tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post5249576067334896510..comments2024-03-25T21:30:28.970-07:00Comments on <b>Smashwords</b>: Dan Poynter, The Father of Self Publishing, Passes AwayDovetail Public Relationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039664167177159146noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-36386093359151070972017-03-18T20:39:18.136-07:002017-03-18T20:39:18.136-07:00I am so sad to hear that Dan passed away, he was s...I am so sad to hear that Dan passed away, he was such an inspiration. He gave of himself, his creative substance , and his wisdom to so many authors. I met him during a seminar and was immediately inspired by his positive energy and his faith that I could be an author too. He will be missed...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00931056757668311138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-77582929506979340012016-05-28T11:07:51.157-07:002016-05-28T11:07:51.157-07:00Dan was my mentor. He helped me out so much when I...Dan was my mentor. He helped me out so much when I published my first book in 2009.<br />He was not only a legend in self-publishing (for me he was the 'Oprah Winfrey' of self publishing) but Dan was also the most approachable and sweet human being I have ever met. His generosity was and still is truly legendary.<br /><br />You will be missed, Dan.Jos Borsboomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02892456734394136346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-67895418437909353282016-02-27T22:02:09.030-08:002016-02-27T22:02:09.030-08:00I did not know him,but I am very thankful he did w...I did not know him,but I am very thankful he did what he did in life. He very well may have saved my life. He will never know what good he had achieved.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15137210978509152308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-25465291754580518252016-02-17T16:29:06.405-08:002016-02-17T16:29:06.405-08:00Dan helped me out tremendously when I first starte...Dan helped me out tremendously when I first started writing my book. I bought: Self-Publishing Manual Vol. 2. It has a tons of valuable info which I read voraciously and referred to frequently. <br /><br />I would drop him a line occasionally when I was stuck or confused about something. He always wrote back. He traveled quite a bit, yet still had time for a cryptic message if that's all he could spare. I had the privilege of speaking to him during a webinar, again, great advice. He definitely was the go-to guy. I received his newsletter and gleaned even more info. I was also a Global Ebook Awards nominee. <br /><br />I'll miss being able to reach out to him. Such a loss...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18321763250758310065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-431342426391823372016-01-21T10:48:58.082-08:002016-01-21T10:48:58.082-08:00I am saddened to hear the news of Dan's passin...I am saddened to hear the news of Dan's passing. I bumped into him on one of the threads on Amazon. I'd read his books and he'd invited me to enter the Global Ebook Award. He was such a kind and generous man and will be missed.<br /><br />Patience Prence,<br />Author SCARS Winner Global Ebook Award Christian/Religious Fiction.Patiencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05028583177836984582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-29430123560332955952015-12-21T07:41:05.662-08:002015-12-21T07:41:05.662-08:00He will be sorely missed. Self-published authors a...He will be sorely missed. Self-published authors all over the world will forever be grateful to his efforts. My sincere condolences to his family.<br /><br />Tanisha Williams, ChatEbooksAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08791599588253220218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-81183079672177783872015-12-16T03:33:06.192-08:002015-12-16T03:33:06.192-08:00I read Dan's books more than 20 years ago and ...I read Dan's books more than 20 years ago and though I didn't know how to make them work for me, I knew that the information on the pages was gold. <br /><br />I'd heard him speak a few times and each time he inspired me to reach my dreams. He knew if there was a book in someone, he had a viable way to get it out there to readers. He was awesome that way.<br /><br />I was hoping to hear him at least one more time, so it's quite a shock to learn he was ill. I had an invite from him once to go to one of his one-on-one seminars that he only gave to a few every year at his own home. I never seemed to have enough money to do it as it was quite expensive for me at the time. Now I wish I'd borrowed the money and got there anyway as I know his words of wisdom would have had me on the self-publishing trail much sooner than I was.<br /><br />He will be missed.Lynn Crainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17563978872099232823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-79740348028499077032015-12-15T15:41:48.538-08:002015-12-15T15:41:48.538-08:00I had no idea he was seriously ill. I am saddened...I had no idea he was seriously ill. I am saddened at his passing. I heard that Dan was going to address a writer's group in Los Angeles. It was a Christmas dinner event in 2009. I bought a ticket and was eager to hear what he had to say. I already owned a couple of his books on self-publishing He was a dynamic speaker and took time to speak to anyone who came up to him before and after his speech. He was a fantastic person. He will be missed.MaxineFlamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13934479635128383515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-29016272836625437382015-12-15T09:23:39.832-08:002015-12-15T09:23:39.832-08:00Dan Pointer was my guru in the road to self-publis...Dan Pointer was my guru in the road to self-publishing. I've used his book as my bible, and it helped me tremendously with my first book. Thank you Dan. You have now ascended with the immortals. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-85094827791948859982015-12-15T08:24:26.346-08:002015-12-15T08:24:26.346-08:00I ran into Dan's work for the first time when ...I ran into Dan's work for the first time when I was training for my Senior Parachute Rigger license from the FAA. Day Poynter's Parachute Manual was and still is the bible for those getting their rigger's license. I spent many hours going through his book, learning how to stich a harness together, how to patch a canopy, how to pack a reserve parachute. I always saw Dan as a fellow jumper, a guy who wanted a parachute manual and when none was to be found, he wrote his own. <br /><br />Hey Dan,<br /><br />Blue skies and soft landings to you<br /><br />D-10088Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15769177913055127817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-39671548216931761442015-12-15T05:52:59.937-08:002015-12-15T05:52:59.937-08:00I too was one of those writers who had Dan's b...I too was one of those writers who had Dan's book on my shelf--I probably still do! It was read cover to cover and offered a tremendous amount of help when I started writing books. About a decade ago (?) I had the pleasure of attending a class he gave in Florida. I am so glad I did. Dan was genuinely passionate about what he did. When he said he didn't want anyone dying with a book inside them, he meant it. He will be missed but leaves a tremendous legacy. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11446432279817235629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-76139396396066636802015-12-15T01:36:38.087-08:002015-12-15T01:36:38.087-08:00I’d never heard of Dan Poynter before reading Mark...I’d never heard of Dan Poynter before reading Mark’s blog but had always sensed somebody must be behind the transformation of the publishing world. Being an influence on Mark has meant, in many ways, he’s been an influence on myself. I’m sure nobody knows how many self-published authors are out there – certainly more than a million. All of them have probably needed ‘a leg up’ (as we English say) to get into the market – and I’ve certainly had that from Mark and the team at Smashwords as my catalogue must show. So thanks to the Smashwords team, and behind them Dan Poynter. However many books we sell, we have had the chance to release that urge within us to write.<br />Nevertheless, spare a thought for the BILLIONS of readers out there. For centuries they’d been constrained by the log-jam called the Publishing Industry. Now they can access works on perhaps undreamed-of subjects – maybe aspects of life societies had never (wanted to?) consider. To many it may well appear a new world.<br />So thank you, Dan Poynter. At least now I can put a name to one of the foundation stones in a world-changing movement.<br /><br />Bob Hyslop<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12637074682969826161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-15472797541268097942015-12-14T23:56:51.207-08:002015-12-14T23:56:51.207-08:00I first met Dan 20 years ago, back when self-publi...I first met Dan 20 years ago, back when self-publishing meant 10,000 units in your garage. He was always helpful and supportive, a gentleman among men, and one I fondly credit with helping me navigate the early publishing waters. Dan, your presence will be missed--yet I hope to read and share great books and talk about writing some far day in the future with you. In the meantime, gather together a writer's group, as you did when you were here. The very best wishes and condolences to your family. <br /><br />-Jan MoranAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02624183769109566121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-44343832661606689512015-12-14T20:28:45.542-08:002015-12-14T20:28:45.542-08:00I spent time with Dan on many occasions over the l...I spent time with Dan on many occasions over the last 10 years, not as a fellow author, but as a fellow speaker. I cannot see it mentioned here but Dan was a very enthusiastic member of the National Speaker's Association in America and he attended our conventions in South Africa on a few occasions to contribute and share. Such a generous man. Generous with his time and his knowledge about writing and speaking (and, of course, parachuting, frisbees and so many other things he was an expert on). I was lucky enough to bump into him again in Washington this year. A shadow of his former self after his accident, he still had time too share a quiet meal and a few stories.Thank you Dan for helping me publish my books and expand my ideas. Thank you also for helping so many other members of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa. We miss you.<br /><br />Richard Mulvey. Deputy President of the PSASARichard Mulveyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13520150160363334284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-47688078932824654762015-12-14T20:27:04.357-08:002015-12-14T20:27:04.357-08:00Sorry to hear of Dan's passing. I recall meeti...Sorry to hear of Dan's passing. I recall meeting him, for the first time, at a National Speakers Association (NSA) event. I was transitioning from a long career in the corporate world and Dan was kind enough to share his thoughts on the benefits of self-publishing for someone in my situation. His advice and his books would ultimately provide a big assist when I finally got around to publishing my first book. It also led to my wife publishing her first book. I am certain he will long be remembered through the written and published works of those he touched during his lifetime.Lin Harthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11792534850608253344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-4137753612687769572015-12-14T20:03:16.408-08:002015-12-14T20:03:16.408-08:00I had a vision - a way to help talented authors t...I had a vision - a way to help talented authors through creating an "Authors Helping Authors" contest and project all in one. Dan not only put me in touch with his graphic artist, Sean Somics, (whom I have now worked with through six published books), but he really put <i>Tales2Inspire</i> on the map. By posting my blurbs in his newsletters, the global reach and credibility of my project soared. I received inspiring story submissions from across the globe: Australia, South Africa, England, Canada and all parts of the USA - all because of Dan. I had the privilege of being an advance reader for his book on bone marrow transplants, and admired him enormously for both his forthrightness and optimism. It's hard to imagine that Dan is gone, but he certainly left behind quite a legacy.Lois W. Sternhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09393999100669694676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-67684376517517990502015-12-14T19:06:17.442-08:002015-12-14T19:06:17.442-08:00I published my first book in 2005 and Dan Poynter&...I published my first book in 2005 and Dan Poynter's book, Self Publishing Manual was my bible. I followed it to a T. I also subscribed to his self-publishing newsletters every month. They helped me to market my book(s) and were a great source of book publishing information. His contribution to the self-publishing world was instrumental and appreciated.melhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09181891700969003301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-60647985589334415432015-12-14T18:19:31.987-08:002015-12-14T18:19:31.987-08:00Dan didn't know me from Adam's house cat w...Dan didn't know me from Adam's house cat when I first wrote him an email more than a half-dozen years ago. He responded to me as if I was a long lost friend. You could tell he enjoyed helping others and he passed on his enthusiasm for writing and publishing. We so enjoyed the Publishing Poynters. Thanks Dan for opening up the world of self-publishing to us all and for reinforcing our dreams.<br /><br />William G. Perry - Cold War Cyber Spywperry31https://www.blogger.com/profile/06516342373640519060noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-54335687052040963312015-12-14T18:07:14.068-08:002015-12-14T18:07:14.068-08:00I remember going to one of Dan's trainings in ...I remember going to one of Dan's trainings in the Los Angeles area in 2002. Magazines like "Time" and "Newsweek" were calling Dan the Guru of Self Publishing. I felt blessed to be in the room with Dan, a true "light keeper." He was so sincere wanting us writers to get our work published. I was so happy that only 10 others were in the training. Dan wanted to keep the trainings small so that he could answer questions, which he did. I always wanted to go to the author trainings he held in his house, but it never worked out. Plus he was always traveling the world with his Self Publishing message.<br /><br />Because of Dan and his inspiration, I wrote my first book, "A Cry for Light: A Journey Into Love," which won the USA Book News Award for Christian Inspiration. I know if it wasn't for Dan, I would not have had the knowledge to self publish my book. I followed his guidance in his classic, "Self Publishing Manual," to the letter. I constantly refer anyone I know who wants to get their work published to that book, his website, and newsletter.<br /><br />Dan was an avid Sky Diver, so appropriate for a pioneer in the book industry, who thought the sky was the limit to publishing your book. <br /><br />Mark, thank you for your beautiful tribute to Dan. He truly was a trailblazer for self publishing. <br /><br />I would like to sign off with Dan's tagline. It truly motivated me, and I hope it will continue to motivate others:<br /><br />"DON'T DIE WITH A BOOK STILL INSIDE OF YOU." - Dan Poynter <br /><br />Thank you Dan. I will always be grateful to you.Janet Alston Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14878008585463953711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-3925919660050008752015-12-14T18:02:30.747-08:002015-12-14T18:02:30.747-08:00I met Dan nearly 20 years ago ... I was a new memb...I met Dan nearly 20 years ago ... I was a new member of the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association and was attending my first "annual BAIPA seminar" ... with Dan as the speaker. After joining the BAIPA board, I was able to meet him more personally during the BAIPA board/speaker dinner held the night before our annual seminars -- and Dan gave me some great advice about the difficulty of making money by producing books (I was a book designer before my retirement) and he encouraged me to put my skills into a book. (Book Design and Production: A Guide for Authors and Publishers, published in 2005 - with Foreword by Dan Poynter.) Eventually, I became a multi-term president of BAIPA and also gave talks on book design and printing at various events -- sharing the stage with Dan... and enjoyed several lunches with him at IBPA (formerly Publishers Marketing Association) pre-BookExpo "university" events. <br /><br />I was quite saddened to hear the news of his passing... though I'd fallen out of touch with him when I disengaged from the self-publishing world back in 2011... <br /><br />The world has lost a great resource.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12570014965381941530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-12027676032633062352015-12-14T17:49:14.990-08:002015-12-14T17:49:14.990-08:00I can't believe I just found out about this. D...I can't believe I just found out about this. Dan was hugely instrumental in my early success as a published author. I was even honored to attend a writers conference in PA a few years ago, where I met Dan face to face. Such a giving man. He will be missed.Cheryl Tardifhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-8558634772863362912015-12-14T17:48:57.175-08:002015-12-14T17:48:57.175-08:00I had known of Dan Poynter and his great influence...I had known of Dan Poynter and his great influence on indie publishing. He left our world a better place.Bob Sanchezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08350825385315155962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-79685613014952138582015-12-14T17:39:24.697-08:002015-12-14T17:39:24.697-08:00Oh no, he was timeless. I'm so sorry to learn ...Oh no, he was timeless. I'm so sorry to learn of this.In the late 80s I became disgusted with my major publisher of my first 2 books. As a bookstore owner, I was aware of his manual, so I used it as blueprint and published my first self-published book. Creativity flowed and I published more I became a bestseller for Doubleday's Military Book Club. Meanwhile, at every ABA and BEA book expos, when I would run into Dan, I would always exclaim, "It's all your fault!" He would smile, knowing how much hard work goes into this business. Many was the hour we would sit around discussing politics and world event (I am a retired Military Intelligence professional). We found we had similar world views and he always sought my views. He was so gracious and caring. Later on he encouraged my forays into book reviewing and editing and book interior designing. He endorsed me, and provided me an advertising forum in his list of resources.He was always the champion of the downtrodden writers such as myself, and yet was always so kind, generous, and a practitioner of what he preached. He influenced thousands upon thousands of frustrated writers. God bless him, his family, and all those who were saddened as was I.Des's Dadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04093138840050584836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-81927827387167243282015-12-05T05:15:24.832-08:002015-12-05T05:15:24.832-08:00I had the good fortune of meeting Dan in Singapore...I had the good fortune of meeting Dan in Singapore in 2010 during a preview to his seminar. My condolence to his family. May Dan rest in peace!Tommy S. W. Wonghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06373012306748784157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-3433304352626244032015-12-02T09:47:32.881-08:002015-12-02T09:47:32.881-08:00What a legacy! I've read many of Dan's boo...What a legacy! I've read many of Dan's books and enjoyed his gracious persona as he shared his pragmatic, can-do, forward-looking wisdom in a program one evening. I think we need a "Spirit of Dan Poynter Day". He's enriched the professional and personal lives of many, both directly and indirectly. Dan Poynter wouldn't remember me, but I shall remember him. Thanks, Dan. You may be gone but your service to others lives on.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04776525200757084833noreply@blogger.com