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

====================================================
Most recent issues of Sharing with Writers are posted at Fairgo E-Books in full color and with live links http://www.angelfire.com/electronic/fairgoebooks/literary.htm. You will find the *Best of Sharing with Writers* at Apollos Lyre (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.
======================================================

Note from Carolyn:

Dear Authors* Coalition Members and Subscibers:

Did I ever promise you that I would never talk about anything but writing and promoting in this letter? If so, I take it back.

I want to say something about the AMERICAN RED CROSS.

Many of you know that volunteered to go help with Katrina and was turned down because of a history of asthma (which I had when I was young and unhealthy!). Instead, we took in an evacuee; he just flew back to New Orleans to prepare for his first semester as a Ph.D. candidate at Tulane. It was a delightful experience. He and his cat, Max, added much to our family in the months he was with us.

The day after he left I received a call from the Red Cross asking me to help teach classes for volunteers. I just returned from my first class and here is what I learned:

Red Cross spent more two billion dollars helping Katrina and Rita victims. It was the largest, most expensive disaster in their history. They still have a shortfall of 1 billion.

So what can you do to help?

1. If you aren*t up to sludging around in mold and contaminated water, there are all kinds of jobs for writers, teachers, speakers, or promoters like you

2. Money. Be careful how you make out your check. If you specify *Disaster Victims* anywhere on your check then the funds must go directly to victims. There is nothing wrong with that but it doesn*t pay many of the expenses that the Red Cross incurs in their activities that support the services needed by those same victims. If you want the money to stay in your community, make checks out to your local Red Cross, i. e. XXXX Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Please consider sending something, even if it is only $5. To learn about the many possible places your donation can help, visit: http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main&s_src=HomePagemasthead092105 .

The Red Cross is there for all kinds of disasters As we speak, they need the money, brain and muscle power to plan (in conjunction with government agencies) for the next 9/11, Oklahoma bombing or Northridge quake.


Carolyn Howard-Johnson
****************
http://carolynhowardjohnson.com
http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com


=================================================
No part of this newsletter is paid advertising. At the suggestion of a subscriber who reads every issue of Sharing with Writers, you will find brand new material so noted with a pointing finger.
=======================================================

Letters-to-the-Editor

I appreciate the way that you blend such an authentic, kind perspective with advertising and marketing methods…
Carla McGill, writer and one of my UCLA class
members

----------
I*m sure you hear this a lot, but I just wanted to let you know again how much I love The Frugal Book Promoter. So helpful! I*ve been passing the word along to others
Prill Boyle, author of Defying Gravity: A
Celebration of Late-Blooming Women,
http://www.prillboyle.com

______________________________________________________

Give Your Writing Career a Holiday 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 offer 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.

___________________________________________________

Patrika*s Tip: Want to find out more about how to market to museums? Go to http://www.am-us.org/, the site of the American Association of Museums. They have a bookstore with titles on how to do just that. Find the contact information for bookstores at national parks at, http://data2.nps.gov/hafe/bookshop/index.cfm .
-------
For more thorough advice on selling your book, see Patrika*s Write Publish & Market Your Book or my online classes about Book Promotion (both available at www.acappela.com) At that site you can also subscribe to my fr** newsletter for writers. Find other excellent newsletters with search engines. Try the keywords, *newsletters/writing/free.*

________________________________________________________

Opportunities:

Our Last FR** Teleclass QueenPower.com and Authors* Coalition Nov. 17th teleclass will be offered soon afterward as a FR** podcast at the Double Dragon site, http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/podcasts.asp. It will become the sample teleclass for a whole series of teleclasses offered by Double Dragon Press in 2006. So, either come to the teleclass on Nov 17 (see directions below under appearances) to hear Marilyn Peake and I hold forth on Radio: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Promoting Easy and Cheap! and later, go back to Double Dragon*s site often to see our other teleclass offerings.

====================================================
Your Copy of Tracings is delayed. I have not seen a copy yet myself. It should be in the mail shortly. If you would like a book of poetry for a Thanksgiving hostess gift, Christmas gift or? e-mail me (****************) for directions or go to http://finishinglinepress.com and click on *New Releases for 2005.*
====================================================

Tip: Ink Spotter News is an excellent newsletter that will come to you in a .pdf format. It includes paying markets, reviews, poetry, essays and more. Subscribe at http://inkspotter.com/.
____________________________________________________
Reciprocal Links:

The Shy Writer: An Introvert*s Guide to Writing Success - Author C. Hope Clark advises you how to *sell your words, not your soul* when you promote your work. Highly acclaimed and loved by many. http://www.theshywriter.com/
-----
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.
-----
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 and conservatives.
-----
Star Publish offers near self-publish profits on your paperback; it is an alternative to unapproachable publishers. http://starpublish.com.
-----
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
_____________________________________________________

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 the conferences she attends:

On my site is a page that writers can use to submit press releases. The best ones are live links -- all ready to click on -- easy access! .The exact URL is: http://tri-studio.com/MediaReleasesSubmit.html .

Editors* note: Because Kathe and I combined our lists of these sites after The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won*t was published it is even longer than the one in that book! Good deal, huh?
-------
Kathe Gogolewski, http://www.tri-studio.com/. Blog: http://www.anndurand.blogsforauthors.com/summary.php

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Reach for the Stars Best Frugal Promoter Contest is the contest that keeps giving. You*ll want to grab you*re free copy full of the winning entries* best promotion ideas when it*s ready in early 2006! And watch for the winners here! This contest for the Best Frugal Promoter of 2005 and e-book is sponsored by Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Star Publish, http://starpublish.com/Contest.htm

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

Carolyn*s Appearances:

A Utah writers* conference: Association of Mormon Letters (http://www.aml-online.org/awards/a/A200409.html presents
Life of Words; Words of Life on Saturday, November 19th at Westminster College Gore Auditorium. I will speak on Savvy Marketing for Authors: It*s never too early--or late--to learn promotion skills! Dean Hughes is the keynote. To register online go to http://www.aml-online.org/events/aml2005wcprereg.html.
For answers to any questions, email aml@aml-online.org.
------
New 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 to have them available at Double Dragon Press as podcasts.
-----
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
-----
Jump-start Your Credibility and Salability: Publish a Book: is the topic of a workshop I*ll be presenting at the American Board of Hypnotherapy*s 2006 Convention: Newport Beach, CA, Radisson, Monday, Feb. 20, 2006, 3:30 pm. I will also be presenting a seminar on marketing skills on Sunday, Feb. 19th at 9 am. Visit their site at: www.hypnosis.com.
-----
Sold Out!! Dayton University*s Erma Bombeck Writers* Workshop, March 23-25, 2006. Plan to sign up early for 2007!!! http://www.humorwriters.org/
-----
Las Vegas Writer*s Conference, Henderson, NV. March 30 to April 2, 2006 is slated for Sam*s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, 5111 Boulder Highway, LV, NV. I will be presenting. To learn more go to www.LasVegasWritersConference.com or contact Gregory Kompes, conference coordinator, at Gregory@kompes.com for more information.

======================================================
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
======================================================

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/
-----
Sun Signs for Writers: Learn how astrology can benefit (and entertain!) writers with a new Writers* Digest book: http://www.writersigns.info
-----
Judith Woolcock Colombo: Author of The Fablesinger and Night Crimes: Learn more at: http://odin.prohosting.com/~night01
-----
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!
-----
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/
-----
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/
-----
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
------
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/.)

=====================================================
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.
========================================================

Thank Yous:

(Editor*s Note: The thank yous below are full of names and links you can use in a variety ways, from finding publishers to finding editors and sites suitable for your writing. You*ll also find places where you can promote your book.)

To Suzanne Lummis for celebrating Tracings by publishing several poems from it on her site at http://www.speechlessthemagazine.org/chapbooks.htm#Carolyn_Howard-Johnson
-----
To Judith Colombo, reviewer and author of Night Crimes for reviewing Tracings for The Gleaner, a print publication in New York and Puerto Rico. Learn more about Judith*s work at http://odin.prohosting.com/~night01
-----
To Kristie Leigh Maguire for her mention of Tracings and the great poetry site, Speechless the Magazine in her blog on publishing. http://publishinginfo.blogspot.com/
--------
To Betty Dobson for including information on my appearance at the AML conference in Utah to her Bragging Rights in InkSpotter NewsInkSpotter Publishing. http://inkspotter.com/ .
-------
To Lea Schizas, editor of Apollos Lyre (http://www.apollos-lyre.com/ ) and founder of MuseItUpClub for including my release about my poetry appearing in Speechless the Magazine. Find it here http://museitupclub.tripod.com/id35.html and consider joining this great group of authors!
------
To Robin Westmiller for recommending Frugal in a post on Print on Demand list serve. You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to Print-On-Demand-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. This is a great hard-participating group where you will learn more about alternative forms of publishing.

========================================================
Authors* Coalition Invites You:
Learn how to put a spark into generally insipid book fair participation by following the plans of others at this Authors* Coalition blog: http://redeneginepress.com/chjohnson
http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
=======================================================

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/
-------
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
---------
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.
-----
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/
------
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
-----
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

____________________________________________________

Author Successes:

Everett Beal is Jada Press*s (www.jadapress.com) Author of the Month for November. Everett*s marketing campaign proves that high book sales can be obtained without ever holding a bookstore signing. During the first three weeks of the release of his latest book, Fatal Addiction, he sold a whopping 181 books. Read about Fatal Addiction at http://www.jadapress.com/EverettBeal.html


========================================================
Please feel free to pass on this newsletter or portions of it to others but do include this credit: *To subscribe to Sharing with Writers send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line to: ****************. It is edited and distributed sporadically by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, http://carolynhowardjohnson.com, as an entity of Authors* Coalition, http://authorscoaltionandredenginepress.com. *
=======================================================

Feature Article

An Excerpt from The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won*t
by Carolyn Howard-Johnson

Branding

Branding is not advertising, nor publicity,
not even general exposure. It is how all of your
efforts, working together, coalesce into the
public*s perception of who you are, what you do.

Poets and Writers Magazine reports that Riverhead Press, ZZ Packer*s publisher, *Bank(ed) on…name recognition* when they sent her on a 10-city tour in 2003, something that the press*s publicist maintains is rare occurrence for a first-time author.

It is unlikely that you will have the name recognition that your publisher or publicist or anyone else can count on when your first book comes out, unless you are already well known in a field and are writing a nonfiction book allied with it or unless you*ve been working on that publicity before the publisher (or you) are ready to make such decisions. This is why now is better, than later and that*s why your publicity efforts should not be aimed at your book early in the game, but rather at who you are, including your other writing.

One of the pitfalls I fell into even with a general background in PR and experience in another specialized field of publicity (fashion) is that I put my book—my passion—first. The day I realized that I was the one that I should be branding, instead of my book, I was putting together a business card on www.vistaprint.com. I*m not very computer savvy and I couldn*t get my book cover of THIS IS THE PLACE to load. I had seen many business cards for real estate professionals that used their photos so I did the same. Then I thought, *Well, it*s OK because I won*t have to do much redesigning when and if I complete another book.* Then it occurred to me, that of course I would write another book and that when I thought of my favorite books/authors it was the author*s name I remembered first and--if they had written quite a few books--that I might not even be able to name all of those books.
Even after this flare of clarity I was reluctant to give up my focus on the names of my book because THIS IS THE PLACE is a metaphor at several levels. It is, of course, Utah, my beloved home where I was born and raised. *Place* refers also to the farm where my protagonist goes to learn more about herself by learning more about her history, but it also refers to that singular spot inside of each of us where we must go to find the courage to follow our passion. and that*s when I realized that I wouldn*t have to change the name of my website for it, too, was a place, *the place,* in fact, for learning more about me and my books.

One thing led to another and I realized that the approach some of the most focused companies in the world, like Coca cola, use several related approaches to branding themselves.(Coke is it! The Real Thing!) it occurred to me that branding is not necessarily an all or nothing proposition. I am working fervently on promoting my passion, a campaign against prejudice of all kinds (gender, race, religion, body type, nationality and on and on), with a literary slant on that. It matters not where my books are set or their names, *The Place* will always be that place inside of each of us that is very much like the place in the person we think we don*t like for whatever reason.

As it turned out, HARKENING is not even a novel. Glad I didn*t brand myself too narrowly because stationary or business cards that say *novelist* wouldn*t fit for a collection of creative nonfiction, nor would it have fit The Frugal Book Promoter. Now I have a book of poetry being released. Again, *novelist* is wrong and *writer* seems too broad, somehow, encompassing everything from a writer of letters or a journalist to a freelance writer. This may seem like nit picking, but, in terms of branding, even one word can be important and an author working on a PR campaign will want to continue to refine her approach.

Here are some aspects of branding you*ll want to consider.

Decide what you want your brand to say.

1. Take into consideration what you might do in the future. Your first book may be a romance but if you choose a red hot image and decide to write a literary book, you will have chosen your *brand* unwisely.

2. Certainly you*ll want to consider tie-ins to your writing or business career from your pre-book days if they will contribute to the picture you are trying to paint.

Consider general branding as you design your website.
A *look* that coordinates your author*s stationery, cards, invoices, your website and bookmarks is part of branding. So is your voice mail greeting, your e-mail signature, the look of your instant messaging and more. Wait, however, until just before your book is released to implement most of these efforts.

Hint #1: Once your publisher has firmed up your
title you can begin to think about a banner for
it.If you are not handy with a computer, try T.C.
McMullen*s graphic talents:
http://tc_mcmullen.tripod.com/editorialservices/
She is inexpensive, fast and very good.

Hint #2: You won*t need to have your title to
settle on a logo for your stationery, etc. Your
logo should fit into your general branding concept.
TC can help with that, too. So can yourlogoguy.com.
He designed the Authors* Coalition logo.

Work now on making yourself into an expert based on something related to your book. Choose the broadest brush possible.

1. When you*re making these decisions, follow your star. It will be easier to follow though on a subject for which you are passionate.

2. Don*t be afraid of widening your path. This is akin to building a reputation. You wouldn*t want to be known only as honest among dozens of traits you aspire to.

Hint: These guidelines may changes when your book
is about to be published. Then you will want to
specifically target the audience and media that
will be most receptive to that specific book; do
keep your branding effort in mind, though. In
other words, don*t stray too far.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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. If for no other reason, do it so you can see how well a no-cost autoresponder can work for your promotion campaign.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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 ****************. 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: ****************. 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 clicking on 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. This is the Place and Harkening are also available there and 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.