Dear Authors' Coalition Members and "Sharing with Writers" subscribers:

Your weekly newsletter will be a tad late--waiting on some special news. And, I will be out of town for the last part of February so you will receive no newsletter then. I thought, in light of all this, you would like a little make-up article--a Valentine that will help you with your media contacts all year long:

Valentines for Editors

THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER*s Famous Phrases
That Make the Media Love You

By Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of
THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER: HOW TO DO WHAT YOUR PUBLISHER WON*T

Endear editors to you at Valentine*s and forever more. You show you really care by saying:

1. Do you have a moment now (and then take only a moment)?
2. Do you have a list of topics or themes for the coming year?
3. When is your deadline (and then have what they need to them early)?
4. Would you like me to provide a head shot or book cover art?
5. Do you prefer if I put my material in the mail or send it electronically?
6. Do you accept attachments or prefer an e-mail copy and paste?
7. May I send my media kit to help you out?
8. Would you like a list of possible questions for your interview? (This only works for web or radio interviewers, not usually reporters for print media.)

Help editors out by suggesting:

1. I know other experts you might talk to on this topic.
2. If you need any other information for this story, maybe I can help.
3. I am also available as an expert on (fill in the blank) if you should ever need me.

You will ruin good vibrations if you blurt:

1. May I read your piece before it is published?
2. Why didn*t you include the information I offered on (fill in the blank)? Any comment or suggestion other than correcting an error that is pertinent to the piece is not appropriate.
3. Oh, sorry, I know I promised but….
4. I can* make it; I have to wash my hair.

Here are the happiest words of all:

1. The book launch is Tuesday. I*d love to have you come. (Your contact may not be able to make it but she is rarely asked!)
2. Thank you. These two little words are second best in the English language. They come in second after the traditional Valentine's message, *I love you.*

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Carolyn Howard-Johnson has worked as a journalist and publicist. Her first novel, This is the Place, and her second book, Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered are both award-winners. Her fiction, nonfiction and poems have appeared in national magazines, anthologies and review journals. She is an instructor for UCLA Extension's Writers* Program and her next book and speaks frequently at writers* onferences. Her how-to guide, THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER: HOW TO DO WHAT YOUR PUBLISHER WON'T was named USA Book News’ *est Professional Book 2004.* She was recently awarded Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment by the California Legislature. Her website is: http://carolynhowardjohnson.com.

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This is a special edition of *Sharing with Writers.* You may unsubscribe by sending an e-mail to HoJoNews@aol.com with "unsubscribe" in the subject line. You may pass this letter on to others as long as you credit *Sharing with Writers*--we're all about sharing! In fact, as a Valentine gift that helps other writers,PLEASE pass it on with an invitation to join. Happy Valentine*s Day!