Miracles in Action Press, LLC, (MIAP) a sole proprietorship based in the State of New Hampshire, USA is offered in partnership or to a non-profit with A Course in Miracles as its foundational teaching. MIAP is a start-up (11/2007) publishing business based on the public domain works of A Course in Miracles, also known as the "Work." MIAP’s publishing of Doug Thompson’s A Course in Miracles Urtext Manuscripts is the first professionally bound edition of the Urtext to be offered through traditional channels in the book industry. It is also the first ACIM volume to introduce footnotes to references of variant readings and Biblical themes discussed in the teaching as well as the first to offer a complete digital library package (website and DVD) for teachers and students to explore the source materials from which other versions of ACIM were drawn.
Why partner? MIAP needs funding to make things happen and I can better serve the Work by focusing on sales and marketing which are my areas of expertise. A partner with a sense of humor and extensive experience studying and teaching A Course in Miracles or a varied professional background in publishing, social work, ministerial, psychiatry and/or intellectual property would be a great fit...
There are no physical assets and no sales record as the 1st book was just released in March, 2009. MIAP owns intellectual and digital property rights including trade name, copyrights, trademark (in development), digital files, website, established book print/supply contracts, technical means, and goodwill. The primary value of MIAP is a 5 year renewable multi-book publishing contract with Doug Thompson, a noted scholar, researcher, editor and commentator on the Work who has researched sufficiently over 10 years to produce the two titles currently in print. Mr. Thompson, who has a varied background in Biblical studies as well as newspaper production, is the consummate ACIM creative developer. He’s implementing a “Prospectus” of publishing projects related to the Work that offers sufficient material to schedule a lifetime of workshops and full booths at numerous wholesale and retail venues in the US and perhaps worldwide. These projects include an extensive array of books, audios, data and video DVDs, reference libraries, concordances, critical editions, essays and packaged compilations including all of the known ACIM original versions. Several other projects by ACIM creatives are in the works including further channeled teachings of Jesus and the Holy Spirit as well as an ACIM edition that will retail for under $12 US. These projects seek additional Guidance and funding and that’s where you may come in.
The first book published by Miracles in Action Press A Course in Miracles Urtext Manuscripts and a companion DVD package created by Mr. Thompson, have already sold over 400 copies from US to Japan. Two other books are now in print. A Course in Miracles, The Hugh Lynn Cayce manuscript and A Course in Miracles on Copyright Law. The books are currently listed on the MIAP business website www.miraclesinactionpress.com, and Miracles in Action Press Amazon Marketplace and at Urtext Manuscripts on Ebay. Links to the books are beginning to appear on related websites in the ACIM community such as http://livingacim.com/ and testimonials from prominent ACIM teachers are appearing unsolicited. Community Miracles Center has placed 5 orders for the Urtext Manuscripts in its first month of carrying it and other ACIM outlets have expressed interest. I believe a direct approach such as workshops and tradeshow events would be the best way to compliment web sales and proceeds from sale of the business is intended to implement such a strategy.
Ken Wapnick, Ph. D. and CEO of the Foundations for Inner Peace and A Course in Miracles and publisher of over 220 books and digital media related to A Course in Miracles, was offered first crack at partnering in this venture. He graciously declined due to lack of time but remains open to “finally” meeting Doug Thompson. While we think he’s missing a wonderful opportunity, the door is now open for another voice to step forward and support this WORK of Love.
The role of the new partner/owner may include some, none, or all of the following: (Your thoughts welcome!)
1. Become knowledgeable of the intricacies of publishing the Work
2. Accept and internalize the core belief that the Work is a body of public domain material whose purpose is the healing of the “mind of Man” and is is available for all to research, study, teach, publish, review, edit, revise and share
3. Develop a business plan to guide MIAP’s release of the most accurate editions of ACIM and related materials made possible by its primary client, Doug Thompson
4. Provide financial management for income, expenses and royalties
5. Provide funding for 10 – 20 sales events, tradeshows and workshops to get us started
6. Provide funding for website development, proofreading, typesetting, and secretarial services (independent contractors)
7. Provide funding for 1 marketing specialist/employee for the 1st year
8. Provide assistance at tradeshows and workshops when available
9. Create your own “Publisher’s Note”
10. There’s certain to be more….
Of primary consideration is the desire and ability of an owner/partner to fund and/or participate in tradeshows, events and a workshop schedule for the 1st year while sales income kicks in. We can begin by testing the bookshelves of Book Expo America coming up later this month and then the International New Age Tradeshow in June and perhaps the Christian Retailers Association Shows next year. These are just a few of the dozens of possibilities.
My role, if meant to be, will include the following:
1. Develop and implement nationwide (global?) tradeshow and workshop strategy to promote book sales
2. increase public awareness of ACIM and the various editions and related teaching/study materials available
3. Where needed, assist in 1-10 above
4. There’s certain to be more….
The following is a conceptual outline of projects on Mr. Thompson’s desk for completion in the next five years:
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