Pat Barber

Each month I hold my breath that I haven't missed any typos, misspellings or unintentional non sequiturs, push "send" and watch as this column disappears into the more like a penance. Most months it is a mystery as to whether or not anyone (other than friends and family maybe) actually reads my hard-wrought words. So it's always a welcome affirmation to find the occasional email in my Wordsmith's Café mailbox.

You like me, you really like me…..

And here's what can happen when you take the time to email, like Elisa Barger. You get a mention in the Café.

Elisa Designs, is a small graphic design firm here in Winston-Salem founded by Elisa Barger in 2004 after many years experience as a graphic designer with local corporations and a large ad agency.

"My passion in life is design,"

Elisa's ability to get to the heart of a client's vision is evident in her work. Besides corporate and non-profit logos, brochures and other print media, Elisa has worked with many authors in designing books and book covers. Press 53 has used her cover art, and many self-published authors have found Elisa's talent and knowledge of modern publishing invaluable in getting their work to press.

"I design the dust jackets, covers and the layout of the guts of the book as well. Self-publishing still takes a team of experts and a good printer."

There's no denying that many readers do judge a book by its cover. But most authors never meet the graphic designer who will create their book's cover, and rarely will they have much, if any, say in its concept and design.

Elisa Designs can make certain that your book has a cover that is not only professional and compelling in its design, but also a cover that reflects your vision.

Elisa Barger can be reached at elisa@elisadesigns.com.
Her website is www.elisadesigns.com.
Phone: 725-9226

Next Month: Writing Groups

Email me with your thoughts and experiences. Do you belong to a writing group? Is it helpful? How is your group structured? wordsmithscafe@aol.com

FEBRUARY NEWS AND EVENTS

Why does it take so long to publish a book? Check out this link for a fascinating look…
Click here: Riding With The Top Down: Debra - Why does it take so long to publish a book ?

Great publisher's site for Southern Fiction. Bellebooks.
http://www.bellebooks.com/aboutbb.htm

A poetry blog site:
http://www.nancysimpson.blogspot.com/

To make this column both interesting and useful, I'll need your help.

Know a local writer who deserves recognition? Are you recently published? Have you won a writing prize or award? Know of an upcoming writing event, contest or call for entries? Random thoughts? Any thoughts? Request for something new on the Wordsmith's Café menu? Please email writing-related news and information to wordsmithscafe@aol.com