The Writer's Block Interviews: Lisa Tsakos, Co-Author of Unjunk Your Junk Food

1)      Please tell us about your background and profession.

After years of struggling with my weight, I discovered the principles of natural nutrition and my life changed overnight. Within a year I lost weight (close to 50 pounds) and returned to school to study holistic nutrition – it was the only eating style I resonated with and could stick to. Since graduating in 1997, I’ve taught nutrition at many different schools and have been in private practice throughout.

2) What is Nu-Vitality Health and Wellness?  

                                                                    

Nu-Vitality (http://www.Nu-Vitality.com) provides seminars, weight management programs and healthy eating programs to corporations and non-profit organizations. We educate employees about adapting healthier eating habits (for example, eating on the run, managing stress with diet, and coping with stress). The Programs have been presented to over 100 companies across the country. 

3) What is NaturallySavvy.com? What is your role as a contributor to this site?

Naturally Savvy (http://www.NaturallySavvy.com) is a tremendous web resource for organic, natural, and green living, covering all aspects of one’s lifestyle including nutrition, beauty and personal care, pregnancy and parenting, pet care, fitness, and reducing your carbon footprint (recycling, upcycling, composting, etc.). The website also features product reviews of naturally-made foods and products and offers visitors to the site the opportunity to sample products via our Savvy Sampler Program. Several years ago I partnered with the website’s co-founders, Andrea Donsky and Randy Boyer as their Chief Nutrition Expert.

4) Describe your journey as an author. What led you to co-write Unjunk Your Junk Food?

Andrea, Randy, and I wanted to write a book that reflected www.NaturallySavvy.com. Comparing junk food and explaining food additives was Andrea’s idea, and as we worked on our book proposal, the format just started to fall into place. Randy was the `product expert`, determining which products – both the conventional and their naturally-made equivalents – to compare. As the nutrition expert on the book, my task was to scrutinize and define each ingredient and to explain how we came up with our `Savvy Picks`. It was very much a team effort.

5) How did you go about getting it published?

I’ve written text books and have self-published a cookbook, but going through a major publisher was a completely different experience. Andrea and I spent an entire summer writing a book proposal. We hired a literary agent to help shop the book around to various publishers and we were thrilled to be signed by Gallery Books, Simon & Schuster, New York. Once signed, we assembled a solid team of researchers, fact checkers, editors, photographers and graphic designers to help us put the book together. It was a two year project that involved an enormous amount of time, research, and money, but we`re extremely pleased with the outcome.

6) What can readers expect to learn from Unjunk Your Junk Food? Where can they buy it?

Unjunk Your Junk Food is a resource that teaches about the dangers of artificial additives. We like to say that we’re starting an ‘edible (r)evolution’ because our objective is to draw attention to the ingredients list on a food package. The Nutrition Facts panel – the calories, fat, etc., provides important information, of course, but it doesn’t matter if a food is low in fat or calories if it’s full of unhealthy and potentially dangerous ingredients, such as trans fats, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and flavors, and preservatives. The book includes a ‘Worst Ingredients’ pull-out list that charts the ‘red flag’ and ‘yellow flag’ ingredients to watch out for when you’re shopping for groceries. It’s also full of useful suggestions – or ‘Savvy Tips’ - for improving diet, health, and energy (for example, “Treats are best eaten early in the day so that you have all day to work off the extra calories. Treats eaten at night are just a recipe for weight gain.”), as well as food trivia and a detailed Glossary that can be used to evaluate the quality of all of the foods in your cupboards. Unjunk Your Junk Food is available from all the major book sellers including Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, and at Indigo in Canada.

7) How have you promoted your book? What strategies have been the most effective?

We sought advice about promoting a book prior to its release and what we heard again and again was that it’s the author who ultimately creates sales, but our publisher is certainly doing its part.  We planned our marketing approach and set aside funds to promote the book well before it came out. We’re promoting Unjunk Your Junk Food a number of ways:  

·         Social media has been very effective primarily because Naturally Savvy already had a strong following;

·         We hired a public relations company to arrange media appearances across the U.S. and Canada as well as radio and magazine interviews. While on tour, we visit area bookstores to meet the staff and sign books;

·         We are three authors with our own professional connections. We made sure to reach out to our industry contacts (and of course, our personal contacts).

It`s still too early to tell which approach has been the most effective.  

8) What advice would you give to first-time non-fiction authors?

·         Be passionate about your ideas: Writing a book is an enormous undertaking, and the amount of time you’ll devote to the project is far greater than you expect, at least it was for us. If you have other commitments, especially a family, make sure you have their full support - you’ll need it!

·         Be firm about your concept: Each publisher we met with liked our general concept but had their own ideas of what the book should look like. Had we gone with another publisher we would have produced a very different book. We were fortunate to find a publisher who loved our idea as much as we did.  

·         Hire a literary agent to shop your book around to publishers. An agent can open doors that you may not be able to open yourself.  

9) What is your definition of success as a writer and entrepreneur?

Obviously we’d love for the book to make its way onto a ‘best sellers’ list, but it’s the reactions we get from readers who are excited about what they’re learning from Unjunk Your Junk Food that is the most satisfying. Having been in business for myself since 1997, the opportunity to be part of a new and exciting project, enhancing my knowledge (about nutrition, publishing, the editing process – all of it), and the doors that are already opening as a result of writing Unjunk – whether the book translates into dollars or not doesn’t even matter.    

10) What is next for you in 2012?

My second baby is due in April, and a follow-up book to Unjunk Your Junk Food is already in the works.

About the Author

 

Lisa Tsakos is a nationally-recognized nutritionist and educator specializing in weight management and corporate nutrition programs. 

Lisa has been teaching nutrition at various colleges in Ontario since 1998; however, most of her time over the past 15 years has been dedicated to corporate nutrition - presenting seminars and her Nu-Vitality Healthy Weight Program™ at over 100 organizations across Canada. Offered at the Toronto Police Service, the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Telus Mobility, the University Health Network and many others, the Program has helped employees at organizations across Canada lose thousands of pounds.

Lisa has been featured on the Discovery Channel, Wylde on Health, numerous radio programs and is a contributor to various websites, including NaturallySavvy.com, The Healthy Shopper, and The Huffington Post Canada (blog). Her articles have appeared in various magazines and newspapers around the world.

Additionally, she has taught natural food cooking workshops and authored two books before co-writing Unjunk Your Junk Food: Healthy Alternatives to Conventional Snacks (Simon & Schuster, December 2011). 

Lisa’s current favourite pastimes include creating tasty, gluten-free meals for her daughter and working on her personal blog, http://lisatsakos.blogspot.com.

A few of Lisa’s Articles:

Fermented Foods Make a Comeback: http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/ct-food-0428-fermented-foodsl-20100428,0,6352341.story

Healthy Eating Tips for Those On the Go: ealthy http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/sns-health-traveler-eating-tips,0,1155966.story?track=rss

Fight Inflammation with the Right Diet: http://www.latimes.com/sns-health-wellness-inflammation-diet,0,7419801.story

Cleaning Up From the Inside Out (Detoxification Trends: http://www.latimes.com/news/health/skincancer/sns-health-detoxification-trends,-11,3478482.story; http://www.abc26.com/health/women/sns-health-detoxification-trends,0,3813176.story

Face Your Food Cravings: http://www.abc26.com/sns-health-face-food-cravings,0,7387276.story

Lose Weight, Look Great. Weight Loss Tips for Summer: http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-sns-health-look-great-this-summer,0,2540242.story

Passover and Easter Meals Made Healthy: http://www.torontosun.com/life/eat/2011/04/13/17977856.html

Fiber Supplements & Sugar Alternatives: http://menshealth.uniquegreatproducts.com/?tag=savvy

Control Acid Reflux: http://www.wgntv.com/sns-200908111554tmspremhnstr--k-c20090812aug12,0,3404272.story

The Writer's Block Interviews: Consortium Book Sales

1)      Tell us about the history of Consortium Book Sales.

We grew out of a small wholesale cooperative in 1985 – so we have lots of experience in selling books and getting them out there. We’ve developed an expertise in advocating for independent publishers, and we now represent more than 100 independent publishers from around the world. We have been careful to grow and evolve in ways that matter to small publishers – offering an e-book partnership, developing our marketing offerings, and expanding into social media. We like to be at the forefront of what’s next in publishing!

2)      What is a book distributor?

Succinctly, we sell publishers’ books to a broad national audience and function as the print and digital “back office” for publishers so they can focus on acquisition, editing, and marketing.

Think of it this way: an individual publisher doesn’t have as much clout individually as they can with a distributor. Frequently they can’t get book buyers at major chains like Target or Barnes & Noble to pay attention to them. By joining forces with other small publishers, we can help them all get representation at bookstores, online, in media and in advertising. Two heads are better than one and many hands make light work!

3)      What genres do you represent?

Our publishers cross all genres – fiction, nonfiction, mystery, kids, poetry, self-help, and more. Many of them have achieved national and international recognition for their books, and they all have unique identities. You can see a full list of our publishers here.

4)      What are the benefits of working with a book distributor?

As mentioned before, the main benefit of working with a distributor is joining forces to take advantage of economies of scale. Our publishers also benefit from working with us because we are constantly trying to improve conversation and awareness around independent publishing, letting readers know that these books exist as an excellent alternative to mainstream publishing. People flock to independent films and music – why not books?

5)      How is Consortium Book Sales different from other distributors?

We believe that our commitment to serving our publishers really sets us apart. Each person on staff treats their job as what it really is: a customer service position. We are happy to work with publishers to share our thoughts on cover treatments, coach them on marketing pitches, advise them on print runs and reprints, and celebrate their successes. We consider each book published by each of our publishers to be *our* book as well.

6)      What services do you provide beyond distribution?

In addition to the nuts and bolts of distribution (warehousing, shipping, sales) we offer marketing services, a beautiful four-color catalog, social media, representation at trade shows and conferences, and e-book merchandising and sales with our partner Constellation. We also encourage our publishers to talk with one another, creating a network of colleagues who can help one another solve their unique problems.

7)      What submission guidelines must publishers meet before you work with them?

We work with independent publishers who have a structured, ongoing publishing program with plans to continue publishing well into the future. A publisher interested in distribution through Consortium should follow the submission instructions here.

8)      What does a partnership agreement with Consortium Book Sales look like?

Consortium offers a full-service, exclusive distribution agreement to publisher clients.  Our fee structure is a sliding scale based on net sales, with optional additions based on publisher needs and preference. A publisher joining the Consortium team can expect the full participation of our entire staff, from production to marketing to sales.

9)      Who are some of the authors that appear in your catalogs?

Our publishers’ authors include Tomas Tranströmer, Andrew Krivak, Adam Mansbach, Lucille Clifton, Noam Chomsky, Charles Bukowski, Paul Harding, Che Guevara, Tony Kushner, Pablo Neruda, and Arundhati Roy, and their honors include Pulitzer Prizes, National Book Awards, and Nobel Prizes (to name a few).

10)   Where may readers purchase the books you distribute?

Wherever books are sold!

11)   What do you expect to accomplish in 2012?

In 2011, we had a Nobel Prize winner, a #1 New York Times bestseller, and a National Book Award Nominee on our publishers’ lists. We expect to see even greater things this coming year. We expect to make some strong connections with bloggers via social media and real life in 2012, leveraging the power of the reader to bring awareness to our publishers’ books. We look forward to sharing one of the strongest fiction lists we’ve ever had, and we are hopeful about the future of e-books as a means of expanding readership even more broadly.

There Is Something for Everyone This Week on The Writer's Block!

Sunday, February 5, 2012: Our third guest-blogger on The Writer's Block is Tim Johnson, author of The Language Bear. He will share with us the importance of bilingual education in young children.

Monday, February 6, 2012: Consortium Book Sales reveals how they help independent publishers get books on the shelves in the marketplace.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012: Lisa Tsakos, co-author of Unjunk Your Junkfood, details the process of writing and publishing non-fiction books while successfully protecting your vision.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012: Joey Pinkney is an author, blogger, book reviewer, and author interviewer. He has some great advice for new authors on improving their craft and on how to market their work.

Thursday, February 9, 2012: We will be joined by illustrator Joyeeta Neogi  all the way from Pune, India. She will speak on her inevitable journey to becoming an artist and children's book illustrator.

Friday, February 10, 2012: Siggy Buckley, author of Next Time Lucky, reveals how her life experiences serve as the inspiration for her work.








Keep your pen to the paper! Remember, inspiration is everywhere...

Guest Blogger: Tim Johnson "Teaching Foreign Language to Young Children"

How many bedtime stories do you remember from when you were a child and your mother used to sit down on the edge of the bed and read you to sleep?  Most people will be able to recall quite a few even though they're not part of your daily life and it's been years since you've seen them.  This is because your mind soaked up these memories, and stored them in the most pristine part of your brain.  Illustrations, words and characters flood back into your memory with only small reminders. 

As children our knowledge base is very small and scattered.  We take in isolated bits of knowledge that are unrelated to anything else we've learned.  We take them for what they are and continue to learn until bits and pieces slowly come together to form larger more coherent concepts that we can eventually apply to our daily life.  As we grow and our knowledge base expands and becomes more structured we struggle to find relevance for new knowledge within our prior knowledge structure.  Loose ends are often lost to the cosmos as the adult brain doesn't work as hard to retain those bits of unrelated information.


This unique ability to quickly absorb foreign and unique concepts at a young age is responsible for mankind's prosperity and growth to where we are today.  To encourage children to learn foreign words and phrases helps keep their mind open to new possibilities, new ways of looking at the world and new solutions to problems they face.  Later on in life, the opportunities that become available to bilingual children and people in general, are increasing by the day.  The speed of business, the increasing population, the demand for better communication with the rest of the world are all things that necessitate bilingualism, and that won't change anytime soon. 


One of the best ways to teach a language is immersion.  One of the best ways to immerse someone is to put the language into a context they can relate to.  This is the reason dual language children's books are an absolutely awesome way to teach children a new language.  They have illustrations, characters, storyline, and context to relate to.  Any child will learn and more importantly remember the words and lessons they've learned from a dual language book.

About the author:  Tim Johnson is a dual language children's book author and you can find his first book, "Bosley Sees the World" available for pre-order through Kickstarter.  You can watch a video of him explaining this book at his Kickstarter page.