Published: June 06, 2009 08:22 pm      

Loner earns recognition

Author is finalist for national book award.

After working three years on her book, “55 Ways to $ave Money on...a Funeral!,” Sylvia Loner learned she is a 2009 National Indie Excellence Awards finalist.

The local author’s book was chosen as a finalist in the “Specialty Books” category. In addition to the winner and Loner, three other finalists were named.

She was pleased with her book’s finish in the competition. After her three years of work and attention to detail, she thought winning some type of award was a possibility.

“I’m so thankful for all the professional help I had,” she said. “That is why it is a good book. I couldn’t have done it on my own.”

Her editors, Connie Jones Prince and Julien Miller, are her mother and daughter, respectively.

Loner is a licensed pre-need counselor, florist, notary, speaker and author. The purpose of writing the book was to help families during a difficult time.

The book covers topics such as helping families plan a funeral while avoiding major debt; planning ahead to reduce stress and grief; understanding critical questions; cremation savings; guarding Medicaid spend-down assets; green burial options; and learning how to successfully buy and sell cemetery plots. Readers can also learn from personal experience stories included in the book.

Patty Haupert of Modern Graphics in Peru designed the book’s cover and contributed to the detailed interior layout.

The Indie Excellence Awards are sponsored by Smarketing LLC and are judged by an independent panel of experts on all aspects of the publishing industry.

NIEA selected more than 200 winners and finalists for more than 65 categories in its 2008 competition. Entries were received from as far away as Australia, according to a new release.

Loner will be listed on the official Web site for the awards at www.IndieExcellence.com. She will also be included in publicity news releases announcing the winners, and can place gold award stickers on the book’s cover, future marketing materials, and book proposals.

For more information or to buy the book, visit www.SaveMoneyOnAFuneral.com or call (574) 722-7673. It may also be found at Canaan Bible Book Shop, 800 Burlington Ave., Logansport, or by calling the store at (574) 753-4888.

• Have a tip for Biz Buzz? Contact Denise Massie at (574) 732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com