2010–2012 FPA Board of DirectorsAn election for the Florida Publishers Association, Inc. Board of Directors was held Saturday, October 9, 2010, during the welcome/business meeting as part of the FPA 2010 Publishing Ed-U-Conference: “Experience Speaks!” According to the current bylaws, one representative from each FPA member company in good standing, in attendance at the annual membership meeting, could vote for as many of the nominees as they felt were qualified. The bylaws also state that the number of Board members will always be an odd number; therefore, of the eight candidates on the ballot, the seven with the most votes were chosen to be on the board. Votes were verified by Lowell Teal, a Nominating Committee member, and the results were announced by Mistress of Ceremonies Betsy Lampe at the conclusion of the FPA 2010 President’s Book Awards Banquet. The new Board met after the awards banquet to select its Executive Committee.
Executive Committee
President
Chris is a publisher who has been in business for 4 years. He has previously been an FPA Board member and has served on the FPA board as president for the past two years. “As editor for a traditional publishing company and producer for self-publishing authors, I am familiar with many aspects of the book-making world. With the publishing game changing, I believe that it becomes increasingly important to pursue both well-trodden paths and to blaze new trails if we wish our industry to thrive. Florida is the fourth-largest U.S. State and has a large retirement population that still likes to read, as well as a large contingent of talented writers. As an FPA Board member, I would like to work on finding more ways to reach out to them and to share our experiences, expertise and new ideas with each other.” Chris Angermann can be reached at c.angermann@verizon.net.
Vice President
Kyle relocated from the northeast to Sanibel Island, FL in 1999. She retired from teaching and coaching to become an award winning author, publisher, and wildlife educator. In 2005, she founded Jungle House Publications and published her first wildlife storybook for children titled, DILLO — A Baby Armadillo’s Adventure on Sanibel Island. Having earned a MS degree in Physical Education from Ohio University and a MA degree in Counseling Psychology from Slippery Rock University, Kyle combines her love of wildlife with her educational background to produce and publish wildlife storybooks for children that entertain, educate, and impart life lessons. “After joining the Florida Publishers Association in 2006, I have participated in a number of annual FPA educational events and member promotions. The highlight was being awarded the 2010 Independent Book Publishers Association's Publishing University Scholarship, which afforded me the opportunity to attend the Publishing University and BookExpoAmerica in New York City. The educational events, networking and marketing opportunities FPA has offered have given me invaluable resources for the development of my own professional life and business. Being a board member not only helps maintain the success of my own business, but it also gives me the opportunity to help other publishers, authors, and aspiring professionals reach their goals.” Kyle Miller can be reached at JungleHousePub@Yahoo.com
Secretary
Ellen Wolfson Valladaresis an award-winning writer/author, workshop facilitator, community volunteer, and mother with nonprofit experience. A native Floridian, she grew up in St. Petersburg and graduated in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Florida. She has worked as an editor for a community newspaper, a public relations professional, and a freelance writer. She self-published her first novel, Jonathan's Journey to Mount Miapu, in 2008. The book received several awards, including a Silver Award in the Florida Publishers Association President’s Book Awards, a Mom’s Choice Gold Award, and the 2009 Coalition of Visionary Resources Visionary Awards Book of the Year award. “When I decided to enter the world of publishing a few years ago, I was advised to join several organizations that could be helpful in navigating this new, often confusing territory. FPA was one of those and honestly I wasn't expecting much in return for my very affordable membership. I was pleasantly surprised, however, by the professionalism of the organization and the incredible amount of support and education that is offered. Last year, I attended my first Ed-U-conference in Sarasota and came away with an abundance of useful, practical information. In addition, I enjoyed the chance to interact with other authors and publishers. “I definitely have found FPA to be my most valuable publishing industry membership. I believe the reason for that is that the people behind the organization truly care about providing information and services that will help its members succeed. I also appreciate that even as a newbie to the organization I never felt intimidated, but rather found everyone approachable and willing to share information and knowledge. I have been involved in a number of non-profit organizations and for me, FPA is refreshing in those respects. “That is why I value the opportunity to serve alongside other industry professionals and contribute what I can to help FPA continue to grow and improve. While I am relatively new to the publishing business, having self-published my first children'’ novel two years ago, I have written professionally for many years and plan to write and publish additional books. I would hope to bring to the board the perspective of the author/self-publisher who has learned a lot, both good and bad, through my personal experiences thus far. And what better way for me to continue my learning process than to get more personally involved with FPA, the organization that is at the heart of Florida's publishing industry?” Ellen Wolfson Valladares can be reached at ellenwv@aol.com
Board members (listed alphabetically)
Born in Kentucky and a Florida resident since 1994, Mark Wayne Adams enjoys the rewards of publishing daily. Anyone who knows him, knows drawing is a huge part of his life. When asked if he illustrates for a living, he responds with an inspiring drawing lesson and recommends his Best Sketchbook to aspiring writers and artists. Recently, Mark was awarded medals for the 2010 IPPY Awards, the 2010 Eric Hoffer Awards, and 2009 Moonbeam Award as Best Illustrator for his contributions to Nicholas, That’s Ridiculous by Ms. Christa Carpenter. Also received were medals in the 2010 & 2011 Ben Franklin Awards, 2010 & 2011 Indie Excellence Awards, and the 2010 & 2011 Mom’s Choice Awards for his contribution to The Belly Button Fairy and The Fart Fairy by Mrs. Bobbie Hinman, Best Fairy Books. “Have you ever wanted to change an ordinary day into an extraordinary story? Then we are similar in our publishing goals. “I am not a Florida native, however I have resided in this state for over fourteen years. My work experience ranges from the Lead for the SeaWorld Orlando Theming Department, to an Art Director for an Architectural Sign Company, and even Store Manager for Sprint Print Commercial Printing. All positions required project management, employee/customer relations skills, and leadership. “My publishing journey began much differently from traditional publishers. I moved to Clermont, Florida in 1994 as an Illustrator following an animation dream. In 1996 I was approached by Lifestyles Press, Tavares, FL, to illustrate a paperback book, The Magical Forest. This book did not win any awards. Nor did it sell out in book stores. This book did ignite the flame that would grow into my publishing career. “Since that first small book, my contributions to children's books have been recognized through multiple awards. "During the past two years I’ve illustrated over twelve traditional hard bound children’s books and published five. These numbers do not reflect e-books published as well. The printed book is only a part of a publishers commitment. Marketing, seminars, public speaking, and author development are key to our success as well. I participate regularly in regional and national book events like Book Expo America, New York. Travel also extends to speaking engagements in elementary schools and professional organizations throughout the southeast. “As a board member, I bring professional work experience, award-winning recognition, and a voice that reaches not only members but the youth of Florida.” Mark Wayne Adams can be reached at markwayneadams@mac.com.
Warren Caterson is an internationally recognized nonprofit and fund-raising veteran whose passion is developing donors into philanthropists who are engaged and excited by the positive impacts they create in the world. With nearly 25 years experience in management and strategic philanthropy, his practice focuses on connecting donors with projects and initiatives they care about. He founded Winfield & Scott Press in 2008 and his first book, Table for Two - The Cookbook for Couples (2009) is now in its second printing. Born and raised in New York, Warren moved to Florida in 1972, attended college in southeast Florida, where he met and married Sherry, now his wife of 31 years. Warren sought reelection to the FPA Board of Directors because, he says, “To share what I've learned both as an Executive and Board Member of non-profit orgs as well as a publisher.” Warren Caterson can be reached at wwcaterson@gmail.com
Brandon is an award-winning writer whose educational authorship includes The Little Red Writing Book, The Little Gold Grammar Book, The Little Green Math Book, and The Little Blue Reasoning Book. Prior to becoming a full-time author he worked as Director of Business Development for Kaplan Educational Centers in Hong Kong. In a former life, he worked as an auditor for the Ernst & Young Accounting Group in Hong Kong and audited client companies in mainland China including Coca-Cola, McCormick Seasoning and Foodstuffs Company, and the Hilton and Holiday Inn Hotels.
“Although I have been ‘traditionally’ published on three continents (Writer's Digest USA, Blackwell Publishing UK, and Pearson Prentice-Hall Singapore), I remain committed to independent publishing as the best way for me to bring my books to market and manage them. In my role as an ‘entrepreneurial author,’ I endeavor to tackle each of publishing’s four domains: (1) write and produce books (employing highly competent editors and cover designers), (2) release books in multiple formats (paperback, pdfs, epubs/Kindle, and perhaps audio), (3) sell foreign rights (including foreign language translations and/or co-edition rights), and (4) pursue special sales (nontraditional markets and/or sponsorship sales where sponsors pay for print runs and books are given to schools, not-for-profits, etc.). I also believe that, although self-publishing provides unprecedented opportunity for individual expression, problems with ‘quality control’ are a major concern. When the gatekeepers of traditional publishing are removed from the publishing process, it places tremendous responsibility on self-published authors to not only match high standards of editing and cover design but also manage the entire book cycle.
“Recent talks that I’ve given about ‘entrepreneurial authorship’ serve to highlight the multifaceted approach needed to properly manage a book title: ‘The New Entrepreneurial Book Publishing Model – How Authors Can Publish More Profitably, Take Control of Marketing, Manage Their Digital Rights, and Achieve a Global Presence’; ‘How to Make Your Self-Published Book Look and Feel Like a New York–Published Book – Best Practices in Cover Design, Interior Design, and Digital Layout’; and ‘The Frankfurt Book Fair and the Foreign Rights Game – How Authors Can Find Foreign Publishing Partners and Negotiate Their Own Contract Terms.’
“To date I have a dozen first-place finishes in book awards, but I am most proud to have won awards in the following diverse categories: Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Memoirs, Education, Test Preparation, Business, Professional/Technical, and eBooks. It is said that one writes for love and publishes for money. What I find most enjoyable about writing is the feeling that I'm influencing a marketplace by creating a superior ‘mousetrap.’ I like the idea of psychologically affecting people, and am motivated by the possibility that someone, somewhere is thinking, ‘Wow, this is good stuff.’ I'm not terribly motivated by the prospect of fan recognition, but I like the idea of selling lots of books because it's the best way I have of influencing people.
“My alma maters include San Diego State University and the University of Chicago. Prior to working in Hong Kong, I attended Beijing University and studied Mandarin Chinese. It is my fiction and script writing courses taken during summer at Harvard University that I attribute to the beginning of my writing career.”
Favorite quotes: “If you’re going to do a job, do a job. And if you’re not going to do a job, don’t do a job.” (Steve Ballmer’s father) “Things should be made a simple as possible, but not any simpler.” (Einstein) “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” (Elisabeth Kubler-Ross) “Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but who can count the apples in every seed.” (Robert Schuller) Brandon Royal can be reached at info@mavenpublishing.com
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Chris Angermann (
Kyle Miller (
Ellen Wolfson Valladares (
Mark Wayne Adams (
Warren Caterson (
Brandon Royal (