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Robert Stoner Jr Biography

Robert Gene Stoner Jr.

Born: Canton, Ohio, USA - 1949

Current residence: Holiday, Florida, USA

Service: US Army Military Police K-9 Corp

Tour of Duty Vietnam

College: Kent State University - Ohio

University of South Florida

Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts -Painting/Sculpture

Currently Retired – Formally owner Stoner Antique Restoration

Member – Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

Published Poem – Sealed, Steadfast and Resolute

Safe and Vault Technology, Inc

Published Poems - Similarities: Voices In Verse

Ty And The Knight Writers LLC

Self Published Children’s Book –“I Went To The Zoo”

Accepted to the following Public Library Children’s collections:

Dunedin Public Library, Fl

New Port Richey Public Library, Fl

Holiday Public Library, Fl

Palm Harbor Public Library, Fl

Clearwater Public Library, Fl

Tarpon Springs Public Library, Fl

Self Published Children’s Book Series (Six Volumes) – “The Little Gray Squirrel”

Web site – robertgenestonerjr.com

Blog – Roberts Readers Club – children’s poetry writing topics

Facebook – Robert Gene Stoner Jr - Poet

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My First Self Published Book

Blog Posted by Robert Stoner Jr: 7/30/2015 6:01:00 PM

I just finished self publishing my first childrens book " I Went To The Zoo ". Illustrated is the cover and a page from the 24 page 6x9 perfect bound book. The service I used is The Book Patch.com. They offer a variety of services, they are the registered publisher though they have no ownership,copywrite or royalties. I purchased an ISBN in the $40.00 category though they are available from $25-$50 with different features.

A quick run down of costs are: 1 book 24 pages, full color cover/ b/w interior $1.55

1 book 24 pages, full color cover/ color interior $4.46

Shipping and handling run around $5.65 , all costs depend on numbers purchased as discounts are available.

The site has an in house book store that makes your book available to the public on line. I am asking $6.97 for this my first effort. The site will sell the book collect the printing fee and send me the difference based on my retail price. The buyer pays shipping and handling.

My total cost was the ISBN, $40.00 and purchase of the first copy to proof 10.00. I did all the work though they do offer all the needed services.

I offer this information to would be self publishers as insight to the process only, there are many servers available. The poem used is a contest entry here on Poetry Soup so don't think these contests are a waste of time they are kindling to a greater fire. I will be self publishing my series "The Little Gray Squirrel " next and promoting my books as possible. Nine months from my first poem to my first self published book, how fun!

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Carol Eastman

August 1, 2015 at 9:39 AM

Congratulations on being published... And Thank you for the information on publishing. Why did you use this particular publisher? I'd like to hear your reasons... verse create a space from Amazon, and others... I'm thinking about doing the same thing.

Robert Stoner Jr

August 1, 2015 at 1:36 PM

This site offers discounts for quantities if you have large expectations. They offered a buy now button for my web page so I have nothing to do but wait for sales and checks, they handle everything.I couldn't be more pleased with the results. Sold my first book on line already,how cool is that. lol my wife said I'm going viral.

Robert Stoner Jr

August 1, 2015 at 1:31 PM

I went with The Book Patch because after web searching, it was the most low cost, offered all the self publishing tools I needed and offered a retail outlet at no cost other than their printing costs. Next time I will buy my ISBN independently making me the publisher. TBP will use your independent ISBN in printing your book. The phone support was excellent the book is top quality printing. I have no out lay of expense other than the ISBN. I just ordered 10 books for $53.00 w/shipping. I can still make a small profit on them at $6.97 and move books and my name.

Kim Merryman

July 31, 2015 at 1:13 PM

Congrats, Robert! I'm sure this is an exciting time for you! Thank you for sharing this information with us. Sounds interesting.

Robert Stoner Jr

July 31, 2015 at 3:45 PM

Thank you Kim for your kind words, now go out and produce a book :o)

Julia Ward

July 31, 2015 at 11:43 AM

Thank you for the answer to my question, Robert. I say, it's great you did the artwork too!

Robert Lindley

July 31, 2015 at 9:50 AM

Huge congrats on your accomplishment my friend! Artwork looks great! Bravo!!!!

Robert Stoner Jr

July 31, 2015 at 3:43 PM

Thank you Robert I appreciate your compliment on my art work and progress to date.

Jan Allison

July 31, 2015 at 4:01 AM

Many congrats Robert I will self publish one day - thanks for the excellent advice:-) Hugs Jan xx

Robert Stoner Jr

July 31, 2015 at 8:46 AM

Thanks Jan, When I explore e-publishing I will let you know how it goes as I promised. You should give it a try. Without all the color and art the process is a breeze and cheep. I'm sure there are European counter parts available.

Julia Ward

July 31, 2015 at 1:48 AM

My big congratulations... Does the publisher help people from abroad? I had an idea on line that grabbed folks' attention for two years, so am confident a self-published book would work for me. The funny thing is the idea would appeal to children, but the adults liked it! I think I'll market it for children, though.

Robert Stoner Jr

July 31, 2015 at 8:43 AM

Hi Julia, the site says it works internationally in collaborations but I think you should explore opportunities locally. The international shipping, exchange rates, and time mailing your books abroad may not be to your liking. I heartily encourage you to pursue the idea you have. The more appealing to varied audiences the more likely you can succeed. Go for it.

Tim Smith

July 30, 2015 at 11:30 PM

This is awesome. Did you do the illustrations yourself too? They look great.

Robert Stoner Jr

July 31, 2015 at 8:38 AM

Hi Tim, yes I did all the artwork. The images are distorted here but have a nice 6x9 image in the book. I have a degree in art and the donkey is representative of the style I worked in during my college years. Thanks for the kudos.

Andrea Dietrich

July 30, 2015 at 11:03 PM

what an interesting way you found to publish poems, through inexpensive children books. I bet some young mommies will want to grab them right up! BIG congrats!!

Robert Stoner Jr

July 31, 2015 at 8:36 AM

Thanks Andrea, actually I found the resources and publishing guidelines using Tyshawn Knights web site. There are many good insights offered and I must thank her. If I can show some acceptance for my solo work I hope it will lend credence to publishers in the future.

Rob Carmack

July 30, 2015 at 10:19 PM

Thanks for sharing the info and good luck to you with the sales.

Robert Stoner Jr

July 31, 2015 at 8:31 AM

Thanks Rob, hope the info will encourage some of the great poets in PS to put their words in print and spread it around.

Constance La France

July 30, 2015 at 10:18 PM

Robert, congratulations, great news

Robert Stoner Jr

July 31, 2015 at 8:28 AM

Thanks BW, appreciate your message of support as always.

Debbie Guzzi

July 30, 2015 at 8:00 PM

The whole process is exciting and seldom seen from beginning to end so BE PROUD! Don't forget to go ask in your local libraries if you can read at children's hour? Light & Love

Robert Stoner Jr

July 31, 2015 at 8:23 AM

Yes on site listings would be a great idea. I will indeed go to our local library, hopefully to donate a book to their collection and will ask about other opportunities as well.

Andrea Dietrich

July 30, 2015 at 11:03 PM

good idea, Debs.

Debbie Guzzi

July 30, 2015 at 8:13 PM

I wonder why soup doesn't provide links to buy the books Soup Poets have written?

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