel or short story. You have mapped out your plot, and sketched out the world your characters will be living in. You have all of the details, except for one important thing – your characters’ names! If you are stumped trying to think of character names, here are some ways you can go about naming fictional characters. 

Name meaning

You can name your characters by choosing names that align with their character traits. Most first names and last names have a meaning that has carried on throughout time. Use the internet to search for name meanings. You can look up the meanings of names you already know, or search for names that mean a certain thing. Behind the Name is a leading site for first name meaning, as well as Babynames.com. Behind the Name also has a section dedicated to last name (or surname) meanings. 

Personal connections

Honor family members or friends by naming characters after real life loved ones. However, use first names only – it’s unwise to give out personal identifiers for a story the public will read. 

Random generator

You may have no ideas for a character name, or be completely fine with letting a random name generator decide for you. An online random name generator can be a great solution when you want to come up with something totally fresh and new for your characters’ names. Random Name Generator will generate first and last names according to parameters you set. The random name generator from Behind The Name will generate first names, last names, and middle names in a wide variety of categories. 

Ethnicity and Nationality

Similar to searching by name meanings, you can search names by country of origin and ethnic group to find ones that fit your characters. 

Historical Context/Age

If you have a good idea about what time period your characters are living in, you can look through a list of popular baby names for the year they were born. For example, if your character is 50 years old, search for popular names from 1973. 

Maybe your story takes place in a different time period than the present. There are also records of names that were popular in bygone historical eras. You can find an Ancient Roman name, or perhaps a  medieval name for your story set in the Middle Ages (500-1500)! Behind the Name remains the most comprehensive site for these types of searches. 

Bottom line

At the end of the day, character names are important to your fictional novel. They help create meaning and create the character’s identity. They help brand your book as uniquely yours. And who knows – someday they may even become famous!

The post How to Name Characters for Short Stories and Novels appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Prohibition agents destroying barrels of alcohol.

Did you know that 100 years ago, alcohol was illegal in the United States?

The Prohibition Era refers to the period of time when the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages was illegal in the entire country. The Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution was passed in 1920 after a movement by Protestants and others who saw alcohol as a root cause of many societal problems. The result of Prohibition was government agencies to root out alcohol production and sales, vast underground networks of alcohol production and consumption, and citizens searching for alternatives for their favorite drinks.

One such alternative is the mocktail, or a cocktail beverage with no alcohol. Dorrance Publishing was 10 years old when we published a book of mocktail recipes in 1930 – Prohibition Punches by Roxana B. Doran was a book of recipes for non-alcoholic drinks for various occasions. 

The author of the book, Roxana Doran, was a member of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, an organization that was pro-alcohol prohibition. She was the wife of James M. Doran, who was Administer of Industrial Alcohol for the government at the time of the book’s publication. The publication of Prohibition Punches was part of this DC power couple’s plan to make prohibition cool. 

The recipes themselves receieved mixed response. Some enjoyed the mainly fruit juice cocktails, some were not buying the hype. A recent article about mocktails for Atlas Obscura titled “The Prohibition-Era Effort to Make Mocktails Fun“ discusses the response:

“With every positive review—“It is written so colorfully and intelligently it would tempt even cocktail crusaders to mend their ways,” raved the Pittsburgh Press—mild criticisms arose. “Mrs. Doran has padded out this slender volume on a rather restricted subject,” sniped “The Literary Lantern,” a syndicated Southern newspaper column. “When you boil out the duplicates and come down to basic recipes there are not so many different tricks in the mixing of these non-alcoholic drinks.” Other magazines had humorous takes, notably Vanity Fair writer Corey Ford’s December 1930 tribute, “Have One on Me, Mrs. Doran,” which noted that the author’s elaborate recipes could all do with one simple extra ingredient: liquor.”

The book is not just a collection of recipes, however. It is chaptered, and each chapter includes descriptive introductions that paint an alcohol-free life as an elegant and peaceful one. The recipes of Prohibition Punches are fruit juice cocktails for every occasion, even some for children. Various friends of the Dorans and the temperance movement submitted recipes for the book, and leave comments for readers.

Prohibition Punches is a time capsule of a time when alcohol was illegal in the United States – a concept virtually unthinkable now. Physical copies of the book, now almost 100 years old, can be found on Amazon and eBay. The entire book has been digitized and archived. Skim through the 104 pages yourself, and see what was on the minds of those Americans who were in support of the Eighteenth Amendment. 

(Sources: Atlas Obscura, Prohibition Punches digital edition, Wikipedia)

The post The Prohibition Era Dorrance Book of Mocktail Recipes appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Library of Congress main floor – Wikipedia

When you publish a book with Dorrance, we send a copy of your book to the Library of Congress. This is because the Library of Congress oversees the United States Copyright Office. After your book is printed, Dorrance will complete the online registration, listing you, the author, as the claimant for the copyright. The online application is then followed by mailing a physical copy of the book to the Copyright Office. In effect, your book, along with hundreds of thousands of books, is then held by one of the most famous libraries in the world!

The Library of Congress is the official research library of the United States Congress, and the de facto library of the United States. In 2021, Guinness World Records determined it was the world’s largest library by items in its collection, surpassing the British Library in London.

The history of the Library of Congress began in 1800 when Congress officially moved to Washington, D.C.  In the Act of Congress for the movement of the capitol signed by President John Adams was a stipulation for the purchase of books that might be necessary for the function of Congress, as well as a place to put them. 

Much of the original collection of the Library was burned in the War of 1812. In order to restock the library, Thomas Jefferson sold his personal library to Congress. Some opposed certain books in the library, given that they were not of topics of legislative interest. Most supported keeping the items, and around this time the Library of Congress System of classification was developed, which libraries across the country adopted and still use today.

Unfortunately, a large fire destroyed 35,000 books in 1851. Around the time of the civil war, the library’s importance was weakened, with many arguing it should have a limited scope for legislative needs only. However, there were still those who argued for its importance as a broad based research institution. It wasn’t until the end of the Civil War that the library was expanded, and library director Ainsworth Rand Spofford garnered support to grow the library into a national library as well as a legislative resource. 

The library in 1897. LoC.gov

The remainder of the 19th century saw the Library of Congress expand and grow into a national library with the largest collection of any library in the United States. More staff and a bigger budget all contributed to its growth. In 1902, the LoC moved into its own building. The library acquired many works from around the world such as works from the Russian Imperial Romanov family collection and a copy of the Gutenberg Bible. 

During the time of World War II and the Progressive era, Librarian of Congress Archibald MacLeish became a well known spokesperson for the LoC and libraries of America, seeing them as important institutions for fostering democracy and countering authoritarianism. 

In the 20th century, the Library required more buildings to house its collections. The John Adams Building opened in 1939, and the James Madison Memorial Building began construction 20 years later. The LoC grew more into a role as a federal institution rather than a mere legislative library, with some arguing its name should be changed to reflect this. The Library of Congress name remained, due to its historical significance.

LoC.gov

However, there was also pushback against the LoC moving away from research from Congress. The Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 placed emphasis on the library’s legislative roles. The other functions of the library would still continue to grow into the 21st century. In 1974, President Gerald Ford appointed Daniel J. Boorstin as the LoC librarian. A historian by trade, Boorstin grew the LoC collections and connections with other institutions in the scholarly world, publishing, and business. 

In the 21st century, the LoC has undergone efforts to digitize its collections and expanded its role as an archive of American history, world literatures, and artifacts. As an institution, the LoC hosts and sponsors events and is seen as a leader in the library science field. 

As it is a research library, items are not allowed off the premises of the library, except in exemptions given to high-ranking officials and LoC staff members. People are allowed to read books on the library grounds. Tours of the library are given on a regular basis.

The Library of Congress is an American institution with a rich history, by the people and for the people.

And by publishing a book, you become part of that history!

(Sources consulted: Wikipedia, Encyclopedia Britannica)

The post How Publishing A Book Makes You Part of History – All About the Library of Congress appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Genre is a term given to categories of books. The word is derived from French, meaning “like” or “type.” It is a label that describes what the book is about and how it is constructed. A genre label not only helps in marketing the book, but it helps readers know what they are getting into with a book. 

There are fiction and nonfiction genres: Fiction is a made up story, while nonfiction is a “real life” book. A book can’t be fiction and nonfiction at the same time. A book that is a novel, but based on a true story, is still fiction. 

Some examples of nonfiction genres are biographies, memoirs, and history. (For more about the difference between an autobiography, biography, and memoir, read this blog post!)

Some examples of fiction genres are romance, mystery, science fiction, children’s fiction, and fantasy.

Books of a genre will share certain characteristics and conventions. For example: romance novels will feature characters falling in love, science fiction will push the limits of our current scientific knowledge. The familiar characteristics are what made up the genre.

Sometimes, for fiction books especially, the story may not fit neatly into a genre. “Literary fiction” is sometimes the genre given to novels that are character-centered or otherwise don’t fall into a genre. There can be multiple genres – a book can be a fantasy romance, for example. 

Nonfiction books that don’t fit into another nonfiction genre are often simply categorized as “nonfiction.” 

We have a wide variety of genre categories at the Dorrance Bookstore. These genres are not to suggest that all books within the genres are the same, but to merely sort similar books with each other. This makes it easy for readers browsing the store to find what they are looking for.

Having a genre also helps with promotion and marketing of a book. For example, a true crime book and a children’s fiction book need to be handled differently – they are very different, and meant for very different audiences!

Dorrance Bookstore online homepage.

As for promoting your book, a genre helps you find your audience. If you have a book that is about a topic related to business, a business magazine or podcast might be a suitable partner for an interview. 

At the end of the day, the genre of your book is not a determining factor of quality, but is a signal to your audience. Books may be of the same genre, but each one is unique – just like yours!

Have a book within you? Let us help!

The post Book Genres 101: What is genre? appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

This ancient Mesopotamian disk shows Enheduanna (second from left) in what is likely a religious procession. COURTESY PENN MUSEUM

Enheduanna’s father, King Sargon, took over Sumer, in what we now know as Iraq. He selected his daughter to be the priestess of Nanna the moon god, according to their religious practices. King Sargon was also ruler of the Akkadian people, which meant there were then two cultural groups of people under his rule.

In an attempt to unite the people, Enheduanna wrote about a goddess that was a fusion of the Sumerian Inanna and the Akkadian goddess, Ishtar. This fusion appeared in The Exaltation of Inanna, which made her the first named author in history. Others had written in the ancient world, but Enheduanna was the first to have her name attached to her writings.

Ishtar, the Akkadian war goddess who Enheduanna merged with the Sumerian goddess Inanna. COURTESY ORIENTAL INSTITUTE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

According to historian Majdolene Dajani, Enheduanna’s role was not just a writer. Her role as high priestess would’ve been a political one. While it is hard to grasp what the life of a priestess in the 23rd century BC would’ve been like, it can be inferred that the role was important due to how these ancient cultures treated their religious faith.

The high priestess would’ve facilitated worship of the gods. Historians have also found a “King’s List” – a list of the kings that ruled, with the priestesses in power during their reigns listed alongside them. This means the role of high priestess was important to these ancient cultures.

These tablets are inscribed with Enheduanna’s The Exaltation of Inanna. KLAUS WAGENSONNER/COURTESY YALE BABYLONIAN COLLECTION

Specifically, Enheduanna’s writing for the Sumerian and Akkadian people was important. The story of the fusion of the goddesses Ishtar and Inanna that Enheduanna wrote in The Exaltation of Inanna remained popular in the Mesopotamian region for many years after, which was not the case for other gods of the time. 

Modern historians until now have not considered that a woman might hold such a powerful role in Ancient Sumerian culture. According to Dajani, when Enheduanna’s writings were discovered, modern scholars dismissed them and didn’t take them seriously. Luckily, there have been changes in attitude toward women’s roles historically.

Now, we can examine ancient rulers like Enheduanna as part of a long tradition of women writers in history. Enheduanna wrote in first person, inserting herself and her convictions into the narrative. 

Have a story to tell? Contact us!

The post History Corner: History’s First Named Author Was a Mesopotamian Priestess appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.