Therone Shellman's Blog, page 3

Survivor I Changed the Rules (free excerpts)

CHAPTER 1








Trust

1995
Some things we must learn by trial and error. Trust has been one of these things for me. People have their own thoughts, wants, and desires, and at any time they can change course. A friend today can be an enemy tomorrow. I’ve learned to give without giving away too much of myself to the point where I put myself in a position where a person can fatally harm me. We all will come across people who will fool us into thinking that they are our best friends and trustworthy of our confidence. No one is immune to thistrap unless you’re a hermit and choose to live outside of civilization. But the glory is in learning and experiencing a friendship that exists without boundaries, one in whichtrust is established and not violated. For me, in my sister, Aketa, I have found such a friend.
When I got home I went inside and took a piss. With my little man in my hand I almost dozed off into adaydream. “Fuck!” I whispered. Zipping up my pants, I washed my hands and then walked out the front door and onto the porch. I sat down on a chair and watched the cars

2                                Therone Shellman
go down Station Road. Some of the detectives cars from the raid drove by packed with white guys. They all looked like they were happy for putting in a good day’s work. Who could blame them? Part of their job was to lock up people. From what I heard, they  practically  cleaned up the whole block.I was happy not to be one of the arrested ones. I knew I was going to have to break off ties with EJ right away, but not without him giving me my fourteen hundred dollars for the two ounces I left him. I also planned to give him some payback somewhere down the line for his snake move. This would have to wait, though, because I planned to get him back real good. Patience, I thought. Shaking my head, I watched the cars pass by, taking in the fact that I very well could have been cuffed up in the back seat of one of those cars on my way to do some more time.For the rest of the day I didn’t go anywhere, not even to the  store  like  I  usually  did  during  the  evening  to  get something to drink. I sat down and began to ponder about what I was going to do with myself. I was going to school for barbering and cosmetology, but I was hustling to stack money in hopes of being able to get by until  I  finished school, and have enough saved to open a shop and have a nest egg to live on for a while. The way things were going, I was going to fall short of completing school or ending up with any money. One false move and all opportunity would be lost.I weighed the pros and cons of my upcoming moves. First I needed to get to EJ and make sure he had my money. Next, I needed to reach out to customers and let them know I was not going to be at the  spot anymore, so they could just page me to meet me somewhere. And last but not least, I needed to make sure I did everything I could to  stay in school and out on the streets on parole.
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The next day I walked over to EJ’s house. He wasn’t living there yet, because he and his wife had just purchased the place. One of  his customers who did contractor work had  knocked  down  the   walls   and  was  rebuilding  the framing. During the day while this was going on EJ would be there while they worked. He set up this spot as his new location for customers.When I got to the front door he opened it and let me inside. I  contemplated whether I should just kick his ass and forget about the  money. But then reality set in. This was about me getting the most  out of the situation, so I decided to play it cool, because I needed the money, and I needed to stay on the streets in order to complete  school. Getting locked up again was not an option.EJ shook my hand. “I’m glad you got away,” he said. He  looked  me up and down as I gave him a blank stare. “They told me you got away. Where did you run to?”Calmly, and choosing my words carefully, I held back my  anger.  “I ran toward the backyard to the next block. What happened with you? How is it that you all of a sudden go to use the phone and then this shit happens? We just got the phones back from the spot the other night.”I stared him down, and I was sure he was aware that I would like to hurt him. But he stayed calm, replying, “Why would I set you up? We’re a team. I wouldn’t do it. I don’t have no reason to.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a knot of money. He counted some bills and gave them to me. “Vic, I didn’t do it. Believe me.”I  started  counting  and  realized  he’d  given  me  six hundred dollars.“Come  in  three  days  and  I’ll  have  the  other  eight hundred for you,” he said. “As long as we stick together, no one can come between us. Who can beat us? We can get all the money out here.”
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I began to shake my head in disbelief. “Man, I don’t trust you. A lot of rumors have been circulating about you, but I never believed them. But this shit is a little too crazy for me not to take heed.” I stopped and looked into his eyes so he could see how serious I was.  “I’m a tell you one thing, though. If I find out you tried to set me up, for sure I’m going to come after you. I promise you that. I’m not out here for nothing. I’m trying to get my shit together. You may want to buy new cars and fuck with these hoes, but I’m trying to finish school and move on to bigger and better things. And I’m a  hurt  any fucker who thinks he’s going to set me up because he cannot handle his own shit. I’m not going down for anyone else’s  bullshit. I’ll clap their asses up first, trust that.”He started laughing. EJ was a very good salesman, and a very smooth talker. “Vic, you need to trust me. I would never do that to you. I love you like a brother.”I smirked when I heard the word trust. Trust was a word that really  didn’t mean too much to me when it came to relying on someone else. I thought about who I could really trust—my sister, and that was it. I’d heard enough from EJ and decided it was time to make my exit.“I’m a come back in three days,” I said as I backed out the door without saying another word. He was going to say something else, but instead just frowned.Just as I reached Patchogue Avenue I ran into some fellas who were discussing the raid. I didn’t say anything. Instead I decided  to weigh in and gather all the info that was circulating around the hood. The story was that EJ set up the raid and that he was hiding  in  the sticker bushes when the police walked past him. A couple of bags of drugs were not far from him, but the police did not take  them either.
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Everything the fellas said added up, because the two bags of drugs were the two ounces I gave him. They didn’t take the scales from the house, either, which were covered with cocaine residue. Nor did they touch the plates, which were covered with chunks and pieces of base rock from me cutting up product earlier that day. They didn’t lock up EJ because they had no intention of doing so in the first place. Finally,  they  didn’t  take  the  two  ounces  of  drugs,  the scales, the phones, or the other drug paraphernalia because they did not get who they wanted. They made a bunch of loitering arrests, but if they had gotten me, it was clear they would have put everything on me. I was sure of that little piece of the puzzle.EJ was the cops informant. As long as he set up people for them, they let him get money. But I was no one to them, so I was to go down  for all that was wrong. In fact, they didn’t know who I was. To everyone on the streets I was known as Victorious. No one knew my government name, and  I  never  spoke  it  to  anyone,  whether  it  was  other dealers,  associates,  or  even  chicks  I  was  screwing.  My alias, Victorious, was what everyone knew. Had it not been for  the  fact  that  I  was  on  parole,  I  would  have  been completely anonymous to everyone except Jah, who knew me from prison.The fellas continued to talk, and I walked off. I didn’t say much  because I didn’t trust most of them either. To them I was an outsider because I was not born and raised in Bellport. I grew up in  Brentwood,  and spent most of my time out in western Suffolk  County, Nassau County, and Brooklyn. I found myself in Bellport because when I came home  from  prison  in  1994  this  was  where  the  halfway house was located. Once I got turned on to hustling  and realized that the neighborhood was a gold mine, I decided to stick around.

CHAPTER 2








NO FAULT OF MINE

Life is a series of moments and events that one goes through, some by your own account, and some by no fault or action of your own. Some of the predicaments we encounter seem unfair, as if we were predestined for failure, cursed, or hexed. But the bad with the good is all part of the equation we must all endure to pass the time in this life.
I was  born  September  7,  1971.  At  the  time  I  was nameless, and I guess that my mother, Barbara Shellman,was waiting on my dad to help her pick out a name. This never happened, so twenty-four hours later I was given the name  Therone.  How  my  mother  came  up  with  such  an unusual name is something I never found out. Later in life when I researched my name I found out a famous poet from England also had the name. Whether she had him in mind when she thought of my name, I will never know. Theron in Greek also means hunter.I  was  the  first  born  of  four  children—one  brother (Ivory)          and      two      sisters  (Aketa and                     Teisha).       The circumstances         surrounding   my       father   and      Barbara’s relationship   were   unknown   to   me.   All   my   siblings 

Survivor: I Changed The Rules                  7
resembled one another, while I looked like Barbara. So the question lingered as to whether we all had the same father.By the time Ivory was two, our mother found herself in the same predicament many other black women during the’70s found themselves in—the harsh reality of being both a mother and father to her children. I was about five-years- old  by  then,  and  I  saw  our  mother’s  struggle  and  pain clearly for what it was.  Taking us in taxi cabs here and there  through  Brooklyn,  she  was  within  a  never  ending cycle of just trying to get by with no help.  I  knew she struggled, and she would often comfort me by wiping her hands across my face as if to wipe away all my worries and doubts.  She knew I understood her predicament, and we shared a bond which existed beyond words.Our times  spent  together  were  quiet  moments.  She would take me to the courtyard of our building complex so Aketa and I  could  play. Teisha and Ivory would be in a stroller, and she would sit on the park bench and watch us. She didn’t work, and everywhere she went we went as well.One  day  when  I  walked  into  the  bathroom  of  the apartment I noticed that the bathroom ceiling was caving in and debris were falling everywhere.“Ma, look!” I yelled.Barbara rushed into the bathroom. When she saw what was going on she immediately told me to go outside. She went into the living room, grabbed Aketa, and put Teisha and Ivory inside the  stroller. After she came outside, she took us over to the sidewalk. She looked at me. “Stay right here  and  watch  them.  I’ll  be  right  back.  I  have  to  call maintenance.”I nodded. “OK,” I said. I really didn’t want her to go back in there, but I was just a kid, so what could I say?Aketa started to cry, then so did Teisha. As if I knew what  I  was  doing,  I  tried  to  comfort  both  of  them  by
8                                Therone Shellman
rubbing their backs, but they kept crying. Worried, I kept looking   at   the  open  apartment  door,  wondering  what Barbara  was  doing.  A  minute  later  she  came  outside, rushing over to comfort Teisha and Aketa.“Stop crying, stop crying” she told them both softly, rubbing on Teisha’s forehead and hugging Aketa.“Are you OK?” she asked Ivory, pinching his cheek. He smiled and nodded.We stood outside near the curb for about an hour before a car pulled up to the curb and a white guy got out wearing a tool belt  around his waist. He looked old, had graying hair, and walked as if his body ached. I watched him as he walked over to the apartment door.“That’s my apartment,” Barbara yelled to him.He  immediately   looked   over   at   us.   “What’s   the problem?  Did you call about a bathroom ceiling?” After Barbara  nodded,  he  walked  into  the  apartment.  Barbara tried to follow, but I heard him say, “Stay outside while I check it out. We’re not going to be able  to work on it tonight. Just let me see what the problem is.”She walked  back  over  to  us.  I  could  tell  she  was worried.  By this time it was getting dark outside and the street lamps had  come on. It was summer and bugs were everywhere,  so  once  the  lights  came  on  at  night,  the mosquitoes  started  to  come  out  of  their  daytime  hiding places. They were everywhere, and with the  lights on I could see them clearly.The  maintenance   man   came   out   and   swatted   at something  flying  near  his  face.  Fixing  his  glasses,  he walked toward the curb.Barbara didn’t say anything. She just waited for him to speak.He rubbed his face and finally spoke. “You can’t go back in there tonight. We will have to come back tomorrow
Survivor: I Changed The Rules                  9
morning and go upstairs to see what’s going on up there.” He  looked down at us and smiled before looking back to Barbara. “I’m going to make a report for the front office, but the apartment is not  safe enough to be in tonight, so you’ll have to take the kids somewhere else, because I can’t let you go back in there.”Barbara just stared at him and then looked around. “I need to call a cab. Can you stay right here with them while I go use that phone?” she asked, pointing to the payphone on the outside of the deli across the street.After the maintenance man agreed, I watched as she crossed  the  street.  Worry  was  all  over  her  face,  and  I wondered about  our fate. I knew she was not close with anyone. Once in a while we would go to her parents’ place, but they never came out to see us.I  saw  her  speaking  and  nodding.  Her  dark  brown, almond  shaped eyes were watching me as she realized I was watching her. A smile creased her lips and I could see teeth. A quick rush of cars passed by and stopped at the red light. Just as the light turned green  she got off the phone and ran across the street.“Thank you,” she told the maintenance man. “I’m a wait  for  a  cab  to  take  us  to  my  mother’s  house,”  she explained.He rubbed his head. “OK, have a good night. I’ll be here   tomorrow.  But  give  them  a  call  to  find  out  if everything is good tomorrow before you return.”

No Love Lost (free excerpt)

Chapter One



“Surprise!”The loud  roar  of  cheers  erupted  onceDerrik opened the front door allowing theday’s bright sun-rays to beam into the living room on all the familiar faces.Totally surprised by the group of people welcoming him home, he turned to his mother, who stood behind him. Assisting  her into the house, the seventeen-year- old  embraced  her  with  such  vigor  she  froze  in  his embrace. He         kissed      her    on           her      plump, honey- complexioned  cheeks  before  burying  his  chin  in  the hollow of her shoulder. He wanted to cry, and  would have, if not for all the people in the room. Although he knew everyone there, his ego would not allow him to break  down  and  reveal  what  the  last  six  months  of being locked up had done to him.“I want a hug too,” a voice called out.Derrik turned from Beverly to see his sister Tinesha taking  full  inventory  of  him.  She  eyed  him  up  and down, laughing  in  her girlish way. “Boy! Derrik you got  big.  You  must  have  been  lifting  and  eating  up everything.”


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2                                              Therone Shellman
As he slowly let go of Beverly to hug Tinesha, she asked, “Did Supreme get out too?”Derrik’s smile disappeared as he gave her a look that said why did you have to ask that? He even glanced from the corner of  his eye to see if their mother had picked up on what Tinesha  asked. To his dismay, he saw that Beverly was staring in their direction.What now? he thought, throwing his slim, muscular arm  around  his  younger  sister,  giving  her  the  “look what you done now,” look.Staring into his eyes, Beverly screamed, “I don’t want to see you with that clown anymore!”Before Beverly could say another word, Derrik cut in,  waving  his  right  hand.  “Okay!  Okay!  I  just  got home. Let’s not go there.” Turning toward the group of well- wishers who’d  come to welcome him home, he locked eyes on his younger friend and cousin, Jermaine. Derrik forgot about Tinesha and Beverly as he stepped over to Jermaine and the welcoming  crowd of fellas who surrounded him to give him daps and pats on his back. The young ladies waited their turn to kiss him on the cheek.“Yo, what’s the deal?” Derrik asked Jermaine as the two hugged one another and then shook hands in an odd looking way the fellas called dap.“Man, I been waiting for you to get out cuz it’s been mad   whacked.  I  ain’t  been  doing  nothing.  Word! Jermaine said, smiling at his mentor standing in front of him.“Yeah, I couldn’t wait to get out that dump too. That hell hole was killing me.” With this said, they both broke  into  laughter.  Music  started  to  play  and  the atmosphere  in  the  room  became  happy  as  everyone began to move about the house. Some started to dance, others huddled in groups to laugh,  joke, and gossip.
No Love Lost                                                 3
Most of the mothers and older women walked into the kitchen.


“Ah, I’m glad this day is over” Beverly mentioned, looking out a living room window, seeing a car pull off from the curb out in front of her house.Barbara yelled over her shoulder standing in front of the  kitchen sink all ready at work washing dishes “Yeah, well I’m gonna help you clean up so that we can get on up outta here and go to my house after you fix dinner for the kids.”Derrik and Jermaine were sitting along the fifth and sixth   steps  leading  to  the  stairway  upstairs  while Tinesha sat alone at the dining room table eating a large slice of the vanilla pineapple cake Beverly had bought for Derrik’s welcome home  party. All three came to attention  once  Beverly  backed  away  from the  living room window she was peeking out of and called out to them.“Derrik, Tinesha, and Jermaine come on, Lets get this house together. Frank ain’t gonna be home from the baseball game  until about nine-thirty, so I’m going to Barbara’s for a little while. I’ll be back before he gets here.” Clapping her hands strongly together she stated, “So let’s go.”Placing the plastic fork she was using to eat down on the napkin in front of her, Tinesha picked up what was left of the  piece of cake and started to bite at it, devouring every bit of the pastry in four bites. By the time Beverly reached the kitchen doorway, her daughter had already begun to clean up the mess of plastic ware scattered all over the table from the party.Walking  into   the   kitchen,   Beverly   heard   the footsteps of the two young men coming up behind her.
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All ready knowing what had to be done, she turned around to  tell them, “Y’all take out all these garbage bags, and then clean  up the living room while we get the kitchen and dining room  done. I have some rice, beans, and pork chops left over from yesterday’s dinner in the fridge. Once I…”Derrik’s eyes grew big once his mother mentioned pork chops. His eyes stared from her to the refrigerator and then back to her before he cut her off. “Ma, I don’t eat pork no more.”He stared at the refrigerator instead of looking at her  because he knew his words were going to be met head-on and defiantly.Everyone turned toward Derrik. Tinesha, Barbara, Beverly, and even Jermaine turned toward the muscular adolescent as if he  said something so abnormal that they did not believe what they  had heard and needed him to say it again.“What?” Beverly asked, in a voice tone just under a scream. She looked at him with a penetrating stare.Derrik did not reply quickly enough for her. So she asked  again. This time placing a hand upon each hip “What did you say?”Barbara  looked  toward  her  friend,  who  glanced back at  her before they both looked at Tinesha, who stared  at  them  before  breaking  off  and  looking  at Derrik, but also Jermaine because the two stood only a few inches apart from one another. Jermaine’s eyes, by this point, were fixed upon the shades and colors of the linoleum tiles on the kitchen floor. The last thing  he wanted was to get involved in whatever mess Derrik had gotten into.Derrik’s stomach  started  to  bubble  as  his  nerves began to give. However, he knew he had no choice but to face the music and tell her the deal with what was on
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his mind. So he decided to just tell her, all she could do but get  mad, he reasoned. Breaking his stare from the refrigerator  and  looking  to  her,  he  noticed  that  his mother met his stare with equal velocity and force. Yet, he did not blink or look away for one split second.“Ma, I don’t eat pork anymore.”Hissing, she went on, “Yeah, now you went to jail and became a Muslim all of the sudden. What are you gonna  tell  me,  your  name  is  Muhammad  or  Malik? Boy! It’s ok with  being in tune with being black. But still, what does eating pork  have to do with it? You done went to jail and lost your mind!”  Beverly shook her head from side to side several times, and was about to turn around and face the sink. But as she made a half turn, she decided to turn back around to the young man who had changed from the young boy she remembered, and who now stood so firm before her.“So what do they call you now?” Beverly asked, lowering her voice a pitch or two.“Infinite.”“Hmmm.” Beverly huffed, shaking her head from left to right and once again exhaling deeply.With a face full of sorrow and grief she stated “I went through this with your father. So what are you a Black Muslim or something?”“No, I’m a member of Nation of Gods and Earths.” “What the hell is that?” Beverly asked, slapping thepalms of both hands against her face.The young man was about to speak, but Barbara cut him off  by throwing her right hand up to her mouth, pointing, and  sticking out the index into a hush, keep quiet gesture.Beverly looked toward her friend, wearing a mask of disbelief and hurt. Barbara felt her grief and pain and grasped a hold of her friend’s right hand.
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“Come on, let’s get out of here and go to my place. The kids can fix up here and then make whatever they want to eat. We’ll be back by nine.”Looking toward Jermaine, Barbara asked her son, “Are you gonna stay, babe?”“Yeah,” he answered happily, but at the same time trying his best to conceal the fact that he did not want to be hanging with the ladies.Beverly  was  still  in  a  sense  of  awe  and  deep thought. Barbara pulled at her arm, tugging her to walk with her out of the kitchen.“I’m  coming  with  y’all.”  Tinesha  blurted  out, running to catch up with the quickly moving duo. Five seconds  later,  the  front  door  closed  leaving  the  two young men behind by themselves.“I should  throw  all  that  swine  in  the  garbage.” Infinite  sneered, walking over to the kitchen sink and turning  on  the  faucet.  Jermaine  watched  closely  as Infinite began to wash the  remaining dishes, handling the plates and utensils roughly and clumsily as if he was doing the last thing in the world he wanted to do.Just as Barbara brought the car to the end of the driveway and was about to swing the vehicle onto the street, a blue car  pulled up alongside the curb next to the driveway’s entrance.“There’s Tami.” Tinesha stated from the back seat as she stared out the rear windshield and waved.Bringing  the  car  to  a  screeching  halt,  she  toldTinesha, “Go tell her to follow us.”Hearing this, Tinesha more than eagerly jumped out of the car and ran over to Tami.Beverly didn’t bother to look back to see Tinesha or Tami. Neither did she look toward Barbara, whose eyes were  fixed  busily  upon  her.  Instead,  she  stared  out
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toward the driveway, which stretched out about 20 to30 feet beyond the front windshield. “Booommm,” the back door slammed shut. “Okay, let’s go” Tinesha said.“Let’s go to my place.” Barbara whispered to no one in particular other than herself, as she kept her eyes pointed straight ahead on the street.Neither Beverly nor Tinesha replied, instead, they both  allowed themselves to escape into the world of their own thoughts.










Chapter Two Two Years Later



“Boy,  what’s  wrong  with  you,  all  of  the sudden it seems like ever since you got in twelfth grade, you’ve been into all types ofshit. Your mother said she gives up. She’s tired of your shit, and told me that if you cannot follow the rules in her house, then  you’re going to find your ass on the streets. That’s why she asked me to speak to you. She tells me your selling drugs, or doing something because she don’t be buying all them new clothes you be putting upon your black ass. And she says you always  have money, and be hanging with a bunch of characters. All I’m a say is that you’re headed in the wrong direction. Look at your brother, he don’t get in no trouble, he does well in school. All he talks…”Before  he   could   say   anything   else,   Jermaine interrupted. “First of all, I ain’t my brother, and number two,  you  don’t  know  me.  And  Ma  don’t  know  me either. You have  been around a few years of my life, popping up outta nowhere.  Now you think you know me! When I was a kid you weren’t  around, now I’m practically grown. Maybe if you were around  when I


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No Love Lost                                                 9
was little  then  I’d  be  different  and  things  would  be different. But you weren’t, so this is me.”With  blood  in  his  eyes,  he  stared  at  his  father defiantly. “I’m a do what I have to do, like I have been doing. So don’t worry.”A  loud  echoing  sound  of  two  objects  crashing together resounded as Trini slapped Jermaine forcefully across his right  cheekbone, lifting the frail adolescent off his feet and causing him to fall to the surface of the blacktopped driveway. His body hit hard and he banged his head. His neck snapped quickly, jerking backwards upon the tarred surface. While Jermaine lay  sprawled out on his back, Trini stood at his feet.“You little fuck! Don’t you ever talk to me like that again.  You think you’re grown? You think you’re a man? You ain’t  nothing but a punk. You don’t know your ass from your fucking feet. Now get up!”Jermaine,  holding  his  right  hand  up  to  his  face, looked  upon  his  father  with  sincere  hatred  pumping through his blood. And once Trini told him to get up, he jumped up on his two feet as if he never hit the black top. Defiantly, he stood before the massive man before him for what seemed to be an eternity. They stared at and into one another until Jermaine turned around and walked down the driveway, taking a right turn onto the street. All the while, he could hear his father speaking to  him,  but  he  did  not  bother  to  listen  or  seek  to comprehend the words. Instead,  he allowed the words to become a part of the day’s scenery, like the chirping of the birds. He walked away and never once bothered to  turn  around  to  look  back.  As  far  as  he  was concerned, he was getting rid of a part of his life that never really mattered to him.Ever since he had the argument with Trini, Jermaine found   himself  hanging  out  more  and  more,  doing
10                                            Therone Shellman
exactly what Trini didn’t want him to do. Everyday now, he hung out with Derrik, who had always been a little more mature  and faster than him. Jermaine had been a bit sheltered, whereas  Derrik was growing up fast;  especially,  since  he  had  become   friends  with Supreme, who was selling drugs, and into things  that most teens only wished they could be a part of. Once Derrik  went away to do time, he came back a totally different person. He wasn’t one of the kids anymore, he was  Infinite.  Before  this,  Derrik  and  he  were  best friends; their mothers had known each  other since the two boys were in grade school.Infinite introduced Jermaine to selling weed. He and Supreme told him that if they got caught, nothing would happen  because  possession  of  marijuana  was  only  a misdemeanor. Jermaine  was  scared the first few days on the block, but as the days went by, he started to build up confidence. Plus, he liked having money and being around Infinite. His friend was driving a new car, had nice jewelry, and much respect throughout the hood. Not to mention all the girls who swarmed around him like bees whenever he came through. Jermaine wanted this  status  as  well,  and  at  times,  he  was  caught  up between  the  idea  of  finishing  school  and  going  to college to become a teacher, or  being down with the street life, which seemed so enticing. The past year had been the most fun he ever had. Yeah, he argued with his mother, but this did not bother him because she was only  around  at  night  because  of  the  long  hours  she worked.  Jermaine hardly ever ran into his stepfather because he had a traveling job and he was in and out of the house most of the time, except on the weekends.Jermaine  knew  that  Infinite  and  Supreme  were doing more than selling weed because they always had knots of money. At any given moment, they had at least
No Love Lost                                               11
fifteen hundred dollars. Selling weed was good money, but it only netted hundreds a day. One day, he got up the  heart  to  ask  them  if  he  could  get  down  with whatever else they were doing. Supremes’ reply off the bat was for him to continue  school, sell weed, and go on to college. Infinite seconded this, telling Jermaine to stack his money and save it for school. But  Jermaine harassed them everyday until they finally gave in.“Ok! We’re gonna put you down!” Infinite told him with  the  look  of  regret  on  his  face.  Contemplating momentarily,  he  added,  “We  got  something  popping soon.”Supreme wanted to say something, but kept quiet because, he knew that Jermaine would only come back with a quick reply. He really didn’t think Jermaine was built for this life, and constantly told Infinite to keep an eye on his friend and to keep him out of harm’s way. Staring  into  Infinites  eyes,  the   following  thoughts flowed through him, Now he’s going to find out how it really goes down and I hope he don’t fuck up! He did not want to get in between their childhood friendship, but he felt  Infinite was making a big mistake which could cost them all. They were going to do something big,  something,  which   involved  someone,  they  all knew. In fact, they copped their  weed from Powerful and those cats. I hope shortie don’t freeze up on us, cuz I might have to do a whole lot of gun-clapping when this goes down, he thought, silently rubbing his rough hands together, looking at the tips of the bottom of his fingers  which  were  brown  from  smoking  marijuana joints. Looking up, he saw the two talking, and decided that it was time for him to bounce.“Yo! I’m gone. I’ll get up with ya’ll two gods at the power hour (five PM) tomorrow.
12                                            Therone Shellman
Infinite  and  Jermaine  yelled,”  Peace!”  without looking his way and they continued their conversation.
Two Weeks LaterIt was twelve-thirty AM at a rest stop on Sunrise Highway,  in Long Island, N.Y., and the weather was not cold, but it was not warm either. There was a little mist  in  the  air,  so  when  one  exhaled,  smoke  would come out through their nostrils or mouth.In row,  twenty-seven  phone  booths  stood  in  all. This  night was very quiet, except for the occasional oncoming traffic from the highway. In the parking lot, there were two trailer rigs along with two cars parked alongside phone booths. In the  distance, was another car with three occupants. Everyone in the car was tense with anticipation as their eyes watched the guy at  the phone booth nearest to the truck exit.“Are we  gonna  get  this  motherfucker  or  what?” came  from Supreme. Supreme was the one to initiate everything;    at    least,    he    felt    this    way    anyway. Nevertheless,  one thing was for sure, he was a young and didn’t have any fear about living or dying. Whichever came the following moment, it really didn’t matterto him.  His  life,  as  far  as  he  was  concerned,  was nothing more than a series of disappointments. Over the last two years,  he’d been to two different funerals of three  good  friends.  He  even  had  a  fall  out  with  his mother and moved out. Not once, had he been back to visit. As crazy as it may sound to others,  life  held no meaning to him anymore. “Life’s a bitch and then you die,” had become his favorite phrase. Whenever he was feeling  down  or  in  a  gloomy  mood,  these  were  the words, which were sure to escape from his mouth.What a mismatch of personalities the three of them were together, despite the fact that they were around the
No Love Lost                                               13
same age. Jermaine was the youngest, and unlike the other two, he was neither arrogant nor unapproachable. Yet, he was very careful whom he dealt with. His mom always told him that you  never truly know who the person next to you is until its too late. Infinite had just turned twenty years old, and was similar to his mentor, Supreme, in many ways. His attitude was very hostile, but laid back at the same time. The thing that separated him from Supreme was that unlike his mentor, he was very business-like, a  quality that his mom instilled in him since childhood. He was  very quiet as well. As long as you did not mess with him, one  would barely notice he was present. Throughout the last two  years, although Infinite remained friends with Derrik, he was levels beyond his childhood friend because of his close relationship with Supreme, who had been involved in the  life  of  crime  for  about  seven  years.  Plus,  both Derrik and Supreme had their own places, so they had the freedom to chill whenever they wanted.In    response     to    Supreme’s     question    Infinite answered, “Yeah, gee, back the car up and let’s handle this. Let’s get this over with”As the car sped into reverse, the air was filled with the  sound  of the car’s engine, and the smell of burnt rubber emanated from the tires.  When all three figures jumped out of the car with guns outstretched, the man on the phone pulled out, and without hesitation, began to shoot. The first shot grazed Supreme in his right arm, near the shoulder. The bullet burned a hole in the fabric of his jacket, leaving a hole, but luckily, not  touching the skin. The nine-millimeter baby Glock the man was shooting  packed  a  powerful  punch.  Every  time  he would bust off, the roar and fire from the barrel was so deep with  melody, it sounded like a quarter stick of dynamite being lit up on the Fourth of July. Though this
14                                            Therone Shellman
was  so,  the  fact  was,  he  was  still  outnumbered. Unluckily  for  him,  a  bullet  struck  him  in  the  face, shattering his nose  and right cheek bone, sending him convulsing and falling back  towards the phone booth before laying him on his back. However, even then, it was like life wouldn’t escape him, he  remained semi- conscious. His body kept jerking all over until Supreme walked  over  to  him.  Standing  directly  with  his  legs outstretched on either side of the man’s torso, Infinite released two nine-millimeter slugs into his upper chest.Frantically, they searched through the victim’s car, ripping through the interior like a cat pawing furniture, for what seemed to be an hour; but in fact, it was only a minute or two before Infinite came across two zip-lock bags filled to the top with a  powdery white substance and two envelopes full of one hundred dollar bills. They thought this score would only net some pounds of weed and some money, but this was even better. “Bingo!!” Infinite screamed, scooping everything up in a hug-like motion.Running in step, like in a military drill, all three assailants jumped into the car. Once inside, each looked at one  another, deeply staring into each other’s eyes, but not saying one word. The engine cranked, there was no need to explain what had just taken place back there. It was better him biting the dust than any one of them- and this was a reality, which resonated in all  of  their minds at this very moment.Jermaine sat speechless, too scared to even blink or tremble for that matter. As they were pulling away he could see the truckers getting out of their trucks to take a look at the remains  of  what happened. It’s a good thing it was misty outside  because it made it almost positive  that  no  one  could  decipher  the  cars  license plates.
No Love Lost                                               15
Smelling and sensing Jermaine’s fear Infinite asked, “Gee, you all right?”Jermaine  was  shaken  up,  but  he  didn’t  want  to sound  like a punk. The last thing he wanted was for Infinite  to  think   that  he  did  not  approve  of  what Supreme did concerning the  situation—something he did not want to think about ever again, the murder. For all Jermaine knew, he could be the next one to get it if he didn’t play it right. Supreme was a loose cannon for sure,  and  there  was  no  question  in  Jermaine’s  mind before this  happened that he was capable of murder. This situation just  confirmed it. Thinking this through he replied, “Yeah, it’s all good over here.”  As he said it, he couldn’t look Infinite in the face though.Looking at Supreme, Infinite winked before turning over to Jermaine stating, “Yo, from now on, kid, every one’s gonna call  you Blaze because you handled that steel tonight like a welder  handles a torch. Word to life.” At this point Supreme starts laughing.Feeling a  little  nauseous  as  his  stomach  muscles pinched together violently, Blaze asked, “Do you think any one’s gonna  find out that we followed Powerful back from Queens?”“Nah,”  Supreme  chimed  in.  “Plus  them  clowns think they’re so organized that no one is smart enough to infiltrate  them  like we did. So don’t sweat it. As a matter of fact, fuck them lames! Count the doe.”Blaze’s  hands  shook,  but  without  hesitation  he began to count. The night to him was like a dream and a nightmare put together in one. Never in his life had he ever shot anyone. Yet it  didn’t seem like such a big deal. It was just the necessary  thing  to do given the circumstances. At least, that’s what it  seemed like to everyone who told him about shooting someone. Plus, fellas in the hood were getting shot all the time. But he
16                                            Therone Shellman
did shiver at the thought that maybe it was his bullet that sent Powerful back to the essence.As Blaze counted the bills he thought, “Well, that’s life. You  win some and you lose some.” His nerves were starting to  balance out a bit as he continued to count. Never in his life had  he counted, or even seen, for  that  matter,  so  much  money.  This  shit  was  real though and he could feel it. The money felt like brittle loose-leaf paper. He could smell it, the sheets smelled like  glue.  And  the  best  part  about  it  was  that  he possessed  it.  The  reality  of  the  money  in  his  hands brought a sense of greed and reality to a situation that was totally inhumane by the principles that his mother had tried to instill in him. The danger excited him.While Blaze  counted,  Infinite  and  Supreme  said nothing,  and made no movement except when Infinite placed a tape in the cassette deck. The sound of one of the neighborhood DJ’s music  could be heard blasting from the speakers and tweeters. As the  tones blasted, Infinite   rocked   back   and   fourth,   driving   on   and contemplating about the days when he was a kid and used to be happy just seeing his mother wear a smile. Money  didn’t  matter,  females  didn’t  matter,  and  he didn’t have constant thoughts about survival or death.Motioning for Infinite to turn the radio down, Blaze screamed, “There’s eleven thousand, two hundred.”Smiling, but looking straight ahead at the street in front of  them Infinite stated, “Split it up. Three ways, OK.”It was more than OK for Blaze. But at the moment, all he could say was, “Yeah, all right. Yo, what about the coke? What are we gonna do with it?”With a smirk on his face, Supreme laughed, stating, “Yo, we’re about to get on for real! We’re gonna make this happen. We’re gonna blow for real!”
No Love Lost                                               17
Blaze  liked  the  sound  of  this  so  much  that  he became tongue tied for a moment before deciding not to say anything.  Instead, he just laid his head back and began to doze off to sleep.“What’s up?” Blaze said, about ten minutes later, waking out of his sleep and rubbing both eyelids.“We’re at your house, sun.” Infinite said.Realizing  what  this  meant,  Blaze  awoke  fully. “Y’all hold the coke and we’ll get up tomorrow. I can’t take this shit  inside the house cuz I don’t have any place to hide it. Plus, you know my mom is mad nosey. She’ll know that I’m up to  something if she sees me carrying  a  bag.  Plus,  ever  since  you  moved  out  the house, your moms and my moms be saying that  you lost your mind and that I should stay away from you before I end up in jail or dead.”Listening      to      Supreme’s      snoring,      Infinite contemplated  for  a  moment  and  smirked,  quickly turning his  face into a frown “Don’t sweat it gee, tap me on my pager tomorrow at one o’clock. Then we’ll get up.”Giving Infinite a pound, Blaze bounced up outta the car bopping all the way to his front door. It was four in the morning, so he realized everyone should be sound asleep, unless it was  one  of those occasions when his mother would awaken after hearing him place the key in the front door. Fortunately, this was one of the times that all was well and everyone was sound asleep.Once inside,  Blaze  tiptoed  through  the  hallway, striving  to  hold  his  trembling  down  to  a  minimum. Opening the door separating the upstairs from the main floor really slowly so that it would not make a creaking sound, he crept in the hallway. Once upstairs and inside the safety and comfort of his room, the first thing Blaze did  was  close  the  door  behind  him.    Taking  the
18                                            Therone Shellman
envelope  from  his  pocket,  he  took  out  a  thousand dollars before lifting up a corner of the dresser putting the  envelope   under  it  and  placing  it  back  down carefully, so as to not awake anyone downstairs. Once he was done, Blaze placed the thousand dollars among the junk in his top dresser drawer and jumped in the bed without  getting  undressed.  Lying  on  his  back  fully clothed, he broke out into a clammy sweat from head to toe, making him feel cold and hot at the same time. By this time, it was all ready four forty-five in the morning and he knew he  had to be up in a few hours. So he closed his eyes, and miraculously, was able to block out the night’s events and enter a deep rest.Usually, Blaze dreamt pleasantly. But tonight was a night  that surrounded him with emptiness, questions, fear, and a level of excitement that caused him to have a restless sleep. Man, my moms can never find out about this,  were  the  last  thoughts  that  came  to  him  as  he dozed off.

The Secrets of Self Publishing 2 (free excerpt) You can purchase the book in ebook and paperback at amazon.com

To purchase the complete book in ebook and paperback you can do so from amazon.com via the following link Right Here


Table of Contents Introduction   8 1. How to Form Your Company          12  2. Writing Your Story And Networking with Different Sources   14 3. Distribution   18 3A. Distribution: Work the system: Don’t Let the System Work You. 22 3B. How to Distribute Your Own Books   26 3C. When a Distribution Agreement Goes Wrong   28 4. Composing an E-Book and Digital Distribution   32 5. Marketing & Publicity   36 5A. Book Marketing: Where to Spend Your Money and Time   40 5B. Helpful Marketing Guides and Literary Resources for Self-Publishers   44 5C. Guerilla Marketing Beyond the Store for Independent Authors &Small Presses   46 6. Understanding Expense and Profit Margin   48 7. Negotiating a Publishing Contract   52 8. Record Keeping and Budgeting   56 9. The Pros and Cons of Book Signings March 28, 2007 Book Section Myspace Feature   58 9A. Protocol for Setting up Book Signings   60 9B. Selling Books in the Street Market   62 10. Business Credit   64 11. True or False   66 12.The Path to Success with Ebook and Print Publishing   68









    Therone throughout his literary career has distributed other authors titles to the street market, consulted and has remained a trailblazer and visionary. The Secrets of Self Publishing 2 is an example of Therone’s eagerness to learn and also educate.
The Secrets of Self Publishing has helped many authors establish their dreams of becoming self-: published. The Secrets of Self Publishing 2 does not disappoint and starts off where the first edition ended. There are new chapters, and a broader view of the industry is presented. There is even a chapter dedicated to the virtual world of e-book publishing. With the internet age quickly taking over the world, the internet is going to prove to be an important tool to those who want to maintain control of their work and the ability to make a larger profit by cutting spending in the areas of print runs and real world distribution.
The Secrets of Self Publishing 2 is published by Therone Shellman Book Consulting a company Therone Shellman formed to not only take over the publishing of his book titles and branding of his name. But the company also provides consulting services to aspiring authors and established authors as well.
Therone Shellman is available for author interviews and speaking engagements. The fees are very affordable.
















    Literature is covered under the First Amendment of the Constitution of The United States and therefore one has the liberty to sell their books almost anywhere within the territories of the U.S. whether this be in stores or on the streets. There are laws within every county, city, and state that one must adhere to in regard to business enterprises, peddling, and vending. So be mindful of where you are and the laws you need to follow.
Once you package a book and commit to the act of selling it, you’re functioning as a business enterprise and therefore, need to obtain a business license. Whether you form a small business and get a DBA as a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or S Corp the bottom line is most distributors will not consider doing business with you unless you have formed a legitimate business structure. They need to ensure within their business accounting records that authors and publishers’ book titles are not being published by their company.
You can go online and access the Small Business Administration (SBA) website to retrieve information and forms, as well as obtain a clear insight into the pros and cons of each business structure.
Visit: www.sba.gov
An accountant, business attorney, and business consultant are also capable of assisting you form your venture and coaching you as to the type of structure that will fit your overall goals.
























    When writing your story you should research and read books in the genre you write in. At the same time, remember to always be unique and write in your own voice. Thousands of books are written and published each year with a limited number of them standing out amongst others within their genre.
So many people wonder and ask the question, “How do you start to write a story?”
“How do you format it?”
For starters, it would be smart to take writing courses because writing and communicating are arts and there is always a better way to express yourself no matter how articulate and gifted you are.
Once your story is written you’ll need to have it edited. You can browse online by using search engines and input the words “book editors”. It may also be of benefit to visit the sites of online book clubs where other writers hang out to find out who they work with. The Literary Market Place (LMP) and Writers Market (WM) are two resource books that hold a wealth of information in them. In these works you will be able to find a listing of editors and their qualifications. The Writers & Poets and Writer magazines both have classified sections. In here you’ll be sure to find several editor service listings.
Every paperback and hard cover book needs a cover or jacket design. Therefore, you’re going to need to hire a graphics professional to do the layout. A book cover layout can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $1500. Browse through your local bookstore and take a look at the covers of books in your perspective genre to get a good idea of what makes a cover commercially appealing. Remember to always choose a book cover layout that goes along with the book title and overall idea of the story. Many graphics designers are adding their website and company names to the back of the cover. This is an easy way to find someone who is sure to give you the look you’re searching for.
Don’t forget you’ll need an ISBN (international standard book number) in order to have your book stocked in stores. Bowkers is the only firm licensed to create ISBN’s in the U.S. Once the ISBN is purchased you will need to have it converted into a barcode. This is the barcode you see on the back cover of books.
You can visit: http://www.bowkers.org
The companies below provide services to covert ISBN’s into barcodes.
Visit:www.simplybarcodes.net and
http://www.barcode-us.com/
Now that you’ve formed your company, written your story, had it edited, purchased an ISBN, and have a book cover the next step is to get the book printed. From there it must be copyrighted to ensure your rights to the story are protected.
Utilize the internet to download the listing of “101 Best Book Printers”.The Library of Congress website is where you will be able to download copyright forms. Here is where you’ll be able to obtain a Library of Congress Catalog Number (LCCN). This is a series of numbers which libraries utilize to catalog a book title and identify it the same way an ISBN identifies a title. The number in many ways resembles an ISBN, but only without the dashes.






















    Distribution is probably the most important aspect of publishing. Without distribution you have no way of getting your book(s) inside the hands of readers. It’s very simple. You can write as many books as you want but without distribution people outside of your everyday social network will not know who you are.
How you’re going to distribute your book(s) is something that should be researched in the very beginning. Again, the LMP and Writers Market will serve as invaluable resource tools. Most Independent Book Distributors who services the chain retail bookstore market also have the capabilities to distribute to “mom and pop” book stores. There are many different markets where you will find your audience.
The internet, book stores, libraries, streets, and neighborhood are only some of the places where you can sell your books.
I’ve included some of these distributors below:
BCH Fulfillment & Distribution, Diane Musto, President, 46 Purdy Street, Harrison, NY 10528; 914-835-0015; 800-431-1579; Fax: 914-835-0398. Email: bookch@aol.com. Web: http://www.bookch.comBookMasters Distribution Services, 30 Amberwood Parkway, Ashland OH 44805; 419-281-5100; 800-537-6727; Fax: 419-989-4047. Web: http://www.bookmastersdistribution.com.Consortium Book Sales, Julie Schaper, President (Sales, Marketing & Publisher Relations) The Keg House, 34 Thirteenth Avenue NE #101, Minneapolis MN 55413-1007; 612-746-2600; 800-283-3572; Fax: 612-746-2606. Email: info@cbsd.com. Web: http://www.cbsd.com.Greenleaf Book Group, Justin Branch, P O Box 91869, Austin TX 78709; 512-891-6100; 800-932-5420; Fax: 512-891-6150. Email: justin@greenleafbookgroup.com. Web: http://www.greenleafbookgroup.com Independent Publishers Group, Mark Suchomel, President, 814 N Franklin Avenue, Chicago IL 60610-3109; 312-337-0747, ext. 209; 800-888-4741; Fax: 312-337-1807. Email: suchomel@ipgbook.com. Web: http://www.ipgbook.com Ingram Publisher Services, One Ingram Boulevard, P O Box 3006, La Vergne TN 37086-1986; 615-213-5349; 800-937-8100; Fax: 615-213-5597. Email: Publisher@ingrampublisherservices.com. Web: http://www.ingrampublisherservices.comNational Book Network, Ginger Miller, 4501 Forbes Boulevard #200, Lanham MD 20706; 301-459-3366, ext. 5510; Fax: 301-429-5746. Email: gmiller@nbnbooks.com. Web: http://www.nbnbooks.com
Take the time to research the distributors above. Remember, there are a whole lot more independent distributors out there so get on the internet and do your research. I’ve started the search for you. The secrets of self-publishing are the same as the secrets to success. One must be willing to research all outlets, and find a method which fits your program. There is no one written rule. Mainstream distributors’ payment arrangements vary. Most companies usually pay the author or publisher for the sales six months after the title releases, and every six months thereafter. This is not always the case, so be sure to check with the distributor.
Guerilla Marketing is an area that all independent authors and publishing companies should come to know and it falls within the scope of marketing and distribution. This is basically obtaining book sales outside of the normal distribution channels. For instance, street or neighborhood book signings, book sales to street vendors or local bookstores and gift shops are good examples of guerilla marketing.
African American authors and independent publishers have access to a small number of distributors that cater to their works. I’ve compiled a list of some. I must add that these are not the only ones. New distributors are springing up here and there as more entrepreneurs see the need to provide these services.
Black Book Plus/ Seaburn Book Distributors: 33-18 Broadway; Astoria, N.Y. 11106(718)267-2679
African World Books: 2217 Pennsylvania Ave.; P.O. Box 16447; Baltimore, MD 21217(410) 383-2006
The African American Independent Distributors mentioned above in most cases commence payments on book sales ninety days after they stock a title, or the title releases.














    Without distribution and the means of getting your books to the public you will have very little success. Do an internet search by keying in “Top Independent Book Distributors”. Research the companies thoroughly to obtain a clear idea as to the types of books they distribute and the markets they deal with. For the author who has written their first title and who more than likely will have a hard time obtaining distribution for their work through one of the large distributors, it is recommended that you visit the Baker & Taylors website: http://www.btol.com
Through their publisher partnership program, independent authors and publishers are able to market their titles to the libraries and get their titles into the chain retail bookstores. In order for chain retail stores and most libraries to stock an independent title the books must be distributed by an acceptable distributor or wholesaler.
Unlike some independent bookstores, Barnes and Noble will not order books straight from the publisher. Barnes and Noble does have an Acquisitions Department, which reviews new titles by independent publishers, but even if they do place an order they will not, in most cases, order more than 40-100 books.  And they make a practice of ordering from the publishers’ distributor.
Applications can be downloaded from the website: http://www.barnesandnoble.com
As you grow look for ways to develop and nurture your own ability to control some of your distribution. Remember the system is designed for you to fail because; everyone from the wholesaler to the bookstore is in your pocket and eating away at your profit. Sell your books door to door, on the streets, and in the churches. Get them everywhere you can so you can see more of your money, but at the same time utilize the system. In between distributor payments, this will allow you to have a steady flow of cash.
Even if you have a distributor, you should not depend on them solely to sell your books. Regardless of how you start out you should always seek to maximize your sales and exposure by implementing a sales program where you also sell your book(s). Pack your books in your trunk and hit the local shopping centers and areas where there are a lot of people. This is a great way to build buzz about your work while you build capital.
Beware that as you grow from title to title you create a budget for projects because as with money, book sales also come in spurts. Meaning one month you may sell a ton of books and then the next month you may sell a small fraction of what you sold the previous month. You may find yourself paying for upcoming projects that will not release months down the line but you’re not currently selling that many books or receiving book sale payments. This is what happens to most publishers who expand too quickly. So be careful and crawl before you walk. It’s probably a good idea to sit down with an established publishing professional or a business consultant that is knowledgeable about business growth, financing etc.
Visit the Small Business Administration site: www.sba.gov
There is also a division called The Service Core of Retired Executives. These mentors provide free online and face-to-face mentoring and business counseling to those who are looking to start a business or those who are in business already.
The Service Corp of Retired Executives site: www.score.org
From personal experience, I will tell you that distribution is one of the most important aspects of publishing. Once it’s established if you lose it, or it’s disrupted your business will definitely be affected in a negative way.




















    One of the best ways a self-published author or small press can kick off the start of their own distribution program is to start with an individual author, or small press website. The website should detail information about the author(s), company, book covers, synopsis(s), and links either to PayPal or other merchant accounts where payments are transferred to your bank account.
You may also choose to establish an Advantage account with Amazon.com, stock books with them, and have the payment link on your website linked to Amazons item page. Therefore the customer buys off the Amazon site after being transferred from your site. Amazon makes payments directly to you by depositing payments electronically into your bank account.
An author or publisher should always exploit ways to sell a percentage of their own titles to customers, vendors, booksellers, and “mom and pop” stores. It’s as simple as direct sales, or giving books on consignment to booksellers (vendors). The objective of direct distribution is a quick return on investment so it’s imperative to watch your cash flow. It’s in your best interest to ensure that not too many of your books are in the hands of sellers if payments aren’t being received. The quicker you get return on your investment the quicker you can reinvest the profits. With all this said if you’re not a good seller you should then hire someone who is.Book vendors who set up on the streets and inside locations are invaluable contacts, for their inventory usually ranges from 50 to a few hundred different titles. The books are usually turned over quickly and therefore authors and publishers receive payments a lot quicker than dealing with normal distributors.
It’s the ideal desire of every independent author and publisher to distribute their own title(s) instead of having to deal with a distributor. There are instances where authors and publishers with ten or more titles can arrange a distribution relationship with Ingram Wholesalers directly. This may be a sure way for any author who is wary about dealing with distributors mismanaging their titles to get their books into the chain.

    The Pros of dealing with a mainstream distributor is that it’s not just you alone vying for team bookshelf space in bookstores for your books. You now also have a company with staffed sales who are also working for you. Within most cases, these sales reps who work for the distributor receive a commission from the book sales they make. This in essence means their earnings and livelihood depend on them doing their jobs. This is to conduct sales.
The downside of dealing with a mainstream distributor is that most terms are exclusive. This means they are the only distributor that can service the markets covered in the contract. This can be both a good and bad thing. If they are a strong company with talented and competent sales reps then you are in the best possible business situation in regards to publisher/distributor relations. However, if they are a company that mismanages funds, run by a poor management team, and the sales reps do not know how to represent the broad range of titles distributed by the company you are then soon to be in a lot of trouble. Even if the company isn’t run into the ground you are basically in the same situation as if it had.
Of course, there is always a provision that states either party has the right to dissolve the business relationship in writing within a certain amount of days. Notice is usually to be served 30-45 days before requested termination is to take place.Always have in mind that whatever copies of books the distributor has sold they can possibly withhold a percentage of pay from you in case of possible bookstore returns. Dissolving a distributor relationship can get very messy. So it’s very necessary to have your paperwork and accounting in order so you can evaluate the total scope of the situation.
For damage control, you should always ensure that any distributor agreement you sign also has information in regards to how you can go about resolving issues you have, such as a department or individual contact within the company where you can have an issue resolved. There should also be an ability to take the matter to arbitration if this individual cannot resolve the issue. For your own insurance never sign a distribution agreement which doesn’t possess the above provisions.
One of the best ways to know where you stand as far as business terms in regards to the distributor is to constantly stay in contact with the representative assigned to your company. If you witness them not being responsive to you and your needs, request to speak to someone on the next level. At this point, state your concerns, and request a new representative to represent your company’s titles.
The more you’re on top of your business the easier it will be for you to reap the benefits of good relationships.





























    Since the emergence of eBooks publishers have been scrambling to cash in on a market which has quickly become 10% of the retail book sales market. Online and chain retail bookstores have eBook conversions and in some cases their own eBook readers. Amazon has an eBook reader called the Kindle, Barnes and Noble has the Nook eBook reader.
If you would like to sell your book titles on Amazon.com, you can create an author/publisher Kindle account. You will have to upload a MS Word file document of the manuscript and the converter will compile and format the document for you. This is fairly easy. You will then have to fill in all the information like price, company name, author, etc. You will also be able to upload the book cover. With Barnes and Noble you will have to utilize the contact form to let them know you would like to have your title available in eBook form for the Nook. Sony eBook Reader and Apple iPad are other eBook readers that are quickly gaining popularity. Pretty soon there will be dozens of these devices competing for eBook revenue. According to Amazon.com, eBook sales rose 193 percent in 2010 from 2009. International Digital Publishing Forum collects quarterly US trade retail eBook sales in conjunction with the Association of American Publishers. Their statistics state the third quarter of 2010 eBook sales totaled $119.7 million.
If you would like to create your own eBooks to distribute from your author/publisher websites there are plenty of software programs on the market to assist you with this task. Below I will list a few:
EPaperFlip.com/Dynamic
www.3DIssue.com
www.ebookscompiler.com
Publishers state that paperback and hard cover books aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Yet, they aren’t ignoring the fact that the book buying community is quickly going tech. One thing is for sure - eBook sales are bound to keep climbing as the year’s progress. As an independent author you should be cashing in on this great opportunity. For starters, self- publishers will save on book printing costs. After the initial costs of editing, purchasing an ISBN, book cover, and marketing the rest is all earnings. If you deal with Amazon.com via Kindle or barnesandnoble.com via the Nook, unlike dealing with physical books, you will not have lengthy distribution agreements. It’s a win/win for the author/publisher and online retailer and you get to sell the produce over and over without having to reinvest profits earned. You cannot get any better than this!

























    Marketing and Publicity are two very misunderstood terms by publishing newcomers and because of this, even books published with sound distribution programs fail unnecessarily.
There are two types of marketing. One is inbound and the other is outbound.
Inbound marketing is knowing your product and potential customers and how your product meets their needs.*The pricing of your product and packaging as well as whom your competitors are.*Branding the product so it has a personality that is different from your competitors’.
Outbound marketing is advertising and marketing, sales and publicity focused on your Organization. It also includes customer service.
Most of the time writers/ publishers focus solely on outbound marketing. As a result they strive to push their books onto people and organizations, which really aren’t interested. Effective inbound marketing often produces more effective outbound marketing and sales.
Publicity is about getting information to the media in order to capture a larger audience. The public, the radio and TV are examples of publicity outlets. Many times marketing gets confused with publicity. In fact, some book marketers call themselves publicists when all they do is set up book signings, write press releases and organize book club discussions. Publicity on the other hand primarily deals with the media. So before you start kicking out big bucks for a publicist, make sure the individual or company has the ability to get you mass exposure. Some marketing resources for authors and independent publishers:
Book Marketinghttp://www.bookmarket.com
BookSensewww.bookweb.org/booksense/pu...
Library Market Placewww.literarymarketplace.com/lmp/...

PMAwww.pma-online.org
SPANwww.SpanNet.org
Aside from distribution, marketing and publicity are the next important elements and aspects of publishing. Heavy online marketing helped propel my book signings to 20-50 book sales at the chain retail book stores, and street signings. Within two plus years, I garnished 16,000 book sales of the title. About 5,000 of them were through the bookstores. I admit MySpace at the start of my career was the best thing that ever happened to me.

Third Eye Awakening (free excerpt) Purchase the book at amazon.com in ebook and paperback

 You can purchase the complete book at amazon.com via the following link Right Here!    INTRODUCTION









Spirituality and religion are quite different. Spirituality is dealing with life beyond the physical realms and equating all things within life and all worlds to one source that permeates through all plains of existence. Spirituality is the reality of the Oneness of All.For over twenty years, the author has travelled the roads of disappointment, confusion and despair to find peace and happiness.
                           










“I assure you that who you see in the mirror is not your true self. It is a mere image, and images are illusions based upon human perception and mortal mind. This moment in time is but only a moment. This physical existence is but only a stage of development in the realms of many lives you’ve lived and are to live. For an eternity you shall either rise to perfection, or suffer at the hands and deeds of your own doing.”
WAKE UP!



The fear of death is man’s greatest obstacle. Conquer your fear and you will conquer death.
Fear not the end because, it will never come.
Energy doesn’t die it transforms itself from one stage to another. There is no such thing as death for man or any living creature for the Creator is within man, and all living things within all planes of nature. There is no need to be saved for the spirit is eternal. Every soul is unique, imprisoned within a physical body. Through life’s labor each soul engages in its great work to free itself from the limitations of the mortal mind and this physical world and become one with the Divinity.The mastering of oneself is man’s greatest task. One which will allow him to serve his maker and brethren without prejudice and limitation. Envy, lust, greed, hate, fear, ambition, and personalities are the obstacles all men/women face within themselves to move past the limitations of mortal mind.  None shall rise above human ignorance who fail to conquer these to seek the temple where the creator dwells, where the eternal truth shines.“At the age of twenty-eight I became faced with making the decision as to where I wanted to take my life.  Up to this point all I’d known was monetary success overruled by the ever-present reality of possible imprisonment. I suffered at the hand of my own choices and actions. I was my worst enemy because I placed my desires and wants above my own well-being. But my luck was running out. Realizing this I decided I needed to take control of my mind, and thoughts so I can produce different conditions and circumstances.”
Man is elder to all the kingdoms of nature. Plant, animal and minerals along with man are all one. And it is not until man recognizes his duty and obligation to serve from what he has gained from The creator can he truly understand the oneness of life, no matter the form of energy or plane.
The light of the creator exists in all things, and all are bound to one universal order and principle. No one thing exists in isolation or apart from the next. All life matter serves in spiritual unity within the universe no matter the plane.All men who have reached within themselves to stomp out ignorance and embrace the temple of the creator within themselves respect all religions. But yet hold dear to none. The Son of Man, the Creators son, the conscious recognizes that all religions derive from one story told in diverse ways for people from different regions and beliefs.The three modern religions, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam all owe their beginning to schools of thought and principles birthed from the higher schools of learning in Egypt. And thus the Egyptians owe the founding of their institutions and thinking to Ethiopia and so on.Three thousand years before the tenants of Christianity the story of the “Holy Ghost” appears in Egyptian fables. Through a series of events and murdered by his brother Typhon, the spirit of Osiris visits Isis and she gives birth to a son who they name Harpocrates. It is here that the story of the Immaculate Conception in Christianity was formed.“When I was fifteen years old I was introduced to the teachings of “Nation of Gods and Earths” which was called back then “Five Percent Nation”. One of their core beliefs is that man is the maker and master of his circumference and destiny. Each of us is a god unto ourselves under the one universal power, which is the lord of all worlds. Later I came to see this truth derived straight out of Egyptian thinking and history before any modern belief.” There is no need or cause to believe in miracles, for somewhere in nature there is a cause for every effect. Even though there are many effects that we do not understand through mortal mind. All cause inherently lies in the mental and metaphysical plane before manifesting themselves within the physical plane.The modern world recognizes new born beliefs such as Christianity, Buddhism and Islam. Yet reject the religions and philosophical ideals of past civilizations they were the product of.Plato, Aristotle, Socrates and other recognized and highly respected European thinkers have admitted openly that the western thinking of their time was no match, and below in standard to that of the antiquity of African schools of learning and persons of scholarly nature for that matter. Most modern scientists, religious scholars and philosophical thinkers have established their beliefs upon hollow ground and in arrogance they fail to retrace the steps of man back to the beginning. Or at least back to the earliest times of written and recorded history. In doing so they turn their back on eternal truth. They gaze upon half-truths and wonder. Their mortal mind and personality blind them.From the Egyptians it is noted that the human soul is immortal. This truth was revealed to Solon who was the first of the great Athenian law-givers and one of the highest respected thinkers of the Greeks. Yet he and Plato who later followed into Egypt acknowledge that the Egyptians considered the Greeks children in learning. Therefore not all was revealed to them. Nor did the states religion of Egypt reveal all the mysteries of the first Cause that brought life into being for the universe, including the birth of man. The ancient priests were under oath as sworn protectors of the truth, so it is evident they carefully concealed deeper truths from the uninitiated. That is those who weren’t students of the mysteries and higher schools of learning.“After twenty plus years of study I’ve come to the realization that concealing of the deeper truths from the average individual even takes place today. This is so even in the church, other religious schools and fraternal organizations. The average person in the congregation knows the general beliefs of the institution. While the deeper truths are only revealed to those who seek and take the initiative to move further into the circle of influence reserved for the higher thinkers of their faith or doctrine. As a Five Percenter even as teen, my thirst for knowledge moved me amongst those who were respected for their insight into the deeper truths of our faith. My quest for the truth didn’t stop there though. At the age of twenty-eight, I made the conscious decision to move on from the Nation, deciding it was necessary to separate myself from the label, faiths, doctrines, individuality and personality. Truth is impersonal and does not belong to any individual or group of individuals solely. It is universal and belongs to all.”
All who seek the truth be mindful for it is deep within the mind where all truths lie.“Know Thy Self” are the words that have echoed for thousands of years from those far greater in understanding than ourselves. These words tell the story of what road a man must take to find the most illustrious riches a man can encounter. It is within oneself that the flames of eternity light up the temple of the most high.Seek for the glory of ambition and one will trek upon the road to ruin. All the history of man stands before us as testament to show that ambition is the cause for men to plot on one another such as Typhon and Osiris, Caine and Abel. It is the reason men desire riches, power and sovereignty. The effect is steering humanity away from its ultimate goal of becoming one with the Creator. Ambition is also the cause of ignorance, superstition, fear and personality. Personality is the undoer of all men. Today we have reached a point in thinking where knowledge is the common property of mankind. Yet there are many who seek to rule others because, of their ignorance.In the past knowledge and learning was under the lock and key of a few chosen individuals as it was thought to be of great privilege to become a member of the Mystery Schools of Sacred Institutions of education. This was done to protect the common man from learned individuals who were of bad character and virtue, so their greed and ambition did not undermine the progress of the community. In today’s setting, many of the learned have betrayed their duty to act in good faith according to the most upheld principles and virtues. Instead of serving the most High they serve Self, and in doing so they threaten to undermine the equality of humans and all other life forms.“In elevating in my studies and spiritual awareness I’ve come to realize that religion is personality, no different from an individual being given a name at birth. It’s a name, a title which separates you from everyone else. The truth is universal, in and a part of all. Christians believe their truth is greater than Muslims truth; the Muslims feel the same toward the Christians. Both speak of one Creator. I remember as a Five Percenter being outspoken against and discriminatory to those who weren’t as if I was better than they were. The fact that I didn’t look at the Creator as being something outside of myself didn’t make me any different from them. My lack of tolerance was all about Self not the Creator.”The first duty of all those who seek truth is to discipline their thoughts.You must welcome all good and discard the idea of negative thinking. Your mind must also be guarded against the intrusion or invasion of others thinking. By mastering oneself, one masters the world outside.Be of certainty that all who you allow into your confidence and all you bestow wisdom upon are worthy.Do not give advice, especially of a spiritual nature to those who will not use it. To reveal knowledge to those who are sinful is equivalent to handing them explosives. All who ask must be worthy of knowing, and earn the right to obtain.You do all the above to ensure you do not assist those ruled by ambition to further their cause. On a daily basis spiritual values are set aside so individuals can hunt down power, wealth, status and fame. All for the sake of depriving or dethroning others.If thou seek to become a wise man, one must undertake the cause of up building within themselves and the outer world. One must be active in building a better world for the glory of the Creator.“When I decided to change my life from being reckless to myself and toward others I made a pact with myself that instead of destroying, I would seek to build. Through my writing I would enlighten others to help them think and live a better life. This in turn would help build a better world.”One does not enter the state of wickedness by the road of fate or circumstance but by the thoughts they choose and the actions they take because of desires. A good man does not become wicked by mere mishap of ill fortune. Negative thoughts have lain dormant within his mind and heart for quite some time aching to be manifested. We do not become that of which we want without being of that. Nor do we attract what we want but instead call to us that which we are.Your thoughts and actions can either serve to imprison you, or liberate you with the greater cause and eternal truth.We are set free or chained by our thoughts. The right thoughts can serve to build you up into divinity; by abusive thoughts we fall to the level of animal nature.Man is the master of his own fate. This is so even in the weakest condition. He can abuse his mind and body and be of poor condition. Even so, he is still the master of his own fate. Unfortunately, man makes foolish decisions that only serve to cause them more harm when they’re in the weakest moments. When man comes to understand the rules that govern thought he can meditate upon such types of thinking and apply these laws to his benefit.Each soul beholds its own life and individuality, yet is connected to one eternal truth. By digging deep into ones consciousness an individual will stumble upon all truth attached to their being.Through patience and diligent search one will be enriched with the understanding of themselves and walk upon the threshold of the temple of Eternal truth.“From my early teens to late twenties, over and over I constantly inflicted pain upon myself. Hustling and chasing fast money and opportunity constantly landed me in prison and overpowered me with a sense of not being free or safe. There was not a second of the day where I didn’t think about watching my back. At the age of twenty-eight I came to the realization that I’m the master of my own fate, and whatever good or bad comes my way is brought about by my own doing. I can be my own best friend, or my own worst enemy. I’ve always been into reading and educating myself. Now at this point I was ready to start applying everything I’d learned. It was from all my past negative experiences that I developed the roughness I needed to able to handle obstacles and setbacks. There was no doubt to be felt because my fate is what I will. If I desired a better life then all I had to do was think and act desirable thoughts and actions.”Love for the material, small attitudes and the lust for wealth, worldly power diminish a man’s ability to reach greatness. For it’s not in emotions and possessions that a man’s greatness is found, but it is within his beliefs, virtues and duty to the Creator, nature and fellow man that a man goes about his labor in a great way. And through this doing greatness is achieved. When men come together under such union, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished for the good of all human families. While it is also man’s dabbling in excessive emotions and the desire to possess that of the world which has crumbled some of man’s greatest achievements.A man who masters the world within himself will surely learn to master the outer world.The physical world is but a reflection of the spiritual world. Mind and body both bare witness to a higher reality, which is the law giver to all forms of life which follow the same rules. Each plane just being an extension of the next, appearing but never existing on its own accord.In order for peace to exist between all men there must be a common understanding that all men are entitled the same rights, liberties and ability to rise forth into greatness. There can be no prejudices whatsoever. This common ideology must be shared in order for the physical world of humans to be secure in peace. Without brotherhood, all that man does and accomplishes amounts to a grain of sand upon a beach.Without unity our greatest accomplishment will remain nothing in the eyes of our Creator, for the Common law of all things are Love and Unity.“Since I was young I’ve been afflicted with many prejudices and ignorance against myself and others. Distrust of others revealed the lack of trust I harbored for myself. And most are infected with the same bug, personality and individuality rule dimming the light of eternal truth within ourselves and that which we see in others. It’s this fear which hinders humans from getting past mistakes. Repeatedly we return to that point of pain. I decided my writings would help me seek the deeper truths to build the house within. And in doing so I would enable others to do the same.”The growth of humans is a natural occurrence. Nothing can alter the development of Cause and Effect in the physical, spiritual and mental realms.It is when a human becomes spiritually conscious that they are more aware of their thoughts, and possess more of a need to control their mind. They realize by controlling their mind, they have power over their thoughts and actions. Thus, one has more of a probability of obtaining positive results time after time.Circumstances are the result of that which your soul harbors. It attracts that which it fears, loves and desires. What one faces in the outer world for good or bad affects ones inner self and thought.Whether we become dominated by circumstances, or rise above that which we reaped from sowing all depends on whether one accepts the fact they are the makers of their own destiny.It’s important to set aside one hour or two for self, so that you can meditate and ponder about past thoughts and actions, present thoughts and actions needed to be taken. Concentrate on your journey and the lessons learned. Focus on how all you’ve encountered has made you a better person. Have you found that which the Creator wants you to? If not then think about the paths you’ve taken upon your search. Meditate on that which you can do for our Creator and your fellow humans. On the other hand if you’ve already found your duty “have you begun to labor tirelessly for the good of all”? Or have you been a victim of personality and individuality undoing all you undertake for the sake of vanity, fame and acknowledgement? There is no need to do any ritual, cross hands or feet. All that’s needed is some time alone to think and reflect.“I’ve always been a thinker. It’s one reason why I never got into using drugs or boozing heavily.Both of these alter your thinking capacity greatly. Some people have said to me over the years that I think too much as if it’s a bad thing. Whereas I feel it’s a very good thing because, looking back upon my life, I see that I’ve made it through all the impossibilities because of thinking. I was not raised by my mother and father, instead I was shuffled through the foster care system. And as a result I learned life the hard way taking my bumps and scrapes, bandaging myself up the best way I could and moving on. It was important to move on, but without spiritual awareness I was basically a blind man walking into walls. After years of sitting down and talking to myself I got within, dug deep and the way was revealed to me. I not only had to talk right, I had to be right. In other words I needed to think and live positively.”That which is outside of yourself does not possess power until you see places or things as being powerful. Either you can be controlled by that which is outside of you, or you can control it.People are not included in this argument because each soul has its own purpose and no other soul should trespass upon the path of another. So stay clear of seeking to control your fellow humans.Happiness is already within humans, as well as it is all throughout the universe vibrating brightness like sunshine. To search outside of oneself for a treasure which one already possesses is a futile act. Our Creator is Love, and in creating all, everything that he is exists within all his creations.Do not waste your time with gossip, or conversations that aren’t constructive in relation to you or others. Seek to speak nicely of others, and guard your thoughts whenever negative thoughts abound in relation to others. Admire, but never be a groupie to those caught up in the illusions of fame. Think not of their accomplishment, for all humans have the same capabilities to find an occupation or labor that they can excel at above others. All souls have a definite purpose which is different from all others. When one taps into this purpose, they seem to others to be extraordinary and worthy of idolization. It is your purpose to find your own purpose and you should waste no time in foolish talk about what others are doing. This is especially so when the paths you both trek do not cross one another, as to assist each other in the labor you undertake for the Creator and fellow humans. “I myself respect the talent and drive of others, but idolization is something I stay away from. Master P and Jay Z are my two of favorite hip-hop icons. Not so much for their music but more so for their business savvy and ability to be leaders and innovators in their field. Kelly Rowland and Alicia Keyes, both beautiful women with extraordinary singing capabilities and beauty, have attracted me. Not so much for their talents but more so for how down to earth and humble they are in the midst of all the fame and hoopla. The glamour and glitter of the outside world has not dimmed the light and beauty within. In my personal career, I stay clear of the shining lights. I view myself as just an ordinary person doing extraordinary things. Whenever I run into someone seeking to throw praise upon me, I make sure to remind them that we’re all meant to do great things. The only difference between others and myself is I’m doing what I can instead of just talking about it.”Do all you can do and never procrastinate. Make the most of every second of time, for there isn’t one second to waste or spare. Time is but a mere illusion based on what humans have termed it to be reflecting the knowledge and understanding of science they possess. One day can seem to be many. While weeks and months can seem to be only one day. Your talent is for you, and you alone, and it will feed and clothe you if you pursue it. But first you must take time and care to learn and become proficient in your labor so you can get the most out of it and serve the world in a great way.“Writing a book has always been a goal of mine since I was around sixteen. I used to write girls letters in junior high school and they loved them. So you can say that writing has been and is a passion of mine. And it is something I do well. Therefore, it’s no wonder as to why I chose writing as a profession once I decided to get my life together. It took me two decades later to complete my dream of having a book published. Nevertheless, I did it. And the whole while I never concerned myself with other writers or the industry. My only thought was composing a story that readers would learn from and be entertained by. “Love Don’t Live Here” my first was published years ago and now I’m the author of several books. At one time I even had the pleasure of publishing others. This experience is over but nevertheless I’m an author who continuously releases a new title every year.”

All You Need to Know to Become An Entrepreneur (free excerpt) Purchase the book in ebook and paperback at amazon.com

You can purchase a complete  copy of All You Need to Know to Become An Entrepreneur in ebook and paperback at the following link Right Here!



Part 1: Basic Types of Business Structures
A.    Sole Proprietorship. A sole proprietorship is a business owned by one individual, and it is not incorporated. It is the easiest business structure to establish, but it provides the least amount of protection to the owner. All business liabilities become the owner’s personal liabilities. All income and expenses of the business are placed on the owner’s personal income tax return. As a sole proprietor, the owner may be liable for income taxes, self employment taxes, Social Security, and Medicare taxes (FICA).
Disadvantages:The owner is personally liable for all business’s debts, and liability is not limited to the value of the business. The owner is personally liable for any and all debt incurred.It is usually more difficult to borrow money or obtain outside investment with a sole proprietorship than with other types of business structures.If the owner becomes ill for any reason, the business is likely to fail.All management responsibility is with the owner.
Establishing a Sole Proprietorship:In order to establish a sole proprietorship, the owner should:Obtain local business licenses.Check on local zoning ordinances, regulations, and other land use restrictions.Determine if your particular business requires a state license to operate. Find out if any federal permits or licenses are required. File with your appropriate county official for the business name, then file an affidavit of publication. These guidelines apply to almost all states. Please check with your county clerk to make sure you are adhering to your states rules.Locate a good insurance agent to obtain fire, accident, liability, and theft insurance. You may operate your business out of your home and have no employees. Yet there is a possibility that a fire occurs, or some of your property is stolen. So when making the decision as to whether or not you need insurance and how much that you’re going to need take your time to think things through and take everything into account.Obtain an accountant. All profits and losses from the business are to be reported on your personal income tax.
When you file the paperwork with the county clerk to conduct business under any name other than your own, your business becomes known as, for example, John Smith d/b/a (doing business as) Acme Plumbing. You must file paperwork to obtain a d/b/a name if you wish to open a bank account under any name other than your own.
B.  PartnershipA general partnership is similar to doing business as a sole proprietor except there are more than one owner has partners with whom to share the business’s losses and gains. The owners do not have the same liability protection as with a corporation or limited liability company, but a partnership is a fast way to get a business started.
Advantages:Partnerships are basically as easy to establish as sole proprietorships.The profits from the business flow directly through to the partners personal tax returns.You don’t have to register with your state and pay a fee, as you do to establish a corporation or limited liability company.
Disadvantages:Partnerships may have different business objectives and visions.Business debts and liabilities the partners are personally liable for.Each partner’s commitments to the business may not be equal.Personal quarrels may occur.
Establishing a Partnership:In order to establish a partnership, the owners should:Obtain local business licenses.Check on local zoning ordinances, regulations, and other land use restrictions.Determine if your particular business requires a state license to operate. Find out if any federal permits or licenses are required. File with your appropriate county official for the business name, then file an affidavit of publication. These guidelines apply to almost all states. Please check with your county clerk to make sure you are adhering to your states rules.Get an EIN Employee Identification Number from IRS using form SS-4.Draft written agreement between the partners determining a financial plan, management responsibilities, day to day activities, etc.Locate a good insurance agent to obtain fire, accident, liability, and theft insurance. You may operate your business out of your home and have no employees. Yet there is a possibility that a fire occurs, or some of your property is stolen. So when making the decision as to whether or not you need insurance and how much that you you’re your time to think things through and take everything into account.Obtain an accountant. All profits and losses from the business are to be reported on your personal income tax.
When you file the paperwork with the county clerk to conduct business under any name other than your own, your business becomes known as, for example, John Smith d/b/a (doing business as) Acme Plumbing. You must file paperwork to obtain a d/b/a name if you wish to open a bank account under any name other than your own.
C.  S CorporationAn S Corp is a special type of corporation, of particular interest to sole proprietorships or partners. An entrepreneur who is interested in incorporating his or her business to limit personal liability assets may choose to do so through an S Corp. The S Corp allows the entrepreneur to protect his or her assets in the event of business failure. A simple sole proprietorship or partnership does not provide this protection.
Advantages:1.   The S corporation has shareholders and is taxed like a sole proprietorship or partnership.2.   The owner has the protection of limited liability without having to pay corporate taxes.3.   The corporation is a separate legal entity. This means a corporation can open a bank account, own property, and do business under the corporation’s name, protecting the owner’s personal name.4.   Earnings of an S Corporation—after paying a reasonable salary to the shareholders—can be passed through as distributions of profits, and are not subject to self-employment taxes.
Disadvantages:1.   S Corps are not treated the same in every state. In some states an S Corp is treated like any other corporation regarding tax liability. It is important to seek professional advice before committing to set up an S corp. I placed this in the disadvantage area because S Corps in general are not the same size companies as C Corps which are publicly traded and revenue is much greater.2.   There are restrictions on who can be owners (shareholders) of an S Corporation. An S Corporation can have no more than seventy-five shareholders, and none of the shareholders can be non-resident aliens. Also, shareholders cannot be other corporations or LLCs.
Establishing an S Corp:To form an S Corp you must file articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State. An S Corp is formed by filing incorporation documents with your state’s department of state, department of corporations, or other appropriate department. Once the business has incorporated, the owners may decide to file taxes as an S Corporation.
D.  Limited Liability Company (LLC)An LLC is a type of company, authorized to exist only in certain states, whose owners and managers receive the limited liability and (usually) tax benefits of an S Corporation without having to conform to the S Corporation restrictions.
Advantages:1.   The LLC allows for multiple owners or members. Additionally, there is a managing member who also enjoys the rewards of limited liability, and is typically the person responsible for managing the business.2.   The profits or losses of the business pass directly through to the owner’s personal income tax return on Form 1040. The LLC files a Form 1065, and then lists each member’s taxable profit on Form K-1. In other words, the LLC does not file taxes.3.   An LLC offers greater flexibility in ownership and ease of operation. The owners of an LLC can distribute profits in any manner they see fit. For example, you and a partner are owners of an LLC. Your partner contributed forty thousand dollars for capital. You only contributed ten thousand dollars, but you perform 90 percent of the work. The two of you decide that, in the interest of fairness, you will split the profits evenly, meaning you will get 50 percent and your partner will receive 50 percent. This is possible to do with an LLC, whereas other business structures do not allow such flexibility.
Disadvantages:Earnings of most members are generally subject to self-employment tax. There are other disadvantages that should be researched. LLC is the newest of all the business structures, so you will need an experienced tax professional to explain all its details.There is not one guideline which governs how Limited Liability Companies operate within all states. So if an LLC conducts business within many states there is a possibility it may not receive the same treatment.Conversion of an existing business to LLC company status could result in tax recognition on appreciated assets.Not all businesses can be formed as an LLC. Businesses in trust and insurance and banking are in most instances prohibited from forming an LLC.In California, accountants, architects, lawyers, doctors and other licensed healthcare professionals are restricted from forming their business as a LLC.
Establishing an LLC:Choose an available business name.File articles of organization and pay filing fee which can range anywhere from $100 to $800.Obtain any licenses and permits your business needs. The licenses all depend on the type of business you’re starting.Publish your notice of intent to form an LLC (this is only required within a few states). Check with your accountant, attorney or the business organization that you’re seeking to assist you with forming your LLC.
There are several business savvy websites like legalzoom.com, and limitedliabilitycompanycenter.com, sba.gov, nolo.com, irs.gov, incorporate.com and bizfiling.com so get on your pc and get going. There is a saying which is so true, “A man who fails plan plans to fail”.
Part 2: Writing a Business Plan
A business plan is a carefully thought out document detailing the steps you will take to develop a financially successful business. Preparing your business plan will help you think through every aspect of your business. If your proposed business needs investors or a loan, the first thing lenders want to see is a business plan.A business plan will serve as an assessment tool. As you work through the points in your plan, you can fix or reevaluate your ideas. Once your business is up and running, your business plan will help you keep on track and move forward to the goals you established when first thinking about the business.Your business plan should consist of four to six sections: introduction or executive summary, marketing analyses, financial management, operations or strategy and implementation, mission statement and concluding statement. Below are short descriptions of each part of a business plan. Again there is no written rule in stone as to what titles you need to give each section, but it is a must that you cover everything from what you and your company are about to how it operates or will operate, financial history if any or future projections, marketing and how you plan to grow the company. I have also included the business plan I wrote for establishing a bookstore/kiosk division of Third Eye Publishing, Inc.
Introduction: Provide a detailed description of the business and its goals. Discuss the legal structure and ownership. Explain your experience and skills, and list the advantages your business and you have over the competition.
Marketing: Explain the products and services being offered. Identify the demographics of the customer base, i.e., its race, age, gender, etc. Explain the marketing and publicity you plan to use. Give an outline of your pricing strategy.
Financial Management: Include personal financial statements and income statement projections for the first three years of your business.
Business Operations: Provide an outline and schedule of all business activities with a description of hours and days of operation, equipment and supplies that are needed, as well as how inventory will be maintained.
Concluding Statement: In your concluding statement you will briefly summarize all the information in each section of your business plan to give an overall analysis of why you feel your business venture will be successful.
Sample Business PlanThird Eye Books & Things(Bookstore and vending division of Third Eye Publishing, Inc.)
Business Plan1.0              Executive SummaryRationale:More young African Americans are reading now than ever before in the history of the United States. With the rebirth of urban literature and stories that take place within urban settings, this genre has become one of the fastest growing markets in the book industry. In suburban areas most of the bookstores are large chain retail stores like Borders and Barnes & Noble that carry a very small selection of African American books. As an author I’ve toured most of the urban cities within the northeastern states and I’ve asked many of the store clerks who represents most of their customer base. I was surprised to find out that most of them told me African American women. I found this to be even the case for libraries in urban areas where I asked and would receive the same response from clerks.Third Eye Publishing, Inc. currently has two titles published, another releasing on November 20, 2007, and one more releasing December 15, 2007. Third Eye Books & Things will serve as a distribution center for Third Eye Publishing, Inc. (www.thirdeyepublishing.org and www.myspace.com/theroneshellman)
Objective:Third Eye Books & Things will be the bookstore/kiosk and vending division of Third Eye Publishing, Inc. It will carry Third Eye Publishing book titles and other African American titles, as well as children books, financial health literature, natural health and beauty products like soaps, face cream, Shea butter, lotions, and other paraphernalia such as posters and buttons.Its store market emphasis will be to exist as a satellite store (a booth or kiosk approximately ten feet by twelve feet) within a local flea market/mall location where there is a large customer base and the store overhead will be much lower than a store front in the mall. This location will serve as the headquarters for Third Eye Publishing, Inc.’s distribution operations.
1.1       MissionThird Eye Books & Things will develop into the premier location for local Long Island residents to buy African American books and natural healthcare products. Currently most Long Island customers cater to the street vendor market in such areas as Jamaica Avenue (Queens, New York, 125th Street in Harlem, New York). These areas are twenty-five to thirty-five miles away from Long Island. Since Third Eye Books & Things will be a booth that mimics the same model of the street vendor market, Long Island customers will be familiar with the setup, and be able to purchase book titles at discount off-retail prices much closer to home.
1.2       GoalsMake Third Eye Books & Things the premier location for Long Island residents to purchase African American books and natural healthcare products.Achieve a profitable return on investment within two years. Increase sales for Third Eye Publishing titles outside of the mainstream bookstores and street vendor market. Use the profits from Third Eye Books &Things to invest in printing machinery to create a Third Eye Publishing printing division so titles can be produced on demand. Within two years create a replica satellite Third Eye Books & Things at another flea market/mall location.
2.0       Company SummaryThird Eye Books & Things will be a Long Island retailer and distributor of Third Eye Publishing books, other African American titles, financial literacy material, and natural healthcare products and paraphernalia. The company will be formed as a division of Third Eye Publishing, Inc.
2.1       Company OwnershipThird Eye Publishing, Inc. has one principle owner—Therone Shellman. Third Eye Books & Things will have the same principle owner.
2.2       Projected Start-up Financial Plan Start-up Requirements: Store furniture (bookshelves, product stands, tables, counter)                                   $2,500Wireless credit card machine                                                                                      $1,000Equipment-Computer, cash register, fax machine, copier-scanner-phone                  $2,000Inventory: books and products                                                                                   $6,000Computer software-inventory                                                                                     $600Marketing (business cards, postcards, local newspaper ads, newsletter)                    $1,000Rent (one month/plus one month security)                                                                 $2,000-$4,000Total Start-up Expenses                                                                                           $15,100-$17,100
Start-up Assets: Start-up Inventory: Three Third Eye Publishing titles                                                $3,000Total Start-up Assets                                                                                                $3,000
Immediate Liabilities: Not applicable. Kiosks within flea market locations are covered under the flea market’s insurance.
Total Start-up Expenses (from above)$15,100-$17,100Total Assets (from above):                                                                                          $3,000Total Loan Amount Needed:                                                                                   $12,100-$14,100
2.3       Company Location and FacilitiesThird Eye Books & Things will be located within a busy mall in Suffolk County or Nassau County, Long Island (New York). The mall is open seven days a week. People from all over Long Island and the county of Queens come to shop at this location since it houses the most jewelry centers within Long Island, as well as affordable clothing. The booth/kiosk will be the only one in the mall that sells books and natural soaps, oils, and skin care products.
3.0       Market Analysis SummaryAccording to online reports of book sales African American books represent one of the largest segment of growth within the book market. According to publishing industry experts, the trend is expected to continue, and reach, if not surpass, the financial success in the hip-hop industry, which is in the trillions of dollars. Health is always a main concern for people, which makes the healthcare product industry a profitable industry in which to get involved. By combining the two markets of books and healthcare products at an outlet where people can feed their minds and take care of their skin and hair, Third Eye Books & Things will cater to a broad customer base that will extend beyond the African American market.
3.1       Target Market Segment StrategyThe target market profile is Long Island residents who represent many class and educational tiers. Most of the customer base travel considerable distances to purchase books and natural skin and healthcare products. These customers tend to be loyal to merchants who service all their needs at one location. This information I acquired by asking customers who purchased my own personal book titles at book signings. I used my book signings as a platform to do the research for my business plan and a guideline to what I need to do to create businesses which would service customers in the best way as possible.
Selling in Bulk Volume:Much of this business needs to be cultivated through opportunistic networking, and diligent follow-ups of in-store inquiries and leads.
Interstate-shipments:Interstate shipments will be contingent on expansion following the successful implementation of this business plan in the first year or two of operations. This business would develop through direct-mail catalog marketing (newsletter), and an Internet sales operation.
3.2       Market NeedsLittle attention is paid to the opportunities that exist in Long Island concerning African American literature and natural health, skin, and hair products. Brooklyn, New York is the only borough larger than Long Island, so there is a strong market for these products. I’ve lived in Long Island most of my life. Suffolk County to be exact and I have never seen a book store which carried a multitude of African American literature. Even as I did my research and visited beauty supply stores I rarely came across stores which carried a large selection of natural skincare products such as soaps, lotions, body butters, etc. Here you will find hair care products which are made for African Americans.
3.3       Competition and Buying PatternsCompetition in the book and healthcare products combination market is to a large degree non-existent. Third Eye Books & Things will carry Third Eye Publishing’s titles as well as other publishers’ titles, ranging from children’s books to financial wealth and spiritual literature. Titles will mainly be by African American authors. The healthcare products that will be sold include:The first two Third Eye Publishing, Inc. titles have sold about 3,500 copies within the Long Island market to date. President and author, Therone Shellman, is very well known by readers and book purchasers in the Long Island area, most of whom will become store customers of Third Eye Books & Things.
4.0       Strategy and ImplementationLocation is critical to attract the traffic and customer profile required to generate planned sales volumes. The malls represent the best retail opportunities because of their high volume of customer traffic. Three target areas were identified throughout Long Island.Therone Shellman, President of Third Eye Publishing, is a seasoned executive management professional, having previously worked as a production supervisor for Nature’s Bounty, Inc. He also authored Third Eye Publishing, Inc.’s first two titles. The first title, Love Don’t Live Here, released in August 2006, became a best selling title On Booking Matters Magazine which conducts sales of African American titles within a select number of African American stores. The second title, No Love Lost, was an award winner in the African American Fiction category at the Indie Excellence Book Awards in 2007. This title was also a finalist in the African American Fiction Category for USABookNews.com. Shellman is also the co-author of Love.com, which released on December 15, 2007. From his various business experiences and endeavors, Shellman is knowledgeable in general business, sales, and book buyer habits.
4.1       Revenue PotentialRegarding Third Eye Publishing’s titles, Third Eye Books & Things is forecasting average sales of eight hundred to one thousand books (ten dollars per book) for each title during the first year, four thousand to six thousand book sales (eight to fifteen dollars per book) from other publishers during the first year, and urban magazine sales of three hundred to six hundred copies (prices vary). Natural products—soaps, lotions, Shea butter, Muslim oils, and incense—will make up the bulk of the stores sales.
Sales Forecast:Sales            FY2008           FY2009           FY2010Third Eye Publishing titles$20,000           $35,000           $45,000Other companies’ titles$40,000           $50,000           $60,000Soaps, lotions, Shea butter, oils$45,000           $50,000           $65,000Posters, buttons, etc                $8,000             $12,000           $15,000
4.2       Sales ProgramThird Eye Publishing, Inc. has an established Web site (www.thirdeyepublishing.org) and myspace accounts:www.myspace.com/theroneshellmanwww.my...
A proprietary Web site will be created for Third Eye Books & Things to enhance customer service, supplier commerce, and direct sales. Peripheral sales and marketing collaterals (such as pens, refrigerator magnets, and buttons) will be used to expand product lines and customer awareness of the store.Therone Shellman is an author with three published titles who has done signings at many bookstores. He knows how to present his merchandise in a professional and eye-catching manner. The booth layout for Third Eye Books & Things will be personally overseen by Shellman.
4.3       Strategic Alliance/Concluding StatementTherone Shellman belongs to many writer and publisher organizations. Third Eye Books & Things will seek out opportunities to establish viable strategic alliances with authors, publishing companies, and community organizations. Third Eye Books & Things will enable Third Eye Publishing, Inc. to expand as a recognizable brand. Third Eye Publishing will then enable Third Eye Books & Things to flourish since the Third Eye Publishing’s titles will provide a ready-made customer base for Third Eye Books & Things.


Part 3: Finding Capital for Your Business
There are many options to consider when looking for start-up capital for your business. It’s a good idea to think things through and evaluate all your options before making any decisions.
A.  Personal Savings Most new businesses are financed primarily by the business owner’s personal savings. Most owners will use their personal credit cards. Although your personal savings may be the easiest route to take, remember that most businesses fail because of a lack of resources. In most cases, a lack of knowledge and capital cause businesses to close within the first year.
B.  Friends and Relatives Your friends and relatives may lend you start-up money, and do so interest free or at a low interest rate, which can be a bonus. Every dollar saved when getting started is a big plus.
C.  Banks and Credit Unions If your business proposal is solid and thorough, then there is a very good chance for you to obtain a business loan. I will talk more about the different types of business loans below.
D.  Venture Capital Firms These firms do provide funding to some start-ups, but in most cases they help expanding companies grow in exchange for interest on the loan or partial ownership of the company.
Business Loans
Most people assume that it is very difficult to obtain a small business loan, but this is not always the case. If you have a felony on your record, then you may have some difficulty obtaining a loan. In that case, you may want to search for SBA programs where the qualifications are less strict. But other than that issue, a sound business loan proposal along with a good credit rating should get you in the door.Requesting a loan when you do not have everything together is one of the main reasons why loan proposals are turned down. It means you’re not prepared, and if you’re not prepared, you’re not going to be successful in business. Banks lend money to make money, not lose it. The better prepared and organized you are, the more successful you will be in obtaining a loan. You must know exactly how much capital you will request, how it will be used, and how it will be paid back.
Types of Business Loans There are two basic types of loans: short-term and long-term. In most cases, a short-term loan has a life of up to twelve months. These loans are usually working capital loans, accounts-receivable loans, and lines of credit.Long-term loans generally have a life span greater than one year and up to seven. Equipment and real estate loans have a life span of up to twenty-five years. Long-term loans are acquired for major business expenses such as purchasing facilities, furniture, and vehicles.
How Your Loan Proposal Will Be AnalyzedThe first question a bank considers when a loan request is reviewed is how the borrower intends to pay back the loan. Lenders also want to know whether you are intending to invest some of your own capital to fund the business. In most cases lenders will not finance 100 percent of the business. Lenders also analyze your credit report, work history, and letters of recommendation to determine whether you are a sound candidate to pay back the loan. Some other questions lenders consider are the following:
Do you have enough work experience and knowledge to run a business successfully?Does your loan proposal and business plan demonstrate your understanding of the business?Can the business make monthly payments based upon its cash flow demonstrated within the business plan?
Make sure you also consider each of these questions before approaching your lender for a loan. If you have positive answers to these questions, then you are more likely to get approved for your loan.
 Small Business Association Financial Assistance ProgramsThe largest source of business financing in the U.S. is the Small Business Administration (SBA). The best way to determine if you qualify for one of the SBA’s programs is to contact your local bank. The bank must be a qualified SBA lender. Or you can contact the SBA directly and speak to a loan officer. He or she can direct you to a lending institution which can assist you according to your business loan needs. If you have the time stop by your bank and ask to speak to their loan officer. You may need to set up an appointment because most banks have a loan officer which may handle either a few or several branches. Once you get a chance to speak to them find out what SBA loans they participate in and what are the criteria of each. From there you’re on your way.Below are various loan programs offered by the SBA.
7(a) Loan Guaranty ProgramThe 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program is the SBA’s primary loan program. Under this program the SBA reduces risk to lenders by guaranteeing a major portion of loans made to small businesses. This helps lenders provide loans to small businesses when funding in other cases is unavailable. This loan program should be a last resort option for owners trying to obtain funds. The eligibility requirements and credit criteria for the program are very broad, so they allow for many considerations in small business financing needs. To qualify for an SBA 7(a) loan, a small business must meet the 7(a) criteria, and the lender must assert that it cannot provide the financing on reasonable terms except with assistance from the SBA. In most cases the maximum guarantee is seven hundred fifty thousand dollars. The SBA can guarantee as much as 80 percent on loans of up to one hundred thousand dollars, and 75 percent on loans of more than one hundred thousand dollars. There are other loan programs where the SBA guarantees more. Some of these programs are DELTA, 504 loan programs, and the International Trade program.
How It HappensA small business applies to a lending institution for a loan; the lender reviews the application and decides if the business has all the necessary requirements to obtain financing on its own, or if it requires additional support in the form of an SBA guarantee. The lender then requires that the SBA back the loan. Under this program, the SBA guarantees the lender that in the event the borrower does not pay back the loan, the government will.If the lender approves the loan based on an SBA guaranty, a copy of the application and a credit analysis are forwarded by the lender to the nearest SBA office. After SBA approval, the lending institution closes the loan and disburses the funds. You then make monthly loan payments directly to the lender. Repayment plans may be specially tailored to each business. There are no balloon payments, prepayment penalties, or application fees.
Financing UsesPermitted uses for a 7(a) loan are very broad and include expanding or renovating facilities, purchasing machinery, equipment, and fixtures, improving the leasehold, financing receivables, keeping on-hand working capital, and refinancing existing debt.
Interest Rates, Fees, and TermsThe repayment length of time depends on how the proceeds are intended to be used, and the ability of the business to repay. Payment terms in most cases are five to ten years for working capital, and up to twenty-five years for fixed assets such as major renovation of real estate, or the purchase thereof. The purchase of equipment can also fall under fixed assets.Both fixed and variable interest rates are available. For loans under fifty thousand dollars, rates may be slightly higher than 2.75 percent. But for loans with maturities under seven years, rates are somewhere around 2.25 percent. The SBA charges the lending institution a fee to provide the guaranty, and in most cases the lender passes this charge on to the borrower.
CollateralPersonal guarantees are required from all the principal owners of the business. Liens on personal assets of the owners may be required. In most cases a loan will not be declined where sufficient collateral is the only criteria not met. This is so because the SBA depending on the loan amount can guarantee up to 80 percent of the loan.
EligibilityTo be eligible for a 7(a) loan, the business must be operated for profit and fall within the size standards set by the SBA. A business is deemed a small business based on the average number of employees during a twelve-month period, or on sales averaged over three years. A manufacturing business can have from 500-1,500 employees, and a wholesaling business can have 1-100 employees.
What You Need for The Lender’s ReviewDocumentation requirements may vary, so contact your lender for the specific information you must supply. Below is a list of some of the documentation and information you must provide.1. Purpose of loan.2. History of the business.3. Amount of investment in business by owners.4. Signed personal financial statements.5. Personal resumes.6. Financial statements for three years (existing businesses)
There are a number of specialized programs under 7(a) that address specific needs of new and established businesses. These specialized programs are all usually governed by the same rules, so make sure you speak to your lender or an SBA loan officer about your available options.
Low Documentation Loan (LowDoc)One of the SBA’s most popular loan programs is the LowDoc program. If you meet the requirements of your lender, LowDoc only requires a simple one-page SBA application form. The LowDoc is a way to get rapid approval for loans up to one hundred thousand dollars. For loans over fifty thousand dollars, you must also provide a copy of U.S. Income Tax Schedule C, or the front page of the corporate or partnership returns for the past three years. The SBA guarantees up to 80 percent of the loan amount. Applications are usually processed within two to three business days. The funds cannot be used to repay most existing debt.
FastrakThis program allows lenders to provide capital to businesses seeking loans up to one hundred thousand dollars without SBA approval. Lenders use their existing documents and procedures to make and service loans. The SBA guarantees up to 50 percent of a Fastrak loan. Maturities are usually five to seven years. Be aware that not all lenders participate in the Fastrak program.
CAPLinesUnder this program there are five short term loans and revolving lines of credit for the working capital needs of businesses. CAPLines may be used to finance direct costs for construction needs, service supply contracts, finance direct costs associated with commercial and residential construction, and finance working capital by obtaining advances against inventory and accounts receivables.
International Trade LoanThis program is designed for businesses engaged in international trade, or those preparing to engage in international trade. This loan is for short-term and long-term financing. The SBA can guarantee up to $1.25 million for a combination of fixed asset financing and permanent working capital.
The Export Working Capital Program (EWCP)The EWCP uses a one-page application form, and turnaround time is usually within ten days. This program was designed specifically for exporters seeking short-term working capital. The SBA guarantees up to 90 percent of the principal, and interest up to seven hundred fifty thousand dollars. You can also apply for a letter of prequalification from the SBA. A EWCP loan can combine with an international trade loan as long as the SBA’s exposure is not above $1.25 million.
504 Certified Development CompaniesThese non-profit organizations are sponsored by private interests or by state and local governments. The SBA can cover as much as 40 percent of a 504 project up to $1 million. Proceeds from 504 loans must be used for fixed-asset projects such as purchasing land, construction of new facilities, renovation of existing facilities, or purchasing machinery and equipment. The 504 program cannot be used for working capital or inventory, or for repaying debt.
The 7(m) Microloan ProgramThis program provides small loans up to twenty-five thousand dollars. The average loan is ten thousand dollars. This is a pilot program available at a limited number of lenders. With this loan the SBA makes funds available to intermediary non-profit organizations, and in turn these organizations make loans to small businesses.
The Small Business Investment Company (SBIC)SBICs are privately owned and managed investment firms that make capital available to small businesses through investments or loans. SBICs are for-profit firms whose purpose is to share in the success of a small business. The SBIC program is regulated by the SBA, and is designed for new or established businesses.
Women’s Pre-Qualification Loan ProgramSelected non-profit intermediaries work with applicants to develop a viable business plan and loan application. A loan request is then presented to the SBA, and in most cases a decision is made within three business days. Upon approval, the SBA provides a letter of prequalification. The applicant can then take this letter to a lending institution and apply for an SBA guaranteed loan of up to two hundred fifty thousand dollars. Contact your local SBA office to check for other requirements regarding approval.
The Minority Pre-Qualification Pilot Loan ProgramThis program utilizes local, private sector organizations as intermediaries to assist in the loan process. A prospective borrower works with the intermediary to develop a solid loan application. The application is then sent immediately to the SBA for consideration of a loan pre-qualification. Generally the loan application is for loans of two hundred fifty thousand dollars or less. Businesses that are 51% owned and managed by a racial or ethnic minority person(s), or not engaged in rental real estate are eligible.
Before you go into business, do your research. Contact your local branch of the Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE). SCORE provides counseling and assistance on how to put together a business plan, and it will link you with someone who has previous work experience, or ownership of the type of business you would like to open. You may also contact the SBA for information on counseling and lending programs.

Therone Shellman June 15th article in Indie Rapstarz Magazine http://indierapstarzmag.com

When did you start writing? and what motivated you to write?
Ans. To be honest my writing endeavors started with writing love letters to the young ladies in Junior High. They were awed because, most young men don't like or know how to communicate. It started to become serious while I was about 17 years old, and become full blown at 19 when I began the first draft of Love Don't Live Here.

Growing up a 5 Percenter as a young man I was lucky enough to come in contact with some great older minds of brothers who were also members. They introduced me to many learned thinkers, writers, historians, etc. It is here that I became aware that there are many great writers, and I could become one myself. The icing on the cake is when I was introduced to some works of Walter Mosley. When I began researching who he was, and how his following/readers were of many races and ethnicity I made the decision that this is also what I desired to strive for. My experiences are the foundation for the way I see the world. As an artist I want to convey my thoughts to the world in a manner they can all understand.


Who were some of your favorite writers?
Walter Mosley, Langston Hughes, Richard Wright, James Baldwin, A.J. Rogers, Allison Walker, Toni Morrison, John Grisham, Manley P. Hall, Napoleon Hill, etc. There are so many other good writers works I've had the opportunity of enjoying. It would take a whole book to name them all, and the experiences.

Whats was your first book? and what was it about?
Ans.The name of my first book is Love Don't Live Here (revised edition). The story takes place during the 70's between Brooklyn, and Long Island, N.Y. It's about the lives of two black women who are in their early twenties. Both of them become single mothers through different circumstances. One, her boyfriend leaves here while she's six months pregnant. The others husband is a member of the Black Panther Party and winds up being killed. Through chance they both meet while at the supermarket. After speaking they realize they have a common goal, which is to raise their sons to become productive men in a society geared toward their demise. As women they don't know what their sons need. The book is fiction, but very realistic and historical.
Any other books you wrote?
Ans. Yes, my second book is No Love Lost- a story which takes place during the cocaine/crack era of the mid 80's into the early 90's within Long Island, N.Y. It's a story about the lives of two black teen males who break away from the middle class lifestyles their mothers strive to provide for them, and turn to the streets. The book is very graphic, realistic and true portrayal of the deadly lifestyle and the destruction it brings to both the individuals involved and the greater community.

I co-wrote a book called Love.com which is no longer available from my venture. But is available on amazon.com through other sellers. It is a fun, funny title with a very subtle but serious message about not letting people or life get the best of you.

The Secrets of Self Publishing 2 was just released. This is the follow up to the first edition which is my fourth title. My journey in self-publishing started almost a decade ago when most of the industry thought it was just a fad which wouldn't last. If you have watched all of Tupac Shakur's interviews over the last year before he was murdered, then I will say everything he stated about the music industry I will double and say it's also true about the literary world. Therefore the book is an opportunity for aspiring authors to get ahead start in learning the ground floor of the business.

Survivor I Changed the Rules, is my autobiography. But it also mirrors the lives of those who were teens in the 80's-90's. It speaks about a generation, and also the power we as individuals have to overcome obstacles, regardless of what statistics or the media state.

All You Need to Know to Become An Entrepreneur, isn't a very large book. Instead it is a straight to the point work detailing the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. The book starts right away with the different types of business structures and their pros and cons. I actually started writing as notes for myself, but as they work built I realized it would be a great book for others.

There are more books coming right after this article prints, so stay in the know.
What message you wanted to share in your books?
Ans. The messages I share in my works are about enlightenment, and reality. They are also about overcoming and progression.

How you feel about the young black males today and the direction they are heading?
Ans. Young black males today like the generations before them are being victimized and manipulated by a system of organized chaos which seeks to alter and destroy their images and also identity. There is no profit for many to see them being educated, self aware and progressive.

One thing I would like to speak about is the pants hanging off the waist. I understand this was started by some rappers. But to corporate America and some others this was a great opportunity to ensure it had become a part of urban culture. In prison culture it has always been a way for homosexual men to let others know they were available. In no way am I seeking to knock anyone's sexual preference. But I will say young people are being introduced to a lifestyle outside of men and women relationships when they haven't even figured out how to effectively deal with the opposite sex. I don't want to spend too much time on this because, there are so many other things to speak about. So I will move on to gang culture, and the break down and disappearance of rules and regulations. We understand that the streets have always been lawless in some manners, but today it's as if the Older Blind are leading the Younger Blind. So the reckless behavior is at all time high. Peddling, hustling, etc is no longer a business or means to get out the ghetto. Instead it has become a lifestyle to accept and desire the worst.

Unless there is a concerted effort between the black business sector, religious leader/community, civic organizations, black men in the arts (actors, singers, writers, etc) the same cycle of abuse and ignorance will continue to be passed down generation to generation. I was speaking to a woman in her twenties and she mentioned to me, that if black men in her age group aren't in gangs killing each other off, their gay or unconcerned about getting out there and making it happen. They want a woman to take care of them like their mothers did. My eyes opened wide at how brutal her words sounded. But when you sit back and think for a moment, you cannot be offended by someone speaking the truth of what is going on right now.
READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE IN THE JUNE 15th EDITION OF INDIE RAPSTARZ MAG http://indierapstarzmag.com
Get yourself a copy. While you're at it get a young person you know a copy!!

The THERONE SHELLMAN brand "I'm not the message, I'm just a Messenger"

From day one I've said my intentions are to write insightful, thought provoking books which parents can read, and pass on to their teens. Books which can be discussed at the dinner table, or amongst school students, and co-workers. This is what i've said from day one with the publishing of "Love Don't Live Here" (revised edition) in 2005, and throughout my writing career i've remained true to this promise.

No Love Lost, explored the depths of the mind and hearts of two courageous young mothers who desire nothing more than the best for their sons. The book dug deep with the psyche of young black male teens who without father figures turn to whatever lures them in their enviroments to seek fales happiness and power. Even if this means losing in the end.

Love.com, a book I co-wrote in a humurous way showed the otherside of a marriage gone wrong. Just as much as women, men as well are coping with bad relationships. The bigger picture in the book deals with what all face as humans daily, which is the fight not to lose our humanity through all the ups and downs, trials and tribulations which we experience.

The Secrets of Self Publishing, was my gift to aspiring writers. I learned all the insight i've gained through dily trial and error. Writing this booklet was my way of opening the doors of knowledge to those who were in the dark about a business which has long been manipulated by insiders.

Survivor I Changed the Rules Pt1, my autobiography is more than just a memoir, it is also about the lives of people within my generation and what we were faced with, and how I dealt with it and overcame to become the man I am today. It's my testimony.

Many books are on the way. All You Need to Know to Become An Entrepreneur, is both an orthodox and unorthodox point of view of what makes for good entrepreneurship, and also what one needs to learn, as well as continually learn to think and do. The Secrets of Self Publishing 2, is a total upgrade of the first work with many new chapters and viewpoints. Third Eye Awakening, is a spiritual/self-help book detailing my 25 years of life and spiritual studies. The work details my insights, and in some cases experiences. All My Tears: Poetry & Thoughts, is composed of two sections, one is poetry and the next is quotes. All of the quotes and sayings are originally my own.

My writings are a reflection of who I am and what I'm concerned about. With a two year hiatus from the publishing world, instead of feeling out of it, I actually feel renewed and refreshed. For starters I needed the break, and most importantly I've had time to dedicate to writing some really amazing work which will help a lot of people.

When I write there is always something I want to lave you with to take on into your every day life. Even, if it's just a simple thought of encouragement.

'I'm not the Message, I'm just a Messenger.'

My New Journey with Publishing in This Ever Changing Business (Createspace)

One thing is certain, it is that nothing remains the same, change is inevitable. With the advancement of technology on a daily basis, this especially rings true within the business world.

The publishing world has changed so dramatically over the last five years that it's caused me to abandon some ideas. For instance I've always been against utilizing third party publishers to self publish. But with the invention of amazon kindle and other ebook technology, one would quickly get left behind if they failed to not let go of yesterday and focus on the changes of today.

The creation of Createspace an Amazon company totally shocked me. What took me by surprise is how convenient and affordable the process is. Not to mention the fact that the publishing platform provides authors with all the benefits they would possess publishing their books under their own venture. There is even an option which allows one to utilize their own ISBN so the title(s) will be listed under their own company not Createspace. Through the Expanded Distribution program authors will not only be able to make their titles available within the Createspace store, and on amazon.com, but the title(s) will also be available within the Ingram and Baker and Taylor system. Making them available to bookstores and libraries. The only downside I've seen is that in order for the books to be available to the libray market it needs to possess a Createspace ISBN. Then again this may not be a downside at all. Publishing via Createspace frees the author from a lot of the backend duties they would be forced to undertake publishing under their own company.

The thing which really caused me to take notice of the Creatspace program, is their author copy purchase program and royalties. Authors can purchase copies of their own books to keep or sell. As an author/publisher who has dealt with printers in the past, I pretty much have a ballpark figure of how much copies cost based on quantity and page count. I found their figures to be better than a lot of printers. This is especially so if one is to purchase in small quantities.
The royalty program is great. A business book I've written priced at $12.00 will receive $5.05 from amazon.com sales, and $7.45 from the creatspace store, expanded distribution will net $2.65-which is still over 20%. This is a whole lot better than publishing with a traditional publisher whose royalties usually range from 7%-10% for paperbacks.

All in all I find Creatspace to be a sound program for any author looking for an opportunity to retain rights to their work and also obtain a substantial royalty. Self Publishing under this program allows the author to be able to focus on writing, and marketing.

Witnessing almost every platform of publishing under my own ventures, i've now decided to publish under Createspace. The main reason being flexibility and the abilitiy to be able to get the most out of publishing as if it was being done under my own venture.

My focus now can be on writing, more writing, marketing and other ventures. Who knows now with this flexibility I may decide to move overseas for a few years and expand awareness of my works and ideologies in other countries. This thought has always been in the back of my mind since i first self published. I always wondered how i was going to find the freedom to do it.
The Secrets of self Publishing 2 and All You need to Know to Become An Entrepreneur will be available in paperback version by Thursday.

Here at my amazon.com author central page you can read articles from my blog, as well as book title(s). You'll also be able to see when a new book is released. Over the next 3 weeks i'll be releasing all of my previous titles, as well as a few more new ones besides the one's at top mentioned.

Generational Greatness (Generations & Greatness/September 2008 Issue

Generations & Greatness: August/September 2008 Issue

Every one of us are a byproduct of genetic history. Within our genes exist the physical, mental and spiritual history of our ancestors and bits and pieces of the characteristics of every human that has walked this planet earth. Africans who have never mixed with other populations are said to have the strongest and purest genes and genetic code because, they descend from the first copy of what God intended man and Woman to be.

Within the genetic code exists all the history of Man. When you pray you are summoning and calling on all the spirits of your ancestors to assist and enlighten you in your time of need. In the western world we are taught to pray to God. If praying is a part of seeking through spiritual channels than before one can reach God there stands the souls of all those before us because, we are all connected in one way or another, since life evolved from one source.

To know the gifts and shortcomings we all possess it’s important to know your family history. All of the traits your ancestors possessed lie within you. My love for literature may have seemed to be my choice. But deep within my psyche the yearning for the written word was there before I consciously realized it. In the 4th grade I would write misspelled words over and over to remember how to spell them. In our class we had reading groups, which were based on how well you could read and pronounce words. I excelled right away and was always called on by the teacher to read or spell a word no one else could.

I published my first book and didn’t even know one of my sisters was seeking to publish a poetry book. That’s how much of a secret our writings were to one another. Three years ago I learned that one of her sons likes to write stories. I’m sitting there in her living room watching TV and he pulls out a notebook and starts writing. When he showed me what he wrote I was astonished b/c it was only about a page and a half story, but it was really good, especially, for a 12 years old. My niece is 16 years old and now I give her books to read weekly. But I didn’t know she was into books until one day she told me she read my sophomore novel “No Love Lost”. Her brother graduated high school this year and surprisingly he’s going away to college for journalism. I never he even thought he had an interest in literature because he never talked about books or writing. I’m looking forward to building my company Third Eye Publishing so he can one day become the Senior Editor. The ego that I have I would like to think that my writing career has everything to do with my younger family members having an interest in writing and reading, but when I look at all the similarities and our likes I recognize that genetics has more to do with it than anything else.

Even though my family history hasn’t been the best I have to admit that I at one time was a very bad example to my younger sisters and brother, nephews and niece. But I do believe in change and I definitely believe in leading by example. My families later generations will not experience the same hardships I’ve faced, nor will they walk the same path. I’m laying down a foundation today which will enable my family to build a better tomorrow. My nephews and nieces and future children will all benefit from what I’m doing. They will not be like most African American 20yrs olds wondering about what awaits them in this world. They will know that my dad and uncle have this and that for me to do. Through this lesson they will be taught to do the same thing for their cousins, nephews and nieces. This is how great families have and are been built. But it always takes that one mind to set things in motion. For my family I’m that person.
The challenge for today’s families is to pick the pieces up which were left by those before them and plant seeds to grow bigger and stronger trees than the generation which past. Even if you were born into a family of millionaires, nothing should be taken for granted and you should be seeking to take the next generation into the billionaire status. The Kennedy’s would not be the American experience that they are had it not been for the sacrifices made by Jack Kennedy who was by a far a very daring and courageous man.

Generational Greatness is something we all should be striving for. It is the reason why we carry our last names proudly as to say “we are such and such, and we stand and represent this and that.”