May 1, 2006: Sharing with Writers:
From the Desks
Of Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Authors' Coalition Friends
~~~:.~~~.:~~~.:~~~:.~~~.:~~~.:~~~:.~~~.If you prefer to see this letter in something other than plain text, please go to

Newsletter_May-Firstweek_2006.

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

http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com

an organization of writers who help writers.
~~~:.~~~.:~~~.:~~~:.~~~.:~~~.:~~~:.~~~.

Note from Carolyn:

Dear Authors' Coalition Members and Subscribers:

Passing it forward, passing on the word. I love the sound of these phrases.

So, I'm asking you -- in the spirit of this letter -- to pass on the good news about "The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't" or any of my other books. Or any of our subscriber's books. Or any or your publisher's books.

How can you do that? Well, the old-fashioned word-of-mouth way. You read something you like and you tell people. Example: Recently I've read "Writing for Emotional Impact" by Karl Iglesias (nonfiction) and I'm passing it on to you. I also loved "The Middle-Aged Man and the Sea" by Christopher Meeks (literary short fiction). I'm letting you all know about them.

But there are other ways:

1. Pick up an article from this newsletter (permission is always given for that in this letter) and pass it on or publish it yourself. Credit the author and newsletter properly, of course.

2. Add links of books you like to your website (being careful that they contribute in some way to your branding effort).

3. Attend a book signing in your town -- even if you don't know the author. It's a good way to make a friend.

4. Buy a new book by an author you've never read before. Set yourself a goal within your budget. One a year? One a week?

When you go to a bookfair, pass around your own bookmarks or bookcards but pass out someone else's, too.

Join in efforts or organizations (like our Authors' Coalition) that help authors in general. There are many others: NAWW, SPAWN, SPAN, BPSC. Use their logos on your promotional materials.

Leave notes in guest books and blogs -- with your URL. Doing this may even help your Google position.

If you think of other ideas, send them to me with "newsletter" in the subject line.

Best,

Carolyn Howard-Johnson
HoJoNews@aol.com
http://www.tlt.com/authors/carolynhowardjohnson.htm
http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com

==============================================
No part of this newsletter is paid advertising.
===============================================

Early LA Fair Report:

The weather held out in spite of a rainy spring in Southern California. We had two beautiful warm days.

There was some confusion -- as there almost always is -- at bookfairs, conventions or trade shows (they are slightly different, by the way, and I've heard them used interchangeably).

But for the most part our bookfair was a huge success. I'll send you all a more complete report on our booth later but these are the reasons are booth was successful:

1. Experience. This booth is our fourth. We have learned much and learned more at this one.

2. Cross promotion. The most active participants -- of course -- reaped the greatest benefits.

3. Caring participants. Example: Virgil Jose who exhibited only (as opposed to signing) came to help on Saturday morning. His publisher, Fat Cat Press, sent little shopping bags with handles which he handed out to fairgoers, using them as a way to open conversations with them about what he calls "moider mysteries" to pre-screen these contacts for a fr ^ ^ CD he gave out, a copy of his e-book, "The Examined Life." When he wasn't in attendance on Sunday, his bags were stuffed with his promotional materials by our volunteer staff and handed out right down to the last flier, the last bag.

4. Booth volunteers who were not authors and did it only for the love of books or the love of the participating authors. They were Nate and Nora Faulkner, Rose Schneider, Carmel Faulkner, Connie Beesley, Natalie Bandlow's mother and children, several of Marcus Hart's pals, Bill Peake, Lance Johnson and Jean Jose. They stuffed, passed stuff out, hammered, wired, computered and built stuff like crazy.

5. A great location and very visible double booth.

6. Effective lighting which few booths provide--a retail trick that works.

6. Our value-added promotions like our booksellers' catalog, CD, Kathy Gogolewski's festive picture taking promotion (children stuck their heads through beautifully designed and painted character boards), goody bags, a drawing valued at more than $1,000, and our free gifts with purchase.

7. Huge numbers of fair visitors, thanks to professional fair planners at the LA Times and UCLA.

If, I've forgotten anyone or any reason that our fair was a success, let me know. I'll add it in a special place in a later newsletter. My brain is fried and my muscles ache but I am…

Your Happy Fair Booth Planner

PS: This note will be posted on our blog http://redenginepress.com/chjohnson now and a report in greater detail (including improvements we will make next year) will be posted later this week. My blog that appears on the Red Engine Press site is designed in the spirit of "Sharing" for all authors to use to improve their fair experiences.
________________________________

Grammar Tip:

Thanks to grammar guru of "Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies," June Casagrande, for reminding me to talk about the difference between "different from" and "different than." Not much it turns out. She says "play it safe and use 'different from'" because "different from" is always defensible even though "different than" is sometimes also right.
In other words, even when "different than" is correct, it will not soil your grammar record to have substitute "different from" because that, too will be right.

==============================================
Authors' Coalition members! Add credibility to your business cards and other promotions by using the logo available to you. Just ask for it by sending an e-mail to HoJoNews@aol.com. New members will help AC serve all its members better! Ask your writing friends to join at http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
Tell them to visit our blog, too, where they'll learn how to spark generally insipid book fairs by using value-added promotions: http://redeneginepress.com/chjohnson .


http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
================================================

Amazon Follow-Up:

One day last week after I posted my complaint about their "What do customers ultimately buy after viewing items like this?" feature. Later I checked "The Frugal Book Promoter" page to see if there was any change. They hadn't taken the feature down but to their credit they had apparently reacted to it and the percentages had changed dramatically, apparently in how the they were figured.

It is interesting that I could little or very slim connection to "Frugal" of some entries. That includes the 2nd listing of Tim Bete's humorous book on parenting. I reviewed Tim's book a few months ago and know him) but the only other relation to his book is that they are, well, books. This is what I found (abbreviated somewhat).

What do customers ultimately buy after viewing items like this?

67% buy the item featured on this page: The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't by Carolyn Howard-Johnson $11.67

17% buy
In The Beginning...There Were No Diapers: Laughing and Learning In The First Years Of Fatherhood by Tim Bete $9.97

2% buy
This Is The Place by Carolyn Howard-Johnson $14.99

You may have guessed that I am not entirely happy with this change but wanted to acknowledge that the computer smarties at Amazon had made an effort. This is what I wrote to them when I clicked on the last link in the pale blue "Feedback" box very close to the bottom of the page.

Thank you. I don't know what caused the information in your "What do customers ultimately buy" feature to change, but if my former suggestions helped, make that a personal thank you.

I still am worried, though, about how this feature on other authors' sites may affect the future sales possibilities for their books. That these figures are based on sales and not quality worries me. The wording of the title still seems derogatory to the book featured on that page (unless it is among the top in sales) and that bothers me, too. I am the founder of Authors' Coalition and so feel that I must speak up for my members as well as for myself.

Very best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Award-winning author of THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER, winner of USA Book News' Best Professional Book 2004 and the Book Publicists of Southern California's Irwin Award

Please, please take a moment to register your concern with Amazon in whatever way you feel best (see instructions for doing so earlier in this section). There is power in numbers and that is one thing that Authors' Coalition can do if we work together--effect changes that benefit us all. Even if you are not yet published, you'll want the best environment for your book when it appears on Amazon.

Take a moment now to see that your book appears to the public in its best light.

================================================
Planning to rent a booth at a book fair this spring? Follow my blog on Authors' Coalition's LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books booth plans and learn how to make any book fair successful using value-added promotions.

http://redenginepress.com/chjohnson.
Some of the ideas work for book signings, too.
=================================================

Making Plans:

Lea Schizas, her group of Muses and I are planning an online writers' conference from October 9 through the 13th. We got the idea when so many on her discussion group were interested in conferences but couldn't afford to go to one or weren't ready to spend the fees most require until they were ready with a completed book, a pitch and a promotion plan. Thus, The Muses' Online Writers' Conference was born. Please check the site daily for new seminars and the coming excitement. http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference/ And, of course, mark your calendars. It will not cost a penny.
-----
The Muses' Online Writers' Conference is offered by The MuseItUp Club, affiliated with Apollo's Lyre, in conjunction with the writers of The Muse On Writing book and Carolyn Howard-Johnson's FRUGAL award winning promotional book.

================================================
When was the last time you bought a book from an author you know? "Tracings" my new chapbook of poetry,

www.finishinglinepress.com,

is available for that honor at
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/qid=1141623936/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-4692447-2218401?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

but any book mentioned in any one of your "Sharing with Writers" newsletters would also be a nice gesture. If all of us directed more of our reading to newer authors who write in genres we love or genres we need to stretch into, we would do ourselves and the publishing industry a great favor.
==================================================

Reciprocal Links:

Book Exclusives! Find insider news from authors, publishers, agents, editors and others involved in the book biz. Read excerpts, interviews and get in on the latest in promotions, sales and contests. http://pubproauthors.bravehost.com/

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. 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 to be reviewed. The books 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 want to hone your skills? Writer to Writer features tips on writing, marketing, submitting, selling and more. Regular no-fee contests.
www.writer2writer.com
-----
Authors' Coalition is for writers. Find support for authors--both emotional and material--at http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com.
-----
Gather at QueenPower.com where women promote, support and encourage women. Start living your best life now! http://www.queenpower.com/
_________________________________________________

Kathe's Korner:

Use a media room link on your website. In your online media kit, include: images of your book cover and of you, both in high resolution. Include sample reviews of your books, book excerpts, media releases or news archives, editorial resources on your topic, audio/video clips of media appearances if you have them, a bio, and awards and publications.
------
Kathe Gogolewski
http://www.tri-studio.com/
Read my blog: http://www.anndurand.blogsforauthors.com/summary.php

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

Promotion Ideas:

Make the Need for Calendars Work for You

By Mary Emma Allen

(This is the time of year that calendars should be produced. Calendars for the following year appear on retailers' shelves the in summer of the previous year.)

Bookmarks, postcards, flyers, and brochures help authors promote their work and spread the word about new releases. Generally these items are f r^^ handouts the author autographs. Some people will collect them as you become one of their favorite authors.
Depending on how elaborate the calendar becomes and expensive to produce, this could be an item you develop for sale, much as I've done with a coloring book utilizing the illustrations from my children's anthology.

If you leave the calendar without numerals in the date squares, it won't become obsolete. If you're producing only a small number, then you might include dates.
Several computer programs are available for making calendars.

Various Formats

In addition to the calendar with flip pages, illustration or photo above, and months and days on the bottom portion, you could make smaller formats. These might be one page, from 8 1/2 x 11-inch size to postcard size with one illustration, perhaps reproduction of your cover, or appropriate photo at the top and the months and days for the year below.

Make sure, somewhere on the calendar (front or back), you include some bio information and where your book(s) can be obtained. With some calendar formats, you might include an order form.

Deciding Upon Illustrations

Use illustrations from your book. I'm doing this with the pictures from my "Tales of Adventure & Discovery."
However, your book may contain illustrations done by someone else. So unless you can make arrangements with the artist, you won't be able to use them. If the publisher has rights to your illustrations, you may be able to get permission to use them.

Because publishers sometimes provide bookmarks, postcards, and flyers to publicize books, a calendar project might be something they'd be interested in sponsoring.

If your book isn't an illustrated book, then you may want to use photos to depict scenes or settings in your book. You could take these with a digital camera. You may have other photos to scan into your computer.
Write a short quote from your book to accompany each photo.

If your book is self-published, you have more freedom with what you develop. Otherwise, suggest the calendar idea to your publisher. They may not want to become involved, but have no problem with your using a calendar for promotional purposes.

If there are foods mentioned in your book, even in the description of a meal, consider making this a recipe calendar.

How to Distribute

-- Have the calendars available a book signings. Check with the bookstore beforehand. They may not be set up for additional sales in their cash registers. Others will allow you to sell them yourself.
-- Make the calendars available through your website. Purchasers could send you a check or deposit in an online banking system.
-- Give the calendar away when people buy one or more of your books. They aren't too expensive to use for this purpose.
-- Bookstores and gift shops may be interested in purchasing your calendars to sell or give as freebies with books.
As you read this and consider the ideas for calendars, you'll likely come up with many more that suit your book and your promotional efforts.
-----------
Mary Emma Allen enjoys exploring various ways to promote books and related materials. She's a quiltmaker and has been involved with marketing them and her quilt book. Visit her web site: http://homepage.fcgnetworks.net/jetent/mea or E-mail her at: me.allen@juno.com . Special thanks to Kristie Leigh Maguire, author of "Cabin Fever" for finding this article in her files and suggesting it.
______________________________________________________

Reciprocal Links:

Need a promotional breakthrough?
Subscribe to the PR Diva Queen's
Author's Companion PR Postcard at
http://www.authorscompanion.com/
for snappy marketing tips and a f~r~e~e report
"How to Obtain Book Reviews."
------
Spirited Woman, an inspired woman's community,
launches the Spirited Woman Circle, a new monthly
phone conversation series with bestselling authors. Learn more at http://www.TheSpiritedWoman.com/spirited_woman_circle/
-----
Francine Silverman, publisher of Book Promotion Newsletter, serves authors by e-mailing Expert Sheets to the media. This low-cost service has proven results. Contact Fran at franalive@optonline.net for more information. www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com
-----
Read author interviews, market information, and more in WriterAdvice, www.writeradvice.com. To subscribe or to submit material for consideration, E-mail LGood67334@comcast.net . Put "subscribe" in the subject box.
-----
The Y&W newsletter sponsored by Red Engine Press bring authors, bookstores, publishers and reviewers together. Subscribers can write a short article of interest to this group and we'll try to publish it. To subscribe send an email to nate@redenginepress.com with "Y&W Newsletter" in the subject line.
-----
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 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, and more. http://press.heliographica.com/
------
Has writing lost its spontaneity? Find remedies in Milli Thornton's online writing course at: http://www.fearofwriting.com/creative-writing-course.htm
-----
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/.)
------
The AA Independent Press Guide is a f * * *, database which details over 2,000 literary and genre magazines and publishers. Find it on the website of Dee Rimbaud, at http://www.thunderburst.co.uk/
----
The Complete Writer offers advice on writing, editing, proofreading, publishing and design. Published by Red Engine Press, a traditional press. http://www.redenginepress.com/

________________________________________________________

Carolyn's Appearances and Teaching Gigs:

PENUSA has asked me to teach a class for the Emerging Voices Program they sponsor for writers in underserved Los Angeles area communities in May. If you are interested in joining PEN or contributing to this program, contact Carolyn at HoJoNews@aol.com for a referral or go to www.penusa.com
------
UCLA Class: Carolyn is teaching a one-day class at UCLA on Saturday, August 5th (summer quarter). Circle it on your calendar! Enroll to learn all you need to know about preparing a professional manuscript for submission to agents, publishers or to ready it for alternative presses. To enroll or to received a free copy of the program's "Writers' Program Quarterly," contact Marcus Hennessey at writers@uclaextension.edu or (310) 825-9415.
-----
Audio Classes: Authors' Coalition members, Allyn Evans, Joyce Faulkner, Kathe Gogolewski, Marilyn Peake and I, have produced audio classes covering subjects like writing skills, book promotion, and technology for writers. Access new audio classes regularly in MP3 or CDRom at http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/audio.asp.
Learn more about the instructors and find a list of the coming classes at our Authors' Coalition site at:
http://tri-studio.com/AUDIOCLASSESALL.html

To get a fr ^ ^ sample class called "Radio: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Promoting Easy and Cheap!" go to the Double Dragon Publishing (DDP) Website:
http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/imprintlist.asp?imprint=PODRADIO
-------
The Muse Online Writering Conference: Carolyn and Lea Schizas, Editor of "The Muse on Writing," are sponsoring a virtual writers' conference. On October 9th - 13th 2006 the first ever The Muse Online Writing Conference is going to take place. This offers writers who have not been to a conference for whatever reason, published or not, to mingle with some of the publishing world's personalities, to pose questions and learn from them, and to partake in many of the F~R~ E~E online workshops they will be hosting.

Bookmark this site
http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference/

and come back often to see the newest presenters and workshops. Carolyn will be presenting on both book promotion and the craft of writing, specifically "Writing Sparkling Dialogue in 10 Easy Steps."

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

Reciprocal Links:

One of my favorite groups for meeting "Publishing and Promoting" peers is moderated by award-winning suspense novelist Diane J. Newton, http://dianejnewton.bravehost.com/
To subscribe go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/publishingandpromoting/ .
-----
Dr. Bob Rich, freelance editor, 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
-----
Success Literary Services offers complete book manuscript services. They were honored with twelve awards. They do not accept funding from literary agencies or production companies. References. http://www.successliterary.com / suc-srv@pacbell.net
------
HUGS, HOPE, and Peanut Butter: Finding Light Behind Life's Storm Clouds is a book of humorous, inspirational essays illustrated by critically ill children. www.hugsandhope.org/pb.htm
------
The Compulsive Reader reviews books by some of the hottest writers working today. Find interviews, literary news, criticism, a no - cost e-zine, g I v e a w a y s, and more. http://www.compulsivereader.com/html.
-----
Do bookstores owe you money? Michelle Dunn's books including Become the Squeaky Wheel, A Credit and Collections Guide for Everyone helps 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 with an emphasis on journaling. Subscribe at: http://www.ericaminer.com/newsletter.php
-----
Need help with your writing? With getting it published? Contact your Author's Advocate, Patrika Vaughn, at www.acappela.com for whatever help you need.
-----
Dreams of Grandeur, a book of poetry by Amber A. Whitman is available at http://homebody2001-ivil.tripod.com/. A reader says "I'm impressed…a great deal of talent."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Essential Book and Record Keeping:

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

Edited and distributed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, http://www.tlt.com/authors/carolynhowardjohnson.htm , author of "This is the Place," "Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered," "Tracings," and "The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What You're your Publisher Won't," it lets authors share with each other.

To submit information for consideration, e-mail me at HoJoNews@aol.com

If you do not care to receive this letter, unsubscribe at HoJoNews@aol.com. Include "Unsubscribe" in the subject line but please, please don't tell me you've given up writing or promoting!

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

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

Order "The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't"
at stores like UCLA, Dayton University and San Diego State University's bookstores. Order it as an e-book or paperback at Amazon where it is discounted:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/002-0672916-9668863 .

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

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/qid=1139084827/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-7824821-4156653?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

Carolyn's novel and book of creative nonfiction may be ordered at Amazon.com.