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June 12, 2010
Sharing with Writers
A newsletter that is also a community. Share your ideas. Learn from theirs! Associated with the multi award - winning series of HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers, www.howtodoitfrugally.com


From the Desks of
Carolyn Howard - Johnson
and Sharing with Writers Subscribers

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 Mindy Phillips Lawrence ~ mplcreative1@aol.com ~ www.freewebs.com/mplcreative. I also tell writers to be patient with other writers when they make editing boo - boos. We're all human. This letter comes out weekly (except when I'm traveling or on deadline) and it's long!
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Contents
Regular Features
~Note from Carolyn
~Letters - to - the - Editor
~Thank Yous (where you also find leads and great resources!)
~Tips and News Galore! (They're scattered, you'll just have to find them!)
~Opportunities: If You Don’t Want to Do Your Own Book Launch
~On Poetry
~Author Successes
~Mindy Lawrence's Itty Bitty Column, “Writing on Art”
~Carolyn's Appearances and Teaching
~Wordstuff ™
This Issue
~Q&A a la Ann Landers: Shopping Your Book to an Agent
~Q&A a la Ann Landers: On Hiring Your Own Publicist
~Q&A a la Ann Landers: Wahhh! No One Reads My Signatures!
~Feature: Travel Writer Ballou Shares Method to Get Your Book Passed Around
~Feature: Amazon & Google Blogger Make Great Pair
~Review for Riters: Carolyn Reviews Book for Fiction Writers
~Mini - Feature: Ever Heard of the Self Interview?


Note: You may have better luck with the URLs in this newsletter if you copy and paste. I leave the links long rather than use hyperlinks in this letter because it is available in plain text in your e - mail window as well as by .pdf when you copy and paste the link provided below.
~ ~ ~:. ~ ~ ~.: ~ ~ ~.: ~ ~ ~:. ~ ~ ~.: ~ ~ ~.: ~ ~ ~:. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~:. ~ ~ ~.: ~ ~ ~

Note from Carolyn

Dear Subscribers:

When Uriah Carr joined a critique group I founded at the Glendale library a few years ago, I got lucky. ( - :

That day I met a talented friend who writes poetry and plays, acts, and is a photographer to boot. Eventually he took most of the shots you see of me in my books and around the Web.

The other day he looked at one of my newer book covers (Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers to be exact!) and said, I think it’s time you updated your photos. I didn’t dare ask him why he thought that.

What!? You think I’m crazy?

I just nodded. I’m sure he didn’t see the gulp.

And we had a lot of fun at the photo session with my husband in the background kibitzing about the ham he married.

I figured if we had to put up with my husband’s brand of humor, we’d get him to push the button on the camera and make himself useful. So now I have some pictures of Uriah and me (yes, that is supposed to be “me,” not “I!”) after the shoot. You see that photo here and one of the 167 he took of me. I’m still undecided about which to use of the many he took.

Now, this brings me to the important part. I’m still seeing lots of photos that aren’t professionally taken being used by lots of my author friends. Some are pretty good. Others not so. And some really awful. As I mention in The Frugal Book Promoter (www.budurl.com/FrugalBkPromo), your head shot is not the time to scrimp. Frugal is one thing. Cheap another.

You may not be able to see the difference, but an editor can. It’s in the lighting, the resolution, the position of the shoulders. Things most of us aren’t trained in. Most of us—unlike Uriah—are merely writers.

So, look at the photos you’re using for promotion one more time. Critically. If you live in the Southern California area, I’ll be pleased to give you Uriah’s contact information. If not, you’re on your own. One word of caution: Many studio photographers aren’t trained to catch the “writer you.” So, before you choose, look at some of the shots on the book flaps of some of the big publishers. Maybe ask some authors you know who took their photos. Ask the photographer if he or she has worked with authors. Ask to see those shots, not just the family portraits.

I mean, if money is going to be spent, let’s be as careful about the research as we are when we hire our editors. Don’t you think?

Great Reading, Book Promoting and Editing to You!
Carolyn Howard - Johnson

PS: There has been some grumbling about an online group called Grouply that lets you use the addresses of those in your YahooGroups.com groups to build a social network. Apparently either Grouply or a hacker uses accounts to spam those groups. If you have received anything like that from me, it wasn’t me! And, if you want to discontinue association with Grouply go to http://www.grouply.com/discontinue.php.


PPS: Only four more places at our Roman Retreat in October. You know you want to be with us. We’ll take a few minutes to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and wish for, well, you know what! The inexpensive room on the lower level is taken, but the fees are still very reasonable for Rome. We’re sharing the cost of the gorgeous townhouse right in the historical center of The Eternal City. Please, if you’ve been considering it, look again on my blog at http://sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com/2010/02/roman - retreat - e - books - and - yes - promotion.html or just go directly to www.budurl.com/RomanRetreat. If you’re thinking about coming, quit it and just sign up!


PPPS: This month I am featured on The Creative Penn podcast, which includes interviews, information, and inspiration on writing, publishing options, sales and promotion... for your book. You can see the backlist of over 50 free audios here http://www.thecreativepenn.com/podcasts/ or you can subscribe in iTunes. Joanna Penn, who runs http://www.TheCreativePenn.com/ is the author of three non - fiction books as well as a speaker and international consultant. She is also the creator of the Author 2.0 Blueprint: Using web 2.0 tools to write, publish, sell and promote your book. Reach her at thecreativepenn@gmail.com

===================================================== Two highly recommended e - books for maximizing your Twitter account from Tony Eldridge are written especially for authors:
Twitter E - Book: http://www.on2url.com/app/adtrack.asp?MerchantID=150314&AdID=482099
Twitter E - Mail Course: http://www.on2url.com/app/adtrack.asp?MerchantID=150314&AdID=482103 and an interactive e - book on running a Twitter contest: http://www.on2url.com/app/adtrack.asp?MerchantID=150314&AdID=482099
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Letter to the Editor ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi Carolyn,

Carolyn! What a great AllTips newsletter (as always). I’m going to forward it to the guy who leads the marketing group of the California Writers Club, Berkeley Branch to pass along. BTW, if any of your readers are interested, CWC will meet in Oakland on Sunday, June 20, 1 pm, lower level of the main branch library at 125 14th Street. Program starts at 2 pm. Everybody’s welcome. NOTE: No meetings in July or August.

I’ll send you another note when I launch my blog.

Cheers,
Karin Ireland
Corporate Workshops, Motivational Speaker, Personal Coach
Author of Learning to Trust Myself: Lessons from Cancer and Other Life Dilemmas
Winner Women in Communications Award of Excellence

Don't Wait for a Crisis to Learn What I Learned:
1. Slow down. This is your life!
2. Relax
3. Remember to play
4. Reevaluate your life frequently. Is it working?
5. Reevaluate your goals. Are they the right ones?
6. Take care of yourself first
7. Say no. You probably don't have to do most of those things you think you have to do

For information about my workshops, my book or personal coaching, call 510 - 667 - 9855 or visit my website, www.IrelandCommunications.com


=====================================================
Needing something more meaningful for the celebrations in your life? Something that stays within your budget? Imagining the Future: Ruminations on Fathers and Other Masculine Apparitions for Father’s Day (www.budurl.com/Imagining) ($6.95). Cherished Pulse (www.budurl.com/CherishedPulse) ($6.95) for someone you love. She Wore Emerald Then (www.budurl.com/MotherChapbook) ($12.95), for mothers and other women. It’s the Celebration Series of poetry from Magdalena Ball and me.
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In the News: Time magazine talks about how Facebook will soon have its 500 millionth “active citizen.” And that “one in four people who browse the Internet have a Facebook account.” And that “28% of Facebook users are over the age of 34.” So, if we’re still using the sad old excuse that FB is only for young people and that’s not our audience (or something similar), it’s time to rethink. Out of 500 million, I’m sure you can find a few friends who are exactly your audience.


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There is a page of contests on the Resource for Writers page on my Web site: http://www.carolynhowardjohnson.redenginepress.com/contests.htm Follow the links on that page to other valuable lists on my site, too. =====================================================


Q&A a la Ann Landers

Shopping Your Book to an Agent ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
QUESTION:
Do I really have to have an agent to sell my book?

ANSWER:
Here's the advice I give my clients: It depends on your dream.

There is a way for every title to find readership these days, that's for sure. If you want your book to be published with a BIG publisher and hit the bestseller list and think you would complain all the way to the bank if your book sales don't meet your expectations (gasp for breath!), then at least go for that agent first. If you have passion for writing and don't mind growing your career as most of us have to anyway—slowly and methodically - - well...agents aren’t the only way to go about doing it.

You may enjoy this post on Diane Wolf’s blog, http://circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/2010/05/query - i - gotta - get - agent.html
CHJ


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Please paste this little blurb - - perhaps with a little endorsement - - in your newsletter or Web site: To subscribe to Sharing with Writers send an e - mail with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line to HoJoNews@aol.com or go to www.howtodoitfrugally.com for an auto subscribe box. Let me know you did it. I will be able to do something similar for you on my Resources for Readers page at www.howtodoitfrugally.com.
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Q&A a la Ann Landers

On Hiring Your Own Publicist ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
QUESTION:
Dear Carolyn,

I read your current Newsletter. Thanks. (I took a class of yours at UCLA Extension last year.)

My question might seem to contrast sharply with the spirit of frugality, but my publisher wants me to hire my own book publicist/promotion expert IN ADDITION to the efforts the publisher will be making on my book's behalf before and at publication time, early next year. Do some of your author/reader/bloggers have info about how important it might be to spend money on a publicist? How about this as a subject for a paragraph or two in your next news? I do remember your telling our class that there is MUCH the author can accomplish on her own, vis - a - vis promotion, and I am fully prepared to do that. Still... I want to do all I can for the book, and I can't open many of the doors that the pros can.

Many thanks,
Name withheld

First of all, congratulations to your publisher for caring enough about your book to make suggestions and to handle some marketing and/or publicity on their own. I would be curious as to just what they plan to do!

As you know from my class, I am not much on spending money on any kind of service that an author can do for himself. There are exceptions to the rule. ~The author has plenty of money to spend.

~The author doesn't care if they spend their entire advance on publicity services (they are in it for the readership and a long - term career).

~The author has absolutely no time and a little budget for this. You get the idea.

~One of the above applies and the author can find a publicist with a track record and lots of the kind of contact required to get exposure in national venues, or at least the kind of exposure the author dreams of.

If you are determined, you will find information on how to assess and hire a publicist in The Frugal Book Promoter (www.budurl.com/FrugalBkPromo). You may already have a copy from the class you took with me. Keep in mind that many times publicists have tons of "contacts" but they are of the sort that anyone can make, including authors, small bloggers, radio programs with few listeners, etc. So a publicist’s Rolodex is very important.

Then ask yourself: Is my book on a topic that a high - powered publicist can interest big radio and TV shows in covering? Or are they just going to subcontract an online launch, blog tour and other promotions to others and charge you top dollar for doing so.
In that case, you might do better by learning to do it yourself or by hiring experts piecemeal yourself. It would also be less expensive to hire someone to coach you through the process (and refer you) to these services. I can do that, of course. But after your course with me, I think you have the equipment to do it yourself. And honestly, many of the resources I'd give you have been in one of my newsletters in the past.

Having said that, there is another UCLA course coming up this August 7th. It may be just the refresher you need and it is just over $100 for a full day refresher. A real bargain rather than the price of a publicist which can easily run $5,000 to $35,000.

Last point: You didn't say what your advance is but that's an important thing to look at before deciding what you can spend on a publicist that may rocket you to stardom...or put you in the red on your book's earnings.

If any of my readers would like to weigh in with their experiences, that's what my letters - to - the - editor in my newsletter is for. I'll ask them! ( - :

CHJ

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My blog, War, Peace, Tolerance and Our Soldiers is where I get to nag and rag and try to make things better for our troops and maybe for the world. It includes a segment of frugal ways to help our troops and veterans. I'd love to have you leave a comment. www.warpeacetolerance.blogspot.com
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Author Successes

(The author successes segment is here to praise, laud, and encourage but the success of one author may give you a resource for another. So, applaud, certainly. But also learn.)

Joan Gelfand Gets Two Poetry Nods . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . . one for the Cervena Barva 2010 Fiction Award: This small, Boston - based literary press has garnered international attention by publishing topnotch authors from around the world, including Denis Emorine, Andrey Gritsman, Charles Ries, Lucille Lang Day, Daniel Harris and Gulnar Ali Balata. Joan Gelfand won the 2010 prize for her “Here & Abroad,” a chapbook of three short stories. It will be coming in November. The award includes an honorarium and marketing support and 25 copies of the book for the author, 25 copies for press/reviewers.

Joan, the President of the Women’s National Book Associations
(http://www.wnba - books.org ), also won the Poets & Writers grant given to visiting authors for Joan's June 3rd reading at the Wayne County Public Library.
Learn more about Joan at http://joangelfand.com
She tweets at http://twitter.com/joangelfand
Find her at Zeek Magazine: www.zeekmagazine.net


=================================================== Book Proposal Help: "The Great First Impression Book Proposal: Everything You Need To Know To Sell Your Book in 20 Minutes or Less" for 49 cents at http://budurl.com/bookproposalreport =====================================================

Opportunities

If You Don’t Want to Do Your Own Book Launch... ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . . or blog tour, you may want to check out Aggie Villaneuva’s reasonably priced services. She’s doing a tour for me! Here’s the info:

Purchase your promo need separately at Visual Arts Junction’s Promotion á la Carte.

http://www.visualartsjunction.com/?page_id=8841

$169.00 Basic Launch: This includes setting up a launch page for you that includes a handful of free bonus gifts for your customers. On the day of your book/product/event launch, we will begin a social media blast on Twitter and Facebook to over 11,000 people in the field of writing. These posts will be sent every four hours round the clock for three days.
Because customers must subscribe to your email list to claim your special free bonus gift(s) you should gain many new subscribers and because the download page to get those gifts is on your site your visitor numbers should rise also. All this in addition to the social media blast.

$117.00 Mini Launch: The same as the Basic Launch, except it includes no launch page or free bonus gifts. This launch includes the same three - day social media blast about your book/product/event to over 11,000. See complete details.

$149 Set up your interviews and book reviews: This is one of the most time consuming aspects of promotion. I already have a working relationship with dozens of interviewers and reviewers. Send me your info and I’ll contact all of them for you, submitting to interviewers, both live and print.

I can’t guarantee your book will be accepted for the interviews and reviews, but I will do the work for you and submit your book information, forwarding you copies of each reply so you can finalize.

Be sure to schedule your launch/and or requests three to six months in advance of when you need them, as many interviewers/reviewers are booked up to 6 months in advance. Even if some of your interview can’t be scheduled until after your launch, it’s still good to accept the interview anyway. All press is good press!

Check out Promotion á la carte http://www.visualartsjunction.com/?page_id=8841


Reviewers for New Review Site May Want to Read YOUR Book!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
One of the lovely folks who offered to help me with my August Book launch for Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers: Tweaking Your Tweets and Other Tips for Integrating Your Social Media is starting a new review site. She already has a stable of reviewers and they are looking for books to read in all genres except p ^ orn ^ graph y. Send your query letter to Ivy@Forloveofreading.com.


Loving Hong Kong? . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Hong Kong Women in Publishing Society (http://www.hkwips.org) is a nonprofit, mutual - support, English - language organization for women based in Hong Kong (or who have a Hong Kong connection) who are either involved in or interested in some aspect of publishing. They’re writers, writers - to - be, poets, artists, illustrators, editors, proofreaders, copywriters, graphic designers, journalists, publishers, fiction or nonfiction authors. The group organizes regular events and training workshops (open to nonmembers, including men); hosts a members - only listserv where members share information about the industry and work opportunities, and publishes “IMPRINT,” an annual anthology of members’ writing.

Submitted by Kay Ross, member (and a former President) of the Hong Kong Women in Publishing Society. She’s a marketing consultant, copywriter and editor. http://www.kayross.com http://twitter.com/kayross



==================================================== Social networking is one of the best ways to make valuable contact and build a list of readers. The most supportive and interactive one I know with an associated site for displaying fiction to the movie industry is iFOFO. Subscribe at http://www.ifogo.com/buy/order_chj.html
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Radio Tip: Connie Gotsch passes this tip to you. Don McCauley hosts The Author Show at http://www.theauthorsshow.com/ She will discuss her award - winning tween novel, Belle's Star on June 16. She thought you might want to query Don for a spot, too.


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Podcasts are a great way to learn (and be refreshed) on everything from craft to poetry to promotion. Find many f r ^ ^ ones on the sites of those who support writers. You'll find a list of my most recent ones at: www.budurl.com/WritersResources You'll need to scroll down, down, down. That's OK. You may scroll through other resources you need, so read as you go.
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Feature

Travel Writer Ballou Shares Method to Get Your Book Passed Around!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
By Linda Ballou

I operate on the premise that one good deed deserves another.

The most effective promotion for books is word of mouth—one friend telling another that your book is worth their valuable time to read. In my new book Lost Angel Walkabout - One Traveler’s Tales I have a list in the back of the book of the outfitters that hosted me. In this spirited collection of travel narratives recounting the haps, mishaps, and serendipitous adventures that gave me a sense of wonder and delight, I mention my hosts. Some of the stories like “Falling in the Footsteps of John Muir” and “Look Both Ways on Small Islands” are reflections that might make you glad you stayed home, while “River Wise” could inspire you to toss the TV clicker out the window and to explore our beautiful planet. All of the stories take you to special places where you share the sensual experience of being there without straining one muscle, getting altitude sickness, or tipping your canoe.

I included the thank you to my hosts to encourage them to send an announcement about my book to their respective lists of past guests. This will provide me with a personal endorsement to a built - in niche market. I am gifting each of my hosts with a copy of the book, so that they will feel comfortable with the quality of my writing and will be happy to spread “the good news.” I will let you know how this giving to get endorsements pays off. At the very least it will get me more wonderful trips.

Linda Ballou is the author of Lost Angel Walkabout –One Traveler’s Tales - Purchase at www.lindaballouauthor.com and enjoy free shipping.


Q and A a la Ann Landers

Wahhh! No One Reads My Signatures! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

QUESTION:

I have an autosignature that goes out with each of my e - mails. It includes the basic information. You know, name, e - mail, Web site, etc. Yet people still ask me for my phone number. Is it the demographics I’m sending my messages to?

ANSWER:

I think the signature neglect syndrom is just that people don't scroll. And, yeah, some demographics more than others don't scroll. Maybe you need just a tad more flash, to draw the eye down. Even if people don't want to get showy (too shy?) they can start out with a little color and maybe a stand - out font.

Another beginning technique for those who recognize the importance of an e - mail signature is to use a quote and keep changing it. Or a blurb or an endorsement of our books. Or a new book recommendation. That keeps people looking. Just one - liners will do the trick.


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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 http://www.carolynhowardjohnson.redenginepress.com/advertising.htm at less per year than most sites charge for a single month. Find classified there, too.
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Tip: Here’s a brand new review blog that focuses on books of interest to writers! It’s from Ivy Reisner and is called For Love of Reading (ForLoveofReading.com). My book on tweeting will be the first book reviewed
there. Ivy is known for her amazing podcasts (see the appearances section in this newsletter).


=====================================================
Subscribers who have websites or newsletters of their own may be interested
in the F r ^^ Articles 4 Readers and Writers on my site, www.budurl.com/FreeContent . 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.
=====================================================


Feature

Amazon & Google Blogger Make Great Pair ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Two giants, Amazon and Google help you blog more professionally and make some money for you, too.

I’ve reported on this Blogger benefit before, but this is directly from an Amazon E - mail:

Do you link to Amazon.com in your blog posts? If so, a recent Blogger integration (http://buzz.blogger.com/2009/12/blogger - integrates - with - amazon.html) may be just the thing for you. Blogger now integrates directly with Amazon Associates (https://affiliate - program.amazon.com/gp/associates/join/landing/main.html), giving you the ability to search the entire Amazon.com product catalog without ever leaving the Blogger post editor. Writing a review of Avatar and want to point your readers to the DVD that just came out? Not only can you link to the DVD, you can also include the cover art and buy it now info from Amazon so your readers know how much it costs without ever leaving your site.

You might even make some money in the process! Amazon pays an advertising fee to a Blogger user who is a participant in Amazon's Associates Program* and whose visitors buy products linked from their blog. Sign up is simple - just click on the Monetize tab in Blogger, then click on Amazon Associates to get started. Once enabled, you will see a new Amazon gadget next to the familiar Blogger post editor:

Whether you want to make some extra money, or you just want to add some pizzazz to your blog posts, the Amazon Associates integration is a great way to add color to any blog post about books, movies, electronics, music or any other product sold at Amazon.com.

More details at Blogger Buzz (http://buzz.blogger.com/2009/12/blogger - integrates - with - amazon.html ), or just click Monetize in your blog's dashboard to get started.

Thanks for using Blogger!
Regards,
The Blogger Team
2010 Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View CA 94043

I use this feature in all of my blogs including:
~ www.TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com (this blog is always available for you to use for your own book promotion—guidelines are in the left column)

~ www.TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com,
~ www.SharingwithWriters.blogspot.com
~ And even my www.WarPeaceTolerance.blogspot.com

You can get more information on great, focused blogging with my book Your Blog, Your Business: A Retailer’s Guide to Garnering Customer Loyalty and Sales Online and In Store (www.budurl.com/Blogging4Retailers).
CHJ



=====================================================
Fun and F r ~ ~: If you purchased the Frugal Book Promoter or the Frugal Editor, I'd love 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
=====================================================


On Poetry
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


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

From William Carlos Williams “Asphodel, that Geeny Flower”
It is difficult
to get the news from poems
yet men die miserable every day
for lack
of what is found there.

The above came to me in a sales letter for a subscription from Poetry. They use just the single word. It is apparently a magazine. I have no idea if it is reputable, but I’m grateful for the quote in any case. Has anyone had experience with this magazine?


=====================================================
Endorsement: I wanted to tell you how your workshops, reading your newsletter, and just chatting with you has been a great help to me. I have a background in marketing from the fashion world and even though it has helped me get my foot in the door, I honestly have to say that after getting to know you, reading your books, and everything else I just said has truly helped me put Stories for Children Magazine on the map. ~ VS Grenier, Founder and Editor - in - Chief Stories for Children Magazine. http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org.
=====================================================


In the News: The New York Times says “Apple Surpasses Microsoft as Most Valuable Technology Company.” That is an indication that consumers are driving tech, rather than business and that bodes well for authors who are promoting online.


=====================================================
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 $35 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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In the News: Nation, an English newspaper in China (Global Times) runs an article headlined “Chinese tell expats, ‘Don’t read these books!’ They include China’s Not Happy, The Ugly Chinaman and the Crisis of Chinese Culture, and Tiny Times, which sold 1.2 million copies in seven days this January. No surprise there. But the list also includes Lisa See’s Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, apparently because it’s “unreadable!” and “it is being turned into a lesbian movie.” On the same page, the newspaper reports that authors want a comprehensive book review system to help readers select which books they should read because “existing book reviews are full of errors and misleading information.” Apparently, that misleading information includes hype from publishers.


=====================================================
Audio divas bring you audios on many aspects of building a writing career:
www.tri - studio.com/writers.html. Titles include:
~Contest Facts: How to Add “Award - winning” to Your Name;
~Do It Yourself Indexing: The Way to Sell Your Book to Libraries, Schools and Anyone Else That Buys Nonfiction;
~Fury and Destruction: How to Use Violence Effectively in Your Writing
~And more.
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Review for Riters ™

Carolyn Reviews Book for Fiction Writers ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

179 Ways to Save a Novel
By Peter Selgin
Publisher: Writer’s Digest Books
ISBN: 9781582976075
$16.99
Author’s Web site: www.peterselgin.com

What Writer Doesn’t Want Just One Great Way to Save A Novel?

Peter Selgin offers you 179 of them!

Novelists are going to love this author. He dedicates his book 179 Ways to Save a Novel to “Walter Cummins. And to my students, especially those who argue with me.” As a teacher myself, I know that students who argue offer the best opportunities for learning for everyone from the rest of the class to the teacher herself.

Selgin also knows that “no artist should ever be afraid to make mistakes.” Another core learning principle.

With an introduction that shouldn’t be overlooked, Selgin launches into a small book, dense with ideas for writers of fiction. Writers everywhere will be inspired to write a great new character or improve on an old one, reexamine the deaths that occur in our stories and on and on. Subjects I’ve never seen covered in a book (and I read a lot of books for writers!).

I also appreciate the design of this book. Writer’s Digest assigned Claudean Wheeler to the task and what she does with this book feels right. It’s creative and caring.

Writer’s Digest and Selgin (and Wheeler, too!) should be proud of this one. I hope it lands on the suggested reading list of any teacher who makes it her business to guide students to better - crafted fiction. It’s certainly going on mine!




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I highly recommend Jozette Aaron's f r ^ ^ DeSilva's News for writers: http://jozette.webs.com/ not just because I write a column for her. =====================================================


Mini Feature


Ever Heard of the Self Interview?
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If you haven’t heard of the “self interview,” you must go back to read your copy of The Frugal Book Promoter (www.budurl.com/FrugalBkPromo).

Recently Philip guest blogged on Tony Eldridge’s Blog and that reminded me that I haven’t talked about using self interviews recently—maybe in years. It is especially good for authors who don't yet have an interview or can't get permission from one of their interviewers to put into their media kits as a sample interview. (You’ll love all of Tony’s blog posts at http://blog.marketingtipsforauthors.com.)

As Philip notes, when we interview ourselves, we have control over the questions as well as the answers. We can stay focused on our target message and our target audience.

Self interviews are also handy for the casual blog interview; often bloggers welcome the idea of having an author offer them a ready - made interview, especially when we give the blogger permission to pretend as if the questions are all his or hers. They can sure save everyone lots of work. And repetition! Especially if the author is doing a blog tour that requires several interviews within a short period of time!


CHJ




An Itty - Bitty Column on Writing


Writing the Arts
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In 1985, I took a feature writing class in St. Louis, Missouri taught by a copyeditor at the Post - Dispatch. She asked what type writing I’d like to do and I said, “I’d like to do articles on the arts.” I never did write those articles but wound up writing on many other topics.

I left artwork years ago but, for some reason, have taken it up again. When I was working on my college degree in art, I painted and did some etching work. Now I do calligraphy, handmade bookbinding, and a modern version of illuminated manuscripts. Soon I will add other work. The interesting thing about returning to art is I see what I couldn’t see when I was younger: how dedicated someone has to be to produce excellent work.

If you decide to write for the arts, you need to do your research to do it well. Know your periods, your genres, your artists and your materials. Googling helps tremendously.

When you write the arts, you’ll find a great deal of variety in writing topics. There is studio art, photography, woodworking, glass blowing and architecture – not to mention art therapy. Pick your niche and get started.

=

LINKS

Looking and Writing About Art
http://www.ccds.charlotte.nc.us/green/looking_and_writing_about_art.htm

Art and Society
http://artsociety.suite101.com/

The Healing Power of Art – Art Therapy
http://art - therapy.suite101.com/article.cfm/the - healing - power - of - art

Writing about Painting
http://people.ucalgary.ca/ ~rseiler/painting.htm

Shep Miers – Woodworking
http://www.shepmiers.com/

Ali Cavanaugh – Fine Arts
http://www.shepmiers.com/

Dale Chilhuly – Glass and Ceramic
http://www.chihuly.com/

Mary Noble – Calligraphy
http://www.marynoble.co.uk/?Gallery

Charles Pierce – Calligraphy
http://www.charlespearce.com/home.htm

~ Mindy Phillips Lawrence, www.freewebs.com/mplcreative, is the author of the poetry collections One Blue Star and Above and Below. She is co - author of The Complete Writer and a publicist and literary agent. She is in the process of researching a novel titled Alone is Where We Begin. Blogging at: http://mplcreative.blogspot.com/.
Her specialty is helping writers with their media releases. Reach her at mplcreative1@aol.com.



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Yes, I do consult. I tailor my fees to your needs - - everything from coaching to full edits (sorry no partial edits) to hour consultations to help you with your marketing campaign or your path to publishing. http://budurl.com/carolynsconsulting
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Tip: Here’s an article by Heidi Thomas on a subject we writers rarely see addressed! Our (ahem!) "Sagging Middles!" http://dld.bz/gund


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Recent guest blog posts: BookBuzzr.com’s regular blog for writers: http://www.bookbuzzr.com/blog/book - marketing/your - stepping - stones - to - credibility/ Recent podcast links: Elemental Musings from Bev Walton - Porter of Scribe and Quill: http://budurl.com/waltonporter
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Tip: A blog chock full of podcasts useful for writers from Ivy Reisner: http://thewritingcast.com/blog/



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Visit one of my blogs. Experiment a bit with the little green Tweetmeme logo if you haven't used one before. And, please let me know if mine is working for you. I think the one at www.thefrugaleditor.blogspot.com is working. I used the second offering down on the tweetmeme site and replaced the suggested code with the address of my blog. =====================================================


Thank Yous

Thanks to Jendi and Adam at Winning Writers . . .
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . .for publishing a note about my Franklin Christoph (maker of fine pens and calligraphy sets) win in their newsletter: http://www.winningwriters.com/newsletter/public/2010/nl_public_1005.htm


Thanks to Author Billie A. Williams . . .
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. . . for adding links (even pictures!) to The Frugal Book Promoter on her resources page at http://writingwide.com/resources.html


Thanks to Aggie Villaneuva . . .
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . . for her review on Amazon of Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers: Tweaking Your Tweets and Other Tips for Integrating Your Social Media from a writer’s point of view. www.budurl.com/Tweeting4Retailers


Thanks to Lillie Ammann
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . . .who is participating in my blog/tour launch for Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers: Tweaking Your Tweets and Other Tips for Integrating Your Social Media. She is running an essay on my path to writing—and the diversions!—Wednesday, July 28 on her blog at www.lillieammann.com/blog.
Also see a review for that book (note, even authors can read it. The tweeting principles don’t really change!) on Friday, July 30, go to www.lillieammann.com/blog. You will want to see the blog in any case. It’s “A Writer’s Words, An Editor’s Eye!”


Thanks to Poet Joan Gelfand . . .
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. . . for linking to my blogs from her Web site. She has referral sections for “resources” and “inspiring.” Check it out at http://joangelfand.com.


Thanks to Wesley Britton . . .
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. . . for reviewing and interviewing my Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers: Tweaking Your Tweets and Other Tips for Integrating Your Social Media on http://www.bookpleasures.com . The interview link is Authors are Retailers, too. They sell books! Wesley Britton interviews me on retailing books and secrets: BookPleasures.com: http://dld.bz/fKz5

http://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/2563/1/Meet - Carolyn - Howard - Johnson - author - of - Frugal - and - focused - Tweeting - for - Retailers - Tweaking - Your - Tweets - and - Other - Tips - for - Integrating - Your - Social - Media/Page1.html

Wesley is the author of four nonfiction books and runs the Web site, www.spywise.net where you can see many of his past reviews. He also co - hosts the online radio program, “Dave White Presents” available at www.audioentertainment.org .


Thanks to Editor Robert Medak . . .
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. . . for the five - star review of The Frugal Book Promoter: http://dld.bz/fSg3


Thanks to Nanci Arvizu . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . . of Page Reads. She’ll be reviewing my new book on tweeting but you’ll want to look up her review site and program: http://blogtalkradio.com/page - readers


Thanks to Yvonne Perry of Writer’s in the Sky . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . . for publishing my “On Gremlins, Making Mistakes, and Compassion” at http://bit.ly/dCY2ge. She tweets @writersinthesky


Thanks to National Assoc. of Baby Boomer Women . .
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. . . for featuring me on their blog. There are lots of authors in that group, by the way.
http://www.nabbw.com/blog/2010/06/baby - boomer - woman - carolyn - howard - johnson/




============== ======================================= If you're starting your own blog or want to market the one you have or focus it better here’s a f r ^^ chapter from Phyllis Zimbler Miller’s and my coming book. Download it now at http://budurl.com/bloggingchapter. =====================================================



TIP: One of the forces behind iFOGOVillage.ning.com is Jane Austen Dickey. She has contributed to an article on How To Make Your Own E - Book on the site’s author resources page. http://ifogovillage.ning.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network. You can also join their Author Resources Group at http://ifogovillage.ning.com/group/authorresources?xg_source=msg_mes_network



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Unsolicited endorsement from Chaz DeSimone, book cover designer extraordinaire (www.chazdesimone.com): “Carolyn, this book is amazingly comprehensive, understandable, and is using up all my highlighter ink. Heidi (one of his clients): Start reading! It'll get you excited about promoting, and getting your promotion all ready ahead of time. =====================================================


Tip: Joanna Penn is the author of three books, a speaker and international consultant. Her blog http://www.TheCreativePenn.com provides articles, audio and video on Writing, Publishing, Internet Sales and Promotion for Your Book. Check the site to get your fr ^ ^ Author 2.0 Blueprint: Using Web 2.0 tools to write, publish, sell and promote your book.



Tip: Get more tips on different ways you can use very, very frugal business cards to promote you book on Reno Lovison’s blog: http://businesscardtobusiness.com/blog/frugal - teamwork - you - and - your - business - cards/


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This is an example of one of my Twitters: "FrugalBookPromo New trend? Borders will buy nonreturnable books from HarperStudio in return for a deeper discount." My tweets cover everything from news to more tips and resources, all in 140 characters or less. If you don’t want to tweet, at least follow me for more great tips. Make a profile page and invite me at www.twitter.com/frugalbookpromo. =====================================================


Q&A a la Ann Landers

How Would Winning a Contest Affect Getting a Publisher or Agent in the Future? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


QUESTION:

Hi, Carolyn,

My team mate Sarah Moore and I have a question from a client (read below). I've never had this question before and I'm not sure how to answer. It seems to me that a book having won an award would be one that a house would want to publish. However, to be sure, I am checking with you to see what insight you might have.

Thanks so much,

Yvonne Perry
Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services
615 - 415 - 9861


THE LETTER FROM YVONNE’S CLIENT:

As you know I have entered my book for The Claymore Dagger Award. My question is if it is acceptable to continue to submit it to literary agents as well. I do not want to be unethical or anger the literary world before I even get my foot in the door. I have read the home page for the contest and all that is stated is that the manuscripts must be unpublished and not under contract. I need your professional opinion on what is acceptable. Thank you for your help.


ANSWER:

One can't be sure that any general statement applies to every agent and every publisher, but here goes: Generally speaking, an agent (and any publisher she might contact) should be thrilled to have an author whose book has already won an award and who is a savvy enough promoter to have already garnered attention.

If I were consulting with her, I'd even advise her to put the Dagger win (once it becomes a win!) in her query letter. In other words, highlight it. Shout it out! If one publisher or one agent doesn't like that, perhaps he or she wouldn't be the right agent/publisher for this author in any case.

I think one question for an author to ask is: Is the award given by an individual publishing company that includes publication of the winning submission. If so - - from an agent's point of view - - it would only mean that it had been submitted to a publisher before they took it on. Ethically your client should be willing to let the agent with whom they signed a contract represent them for the book published by this agent, should both publisher (the one who ran the contest) and author agree to a publishing contract. The agent may choose to advise the author during the negotiations, but even if they don't, the offer should be made.


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The New Book Review is a f r ^ ^ service of this newsletter. 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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Carolyn's Appearances and Teaching

New! MaAnna Stephenson kicks off her BlogAid Podcast series with our interview! Yep! We talk Tweeting to celebrate the launch of Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers: http://www.blogaid.net/podcasts The specific link to the conversation on Tweeting MaAnna and I had is http://www.blogaid.net/podcast - with - carolyn - howard - johnson
She also reviewed Tweeting and posted it at: http://www.blogaid.net/book - review - of - frugal - and - focused - tweeting - for - retailers. Find the complete launch schedule at http://www.visualartsjunction.com/?page_id=9204



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New! Please go to www.blogtalkradio.com/thefunkywriter and listen to The Funky Writer Show at 6 PM Pacific time July 29. It is the HOT SPOT for writers and poets and lovers of books and is now rolling past its 70th show. The host is Rob Batista www.robertbatista.blogspot.com . This is part of the launch for Frugal and Focused Tweeting planned for me by Aggie Villaneuva. Find the complete launch schedule at: http://www.visualartsjunction.com/?page_id=9204

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The book launch for my Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers: Tweaking Your Tweets and Other Tips for Integrating Your Social Media is taking shape. Follow the fun and dates (and learning!) at:
http://www.visualartsjunction.com/?page_id=9204

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Come listen to Ivy Reisner and I dish on social media - - socially. ( - : Go to her Web site www.thewritingcast.com/blog and either listen online, download the mp3 file, or subscribe to the podcast feed (current subscription is just over 3,000 with some files getting 8,000 downloads so I know you'll love what she does!). Writing Cast covers topics of various techniques of writing, from how to create characters and control narrative voice, to how to promote your work. Most of the episodes are kept short, to fit into a writer's busy schedule.


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Carolyn Howard - Johnson and fellow UCLA Writers' Program Instructor, Eve LaSalle Caram (a UCLA Award - Winning Instructor at that - - yes note the caps!) are planning an amazing intimate conference in Rome for October, 2010. Find details at www.budurl.com/RomanRetreat. Jo Linsdell, a writer living in Rome and founder of the online conference PROMO Day, will also be offering a seminar. Accommodations are extremely limited.


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The Muse Online Writers Conference cosponsored by Lea Schizas and Carolyn Howard - Johnson is now taking reservations for the f r ^ ^ event beginning October 11 of 2010. http://themuseonlinewritersconference.com/ To avoid a small late registration fee, please register before Aug. 15.

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New!Tuesday, Aug 2 Carolyn Howard - Johnson will launch Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers: Tweaking Your Tweets and Other Tips for Integrating Your Social Media online using Aggie Villaneuva’s Online Launch method.
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Carolyn Howard - Johnson will teach a one - day seminar in book promotion including a planning a thrifty online campaign. The place? UCLA Extension's Writers' Program on campus, of course. Mark August 7, 2010, on your calendar. Sign up online at www.uclaextension.edu English 735.1, Registration #76941 Project# 211 - 559.

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Carolyn Howard Johnson, author of A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In - Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns w th Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques, will make a guest appearance on Paul Bruno's Career Czar® radio program. At 10:00 am Pacific at www.alltalkradio.net/careerczar, we'll talk about making retailing work in a down economy and how authors can make their case to retailers to let them boost profits with a book signing on December 17, 2010. You can also listen at www.alltalkradio./careerczar/career121710.mp3 In the meantime, listen to his other shows at www.alltalkradio.net/careerczar or at the show's blog at www.careerczar.wordpress.com. Ask to be on Paul's notification list for free podcasts.

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Carolyn Howard - Johnson will be a featured speaker at the Wisconsin Regional Writers Association Conference in Madison, Wisconsin, with “How To Do It Frugally: Free Exposure for Your Book and Your Bod.” A breakout session will be “"Become Your Own PR Person, Frugally: How to Write a Killer Media Release and Produce a Great Media Kit." The dates are September 25 - 26, 2010. Find information on that at www.wrwa.net. This active group invites writers from everywhere to join.


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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
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(Fun with language from The Washington and other publications. This letter is long this week. You deserve something will a little kick to it!)


Willy - nilly (adj.), impotent.


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Essential Book and Record Keeping:

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

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

Ordering Information:
Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't http://budurl.com/FrugalBkPromo
The e - book at http://starpublishllc.com/id43.html

The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success
http://budurl.com/TheFrugalEditor

The Great First Impression Book Proposal: Everything You Need To Know About Selling Your Book in 20 Minutes or Less, http://www.amazon.com/Great - First - Impression - Book - Proposal/dp/B000YG6O5U/

A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In - Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques http://budurl.com/RetailersGuide

To learn more about This Is the Place,
Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered, Tracings, and She Wore Emerald Then: www.carolynhoward - johnson.com.

She Wore Emerald Then: Reflections on Motherhood, a chapbook of poetry coauthored with Magdalena Ball. http://budurl.com/MotherChapbook

Tracings, a chapbook of poetry (Finishing Line Press)
www.budurl.com/CarolynsTracings

Contact Information
Websites:
http://carolynhoward - Johnson.com (literary)
http://HowToDoItFrugally.com (all things about writing)


Blogs:

http://www.SharingwithWriters.blogspot.com, a blog on all things publishing
http://www.TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com, all things grammatical and ungrammatical
http://www.TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com, a blog focused on YOUR reviews
http://www.TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com, a blog focused on editing, formatting and craft
http://www.WarPeaceTolerance.blogspot.com War. Peace. Tolerance. And Our Soldiers.
http://www.sizzlingbookfairbooths.blogspot.com, a blog where you can learn to get some mojo behind your own booth by learning from the successes and mistakes of others.

Tweeting at:
www.twitter.com/frugalbookpromo
www.twitter.com/frugalretailing