October 13, 2005 Sharing with Writers:
From the Desks
Of Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Friends

Most recent issues of Sharing with Writers posted at FairgoeBooks in full color and with live links: http://www.angelfire.com/electronic/fairgoebooks/literaryfour.htm and you will find the *Best of Sharing with Writers* at www.ApollosLyre.com. Sharing with Writers is the official newsletter of Authors* Coalition, an organization of writers who help writers.

Note: In order to cut down on computerese I do not use (or I substitute for) many punctuation marks. They seem to disagree with Yahoo and others. I hope it doesn*t drive you crazy

I have discontinued the table of contents. If anyone finds this difficult, please let me know. I suspect, however, that it was more trouble than it was worth! (-: I also have had to go to this generic-looking newsletter by e-mail. If anyone wants to refer to the letter with live links and in living color, refer to the sites above but give each a few days to post them.
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Note from Carolyn:
Dear Subscribers:

What*s up this week? My mother is ill so there may be no issue next week. I know you will understand. I*ll be in Salt Lake City for a few days to care for her so please try to hold all correspondence until the first week in November.

I wanted to share with you how constantly working at branding and ethical PR (meaning sharing and working on consensus) eventually works. Since my award-winning novel This is the Place, was published in 2001, I have been a bit of a pariah in Utah (in spite of the fact that I paint intolerance with an equal opportunity brush--or at least think I do). This week a representative from a well-known and respected organization in that state called Association of Mormon Letters (http://www.aml-online.org/awards/a/A200409.html )
contacted me to speak at their conference in November.

Hooray! The universe may be a bit slow (This is the Place was published in 2001) but it does work in positive ways if we don*t give up. I feel it is another indication that tolerance, given an opportunity, will continue to spread.

Carolyn Howard-Johnson
HoJoNews@aol.com
http://carolynhowardjohnson.com
http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
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No part of this newsletter is paid advertising.
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Letter to Editor:

I*m half-way through *This is the Place* and enjoying the story very much. Your writing is so descriptive; there are places in the story that are so poetic the sentences beg to be read more than once.
Eveline Maedel, contributing author to Pink Jasper - Gems from the Journey, available from Heliographica Press

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Kathe*s Kollection:
Tips You Can Use

Editor*s Note: Kathe will be contributing tips on a regular basis--many of them gleaned from her reading and conferences she attends:

Save money printing your bookmarks using colored stock instead of colored ink! You can buy 110 # Hammer mill card stock at Staples for $9.99.It contains 250 sheet, and with five bookmarks a page, that equals 1,250 bookmarks, or one and a quarter pennies per bookmark. Of course, there*s still the ink, but if you use black ink only, you won*t be using up an expensive color cartridge. You can either print your bookmarks with a black and white printer, or use a black and white image of your cover with a color printer. Let the color of the cardstock shine through! Most print shop programs will allow a format for creating your own bookmarks. They come with most computers these days.

Another tip: Adobe Photoshop allows you to adjust color so that that the saturation is considerably less. In other words, you can eliminate all color, or leave just a little bit, which is still much better than full color in terms of saving expensive color-cartridge ink.
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Kathe Gogolewski, http://www.tri-studio.com/
Read my blog: http://www.anndurand.blogsforauthors.com/summary.php
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**Tip: Here is a Frugal Book Promoter-style link for book fairs and literary events. http://www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook/bookfair.html.
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Opportunities:
Sharing with Writers subscriber Beverly Walton-Porter is featured in the Inkwell Newswatch (http://www.fwointl.com/artman/publish/article_436.shtml)this October. She reports *They have a relatively new section -- INside Authors - where they feature two authors.* This publication is edited by Rowdy Rhodes. Query him and see what happens!
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A new journal for Speculative Fiction is in the works and will appear on the Net on January 1, 2006. Spec-Fic Journal (http://www.spec-fic.com). Editors Irene Smith and Michael Kechula, are looking for fiction of all lengths from up to 3,000 word short stories. Send your horror, your fantasy, and your science fiction. They also want book, movie, and video game reviews. Please visit our guidelines for details at: http://www.spec-fic.com/guidelines.php
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Your Copy of Tracings is delayed. It should be in the mail the first week in November. If you would like to order it, e-mail me (HoJoNews@aol.com) for directions or go to http://finishinglinepress.com and click on *New Releases for 2005.*
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Tip: From the artist/book designer I often collaborate with, Eric Dinyer: Here is a small publisher called Earthling Publications http://www.earthlingpub.com/ .They are a small specialty press of fine limited edition books, specializing in exceptional, horror, science fiction, fantasy and suspense. They pay too! I am doing a book jacket for them... they do nice slip cases/printing/ hardcover etc. Just wanted to pass it on, in case any of your contacts work in these genres.
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Eric Dinyer, Dreamless Studios; vox.913 642 6607; fax: 913 642 5006; email: dinyer@dreamless.com; Web: http://www.dreamless.com.

Tip #2 gleaned from Eric*s post, an example of how to use podcasts/itune to promote:
Dreamless Radio
1. open itunes
2. go to *advanced*
3. pull down to *open stream*
4. paste the following URL
5. http://radio.dreamless.com:8008/listen.pls
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Reciprocal Links:
The Reading Tub is a charity that promotes family and children*s literacy. They read every children*s book that is sent to them for a review. They are then donated to community organizations. Go to www.thereadingtub.com.
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Walter Brasch*s America*s Unpatriotic Acts: The Federal Government*s Violation of Constitutional and Civil Rights. ) is a look at the history and effects of the USA Patriot Act upon the erosion of our civil liberties and violations of at least five of the Bill of Rights. It has been endorsed by liberals (among them Noam Chomsky and Paul Krassner), and conservatives (among them Bob Barr and Alan Caruba) and may be ordered at Amazon.com or your favorite bookstore.
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Star Publish offers near self-publish profits on your paperback; it is an alternative to noncommunicative publishers. A different kind of publisher where the author is the Star. http://starpublish.com.

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Do you dream of becoming a published writer? Or maybe you want to hone your skills? Writer to Writer features tips on writing, marketing, submitting, selling and more. Regular no-fee contests. www.writer2writer.com
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Only 7 More Days! Review The Frugal Book Promoter section on how contests can jump start your promotion campaign, then READ THIS! The benefits of winning this contest will last and last and prize will help other authors realize their dreams!

Contest Title: Reach for the Stars: A Contest for the Best Frugal Promoter of 2005
Organization/Author: Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Star Publish

Contest link: http://starpublish.com/Contest.htm

Deadline: October 30

Entries: It*s easy! Tell us about a special approach you have used to promote or give us an outline of your entire campaign. You can do it in 500 words or less--way less.

Prize: Star Publish will publish the winners* entries in an e-book designed to help other writers hone their public relations skills and encourage those who are not promoting to better realize their publishing goals. As a service, the e-booklet will be given to any writer who would like a copy. Six winners will be chosen. The grand prize winner will also receive $50. Copies of, Successful Website Marketing, Book Marketing from A-Z, The Complete Writer and The Frugal Book Promoter will also be given.

Judges: The contest judges will be Kristie Leigh Maguire, publisher of Star Publish, Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author, and Irwin Zucker, founder of Book Publicists of Southern California and President of Promotion in Motion

Brief Guidelines: A writer need not be published to enter. Writers may submit campaigns or ideas intended to build a package to present to agents and publishers before their work is published, or promotion plans used to promote a given work or body of work after it is in print. How a writer uses a promotion campaign will be considered in selecting the winning entry as well as the actual promotion process. Originality and thoroughness will also be considered. Complete guidelines and entry information are available at: http://starpublish.com/.

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Don*t forget! Everyone can learn how to make yawn-provoking book fairs into blockbuster tools for exposure by following our Authors* Coalition booth model. Follow our plans and progress in my blog at http://redenginepress.com/chjohnson.
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Carolyn*s Appearances:

 Diamond Bar Festival, Tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 23, at Diamond Bar Center, 1600 S. Grand Ave, Diamond Bar, CA, Noon to 4 pm. I will sit on a panel that explores the pitfalls and promise of alternative publishing. Find me on the patio at 2:30 pm. Information: 626-256-1212.
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 There is Still Time to Register! Come to LA for a weekend! My class, Creating a Promotion Package for Your Fiction or Nonfiction Book, Saturday, Nov. 5th, at UCLA. A one-day class, it is affordable in terms of time and tuition. Contact Marcus Hennessey at writers@uclaextension.edu or (310) 825-9415.

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 Teleclass: Multiply your book marketing efforts! Publishing myths can side rail the success of your book. This teleclass, powered by http://queenpower.com/ in collaboration with Authors* Coalition http://authorscoaltionandredenginepress.com/ will help you avoid that.
TOPIC: The Greatest Myth of Publishing: Your book is written, now you can let the publisher promote it. Publishing your first book? Or trying to do better with your second than you did your first? Know that what YOU know about promotion can make or break it. What YOU know about promotion can make a so-so publicist great. And what YOU know about promotion may be more than what your publisher knows. Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Marilyn Peake, will share everything that they had to RE-learn after their books were published!
GUEST SPEAKERS: The Queen of Frugal Promotions, Carolyn Howard-Johnson, and Marilyn Peake, author of The Fisherman*s Son Trilogy.
DATE: November 17:
TIME: 4 PM ET, 3 PM CT, 2 PM MT, 1 PM Pacific.
HOW TO: It*s easy! Just call: 641-297-7200.Then punch in the access code: 345277. Advance registration accepted but not required. E-mail maggie@queenpower.com. Please note, you will be charged a long distance call. For some, that means you*ll not be charged at all; and for others, it may mean 3 to 6 cents a minute.

And the news gets even better - we*re going to start taping our classes for you to enjoy at your leisure and without concern for long distance charges. Watch for the links to access them.
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 Palm Springs Lovers unite! Circle Saturday December 3rd on your calendar for The Desert Woman*s annual authors* luncheon. I will be sharing my chapbook of poetry Tracings, and, of course, Frugal. One feeds the soul of writers, the other feeds their careers. The fifth annual mini-book fair and holiday luncheon begins at 11:30 at the Palm Valley Country Club,39205 Palm Valley Drive, Palm Desert, (Off Country Club Drive between Cook & Washington). It will be moderated by Kate Porter. Judy Lunn will sing. Make reservations with Cheryl McFadden at (760) 327-3983.or go to http://www.desertwoman.com/clubs.html
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 I will be conducting a workshop on Jump-start Your Credibility and Salability: Publish a Book at the American Board of Hypnotherapy*s 2006 Convention: Newport Beach, CA, Radisson, Feb. 21, 2006, 3:30 pm. I will also be presenting a seminar on writing a book to establish credibility in the professional world on Sunday, Feb. 19th at 9 am. Visit their site at: www.hypnosis.com.
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 Register Now!! Dayton University*s Erma Bombeck Writers* Workshop, March 23-25, 2006, is now 2/3 full. There are only 100 spaces left. Nearly a thousand writers have attended The Erma Bombeck Writers* Workshop since it started in 2000, they have learned from New York Times bestselling authors, Pulitzer prize-winning columnists, agents and editors. Learn more at http://www.humorwriters.org/

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 Carolyn will present at the Las Vegas Writer*s Conference, Henderson, NV. March 30 to April 2, 2006. It is slated for Sam*s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, 5111 Boulder Highway, LV, NV. To learn more go to www.LasVegasWritersConference.com or contact Gregory Kompes, conference coordinator, at Gregory@kompes.com for more information.
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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 a permanent spot (or as my list grows, semi-permanent) spot in this newsletter. I use only links that benefit writers
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Tip: Here*s a writing-related word for you from dictionary.com: Picaresque (Adjective) Pronunciation: [pi-kę-*resk]
Definition 1: Pertaining to the life of an adventurous rogue, usually of low origin, who uses his wits to overcome obstacles and survive in a world bent on arresting his progress. Pertaining to novel whose main character is such a person.
Usage 1: Today*s term is most widely used in referring to novels about the adventures of a sly romantic rogue. These novels began in Spain but soon spread throughout Europe. *Guzmán de Alfarache* (1599) by Mateo Alemán is the earliest and Henry Fielding*s *The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling* (1749) is probably the best such novel in English. Today*s adjective is based on the Spanish word picaro (or picaroon) *an adventurous rogue* while a picara is his female counterpart, e.g. Daniel Defoe*s Moll Flanders.
Suggested Usage: Picaresque novels are not as popular today as they have been in the past but the word begs for wider use such as, *Molly Coddle has picked up with a fellow who seems to have lived a rather picaresque life up to now.* Molly*s boyfriend would be something of a *picaroon,* not just a rogue but one with a string of adventures involving brushes with law enforcement to his credit.
Etymology: From Spanish *picaresco,* the adjective from pícaro, perhaps from picar *to prick* from Vulgar Latin *piccare. Akin to French pique *a prick, irritation* from piquer *to prick* which is the origin of English pique *to provoke* (Harold*s odd accent piqued Adie*s curiosity), *to be proud* (He piqued himself in his well-kempt mutton-chops), and *to vex* (She was piqued at her children for hiding her glass eye). (We are grateful that Lyn Laboriel*s curiosity was piqued enough by today*s word that she suggested it to us.)
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To have the Word of the Day sent to you every day, to unsubscribe, or change your subscription, go to http://register.yourdictionary.com:80/cgi-bin/register.cgi ,
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GREAT HOLIDAY AUTHOR*S GIFT

Two award-winning marketing books that complement one another make perfect holiday gifts for anyone who writes. Start your Christmas shopping early and save.

This special event ends Dec. 15. For guaranteed Christmas delivery, please order before then.

BOOK MARKETING FROM A-Z (Infinity Publishing 2005) by Francine Silverman retails regularly $18.95
*The book would be a perfect gift for writer friends..*
Barbara Scott, book reviewer

THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER (Star Publish 2004) by Carolyn Howard-Johnson retails regularly at $17.95
*THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER is truly a remarkable gift to authors and for authors!*
Marilyn Peake, author and reviewer

Buy both books for only $25 at: http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com/holiday.htm
This low price includes free shipping to any place in the continental USA.
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More Reciprocal Links:
Gather at QueenPower.com where women promote, support and encourage women. Don*t wait till you*re ready, have more time, or are a little older. Start living your best life now! http://www.queenpower.com/

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Sun Signs for Writers: Learn how astrology can benefit (and entertain!) writers with a new Writers* Digest book: http://www.writersigns.info
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Judith Woolcock Colombo: Author of The Fablesinger and Night Crimes: Learn more at: http://odin.prohosting.com/~night01
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 Discover love, laughter, romance, and eccentric, meddling neighbors among other things... Discover a novel by Cynthianna Appel and receive your choice of another e-book at no cost. Go to http://pages.sbcglobal.net/cynthianna/promo.html today!
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Read Joyce Faulkner*s Celebrity Cafe.com column to learn about anything from aging feet to her favorite books on writing: http://thecelebritycafe.com/features/Columnists/The_Weekly_Shriek/
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Fr** Publicity Resource: Let this site send your media release to book trade professionals including Associated Press, Reuters, Dow Jones, and more! http://press.heliographica.com/
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Milli Thornton, created a clinic to help promote her book, Fear of Writing. She is also the author of an e-book called Become a Workshop Presenter. Learn more at: http://www.fearofwriting.com/
Has writing lost some of its spontaneity? Find a fun remedy in the online writing course at Fear of Writing: http://www.fearofwriting.com/course
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Discover a true-life philosophy about making marriages last a lifetime in Choose Love For Life, by Joe and Edwina Roady (http://www.chooseloveforlife.com/.)
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Please forward Sharing with Writers to other writers. Unlike many others, I do not mind if you send only part of it. I do ask that you paste the subscribe information I have provided at the end of this newsletter and credit individual contributors as well.
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NEWS:
This is from one of the regular the publisher of *Frugal* puts out. You can tell that she published both e-books and paperback. (-:

For those of you who are still not convinced that e-books are the wave of the future, here is an interesting press release from Harlequin. They are getting into the e-book business. You can bet that they wouldn*t be doing it if they didn*t think it was worth it. One of the major providers of e-books that this article lists is Lightening Source. Not too long ago, I started distributing Star e-books through Lightening Source as well as at Star*s own online e-book store, http://starpublish.com/starbooks.htm. I am proud that Star Publish has been offering each of our books in e-book format from the start. Aren*t we just ahead of the game at Star? Here is where you will find the Harlequin news: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/051005/nyw134.html?.v=29
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Thank Yous:

To Ilona Hegedus for her review of Frugal at http://novelspot.net/node/1293 . You might want to check out both the reviewer and the site (edited by Kathy at novelspotnotifications@earthlink.net ) for your own needs.
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To Francine Silverman for the review of Frugal on her site. She writes: *She has the comforting tone of a mentor and writes with the precision of a surgeon.* See her other reviews on writing books at www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com/review .
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Authors* Coalition Thank Yous:
To Beverly J. Scott (www.beverlyjscott.com) author of Jena*s Choice for including the Authors* Coalition logo on her bookmarks. She also mentions that she is *…featured at the LA Times Festival of Books,* a smart way of adding credibility to her branding effort.
http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
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Tip: A new Web friend, Robert Nagle, has written an article that will interest those of you who know that keeping up with the publishing industry is good business for your book. It covers Amazon stuff and more. Find it at http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2005/5/16/143632/005
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Carolyn*s The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won*t is USA Book News* Best Professional Book 2004. Ordering information is at the end of this newsletter. Her This is the Place and Harkening are both multiple award winners. Learn more about her work and download her fr** promotional e-books at http://carolynhowardjohnson.com
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Reciprocal Links You Can Use:

The Complete Writer offers advice on writing, editing, proofreading, publishing and design. Published by Red Engine Press, it offers writing services. A traditional press, it publishes fiction, nonfiction and children*s titles. http://www.redenginepress.com/
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 Dr. Bob Rich is a freelance editor. He finds the good things in your book and makes suggestions for improving it. His clients include independent publishers, and a long list of writers. Find him at http://bobswriting.com/editing.html
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The Compulsive Reader reviews books by some of the hottest writers working today. Find author interviews, literary news, criticism, a free e-zine, giveaways, and more. http://www.compulsivereader.com/html.
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Do bookstores owe you money? Michelle Dunn*s books How to Make Money Collecting Money: Starting a Collection Agency and Become the Squeaky Wheel, A Credit and Collections Guide for Everyone will help you get your checks in full and on time. http://www.michelledunn.com/
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Erica Miner, queenpower.com*s Queen of Journaling, has a monthly e-mail newsletter that rocks. News and tips for writers, with an emphasis on journaling will enrich your writing. Subscribe at: http://www.ericaminer.com/newsletter.php

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A Cappela Publishing*s very successful audiobook, How to Write Your Own Life Story (or Your Family*s Saga) is now also available as a CD set. The American Library Association*s Booklist highly recommends it, for both professionals and those who have never before written anything beyond a letter. It takes you step by step through the process, even discussing your publishing options and which is best for you. A great gift for that reluctant parent or favorite aunt or uncle. www.acappela.com

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Author News:
Penny Lockwood Ehrenkranz has published Dragon Sight, a delightfully illustrated chapbook, published by Sams Dot Publishing. Dragon Sight is available for $3.99 and $1.00 shipping and handling at: http://projectpulp.com/item_detail.asp?bookID=-30131150
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Aaron Paul Lazar: Publish America (www.publishamerica.com) selected Upstaged, A Gus LeGarde Mystery as their entry for the Mystery Writers of America, *Edgar* awards under the *Best Paperback Original* category. http://www.mysterywriters.org/pages/awards/submissions06.htm#paperback Lazar*s second book in the LeGarde series features a disturbed stage mother, a deviant predator, and a twisted saboteur who lurks backstage, terrorizing the drama club with deadly, psychotic games. Lush and delicious; a sensual feast that leaves readers breathless! www.legardemysteries.com

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Featured Article:
Author Partners & a Reader Blooper Posse

There comes a time in most authors* careers when critique groups are no longer viable. We*re bogged down editing for others, but our errors are so minor, no one catches them. That problem is compounded because I write suspense. Who looks for errors when breathless to know what happens next? What I needed were careful readers.

I now have two authors with whom I*ve forged reciprocal agreements. When we think our work is ready for prime time, a final check by another pro who*ll read through a whole manuscript, only to find the misplaced A, a missing To or a single homophone is invaluable. I also have a blooper posse made up of a few select fans with eagle eyes. They*ve caught small booboos even the pros miss.

As the author, we know what*s supposed to be on the page and glide right by our little gremlins. Partners and a Posse keep them at bay. Give it a try!
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Diane J Newton is an award winning suspense author from NY and editor of Secrets: Fact or Fiction.
http://dianejnewton.bravehost.com/index.html
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 Two in One Tip: Steve from WritersPromote listserv offered this up Here*s a place to post your media releases: http://www.bookpressreleases.net/ . Send them to: PressRelease@BookPressReleases.net . Learn more about WritersPromote at writerspromote@aol.com and ask how to sign up.
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To receive a copy prologue of the award-winning This is the Place in your e-mail box F#R#E, send an e-mail to carolynhowardjohnson@sendfree.com. If for no other reason, do it so you can see how well a no-cost autoresponder can work for your promotion campaign.
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Essential Book and Record Keeping
This letter is an occasional and informal way for me to share with my writing and publishing friends and for them to share with each other. Please send me your tips and news and I will try to pass them on for the benefit of others. If you do not care to receive this letter, just let me know but please, please don*t tell me you*ve given up writing or promoting!


To submit information for consideration, e-mail me at HoJoNews@aol.com. Include *Submission* in the subject line.

You are encouraged to pass this newsletter on to friends or e-groups who may have an interest. It needn*t be pasted in its complete form, but please include this credit of anything you snip and paste:

To subscribe to Sharing with Writers send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line to: HoJoNews@aol.com. It is edited and distributed sporadically by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, http://carolynhowardjohnson.com, author of THIS IS THE PLACE, HARKENING: A COLLECTION OF STORIES REMEMBERED and THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER: HOW TO DO WHAT YOUR PUBLISHER WON*T and is an entity of Authors* Coalition, http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com.

Ordering Information for The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won*t:
Order FRUGAL in e-book form for only $9. at: http://starpublish.com/starbooks.htm Paperback copies may be ordered at Amazon where it is discounted: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/002-0672916-9668863

This is the Place and Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered may also be ordered there and at Barnes and Noble by copying this link: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=the+frugal+book+promoter&userid=Rt39vFn9pM&sourceid=00393694016245851818&bfdate=12%2D30%2D2004+19%3A13%3A56&cds2Pid=946 If you order more than $25. in product, you get free shipping, no tax.

Tracings, a chapbook of poetry, may be ordered at http://finishinglinepress.com.