May 27, 2006: Sharing with Writers:
From the Desks
Of Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Authors'
Coalition Friends
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If you prefer to see this letter all its
colourful glory, please go to:

http://www.authorsden.com/adstorage/1713/Newsletter_May_FourthWeek_2006.doc

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.
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Note from Carolyn:

Dear Authors' Coalition Members
and Subscribers:

This week I'm sharing this Note feature
with Joyce Faulkner (and by extension
Eddie and Connie Beesley) because what
they are doing is so important and it
seems a Memorial Day tribute. It also fits into "Sharing with Writers" because it is
an example of the best that PR can be. Caring
for others is Karma but it's also great PR.
Joyce reports on a day she (author of
"In the Shadow of Suribachi"), Eddie
(author of "Lucky Enough") and Connie,
Eddie's devoted partner and publicist,
turned a trip to BEA in Washington DC
into magic:

"…we visited our wounded service men and women at Walter Reed and Bethesda. As far as I know, the young people we met had been hurt in Iraq, but I'm sure there might have been some from Afghanistan as well. As you can imagine, it was a very moving day. Eddie and I gave them copies of our own books -- but I also, I gave them copies of our journals ["The Complete Writer's Journal available from Red Engine Press].

These young men and women were upbeat considering the battle that they are now facing. They were appreciative of our time...and of our books too.

We talked to them about using the journals to record their thoughts. One fellow said that he wished he'd had one earlier. Another told me that he would use it for the exercises he must do as part of his physical therapy. All nodded solemnly when Connie or I mentioned the importance of writing about their experiences for their children.

We were not the first to suggest journaling to them I believe...and of course, they were impressed with Eddie and embraced him and his book. [Eddie is a double amputee--Vietnam.] Some recognized the journal as the first step in doing what Eddie has done.

I feel so good about this. O course, many Authors' Coalition members responded to our call for submissions and are quoted in the journal, too. So you were represented that day, too. It's a small thing to do for them. I wish we could do more.

Joyce Faulkner, http://joycefaulkner.com
The URL for Eddie's inspirational book is
http://www.luckyenoughthebook.com/

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

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If you enjoy "Sharing with Writers" please
nominate it for Writer's Digest's 101 Best
Newsletters for Writers. We aren't big,
we aren't old. So it would take a huge
outpouring from subscribers to make a dent.
Send an email to writersdig@fwpubs.com
with subject line, "101 Best Newsletters
for Authors" and let them know what
this newsletter does for you!
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Letters to the Editor:

(This letter from Patricia Harrington, www.patriciaharrington.com , is in regard to the Authors' Coalition Booth at the LA Times Festival of Books. I thought you'd like to see how results from promotion sometimes come in unforeseen ways. The www.silkroad.org link the author mentions was from Diana Chambers, author of "Stinger" and one of the other participants in our booth.):

Someone who visited my site had linked over from a search from Google, entering www.silkroad.org. I linked back to that search item on Google from my site statistics website. I was tickled to see your [Carolyn's] name and books [in this case my fiction, "Harkening" and "This is the Place"] showing up on it. Thought you'd find that fun to know. Go to Google, and put in www.silkroad.org. It's interesting to what is produced from seeds planted, and ideas shared.

Patricia Harrington, Author of "Death Stalks the Khmer" and other Mysteries, 2006 Short Mystery Fiction Society
Derringer Flash Fiction Winner
Website: www.patriciaharrington.com

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Authors' Coalition members! Use the
AC log on your promotional materials
for credibility. Ask for it by sending
an e-mail to HoJoNews@aol.com or
download it with a click from the AC site http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com.
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LA Opportunities:

Los Feliz Fiction Class Available from Fellow UCLA Instructor

Summer is a great time to start a fiction project. Chris Meeks is offering a new class for beginning and intermediate students. The class will be at Wordspace in the heart of Los Feliz, not far from Griffith Park in Los Angeles. The class will be on Saturday mornings for eight weeks, starting June 3. For more information, go to www.wordspace.net or contact the director of Wordspace, Brenda Varda, directly at bvarda@yahoo.com.
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Come "Reach for Your Dream:
Publish Your Book Your Way"

I'm offering a f^r^e^e seminar on how to publish no matter what your goal. It's at the main Glendale City Library on June 10th at 10 am. Chuck Wikes, events director, has featured it on the GPL site
http://www.glendalepubliclibrary.org/writers_support_group.asp
where you'll find all the essential info including parking instructions. Or e-mail me at HoJoNews@aol.com. If you scroll down a bit, you'll get more info on the critique group I facilitate -- also at no charge.
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UCLA Instructors' Publishing Party

The UCLA Writers' Program events team invites you to attend the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program’s 13th annual Publication Party on Thursday, June 1st. This fun and free event, held at the Skirball Cultural Center, will feature readings from Writers’ Program instructors who have published work within the past year. Following the readings will be a dessert reception, book signings, and the chance to mingle with our wonderful instructors.

Join us at the Skirball Cultural Center (2701 North Sepulveda Blvd.). Doors open at 7 pm; readings begin at 7:30 pm. Parking at the Skirball is fr ^^ for this event. Please RSVP at (310) 794-1846.

Featured readers include AC subscribers and former teachers and associates: Eve La Salle Caram,
Phyllis Gebauer, liz gonzález
Dylan Landis, Philomene Long
Suzanne Lummis, and Christopher Meeks

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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 be a nice gesture, including a Memorial
Day gift of the books mentioned in the
opening note. 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.
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Essential Reading Suggestion from Dave Lieber

(Subscriber Dave Lieber http://www.yankeecowboy.com/ , shares an article from the New York Times with all of you. I've paraphrased it to keep this zine shorter but anyone can find the whole thing at the NYT site. It ran May 16, 2006. I'm sure many of you will find ways you can use this information in your own promotion.)

In Authors Meet Fans Far From Bookstores, at Company Events MOTOKO RICH tells us: "On a sunny spring afternoon, Debra Dean, a first-time author, perched on a table before a lunchtime crowd of about 40 to read passages from her newly published historical novel, "The Madonnas of Leningrad." The group listened, seemingly riveted, then asked questions about her research into the Nazi siege of Leningrad and the collections of that city's Hermitage Museum. Afterward, nearly everybody lined up to buy books."
Rich point out that it not an unusual scene for a bookstore but this was in the corporate headquarters of Starbucks! It's part of a trend in which authors visit people where they can usually be found and that's at work!

He mentions several companies that have provided this kind of enrichment for their employees including Microsoft, Boeing, Google and Altria, (think Philip Morris and Kraft Food).
So, the question is, what corporate giant are you going to contact this week! (-:
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Thank yous:

To dehanna bailee for posting information on my appearance at the Glendale City Library on her site. You can find it here. http://thebackroomat.dehanna.com/
While you're there, check out the post beneath that one on the diminishing length of time that bestsellers stay bestsellers. Yikes!

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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/
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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.
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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 and conservatives.
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The Scribal Press News Calendar. The news calendar of writer events around the world, no matter where you live. Find it at: http://www.scribalpress.com/thisnthat.html?
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JadaStar Publish offers near self-publish profits on your paperback; it is an alternative to unapproachable publishers. http://starpublish.com.
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Do you want to hone your skills? Writer to Writer features tips on writing, marketing, submitting, selling and more. Regular no-f e e contests.
www.writer2writer.com
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Authors' Coalition is for writers. Find support for authors--both emotional and material--at
http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com.
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Gather at QueenPower.com where women promote, support and encourage women. Start living your best life now! http://www.queenpower.com/
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Inspiration:
Facts can sometimes discourage, sometimes inspire. Because we tend to expect too much from ourselves,
this tip is meant to inspire many of you, give
others of you something reasonable to shoot for.
From BEA: The average book sells less than 50
copies; 93% of all books published sold less
than 1,000 copies; only 24,000 books sold
over 5,000 units. So forget those 100,000
figures splashed all over the news. Give
yourself a reasonable goal and then let (and make) miracles happen!
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Kathe's Korner:

Website Suggestions:

A media room on your website is a must.
In it, include:

1. Images of your book cover
2. Images of you
3. Sample reviews of your books
4. Book excerpts
5. Media releases or news archives
6. Editorial resources on your topic,
7. audio/video clips of media appearances if
you have them,
8. A Bio,
9. Awards and publications
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Kathe Gogolewski's website has become a portal for writers with helps of all kinds there. Go to:
http://www.tri-studio.com/
Read her blog at: http://www.anndurand.blogsforauthors.com/summary.php

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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."
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In the News:

Amazon to Make Out-of-Print
Titles Available

The Bloomberg News reports that Amazon.com Inc will allow wider dissemination of out of print and lower volume books. Using print on demand (POD) technology through their own Booksurge unit (purchased in 2005) and partnering with publishers will allow them to print books as consumers place orders. Booksurge has at least 10,000 titles and many are out-of-print.
Greg Greeley, a VP of Amazon, believes that this presents a great opportunity for publishers to address the demand for content that would be difficult to find otherwise.

This should be good news for both traditionally published and alternatively published authors. Neither need be so fearful of going out-of-print or of the great shredder from hell that we all know exists.
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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."
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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/
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Cynthia Brian, Media Coach, Writer, Author, Speaker, TV/Radio Personality, Spokesperson. www.star-style.com , www.goddessgals.com , and www.starstyleproductions.com
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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
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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.
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The Y&W newsletter sponsored by Red Engine Press brings 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.
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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 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, and more. http://press.heliographica.com/
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Has writing lost its spontaneity? Find remedies in Milli Thornton's online writing course at: http://www.fearofwriting.com/creative-writing-course.htm
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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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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/
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The Complete Writer offers advice on writing, editing, proofreading, publishing and design. Published by Red Engine Press, a traditional press.

http://www.redenginepress.com/

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Carolyn's Appearances and Teaching Gigs:

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 receive a free copy of UCLA's "Writers' Program Quarterly," contact Marcus Hennessey at writers@uclaextension.edu or (310) 825-9415.
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Audio Classes: Allyn Evans, Joyce Faulkner, Kathe Gogolewski, Marilyn Peake and I, have produced audio classes covering 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: Download at:
http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/single.asp?isbn=DDP00000001QP&genre=
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The Muse Online Writing Conference: Lea Schizas, editor of "The Muse on Writing," and Carolyn Howard-Johnson are sponsoring this first annual virtual writers' conference October 9 - 13. This conference lets writers -- published or not -- mingle with some of the publishing world's personalities and to partake in a selection of free online workshops.
Bookmark this site

http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference/

Go back often to see the newest presenters and workshops. Fran Silverman of Book Promotion Newsletter fame and Penny Sansevieri just accepted invitations and we already have dozens of others. Carolyn will be presenting on both book promotion and the craft of writing, specifically "Writing Sparkling Dialogue in 10 Easy Steps."

To check on the growing faculty and workshop session, go to:

http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference/agenda.htm -----
Reach for You Dream: Publish Your Book Your Way
is coming to the Glendale Central Library
on June 10th at 10 am. Refreshments.
Fun. Easy no-c^st parking. Learn more at: http://www.glendalepubliclibrary.org/writers_support_group.asp

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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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Author Promotion Successes:

Carol and Phil White, www.roadtripdream.com, sent this news:

"We won! We won the Benjamin Franklin Award for Marketing Excellence and Innovation -- the Independent Publisher's Association's highest award! Little old one-book us! I was speechless! I hadn't even prepared anything to say.

The awards ceremony was held in a large ballroom at the convention center. There were around 500 people there. A big stage was set with all the awards set out and a huge screen that announced the winners and their book covers. It looked like the Oscars! When the moderator started talking about "this year one book stood out from all the others..." I knew it wasn't me, then she started talking about the "multi-pronged marketing approach, starting with AAA", and I went Oh no -- that's me! I didn't hear another thing that she said from there on! My heart was pounding so hard I could hardly walk up there. I did manage to say a few things about how anyone can do this with a 'good book, a good marketing plan and lots of determination.' When I left the stage, people I don't even know (and many that I did know) were stopping me to congratulate me, take pictures, etc. It was incredible! The buzz the next day was so fun. Everyone tells me that I should start selling my knowledge by helping others with their marketing -- just what I need is another job!"

It appears Carol has found an easy way to "help others with their marketing." Though "Sharing with Writers," of course! Plan to submit your own promotion campaign for next year's award!
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Georgia Richardson, www.queenjawjaw.com, was featured in the June/July issue of Chicken Soup for the Soul Magazine. Her article, "From Griping to Gratitude" was one of the articles chosen by the editors of CSS as an outstanding example of "The Good Life." Puzzled by what constitutes "the good life"? Find out about her "jigsaw punishment" by picking up a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul Magazine at Wal-Mart or your favorite Barnes and Noble bookstores. To write for Chicken Soup go to I http://www.chickensoupmagazine.com/ then click on story submissions and guidelines.
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Beverly Gray, http://www.beverlygray.com will hit the airwaves to talk about her new passion, the films of 1967. She says, "Yes, that's the year of "The Graduate," "Bonnie and Clyde," "Cool
Hand Luke," "In the Heat of the Night," and other landmark movies, along with such duds as "Valley of the Dolls"! You can hear me on the Ira Fistell Show, TalkRadio 790, KABC-AM, at 10 p.m PDT. on Saturday, June 3. If not, there's a live feed at http://www.kabc.com/showdj.asp?DJID=7826 . This is talk radio, so you can even call in with a question, with an opinion (inflammatory or otherwise) or just to say Hi. The number is 800-222-KABC.
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Leora Krygier, www.leorakrygier.com hit the Norwich Daily News of England! The human interest story surrounds her work in progress, "Find Maynard." Great pre-publicity here plus a contact for you if you have a story that "crosses continents."

A 1942 postcard that found its way home was the inspiration Leora used for her novel. It is now being shopped. She is also the author of "When She Sleeps," published by Toby Press.

Do you have an amazing story that crosses continents? Call David Bale on (01603) 772427 or e-mail david.bale2@archant.co.uk
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New members will help Authors' Coalition
serve all its members better! Ask your
writing friends to join at http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com.

Tell them to visit our blog, too, w
here they'll learn how to spark generally
insipid book fairs by using value-added
promotions: http://redeneginepress.com/chjohnson .


http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
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News from BEA on Microsoft and, Yep, Books!

Microsoft promoted its Windows Live Books
at BEA. This program will work similarly
to Google's Book Search and Amazon's search.
It will provide a limited online view of a
book and give directions on how consumers
can buy it. Cliff Guren, who is directing
the Windows Live Book program, reported that
Microsoft is building a critical mass of
titles before it launches the service,
probably later this year.
______________________________________________

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/ .
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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/
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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
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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.
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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."
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No part of this newsletter is paid advertising.
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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 Your Publisher Won't," this newsletter
lets authors share with each other.

To submit information for consideration,
e-mail Carolyn 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://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, "This is the Place," and book of creative nonfiction, "Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered," may be ordered at Amazon.com.