May 24, 2008
Sharing with Writers
A newsletter that is also a community. Share your ideas. Learn from theirs!

From the Desks of
Carolyn Howard - Johnson
And Authors' Coalition Friends
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Sharing with Writers is the official newsletter of Authors' Coalition,
www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
an organization of writers who help writers.

To read this letter in plain vanilla text, scroll down. To read this newsletter with a bit more pizzazz (not much, though!) at Authors Den go to:
http://www.AuthorsDen.com/adstorage/1713/SharingwithWriters_May_No4Week_2008.doc

In the spirit of the advice I give in the Frugal Editor - - that is to use an extra pair of eyes whenever possible - - this newsletter is voluntarily copyedited by Authors' Coalition member, Mindy Phillips Lawrence ~ mplcreative1@aol.com
www.freewebs.com/mplcreative
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Note from Carolyn:

Dear Subscribers and Authors' Coalition Members:

It's amazing how complex the writing and publishing business is. So much to learn. So little time. I've been hearing from writers who have been around the publishing block a few times who seem to be missing what BEA can do for them, much less what it is. I ran an article by a veteran in this newsletter recently (it's at

http://sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com/2008/05/ins - and - outs - of - bea - by - true - veteran.html)

and it tells writers some of the ways to utilize the event. Many, I'm sure, didn't read it because, well, they won't be going. They don't live in LA. They don't figure it will do anything for them. They don't have a book. Those are just a few of the excuses I've heard.

Well, here's the story. You ALL need to know as much about BEA as you can so you can make every effort to get to one - - if not this one, then the next (New York in 2009). Book Expo America practically IS our industry. There are all kinds of ways for authors to participate but you won't know about them if you don't start reading up on it. So LOU*LOU's article (a reprint of the speech she gave at Book Publicists of Southern California) is a start.

Before 2009 you might want to schedule a 1/2 hour consultation with me to help you figure out how it would work well for you as an attendee, a signee, or as a person attending many of the offered seminars. It will also help you make plans for it to work well in advance.

Here are some ways that BEA is misconstrued:

1. No, it isn't a book fair.
2. Yes, you can find it useful if you're not signing.
3. Yes, you can sign even if you don't have a new book out.
4. Yes, there are lots of free seminars.
5. Yes, some of you can get in free.
6. No, it is not one of those things you should skimp on.
7. No, you can't just hie yourself off, pay the attendance fee and get very much out of it.
8. No, you don't have to be a publisher or librarian or bookstore owner to attend. It IS for publishing professionals. YOU are a publishing professional. As a writer YOU are what makes the industry turn.

So, if you live in Southern California or thereabouts, it is not too late. Come on Friday when I'll be signing The Frugal Editor (see below under appearances).

If you don't live close enough to plan last minute, begin planning for next year! Here's to BEA and the Big Apple in 2009. Last year I went with an unpublished author friend and we had more fun exhausting ourselves than you can imagine. And, yes, My Emily thought it well worth her time - - and the expense.

Happy promoting! And yes, writing and editing, too!

Carolyn Howard - Johnson
Websites: http://carolynhoward - Johnson.com (literary)
http://HowToDoItFrugally.com (all things about writing)
Authors' Coalition: http://www.AuthorsCoalitionandRedEnginepress.com
For the Frugal Editor, Amazon - direct: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0978515870/
Blogs: http://AuthorsCoalition.blogspot.com, a blog focused on book fairs
http://www.SharingwithWriters.blogspot.com, a blog on all things publishing
http://www.TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com, a blog focused on YOUR reviews
http://www.TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com, a blog focused on editing, formatting and craft
And now blogging on War. Peace. Tolerance. And Our Soldiers at http://www.warpeacetolerance.blogspot.com.
And now! Squidooing at
http://www.squidoo.com/HowToDoItFrugallyforAuthors
and http://www.squidoo.com/carolynhoward - johnson

PS: Just so you know, these newsletters may be spotty in June. I have to take the month to write. So, if you have a book being released or tips or whatever, send me your stuff now. After Book Expo America I may get a couple of letters out but they will be small.

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Please pass this letter on to others. Unlike many, I do not mind if you use only portions of it as long as you credit the writers and include this subscribe information. "To subscribe to 'Sharing with Writers' send an e - mail to HoJoNews@aol.com with 'Subscribe' in the subject line."
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Letter - to - the - Editor

Carolyn:

You have my thanks. Because of the Out of the Box Promotions contest, I met a group of women who are putting together a cookbook for RELAY FOR LIFE in Maryland and we are corresponding.

Step - by - step, we are all going to get there.

Aloha,

Dorothea "Dee" Buckingham, blogging at The Secret Life of an AARP Cover Girl: Writing on the Backside of 50. http://deebuckingham.blogspot.com/

Note: Dorothea was one of the winners of Kathe Gogolewski's contest that I judged. Find the book and use it for new ideas and a nudge to keep promoting: The e - book with all of the winning ideas published within is available for download and distribution (meaning feel free to pass it on!) at www.tri - studio.com/outofthebox.html. Those interested in how this contest works may contact Kathe at kgogolewski@sbcglobal.net or Carolyn at hojonews@aol.com.

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New members will help Authors' Coalition serve all its members better! Ask your writing friends to join at http://www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com/. Paid members get a favorite review posted, consideration for an interview or review in Yarnspinners and Wordweavers, ditto for The Fiction Flyer and Betty Dobson's Inkspotter. Membership is reasonable, too.
Tell friends to visit our blog. There they'll learn how to spark generally insipid book fairs by using value - added promotions. www.authorscoalition.blogspot.com.
http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
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TIP: Are you trying to build a clip file of your writing. You know, references you can use in your query letters and media releases? Then join professional writers' organizations that publish journals. The Wisconsin Regional Writers' Association is one of those. They publish the Wisconsin Writers' Journal full of members' work and, yes, you could be a member. If you'd like to join (not too expensive), contact Boyd Sutton, the editor. He'll tell you how to join and how to submit. bdsutton@centurytel.net.

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My blog, War, Peace, Tolerance and Our Soldiers is where I get to nag and rag to try to make things better for our troops and maybe for the world. It's only been active a few weeks and is gathering an amazing following. I'd love to have you leave a comment. www.warpeacetolerance.blogspot.com
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Tip: Do you use a call to action in your promotion materials. Your sell sheet, your website, your handouts, your advertising material. Calls to action look something like this:
1. Click on a link
2. Call 1 - 800 number
3. Email for a free consultation
Sometimes, as in a query letter, they look like, "I hope to hear from soon." There are times when a gentler approach works better

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So you got As in English. You know grammar and spelling. That's great but an editor of you it doth not make. An editor knows formatting, front and back matter, indexing, structure, the elements of fiction and on and on. But mostly she'll see your manuscript in a fresh, new light. Learn how to hire a great editor and learn to be a better partner for any author - - awful to superb - - in The Frugal Editor.
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Thank Yous

(There are leads here, just as you'll find in all the most innocent - looking areas of this newsletter. You never know when you'll find a name or a site that will help you network or write better!)

To Rose at Romance at Heart for featuring including my award news on her In the News Page. http://romanceatheart.com/inthenews.html
If you write romance (or read romance) take a minute to browse and see how the site might serve you.
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To Dennis Aubuchon for offering a free page on his MyQualityWriting website to authors who speak. He did a very nice one for me. Here is a sample of what his pages look like! http://www.myqualitywriting.com/CarolynHoward - JohnsonSpeaker.html
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Thank You to Pam Kelly for putting the Authors' Coalition (and my guest appearance at her UCLA class) front and center on her blog. http://www.pkellycom.blogspot.com/.
Her blog is a perfect place to see some shots of fair happenings at our booth (the videos with Rey Ybarra at our booth, shots with Annette Fix, (a fellow Authors' Coalition booth participant) and Book Publicists of Southern California (BPSC) leader, Irwin Zucker, plus notes on the way Pam used a drawing (and promoted it!) during her signing time and, of course, the beautiful set - up for her table during her signing time. Her passion shows through, of course, (She wrote Speak with Passion! Speak with Power!) but her promotion details set an example for us all.

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No part of this newsletter is paid advertising. If you would like to advertise to subscribers, display ads are available at www.howtodoitfrugally.com at less per year than most sites charge for a single month (see the advertising tab at the top of the page). Authors' Coalition www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com is also accepting ads. So is Yarnspinners and Wordweavers. Contact katieseyes@aol.com.
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Tip: Just had to pass this idea on. It's from John Kremer's newsletter and Mike Walker, author of Cinemental Journeys, contributed it. The idea is to offer a T - sign to bookstores to promote your book. T signs work well because they don't take up any additional real estate that bookstores (indeed all retailers) treasure. You will have to see the sample to understand but the long part of the "T" fits under the books and the cross - section hangs down where it can be read by browsers. It's a perfect idea for award - winners, too! To see a sample of Mike's T sign, see http://www.bookmarket.com/Maltin.pdf.

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Subscribers who have websites or newsletters of their own may be interested in the Free Articles 4 Readers and Writers on my site, www.howtodoitfrugally.com. I try to add new articles to it frequently. If you don't see what you need for your blog or newsletter, just ask. HoJoNews@aol.com.
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Subscribers Sharing Ideas

The ideas below were all send by Janet Kay Jensen

I found a bookshelf display which folds into itself so it’s completely flat and fits into my tote bag at Hobby Mall. I think that’s the name of the store. The folded shelf unit and everything I planned to put on it all fit in my tote. I also use nesting canisters to help me carry things easily and keep them neat.

I use acrylic easels from photo departments. These are 8 X 10 so I printed my materials in 8 x 10 formats. They make it easy for people to pick up whatever is on them to see more closely. These acrylic easels nest into each other and can also be displayed sideways.
Another hint: if you are using anything that needs power, such as a laptop, bring an extension cord and a 3 prong adaptor. I have a video preview of my book, and a recording of the song that inspired the title, so I like to bring my laptop.

I also bought an inexpensive sound system (like aerobic instructors wear) that I can use to amplify my voice. When I was speaking in homes (book club meetings) and at a senior center some of them couldn’t hear me. So I need amplification most of the time. It was about $120 and I found it at Amazon. It is Voice Saver by Califone.

Janet Kay Jensen, author of Don't You Marry The Mormon Boys, www.janetjensen.com.
Note: You will find a list of items for your author's ready - to - go kit in The Frugal Book Promoter but it doesn't include Janet's suggestion for a mic! Next edition perhaps! ( - :

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Fun and F r * *: If you purchased the Frugal Book Promoter or the Frugal Editor, I'd love for you to review it on Amazon or BN.com. Make it simple; just tell what part of it you found most valuable. If you do, send me the review link (URL) and I will send you a handout from one of my UCLA classes. As a thank you, of course. HoJoNews@aol.com
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On Poetry

This is a new running feature for the poets among us and those who would like to try writing poetry but feel, well . . . inadequate. Please send in your poetry tips and resources for this section.

Next time you take a poetry class, identify the most knowledgeable and helpful poets to form a critique group to meet after the class has disbanded.

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Don't suffer with book proposals. You can be a pro with and investment of only 20 minutes and 49 cents with my Great First Impression Book Proposal Short.
http://www.amazon.com/Great - First - Impression - Book - Proposal/dp/B000YG6O5U
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Tip: Those of you who are paid members of Authors' Coalition (silver level is only $25. a year), qualify to have a free ad in Kathe Gogolewski's Fiction Flyer and preferential consideration for both that newsletter and Joyce Faulkner's Yarnspinners and Wordweavers. More clips for credibility (see the tip above on that! ( - : )

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A general marketing rule is that a product must be seen seven times before it is purchased. That is just as true for books (because they are products, like it or not!). Let people see that book cover image! To do that, you are invited to advertise as a site sponsor at www.howtodoitfrugally.com for only $25 to $30 a year. Yep, the frugal way! Click on the Advertising tab at the top of the page or contact me personally at hojonews@aol.com.
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Opportunity

Puzzles Equal Cross Promotion

From Joyce Faulkner, director of Authors' Coalition

Authors' Coalition is putting together another project to help authors promote their books - - frugally. Here's how it works. We'll be putting together two puzzles - - one crossword and one word search. These puzzles will consist of Authors and/or the Titles of their books along with other more generic clues. This means that the person working the puzzle will have to look up you and/or your book to be able to work the puzzle. These puzzles along with answer sheets would be distributed to all participants in PDF format so that they can print them out and distribute them at booths, fold them up and slip them into book shipments as freebies, post them to web sites and blogs for free downloads. They can also use them as handouts when they speak. They can even leave them at libraries or doctors' offices...or waiting rooms across the country. The more places each person can think of to distribute the puzzles, the better it is for all participants. On top of that, I'll be creating an Authors' Coalition Game Page which will bring folks to play the crossword puzzles electronically online. Participants (and others!) would be encouraged to link to this page from their web sites which would enhance the effectiveness of the cross promotion.

There are two levels of participation. If you'd like your book to be a part of one of the puzzles, the price would be $25. If you are a paid AC member or sponsor, $20.

There will also be space on the puzzle sheets and the answer sheets for cover art ads with one line of text. If you buy an ad, you are automatically included in one of the puzzles too so essentially, you get double exposure. The space on the puzzle sheet itself is limited so I anticipate room for only five ads. Puzzle page ads would be $50 for paid members, $55 for non - members. There will be room on the answer sheets for ten ads. Ads on the answer sheet would be $40 for paid AC members, $45 for non - members.

We intend this for a summer cross promotion, so if you are interested, please contact me by June 15. I can either invoice you from Paypal or you can send a check to Joyce Faulkner, PO Box 264, Bridgeville, PA 15017.

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Author Successes

(If you read about others' successes you'll not only be inspired, you'll glean resources for future successes of your own. You are invited to send me news about your successes. Please use "AUTHOR SUCCESSES" as a subject lines.)

Linda Ballou has released Wai - nani, a reflection of the personage of the great chiefess Ka'ahumanu. She was born in 1779, fifteen years prior to the landing of Captain Cook in Kealakekua and was the favorite wife of Makaha, a fierce warrior modeled after Kamehameha the Great. Her story awaits you: http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/Books.html Order an autographed copy, freight free.

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Available: Audios from Audio Divas on many aspects of building a writing career are published by Double Dragon Press. Here is the page where you'll find the full list (http://www.double - dragon - ebooks.com/eAuthor.php?Name=Carolyn%20Howard - Johnson ) including one on "Do It Yourself Indexing." The first audio, "Promoting Easy and Cheap!" is a F R ^ ^ sample you can download. Each comes with a resource guide. Here is an example of a guide for the audio - lesson Your Divas did on "Contests": http://www.derondouglas.com/audiosample/AwardResourceGuideContests.pdf
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Subscribers Sharing with Subscribers

What That E - mail Autosignature Can Do for You!

Hi Carolyn,

Thought I’d let you know that your Write On CD from the Frugal Interview on KSJE is on its way to you . . . . Note my new signature. I’ve already had a bite from someone who knows a bookstore owner. Keep your fingers crossed.

Connie Gotsch
Program Director KSJE FM
505 566 3377
www.ksje.com
Producer 'Write On Four Corners'
Author 'Snap Me a Future' 'A Mouthful of Shell' dlsijpress.com

Answer: I keep nagging people (for my own benefit as well as theirs!) to use autosignatures in their e - mail - - to save time, to better serve editors and others with whom they communicate, and to promote their books and/or services. Too often it's ignored. I know because the next time I publish something from them (in my newsletter or blog) I have to research essential information. Feature editors or producers and other busy people may or may not go to that trouble. They may just junk your request instead. So, THANK YOU, Connie! Glad it is making a difference for you.
AND, thank you for the CD. How neat! ( - :

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Endorsement:" I am so happy for you to receive a second award [Reader Views Literary Award] for The Frugal Editor. I bought this book a week ago, and I love it. I can already see the improvement in my work. Thank you. You deserve this award."
Katherine Harms, author
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Feature

When To Give F r ^ ^ Books and When To Skip It

Are you giving away books? Sometimes it's the only polite and promotion - savvy thing to do. Other times not.

Here are the people you should give books to:

1. To those with a loyal following. They might mention them and spread the word - - verbally, in blogs, in newsletters, in their own books (as references), etc.
2. To reviewers. Ask before you send one though. No point in wasting a good book. Do not ask your reviewers to buy your book. If someone who has bought a book offers to review it, consider sending them a nice thank you gift - - something more substantial than a bookmark. If not, at least send them a handwritten thank you note.
3. To those who have helped you with your publishing. That would be those you mention in your acknowledgements and maybe some others as well.
4. Anyone kind enough to give you a blurb or endorsement.
5. To contest judges.
6. To those you quote in your book (they are probably well - known in their fields and likely to mention your book to others).

To learn who not to give books to (you may be surprised!) go to the Sharing with Writers blog: www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com.

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Authors' Coalition members! For credibility, use the AC logo on your promotional materials. Ask for it by sending an e - mail to HoJoNews@aol.com or download it with a click from the AC site http://www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com/AC_Promotional_Videos,%20Logos%20&%20More .
You know you want it on your website! Be sure to link it to the AC site, too! And there is a cross - promotional slide show there that will add movement and color to your site or blog, even if you aren't featured on it. It's all about Karma. ( - :
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Tip: Here's a really FRUGAL suggestion. Buy nice gifts (things in perfect condition) at second hand shops to be used as gifts. Readers' aids like magnifying glasses and book stands are often useful. Teddy bears can be a cute "hugs" gift for reviewers.

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Authors' Coalition: No Hum - Drum Book Fair Promotion Allowed is a blog where you can watch how Authors' Coalition members make book fairs successful with cross - promotion, value - added promotions and a good assessment process. Find it at www.authorscoalition.blogspot.com. It's time to sign up for 2008's LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books.
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Sharing Promo Ideas

Let Your Car Promote for You

Contributed by Angel Logan

I was just reading an issue of Sharing with Writers where you mentioned advertising on cars with car magnets (see the home page of Authors' Coalition, www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com).
I use something that is a little more subtle called a Window Cling.

Window cling is a plastic sign that sticks to any glass surface. It is transparent, and you simply sponge it onto the inside of your car window, and it sticks until you remove it.

My husband has a window cling with my web address, on our rear window for the cars behind us to see. I used a local sign company that designed it for me, with the lettering color of my choice - - purple of course, and it was not expensive. Those who prefer to order on the web might try http://www.window - cling.com/. They say, "We even have a vinyl decal materials that is like a bumper sticker, yet they can be removed with no scraping, heat or use of any chemicals."

The window cling is reusable, and you can just roll it up and store until you are ready to place it upon another location. I sent one to a friend in Ohio. She put it on her rear car window so people in her area could see my web address. It is simple, again subtle, and great advertising.
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Angel Logan is the author of a poetry collection, Wings of an Angel, www.wingsofanangel.us

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Learn more about tips booklets and how to make them work for you. Paulette Ensign was one of the first master promoters I came in contact with. She'll teach you to make promotional booklets work for you with a variety of programs. http://www.kickstartcart.com/app/?af=696843
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Tip: Do what smart comedians do. Figure out a way to use an adorable baby or dog in your promotion. One author at the LA Times Festival of Books brought her schnauzer. Somehow she managed to turn the conversation from his whiskered face to her book.

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"AC is the current that powers your writing career." http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
Carolyn Howard - Johnson, Authors' Coalition Founder
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From Elizabeth Lucas - Taylor

(Elizabeth contributes at least one valuable paying resource per SWW issue - - either a great place to sell material or find writing craft or promotional idea - - and she sometimes throws in a resource for you.)

In the next couple issues, Elizabeth will explain some rights terms:

Anthology Rights give the publisher of an anthology (a collection of shorter works) the right to publish your article/work in that collection. Anthologies often purchase reprint material. Many magazines that put out annual "Best of" collections negotiate anthology rights with authors whose work has appeared in their magazines.
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Find Elizabeth at http://www.authorsden.com/elucastaylor or her new blog at http://www.elucas - taylor.blogspot.com/ or at MySpace http://www.myspace.com/elucastaylor
where you will find a writers' community.

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Reciprocal Links: Many subscribers are in a position to cross - promote. Let me know if you would like to trade some recommendation or promotion for any of my books - - from the HowToDoItFrugally series to my chapbook of poetry - - for a place on my Resources for Writers or Resources for Readers pages on www.HowToDoItFrugally.com.
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Tip: I've been noticing that many SWW (this newsletter, Sharing with Writers) subscribers have blogs with no place to leave comments. Hey! That is what a blog is for! To encourage interaction! Interaction, in turn, builds loyal blog readers and that, in turn, builds loyal fans of your writing. There has to be a way to let your readers contact you, talk to you. Better fix that! ( - :

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I use Vista Print for lots of my promotional materials. Be aware that shipping prices may fluctuate, depending on the deal of the moment. Please use this link:
http://www.vistaprint.com/frf?frf=815651421184
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Tip: On the Resources for Writers page on my site there is a list of Sites Where You Can Post Info on Your Book at No Cost. Go to www.howtodoitfrugally.com/links_for_writers.htm and scroll down to the header.

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The New Book Review is a service of this newsletter and Authors' Coalition. It allows authors to get more exposure from their favorite review and reviewers a chance to have more readers see their reviews - - with links, of course. Please check the guidelines on the blog site at www.TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com.
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Into Words

An Itty - Bitty Column on Writing

The April 28th issue of Times magazine carried letters to the editor about an article on the Battle of Iwo Jima. I pointed this out to Joyce Faulkner www.joycefaulkner.com whose book, In the Shadow of Suribachi, is a fictional tale based on the factual history of that battle. What a great way to promote your work, I thought. Piggyback your promotions on magazine articles that highlight the topics you cover in your books.

My client, Dan Skelton www.freewebs.com.drdanskelton, writes about teenage drug addicts, horrible demonic monsters and dysfunctional families. But he sometimes writes about elves. Elves you say? Yep. Elves. You probably won’t find much in magazines about these creatures but, then, you never know. The other topics he covers are in many magazines and offer excuses to send out press releases, fodder for presentations and many other ideas for promotion.

My books are on war, peace, art, writing and the many meanings of love, devotion and loneliness. Again, magazine articles abound with articles about all of these subjects. It takes study, and maybe a library with access to EPSCO HOST or some other periodical list, but you can use what is being discussed in the media today to show the currency of your work...how it fits into the world of NOW.

Newspapers and television news sources are great for information as well. I suggest that you make a folder (either virtual or actual) on the topics mentioned in your books and do some research. You’ll find you strengthen your knowledge and ability to tell others about what you do and learn to enhance your storytelling ability.

For more information on this topic, and a few links, sneak over to my blog at: http://mplcreative.blogspot.com/ .
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Mindy Phillips Lawrence www.freewebs.com/mplcreative is the author of One Blue Star and co - author of The Complete Writer. She is also the publicist and literary agent for Dr. Dan Skelton and representative for the fiction work of Bev Walton - Porter. She is in the process of researching a novel titled Alone is Where We Begin.

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Endorsement:
"www.HowToDoItFrugally.com , by Carolyn Howard - Johnson [is] a top website for writers . . . I'd say my ROI is over 1,000%. The advice is particularly strong in addressing the new author where they are in learning the publishing/selling process. Very practical. The site is excellent."
~ Hill Kemp, author of Capitol Offense, and contributor to Secrets, Fact or Fiction? I, ISBN 0 - 9737282 - 5 - 6 and Secrets, Fact or Fiction? II, ISBN 1 - 59594 - 062 - 6, LOC 2006904627, http://www.secretsfactorfiction.com
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Carolyn's Appearances and Teaching:

Nancy Mills, founder of Spirited Woman, will be interviewing Carolyn Howard - Johnson in her 2008 Spirited Woman tele - chat series. Sign up now to be part of this exciting series, whether you want to listen to Carolyn or to the likes of Jacqueline Mitchard, author of the Deep End of the Ocean and Catherine Ryan Hyde, author of Pay It Forward. To listen live to Carolyn, circle Tuesday, June 3, 2008, 10 am (PST), 1pm (EST) on your calendar. Find the entire series at: www.thespiritedwoman.com/ spirited_woman_circle. Advance registration needed.
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Carolyn Howard - Johnson will be one of the featured winners of the USA Book News' booth at BEA on Friday, May 30, at the nation's premier book event, Book Expo America. She will sign her USA Book News Award - Winning book, The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success in the USA Book News booths, #835 & #837 in the PMA Pavilion at 11 to 11:30 am. Make BEA reservations and get info about the event here: www.bookexpoamerica.com.
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Carolyn Howard - Johnson will read from her chapbook of poetry, Tracings, Monday evening, Aug. 11, at 7:30 pm at the Village Bookstore 1049 Swarthmore Ave, Pacific Palisades, CA. Poets Alice Pero and Lois P. Jones sponsor ongoing featured readings called Moonday. Learn more at www.home.earthlink.net/ ~pero/moonday.html.
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The f r e ^ Muse Online Writers' Conference, sponsored by Lea Schizas and Carolyn Howard - Johnson, is accepting early registration. Nearly 2,000 attended last year and openings are limited. Learn more about this year's conference, October 13 to 19th, and how you can assure your spot in 2008. We will present an all - new program soon. Carolyn will do a seminar on "Query Letters! Editing them perfectly for a great first impression." Go to: For more information click here:
http://www.themuseonlinewritersconference.com
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 Carolyn Howard - Johnson will speak to the California Writers Club of San Fernando Valley at 1 pm on December 13, 2008. It's at the Encino Community Center, 4939 Balboa Blvd (just north of Ventura Blvd.), Encino, CA 91316. Learn more about the year's programs www.calwriterssfv.com and sign up to join. It's a dynamic group. E - mail is cwcsfv@gmail.com.
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TIP: Backwards editing is maybe the best way of all to get whistle - clean copy of anything you absolutely must edit yourself. Find details at my The Frugal, Smart and Tuned - In Editor blog, www.thefrugaleditor.blogspot.com.

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Sign up to receive a copy of my Sharing with Writers blog in your e - mail box. It is a focused blog on all things related to writing and publishing. Go to www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com. Sign up in the left hand column. Find related resources by scrolling to the bottom of the blog.
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Wordstuff ™

Something to Make Writers Smile

(Definitions in the next few newsletters are from www.butlerwebs.com/jokes/definitions.htm.You might have some favorite neologisms, metaphors or similes that make you smile. If so, please contribute.)
"CANNIBAL: Someone who is fed up with people."
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Essential Book and Record Keeping:

This letter is an entity of Authors' Coalition http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com

Edited and distributed by Carolyn Howard - Johnson,

http://carolynhoward - johnson.com

Author of This Is the Place, Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered, Tracings, and the How To Do It Frugally series of books for writers,
www.howtodoitfrugally.com.

Tracings, a chapbook of poetry, published by Finishing Line Press may be ordered at
www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/qid=1139084827/sr=1 - 1/

This is a place to share with others and learn from others.

Though I do attempt to verify information used within this newsletter's pages, Sharing with Writers does not guarantee entities or information. Subscribers should research resources.

To submit information articles, tips or other information, e - mail Carolyn at HoJoNews@aol.com. Please put "Submission: Sharing with Writers" in the subject line.

If you do not care to receive this newsletter, send an e - mail to HoJoNews@aol.com with "Unsubscribe” in the subject line, but please, please don't tell me you've given up writing or promoting!

To subscribe to Sharing with Writers send an e - mail with "Subscribe" in the subject line to: HoJoNews@aol.com.

Please pass this newsletter on to friends or e - groups. It needn't be pasted in its complete form, but please credit this newsletter, Authors' Coalition and the individual contributors with anything you snip and paste.

Order the Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't at stores like UCLA, Dayton University and San Diego State University's bookstores. Order it as an e - book at http://starpublish.com/carolyn_howard - johnson.htm

or paperback at Amazon where it is discounted:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/193299310X/qid=1149015406/sr=2 - 1/

The second in the How To Do It Frugally series of books, The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success, is available at this link to Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0978515870/


The Great First Impression Book Proposal: Everything You Need To Know About Selling Your Book in 20 Minutes or Less, is available on Amazon as a Short for 49 cents.
http://www.amazon.com/Great - First - Impression - Book - Proposal/dp/B000YG6O5U/