Studio Blog

Today’s featured eBook is Gardening 101: Growing and Caring for Roses

By P. Allen Smith, copy edited by studio editor Celie Nash.

P. Allen Smith is an award-winning designer and lifestyle expert and host of two public television programs, P. Allen Smith's Garden Home, P. Allen Smith's Garden to Table and the syndicated 30-minute show P. Allen Smith Gardens. Smith is one of America's most recognized and respected design experts, providing ideas and inspiration through multiple media venues. He is the author of the best-selling Garden Home series of books published by Clarkson Potter/Random House, including Bringing the Garden Indoors: Container, Crafts and Bouquets for Every Room and P. Allen Smith's Seasonal Recipes from the Garden. Allen is also very active on social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, Allen's Blog and YouTube’s eHow Home channel. Learn more at http://www.pallensmith.com.

Celie Nash has been a writer and editor for various platforms since 1995. She specializes in health and wellness, B2B, information industry trends, and home, history and women's issues. She loves a printed book as much as the next guy, but she also loves that ebooks offer new ways and techniques to advance storytelling to really make it shine. The options are only going to keep getting better. And, bonus: Ebooks save trees, too. 

Hi Celie, can you provide a brief synopsis on this eBook?

P. Allen Smith details what you need to do and when you need to do it to grow and care for roses in your garden. Expert growers will appreciate the reminders and insight, and beginners will love the tips and tools to help with selection, planting, pruning, common problems and how to prep the plants to survive winter's bite. 

Remember to visit our Facebook & Twitter pages for your chance to win a free copy! Just ‘Like’ today’s facebook post or retweet us on Twitter. You can also check out all of our eBooks here.

Today’s featured eBook is Smartphone 101: Integrating Your iPhone Into a Windows World

Studio tech expert, Andrea Eldridge, and copy editor Sue Derouen made this eBook come together flawlessly. We caught up with both of them to learn a little bit more.

Hi Andrea, can you talk about your background? What qualifies you as an iPhone expert?

I co-founded Nerds on Call, an on-site computer repair company, with my husband in 2004 in Redding California.  Today we have thirteen locations in California, Oregon and Washington and offer online support nationwide.  I write two weekly columns, the syndicated “Computer Nerds On Call” for Scripps-Howard Newspapers and “Nerd Chick Adventures”, which runs weekly in the Redding Record Searchlight.  I appear regularly as a guest tech correspondent on shows such as Good Day Sacramento, Good Morning Arizona and MORE Good Day Portland, offering viewers easy tips on technology, Internet lifestyle, and gadgets.  My articles and segments focus on helping everyday users get the most out of their technology, from their smartphone to their laptop.

Why were you interested in creating an eBook on eHow?

Last year I created a series of short tutorial videos for eHow on iPod and iPad functions.  Having seen a glimpse of the information that eHow users were requesting, I felt an eBook would give me the ability to give a more thorough guide.  Videos are great for a quick overview, but the eBook allowed me to share tips and tricks that people new to the iPhone may not realize they’re missing.

Can you give a quick synopsis of the eBook?

This eBook is meant to give anyone new to the iPhone, anyone trying to get their iPhone to play nice with Windows, or anyone looking to get the most out of their iPhone, some tips and tricks to demystify what it can do.  By the end, even the novice smartphone user should be crowing about how intuitive the iPhone is.

Any tips for tech newbies?

My company, Nerds on Call, has a staff of trained phone repair specialists as well as remote support technicians that can help people with any additional questions they may have to get the most out of their tech toys.  Our website is www.callnerds.com, or we have on-call techs available toll free at 800-919-NERD.  Links to all my articles and appearances can be found at www.callnerds.com/blog.  

Fun Fact:

I am a self-made Nerd.  Prior to launching Nerds on Call in 2004 I had a hotmail account and worked in finance.  I learned about viruses, spyware, hard drives and routers through thousands of phone calls with customers and coordinating communication between my techs and the computer users we were helping.

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Hi Sue, Why were you interested in creating an eBook on eHow?

I worked in traditional book publishing in New York City, but I'm no longer located in a large city where such jobs are available. Becoming a part of the new method of publishing is an important part of carving out a stronger future in the ebook editing business as a remote participator in the process. 

Fun Fact:

I'm happiest when living on the edge--such as traveling to and exploring Iraq on my own while there for work. I don't do vanilla.

Remember to visit our Facebook & Twitter pages for your chance to win a free copy! Just ‘Like’ today’s facebook post or retweet us on Twitter. You can also check out all of our eBooks here.

Today’s featured eBook is Autos 101: Basic Car Repairs to Save You Money

Written by Richard Rowe, Justin Cupler & edited by Pete Gatlin

Hi Richard, What is your professional background?

Technically, my professional experience consists mainly of working at a few small shops as a gas and diesel mechanic, and body/paint man. In reality though, I learned everything I know racing every weekend or more, building cars and engines for myself and others, driving a tractor-trailer over the road and reading every book I could get on engineering, physics and driving.

Who might benefit from reading this eBook?

  I'd say it's well-suited for teenagers who just got their first car, single parents with limited time and resources for auto maintenance and people who just found out that cars need more than gasoline after the warranty expires. Apart from that, I write for everybody.

Fun Fact:

 I have a habit of leaving my doors open at night while I write, because I like the fresh air. I also keep a squirt gun next to my computer, because the local racoons are very friendly and (evidently) huge fans Surf and Turf cat food.

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Hi Pete, Why were you interested in editing an eBook  for eHow?

I thought it would be fun to work on a long project with Richard and Justin – two great writers in Auto. And it was.

Fun Fact:

When was 15 I couldn’t drive yet, but I had a ’68 Jeepster. Just for fun, I pulled the Buick 225 V-6 out of it in my dad’s garage. I disassembled the whole engine – every nut and bolt – and put it back together. When I was finished, I had a coffee can full of nuts and bolts, etc., left over.  It worried me for a while, but I wound up putting 80,000 more hard miles on that engine, so I guess I didn’t leave out anything too important.

 Remember to visit our Facebook & Twitter pages for your chance to win a free copy! Just ‘Like’ today’s facebook post or retweet us on Twitter. You can also check out all of our eBooks here.

We are pleased to announce this month's Enrichment Opportunity winners. Please join us in congratulating them!

Our first Work/Life Award goes to Studio writer Teresa Newsome. After moving from a big city, Teresa now lives in rural Ohio. Spending most of her time at home, Teresa plans to use the award to purchase a membership at her community rec center. She’ll now be able to participate in book clubs, classes and trips with other members of her community. Enjoy!

Our second Work/Life Award goes to writer Lisa Murdock. After 17 years, her son moved across country with his dad to finish up High School in California. She will use her award to purchase a plane ticket to attend her son’s graduation ceremony. We wish your family all the best, Lisa!

Our third Work/Life Award goes to writer David Weedmark. David is currently working on his second novel and has a few publishers eager to see the final product. He will use the award to rent a small cabin on Lake Quebec where there are no phone, no internet, and no distractions so he can finish his novel in peace.  Good luck David!

Our fourth Work/Life Award goes to writer Lori Selke. Balancing work and home life can be difficult, especially with three-year-old twins! Lori will use her award to pay for extended care at preschool – this will allow her a few extra hours to write and make money to support her family. Enjoy!

The Laptop Award goes to talent producer Pamela Casey. Working from a desktop, Pamela is often stuck at home working on projects for Demand Media or her own photography. A laptop will give her the freedom to work outside the home and help with her talent recruitment efforts. She’ll be able to show people what kind of videos we produce, rather than emailing them a link – we think this will be a powerful tool for Pamela as she meets potential experts. Congrats!

We received no applications for the Co-Working Award or the All Access Pass this month. Be sure to learn more about those opportunities and submit your application for our May awards between May 1^st – 7^th.

Thanks and congratulations to our winners!

Today’s featured eBook is Budget 101: How to Live a Lot on a Little

Written by Holly Goodman & edited by studio copy editor, Cathy Jones, Budget 101 outlines creative ways to live frugally. We chatted with both of them to get the inside scoop.

Hi Holly, what is your professional background?

I started writing for a living around the same time I started living frugally, in college. I've been doing both for more than 20 years. I've written for dozens of newspaper and magazines and webzines. (Oregon Oustide,Yourtango,com, USA Today.com, FIrst Wives World.com, Yourtango.com among others) I've done everything from house blogging for a site about divorce to investigative and project newspaper reporting. I started writing fiction again a few years ago and have a few short stories published. Frugal living and professional writing are just a natural partnership; completely symbiotic. Most of what I know about stretching a dollar I picked up along the way. In lean years, my family of four has lived on under $40,000.
 

Why were you interested in creating an eBook on eHow?

I love sharing tips on cost cutting. Most of it is really simple, even if it takes discipline and work to implement. I think many of us have no idea how much money we nickel and dime away, how quickly it goes, and how we could easily spend it much more efficiently.

Are you working on any side projects?

I've published short stories in LiteraryMama.com, The Journal, and most recently in Publication Studio's (www.publicationstudio.biz) anthology, The Frozen Moment: Contemporary Writers on the Choices that Change Our Lives. Currently I'm working on my first novel.
 

Can you give a quick synopsis of the eBook and who might benefit from reading it?

The book is a map for saving money in almost every aspect of daily life. It speaks directly to readers faced with sudden and immediate financial challenges, and approaches the emotional as well as the pragmatic realities of adjusting to change. But, it's also very accessible to anyone interested creating a more financially sustainable life.

Fun Fact:

I'm mostly ambidextrous, but I can't write with my right hand or use scissors with my left. My left eye is two colors, blue with a pie-slice wedge of brown. I wanted to go out for the football team in 7th grade, but my parents said football isn't for girls.

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Hi Cathy, what is your professional background?

I am an editor with more than 17 years of experience in publishing (newspapers, books and magazines) and nearly 15 as an editor. In 2008 I worked on almost two dozen business and personal finance books for a client, and that certainly made me a good fit for the Budget 101: How to Live a Lot on a Little title.

Why were you interested in editing an eBook on eHow?

Ebook publishing is an area of the industry that makes sense to be in, for the company and for freelancers, as it's an area of fast growth right now. Short "How To" ebooks are a natural product extension for eHow and Demand Media as an instructional publisher and Internet-focused company. Many topics are too broad for a 500-word article and need more in-depth treatment. Ebooks can be any length that they need to be and don't have to fit any printing parameters for page count.

Fun Fact:

When I met Robby Krieger of The Doors, I was more excited to bring his autograph back for my boss than anything. It didn't hit me until later that I had actually met a member of The Doors!

 Remember to visit our Facebook & Twitter pages for your chance to win a free copy! Just ‘Like’ today’s facebook post or retweet us on Twitter. You can also check out all of our eBooks here. 

Today’s featured eBook is Cooking 101: 22 Healthy Vegetable Dishes for Picky Kids.

Beverly Litzinger & Studio Copy Editor, Jim Gerard, worked hard to put this eBook together. We reached out to them hoping to get the inside scoop on their experience working on this project.

Beverly Litzinger, M.A., has been cooking her entire life, and has been talking and writing about food all the while. Her most recent position, with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. was as a Senior Corporate Benefits Manager, where she led the written nutrition format for the “My Healthy Lifestyle” section on Wal-Mart’s global employee website.  Litzinger has also managed a corporate nutrition center.

Hi Beverly, can you give a quick synopsis of the eBook, its intended audience and who would benefit from reading it?

Cooking 101: 22 Healthy Vegetable Dishes for Picky Kids shows anyone who cooks for children how to make vegetables more appealing by using them in conjunction with other complimentary foods. Ideas are presented for making vegetables “special” in some way, which seems to make them taste better and appear more interesting to children.

In short, the strategies and recipes in this book can help those who cook for children make sure the children are getting the vegetables they need to grow healthy and strong, and are experiencing the wide variety of flavors and textures likely to make any child want to try more!

Studio Copy Editor, Jim Gerard – what is your professional background?

I've been a professional writer and editor for over 25 years. I've edited four print books, including The Thin Commandments, by best-selling diet author Dr. Stephen Gullo, and have experience editing at all stages of book publishing, from drafting the proposal, to overseeing the project, to line and copy editing.

Why did you want to be a part of this project?

I was interested in editing an eBook because I was curious about how it differed from editing hard copy books, and because a few of the topics were of some interest.

Do you currently have any side projects you’re working on?

I have a website, www.gangof60.com, which contains a wide variety of material, including excerpts of my books, samples of humor writing, feature writing and criticism, blog posts and links to two short videos I made to promote my books.

You worked on a handful of these eBooks. How would you summarize this project?

I copy edited five of the 12 eBooks: Rodents, Stains, Wine, Grilling and Vegetables. They are intended as primers that provide the essential information about each subject in a concise but comprehensive way to the general reader.

Fun Fact:

I'm studying jazz piano.

Remember to visit our Facebook & Twitter pages for your chance to win a free copy! Just ‘Like’ today’s facebook post or retweet us on Twitter. You can also check out all of our eBooks here.

Over the last few months the Studio has been working on an exciting project that we are proud to share with you today. Dedicated to producing innovative, high-quality content, we are always looking for ways to reach new audiences and surface great work. With the help of a handful of studio creators and topic experts, we’ve developed a series of eBooks on eHow.com. Available for purchase on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble, these eBooks cover a wide range of topics from living on a tight budget to cooking healthy dishes for picky kids.

To support the studio writers and editors who contributed to this project, we want to give our community the chance to check out their work first hand. Every day for the next week we will feature a new eBook on the Studio Blog. Visit the blog daily to learn more about each project and the writers and editors who contributed to each. In addition to this, we will give out three free copies of the featured eBook each day!

To qualify you should do one of the following,

1. Retweet our daily eBook announcement on Twitter. 

2. ‘Like’ our daily Facebook post highlighting the eBook of the Day.

We will randomly select three winners each day to receive a free copy of the day’s featured eBook. Be sure to follow @DemandStudios and ‘Like’ Demand Media Studios on Facebook to participate.

Today's featured eBook is Home Maintenance 101: Easy Fixes to 15 Common Household Problems.

This eBook aims to help people confidently approach home repair and maintenance issues, and save a little money in the process. We caught up with studio editor & eBook author, A.J Hamler, to learn more about the project and hear about his experience putting it together.

What is your professional background and what qualifies you as an expert on home maintenance and repair?

My career took me into broadcasting for several decades, but I always enjoyed do-it-yourself projects and continued to maintain an active workshop whenever I had free time. 

I left broadcasting back in the '90s, switching careers to publishing with a job at Woodshop News, a magazine for professional furniture and cabinetmakers.  After 8 years at Woodshop News, I left to become the founding editor of Woodcraft Magazine. In 2005, I fulfilled a longtime dream by becoming a full-time free lance writer/editor.  Since then I've published four books under my name, edited another for Smithsonian Publications, edited several special interest publications for Wood Magazine, wrote the shooting script for the Home Depot DVD "Plumbing Projects 1-2-3," and written countless articles for most of the woodworking and DIY publications in the field.

Why were you interested in creating an eBook on eHow?

Although two of my other print books -- "Civil War Woodworking" and "Easy to Build Birdhouses" -- later became available as eBooks for the Kindle, I'd never written one specifically for e-publication.   I thrive on challenges and new assignments, so when I was offered the opportunity to write one for Demand Media Studios I jumped at the chance. 

Are you working on any exciting side projects?

I'm currently working on a second volume of 19th-century projects for "Civil War Woodworking II," as well as an ongoing series of woodworking technique eZine articles for Woodworker's Journal.  I've also never quite left the broadcasting life behind, and have a small sideline business as a professional voiceover actor, recording commercials and other voice work in my home studio.  My website is www.ajhamler.com

Can you give a quick synopsis of the eBook and who might benefit from reading it?

There are literally hundreds of things that can break, malfunction, quit working or otherwise go wrong in the typical home.  The list of potential problems -- from must-call-a-professional repairs to simple things that can be fixed in a couple steps -- is incredibly long, but there are a few issues that seem to pop up in all homes at one time or another.  Oddly, a lot of homeowners don't realize that they don't need to call a professional for everything that goes wrong, and could save a lot of money by just fixing the problems themselves ... and, in the process, save a lot of time and money. The eBook highlights 15 common problems that the average homeowner could easily fix with a couple tools and a few minutes spare time. 

Fun Fact:

Over the years, I've acted in more than 70 amateur and a couple minor professional productions. (I met my wife-to-be when we had parts in a play together. We were married on that theater's stage a year later.) 

I've even worked as an extra for two weeks for the 2003 Civil War movie "Gods & Generals."  If you see the movie, look for the guy wearing blue and carrying a musket.  You can't miss me.

Kudos to Copy Editor, Bob Land for his work on this eBook as well.

Remember to visit our Facebook & Twitter pages for your chance to win a free copy! Just ‘Like’ today’s facebook post or retweet us on Twitter. You can also check out all of our eBooks here.