August 13, 2006: Sharing with Writers:
From the Desks
Of Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Authors' Coalition Friends
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"Sharing with Writers" is the official newsletter of Authors' Coalition,

http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com

an organization of writers who help writers.

To read this newsletter at Authors Den go to:

http://www.AuthorsDen.com/adstorage/1713/Newsletter_Aug_ThirdWeek_2006.doc
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Note from Carolyn:

Dear Authors' Coalition Members and Subscribers:

I have been busy getting some conferences lined up for spring of 2007 and it occurred to me to remind you all that until fair and conference directors start coming to you, you must work at least six months in advance to secure the kind of events you are most interested in doing. Once your e-mail box begins to contain surprise requests for you to appear or speak, you still may have a few places you'd like to go. Then you'll want to discipline yourself not to sit back on your laurels and wait for that particular magic to happen.

So, update your media kit. Better still, tailor the one you have for the speaking circuit. Do your research on the names of conference directors and what their needs are. And dig in. One of the things I do is try to group my spring conferences into a two-month period so that I'll have plenty of time to travel for pleasure if I so choose. I only violate those parameters if something comes up that will let me help huge numbers of authors -- bigger than anything I've ever done before. Any of you know of anything like that?

Best,

Carolyn Howard-Johnson
HoJoNews@aol.com
http://carolynhoward-johnson.com
http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
And a blog focused on book fairs at http://redenginepress.com/chjohnson

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No part of this newsletter is paid advertising.
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Tip: Sharing a tip from the editing class I just taught at UCLA with all of you:

Caution! When introducing a dependent clause with the word since, think. Does the clause have something to do with time or are you using the clause to delineate a reason that has nothing to do with time?

Examples for using the two:

Since our meeting last August 2nd, I have been thinking of you. (correct)

Because it has been so hot, we haven't met since last August 2nd. (correct)

Since it was so hot, we didn't meet last August 2nd. (incorrect).


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Letters to the Editor:

(Note: This is the kind of letter that I recommend authors write in The Frugal Book Promoter. After I wrote Frugal, I learned that Carolyn See uses "Write Thank Yous" as a mantra, too. So does your mother.)

Carolyn:

When I worked in a college PR department, I learned that good things happen from sending out media releases and writing letters. You never know who might pick up on something. Even though I wrote releases for a college, I'd never done it for myself, which is why I dashed to your first UCLA class when I read about it. Following your example, a good thing happened right away: I was reviewed well in the Los Angeles Times. Then I was reviewed by POD-dy Mouth (http://girlondemand.blogspot.com/) and other online places. And now my book is mentioned in Entertainment Weekly this week.

You and your book inspired me enough not only to try my own publicity, but also to try the publish-on-demand route -- one I would not recommend for most people. (I tell other writers to try for an agent and publisher first. Because I had a collection of short stories, I knew that even if I had a big publisher behind it, it wouldn't likely sell well because no collection of short fiction does, so I was actually optimistic about POD. My book will always be in print.)

Anyway, you are good karma.

Thanks,
Chris Meeks, author of The Middle-Aged Man and the Sea, www.chrismeeks.com
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Dear Carolyn a la Ann Landers


Dear Carolyn

I finally had the money to get your book and I am happy I did. I was perusing through it just now and found the section I wanted, how to get speaking engagements. I love to speak to groups of people and studied it while in college. As a matter of fact, one of my areas of focus was in communication. Talking is one of my favorite past times. I also found that when I spoke with groups, each and every member in attendance bought a book or two from me. I need more speaking engagements.

I'm glad you like that chapter and that's how I designed Frugal so that people can pick and choose the promotions that best fit their personalities and pocketbooks and so they can easily refer to the sections they will need for any given event, whether it is radio, a book fair booth or a TV appearance

I really wanted to send you this e-mail to let you know you have been very helpful to me in thinking "out the box" on promotions. It is not my favorite subject and I am not always comfortable on doing it Anyway, thanks for writing your book. (-:

One last tip to share. Since I was doing a festival this past weekend outdoors, I made up fans to give away in the 90 degree weather we were having here in Detroit. The fans had my book cover on them and business information on the back. I figure as people take them with them where ever they went, somebody might just ask them about the book. What do you think about that?

Ha! This is such a good idea -- on several counts -- that I included a how-to on fans and the promotion principle behind while they may work well. Readers will find the piece later in this newsletter. Thank you for sharing your secrets with us!

Much love,
Sylvia McClain, Author, The Write Life
http://www.scribalpress.com/
Visit Sylvia's blog at http://sylviaspeaks.blogspot.com/

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Opportunities:

Fun and F r * *

If you have purchased The Frugal Book Promoter in the past, I'd love for you to review it on Amazon or BN.com, perhaps just tell what part of it you found most valuable. If you do, send me the review link (URL) and I will send you an excerpt from my soon-to-be-released The Frugal Editor that includes some sidebars from the book that will help you with some tricky grammar. As a thank you, of course. HoJoNews@aol.com

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Submission for Chicken Soup

(Editor's Note: Subscriber June Casagrande, author of Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies at grammarsnobs.com send this on for me to share with you.)

The editors of Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul are searching for submissions. They pay $200 for each published story.
The general theme of the book focuses on the tough stuff and difficulties associated with relationships, friendships, family matters and self-image. They want first-person, non-fiction narratives. Learn more at http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/wri/188667931.html or e-mail chickensoupforteens@yahoo.com
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Reviewers Needed

Five to ten reviewers are needed by gottawritenetwork. They ask that when a reviewer accepts a book for review, he or she must come through with a write up and must proof it. We like 4-5 paragraphs with a summary of the story (without giving away the plot), the reviewer's opinion and a personal rating. Those interested may contact Netera@aol.com. If you don't read erotic books, please let me know. Reviews are published on individual pages and listed on the "new reviews page."
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2006 DIY BOOK FESTIVAL SETS AWARDS

The 2006 DIY Book will consider entries for cookbooks and science fiction books. as well as previous entry categories including non-fiction, fiction, biography/autobiography, children's books, teenage, how-to, audio/spoken word, photography, art, comics, 'zines, fan fiction, poetry and e-books published on or after Jan. 1, 2004.

All entries must be in English and have been self-published or issued by an independent publishing house that has published less than 50 works since the entry cut-off point.

*** Please note that authors with iUniverse, Infinity Publishing and other print-on-demand outlets are eligible for the DIY competition.

Entry forms are available online at www.diyconvention.com where you will learn of other awards, prize money and more. .


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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. Paid members get a favorite review posted, consideration for an interview or review in Yarnspinners and Wordweavers. Membership is reasonable, too. We're even planning a speakers' bureau.

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


http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
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Tip: You can check your book's sales figures on Amazon by going to your profile page instead of your book page, thus avoiding changing those damndable percentage rates in the section where they track the sales of your book as compared to others. BTW, I don't suggest checking rates too frequently. These rates can be misleading and checking can get addictive.

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Author Successes

(Note from Editor: If you aren't letting me know about your successes, you're not utilizing this newsletter -- your newsletter -- to its fullest. I can't publish book signings and some other events (there would be too many of them) but if you have a bookstore recommendation to share, that might work. At any rate, send me stuff. I'll see if I can include it the letter in a way your fellow subscribers can glean information that would be useful to them.)

Vicki Taylor's Trust in the Wind, is number seven on Fictionwise's Best Selling list
http://www.fictionwise.com/topstories.htm
It is about a pregnant teen who loses
everything, including her family when she chooses single motherhood. When you can't count on people, Trust in the Wind. Vicki's site is http://www.vickimtaylor.com?
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Bev Walton-Porter's NEW Scribe & Quill site has launched!
http://www.scribequill.com/


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Publisher Successes

Star Publish Announces Unique Bookstore Sales Program for Its Authors

When Kristie Leigh Maguire, owner of Star Publish, came up with the idea of the Shooting Stars Book Program, she recruited Janet Elaine Smith as Marketing Director to head up the program. Janet will serve as an ombudsman to bookstores for each participating Star author. She expects to place books, events, and promotional material in bookstores nationwide.

Learn more Janet Elaine Smith, Marketing Director, Star Publish at: MarketingStarPublish@yahoo.com
Website: http://starpublish.com

PS: Note the marketing coup. This announcement came to me on the day (Aug. 11) of the universe's own Perseid Shooting Star Meteor Shower. Clever, no?

More on the Shooting Star Display

For more details on the Perseid meteor display go to http://euro.astrobio.net/news/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1126&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

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Understanding Reviewing

Just in case you want to take reviewing on as a career move or as promotional tool (one of the suggestions in The Frugal Book Promoter), here is an inside look on the subject: Find "Not an Easy Job! Carolyn Gives Readers an Inside Look at What Drives Reviewers" in my Back to Literature column at MyShelf.com. You'll also find the usual tidbits for readers and writers. Leave a note in the guestbook while you're there. Here's the URL. http://www.myshelf.com/backtoliterature/column.
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Reciprocal Links:

For expert and up-to-date advice for writers from writers go to http://www.writeradvice.com. You'll find author interviews, reviews, contests and markets and more. The site, edited by B. Lynn Goodwin, is open to submissions.
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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/
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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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Star 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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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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Tip: Read my review of Roget's Descriptive Wordfinder by Barbara Kipfer, Ph.D. This book has been around for a long time but I'm always surprised at how many writers don't have a copy of their desks! The new review is at MyShelf.com this month, http://www.myshelf.com/writing/06/rogetsdescriptivewordfinder.htm
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Poets & Writers Opinion Poll and an Opinion of My Own:

This magazine (one of my favorites) gleaned opinions on whether "creative writers who seek to publish their work have a responsibility to read and recommend enough books to nourish the marketplace they wish to enter." Sixty-three percent of them did.

I'm surprised the number wasn't even higher in the face of studies that say that readership (of books) is diminishing. After all, if we don't support our industry who will? If nobody does, we all may as well go back to journaling for our own pleasure only.
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Reciprocal Links:

For snappy marketing tips and the f~r~e~e report "How to Obtain Book Reviews," subscribe to the PR Postcard at
http://www.authorscompanion.com/
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Spirited Woman, launches the Spirited Woman Circle, a 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. 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 for publication. 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 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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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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Find a f * * *, database which details over 2,000 literary and genre magazines and publishers at Dee Rimbaud's site: 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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Tip: Alternative-Read.com is the Inside Story as told by Sassy Brit and her Gang!
Lively and Spirited Alternative Reads is a resource for your reviews or for you to be reviewed.

Join her 'Alternative Read Yahoo group that connects readers and authors: An_Alternative_Read-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Or try this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/An_Alternative_Read/join?check

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Worth Quoting:

On Motivation and Characterization:

(Found in Christopher Klim's newsletter, one you might enjoy subscribing to. Find it at www.writersnotes.com.)
"…so much dramatic writing is glaringly obvious and predictable. Characters either say what they mean or follow such a single-minded…arc that they function like emotional clichés: He is in love so he..., She is jealous so she... , It's their child so they... The challenge for dramatic writing is to disguise our overly simplistic lattice of objectives with conflicting or tangentially related motivations. A character can love her mother and wish her dead. A character can want long life and love nicotine. A gospel singer can love privacy, crave stardom, and hate church…" - Ed Shockley, author of Notes from a Practicing Writer
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Thank Yous:

(Note: Each thank you may be set with a jewel of a resource for you to plumb for your book. Watch for them! Adapt them to your own publishing and promotion needs!)

To Maria Edward, director of Military Writers Society of America and editor of their website, for including Frugal as a resource for her military writers. Find it at http://www.militarywriters.com/resources.htm
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To Dee Power, author of The Making of a Bestseller: Success Stories From Authors, and the Editors, Agents and Booksellers Behind Them for including The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't on her Amazon plog. If you don't know what an Amazon plog is, go read hers, see how it's done and find a great example of how authors can cross-promote at the same time! Here's the URL:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0793193087/ref=sr_11_1/102-9525000-4645703?ie=UTF8

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Authors' Coalition members! For credibility, use the AC logo on your promotional materials. 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.
Be sure to link it to the AC site, too!
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Tip: Having trouble finding what you want on Google? Spending too much time reading through material that doesn't forward your research? Learn to focus on how you ask the question, before you ask it using a simple mathematical technique called Boolean logic. Led by Joyce Faulkner, Marilyn Peake, Kathe Gogolewski and Carolyn Howard-Johnson, Audio Classes for Writers, Find a Needle in a Haystack, Using Boolean Logic to Support Research for your Writing is the perfect teaching tool. Allyn Evans moderates. Download and listen on your computer or your iPod. You can also get it on CD. Go to: http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/single.asp?ISBN=DDP000013QP

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Feature a la Ask Amy:

Dear Carolyn:

I have sold my book only to friends and family and a few acquaintances. The only other books I
have sent out are to agents and reviewers and today it showed up for sale on Amazon as new at a deep discount. Is it common for these professionals to do this instead of returning them in the SASE that I enclosed for them to send them back to me? Have you heard of this before? Is there anything I can do about it? If someone orders it from them, I lose a sale because of this book I gave away in good faith? Would it do me any good to send an e-mail to this seller and ask where the book came from? It's just so crummy... I guess it's just the wild
West out there.

A New Author

Dear New Author:

When this happens to a new author it is often a surprise. Yes, most authors hate it when this happens. And yes, it is not professional.

The reality is that used books are part of the publishing landscape and have been ever since we humans were exposed to mass produced books (maybe before). My advice: don't fight it and don't waste energy that could be better spent writing worrying about it. Besides, your chances of changing any individual or process is about zero.

And, no, I wouldn't ask any of your contacts where the book came from. That would look like an accusation when it may not be that person who did it. Further, I doubt anyone would admit that they were so unethical as to profiteer on a review copy.

You may want to read an essay I did on this subject for my column "Back to Literature" for MyShelf.com. It is archived here: http://myshelf.com/backtoliterature/column.htm. I think it will help you put all this in perspective!

If you'd like to read more on the subject, there is a chapter in Frugal that suggest that we, as authors, should prefer to have our books read, and not worry so much about how readers get our books.

I've even heard authors complain about libraries because people borrow the books rather than buy them. Mmmm. LIbraries buy a lot of books and the support of libraries for authors' works can be very valuable indeed. I'm not diminishing your initial shock. It comes to all of us when we're new. But we need to learn not to suffer in silence, I think, but not to suffer at all.

Your Dear Abby Stand-in
Carolyn
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Carolyn's Appearances and Teaching


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. Choose from a huge selection of free online workshops.
Bookmark this site

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

Go back often to see the newest presenters and workshops. Subscriber Fran Silverman will be one of the presenters. 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 -----
I will be presenting at the Sinclair Lewis Writers' Conference on Saturday, October 14 in Minnesota. Registration information is available at http://www.saukherald.com/ftp/lewis/conference.html and if you would like more details about this exceptional one-day event, e-mail me (HoJoNews@aol.com) or Jim Umhoefer, conference director at jim@candidperceptions.com
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I will be speaking on promotion at the AML Writers Conference to be held on the Utah Valley State College campus in Orem, UT, November 4, 2006. Preregister on the AML website at http://www.aml-online.org/events/aml2006wcprereg.html

Tracy and Laura Hickman will be keynote speakers and J. Scott Bronson, actor and playwright, will do a workshop on "Acting Principles for Writers."
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Paulette Ensign, board member of Publishers and Writers of San Diego, a SPAN and PMA affiliate has invited Carolyn to speak on Marketing Your Book or Published Product from Unknown to Best-Seller Sat., Jan 27, 2007 in Encinitas, CA. Learn more about the organization and their programs at: http://www.publisherswriters.org/

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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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Opportunity:

Watch for an all-tips newsletter sometime in August. If you would like your favorite writing or promotion tip to be included along with your name, book title and URL, e-mail be NOW at HoJoNews@aol.com!
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Agent Interview:

Fishing for an Agent? Use the Write Bait.
Complimentary Online Seminar: Literary Agents Answer Questions.
NOW OPEN
One of the greatest challenges writers face is writing the dreaded query letter. How much is enough? How much is too much? What should be included? How can a query letter hook the literary agent’s attention and get the manuscript requested? Should sample chapters be sent with the query, a synopsis or an outline? What can a writer do to make their query letter rise to the top of the pile? What are the mistakes that should be avoided?
Miss Snark (yes that Miss Snark), Peter Rubie, Katharine Sands, and Jean Naggar answer questions from writers on the topic of query letters. http://www.brianhillanddeepower.com/agentseminar.html
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Reciprocal Links:

Wordpix Solutions offers design, production and book shepherding services for self published authors. www.wordpix.com/authors
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PENCILS™ - A Proofreading & Copyediting Company
"Improving the written word one letter at a time." Let Laura Kerley help you present your work in the best light possible!
E-mail: pencilsproofreading@yahoo.com Web: http://www.pencilsproofreading.com
Phone: 310.357.9140:
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"Publishing and Promoting" is one of my favorite groups for meeting peers. It 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. 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. 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!. Find interviews, literary news, criticism, a no - c^st e-zine, and more. http://www.compulsivereader.com/html.
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Do bookstores owe you money? Michelle Dunn's books 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, edits a newsletter with an emphasis on journaling. Subscribe at: http://www.ericaminer.com/newsletter.php
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Need help with your writing career? From coaching and ghostwriting to publishing and marketing,contact your Author's Advocate, Patrika Vaughn, at http://www.acappela.com/.
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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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"Quark Soup" by Magdalena Ball breaks linguistic convention, using the strange anti-matter world of astrophysics and quantum physics to capture the bonds that tie human beings together."
http://www.compulsivereader.com/html/images/quarkindex.htm

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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 e-mail 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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Feature:

(Editor's Note: Those of you who know The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't know that I'm not crazy about spending money on promotional items that either annoy, get thrown in a junk drawer or get tossed! However, occasionally one comes along that seems right on!)

If you are going to spend time and money on promotional items consider what you do carefully. What you choose should have a reasonable chance of:

1. being kept
2. not breaking your promo budget
3. being closely enough aligned to your branding or your title that it will remind the receiver of you
4. being visible to trafficked areas, when possible
5. being needed, especially in the moment of the event. An example of that would be a book bag for readers to carry their purchases in while they're browsing a fair.

When this one for flat (rather than folded) fans came to me from Sylvia McClain, I asked her to help us all with the idea. It's good because it fills a need during a warm day (that can even occur in September in some regions) and fits most if not all of the above criteria.

Here's how she did it:

I used my word processor software and formatting the page to landscape orientation I copied my book cover for The Write Life to the page twice. Afterwards I cut the sheet in half to get two fans from one sheet and bought heavy card stock paper to print them on. Then I printed out labels with my business information on them and attached them to the back of the fans. I went to a craft store to buy the sticks to attach to the fans but the craft store did not have the right length in stock. I needed them quickly so I went to a hardware store. I spoke with the manager about how using paint sticks with their name on them would work for them as a promotional tool also. He agreed and gave me 100 of them for free. They normally charged .05 for each one. After that, I hot glued them to the fans and voila, I had fans to give a way with my book cover on them as a reminder to all that visited the festival.
So there you have the way I created fans to be used here in Detroit in the 85 plus degree weather we had last weekend at an outdoor festival.
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Sylvia McClain, Author, Writer, Teacher, Speaker
sylmcclain@juno.com or 313-336-3047
The Write Life now available. Visit the web site.
http://www.scribalpress.com/ and her blog at http://sylviaspeaks.blogspot.com/

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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. 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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Metaphors and Similes to Make You Smile:

(Every year English teachers from across the country submit their collections of analogies and metaphors actually found in high school essays. I can't acknowledge the resource but I thought they might not mind if I published them one at a time. I also thought some of you might have some favorites you could contribute.)

Here is one of the teachers' favorites:

" He was as tall as a six-foot, three-inch tree."


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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://carolynhoward-johnson.com .

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.

Sharing with Writers does not guarantee entities or information in this newsletter. Subscribers should research resources though I do attempt to verify information used within its pages.

To submit information for consideration in this letter, 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:

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http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/193299310X/qid=1149015406/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/002-4692447-2218401?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

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