October 8, 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/Sharingwithwriters_Oct_FirstWeek_2006.doc
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Note from Carolyn:

Dear Authors' Coalition Members and Subscribers:

Let's talk book fairs.

I was invited to have a booth at a small fair this weekend -- one that benefited literacy in a small town near me. Now, the booth would have been free because the planners made their money for charity with the sales of books they sold. Still, I followed the advice I give in "The Frugal Book Promoter" when asked if I would like to have a booth (after all, I didn't want to say, no!). and suggested that I appear on a panel. They said yes.

Now, I have to tell you that most people on my lists have most or all of my books. But I sent out invitations and media releases, etc. anyway.
I have an exciting new banner concept that will soon be available to writers through Authors' Coalition and I took that. I wouldn't be surprised if I did more promotion for the fair than the planners did.

The banner is colorful and I wore very bright colors (lime green, yellow and hot pink) even though I usually wear an authorly black. Well, those colors attracted the photographer from the local press who was there. So it looks as if my bannered/boothed/sun-hatted person will be on the cover of a tabloid. Many old friends came and had a grand day. Even if they didn't need one of my books, most bought one from another author so that was a service to the charity as well as other authors. The outdoor venue was delightfully populated with ancient trees with nearly ripe figs and just-red pomegranates on them.

Even though the volunteer workers stowed a pile of my books under a table and told dozens of people that they were sold out when there were plenty more to sell, this was a day well worth the time. One good turn like this made me new friends, I got to do my old friends a favor and look! A little unexpected publicity, too.

If I hadn't sold one book this fair would have been a success. There is more--much more--to a book fair than selling books. The ides is that if a book signing or a fair or any other event is a flop, you might consider what more you can do this next time than you did this. Also consider evaluating the event on the basis of something more than the number of books you sell.


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

PS. No newsletter next week. I'll be presenting at the Sinclair Lewis Writers' Workshop.

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No part of this newsletter is paid advertising.
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Tip: From Janet Elaine Smith, radio host for "Marketing for Fun and Profit!" on http://internetvoicesradio.com/, says "Not only should you not pay for a radio interview, in my opinion you should also never pay for any of these lists that will give you "all you need to know to find the stations that will pertain to you for $Megabucks." With this link (http://www.newslink.org/ ) you can do that yourself and it won't cost you more than about a nickel for the electricity to run your computer.
Get to know Janet at http://www.janetelainesmith.com and check her blog at www.janetelainesmith.blogspot.com .
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Opportunities:

Book Contest--Small Press, Big Opportunity


On January 1, 2007, JADA Press will celebrate excellence in print-on-demand books. The first place winners in the Fiction and Nonfiction categories will each receive $1,000.00, a JADA trophy, Award Winning labels for the winning books and a paid announcement in one newspaper of their choice. The titles selected as First Runner-up will receive a JADA trophy and labels. All winners will receive extensive Internet exposure.

There is no restriction on the year of publication. Books must have ISBN numbers and be printed-on-demand. Authors may enter up to four books for judging. To enter, submit your book/books, a $40.00 entry fee per book and a completed registration. Registration forms may be downloaded at: http://www.jadapress.com/EntryForm.html . and sent no later than December 1, 2006.
Because entries are limited, authors are encouraged to write JadaBooksEntry@aol.com to reserve a spot for your entry before sending it.
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New Paying Market

Quill Pen is looking for stories of a pulp fiction nature between 4,000 and 7,000 words. A good plot is a must. Complete information can be found at the website: http://quill-pen.net/submission.html. This is a PAYING market.
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Will Rogers Writers' Workshop

Join Tim Bete (http://www.TimBete.com) and other humor writers at the Will Rogers Writers' Workshop (March 15-17, 2007) in Oklahoma City. Get details about speakers and sessions at http://www.willrogersok.org
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Tip: The Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop October newsletter includes some fantastic stories and resources:
http://www.humorwriters.org/EBWW100106.html including "A Peek at the Peak of the Publicity Summer," by DC Stanfa, "Whose Punchline Is It Anyway?" "Secrets of Writing a Killer Joke," and more.
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Promotion Opportunity:

I've mentioned this before. One way to increase exposure is to call talk shows and use your name. Try to get your book title (tactfully) in there, too. Janet Elaine Smith is host of the internet radio program, "Marketing for Fun and Profit." Randy Ham a bookstore chain buyer for Hastings Entertainment Center will be a guest this Monday Oct. 9, at 9:30 p.m. ET

On Oct. 16th, same time same place, Janet's guest will be Allyn Evans, author of "Grab the Queen Power. Learn how speaking engagements have led her to the success of her book, and how she is now heading for college campuses.

For more information, go to http://innovativevoicesradio.com/ . Use the toll-free number to call in and leave your question. Call in questions at 1-888-379-5442.
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New! Sun Sign for Writers Feature--Check It Out Monthly!

(This column is from Beverly Walton-Porter's new Sun Signs, published by Writer's Digest. You'll want the whole book when after you've seen these tidbits. Watch for your own sun sign--it's coming!)

Libra Author Mini-profile: Anne Rice

"To write something, you have to risk making a fool of yourself.”
--Anne Rice

Aesthetics are important to most Libra writers, and Anne Rice’s writing style reflects that perfectly, especially in her famous Vampire Chronicles. Born Howard Allen O'Brien on October 4, 1941, this author of horror and fantasy novels allegedly began using the name Anne when a nun asked her what her name was on the first day of school. Rice published the first book of the Vampire Chronicles, entitled Interview with the Vampire, in 1976. She has also written under the pseudonyms of Anne Rampling and A.N. Roquelaure.

The writing in her Vampire Chronicles is descriptive and sensual; it bears all the marks of a Libra writer’s aesthetic touch. Her characters, the primary of which is a French nobleman by the name of Lestat de Lioncourt, are typically beautiful, stylish, romantic, sexual, and emotional. The sense of art, culture, and refinement are ever-present in Rice’s work and point toward the influence of Libra’s planetary ruler, Venus, in her writing. Sensuality and sexuality are also subjects she covers in the erotic Beauty novels she produced under one of her pen names, A.N. Roquelaure. Recently, Anne Rice’s departure from the vampire novels that made her famous to her latest book, Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt, has taken some readers aback with the change in writing style from luxurious prose to less fancy composition. However, despite the shift in her delivery and tone, Rice still exhibits meticulous skill at researching the historical aspects of the subject matter. The only difference is that the information is served to the reader in a dissimilar manner.

As an air sign, Libra marries art and intellect together to produce serious and often ethereal creations of beauty. The perception and observation talents seen in Anne Rice’s writing are prime examples of the unique flavor Libra writers can bring to their writing. Balance is a primary characteristic for those born under the sign of the scales, so readers will find interplay between the right (abstract) and left (concrete) sides of the brain evident in Rice’s work.
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An excerpt from Bev Walton-Porter, Sun Signs for Writers, Published by Writer's Digest Books available on Amazon at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1582974039/ref=pd_rvi_gw_1/103-3297184-5538247?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=283155

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Reciprocal Links:

Carolyn Howard-Johnson will take a limited number of editing jobs each month. These are complete edits and include a tutorial on edits made. Fiction and poetry only. HoJoNews@aol.com with "Edit" in the subject line.
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Sign up for The Web-Savvy Writer e-zine (http://www.websavvywriter.com) and receive a complimentary copy of the special report "Your Author Website: 21 Content Ideas for Profit and Publicity," written by Patrice-Anne Rutledge, author of The Web-Savvy Writer: Book Promotion with a High-Tech Twist (Pacific Ridge Press, 2006)
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Alternative-Read.com's blog is all about your writing and you and you and you. Find it here: http://tjbook-list.blogspot.com/
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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. Let Laura Kerley help you present your work in the best light possible!
Pencilsproofreading@yahoo.com
http://www.pencilsproofreading.com
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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 Subscribe at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/publishingandpromting/
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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
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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. 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. 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: 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 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
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Quark Soup by Magdalena Ball uses the strange anti-matter world of astrophysics and quantum physics to capture the bonds that tie human beings together. www.compulsivereader.com/html/images/quarkindex.htm
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Tip: Ever heard of Trumba.com. They will automate your personal or events calendar for free. So? AOL will do that. Ahhh, yes. But here you install your events once and this site broadcasts it to wherever you want. Eventually my event changes will be autobroadcast to my new HowToDoItFrugally.com site in addition to this site where they presently reside: http://www.redenginepress.com/carolyn_howard-johnson1.htm and any place else that has given you a page, if the sitemaster doesn't object and will let you set it up. While you're there, browse around the Red Engine Press site: This is one of the publishers I publish with and work as an editor with.
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Publishing News

(From Sunday, October 01, 2006 LA Times' front page no less! "Booked Up Publishers Could Be in a Bind" and what that might mean for you. Find it page A1 & 19.)

By Carolyn Howard-Johnson

This fall just for Christmas we authors will have even more big-time competition. In fact so much the LA Times reports that even publishers are worried about a saturated market -- which, in my opinion, we've had for a long time. But, when the glut is comprised of big names, well, this time the publisher have no one but themselves to blame.

Authors like Bob Woodard, Margaret Atwood, Karen DeYoung, John Grisham, Richard Ford, Lemony Snicket, Thomas Pynchon, Stephen King, Isabel Allende, Sen. Barack Obama, and Thomas Harris of Hannibal fame are all being released within the next few months.

So what does that mean for us? Our job of promotion and branding will be harder than ever. Get out your Frugal Book Promoter, grab a notebook and decide on one more way you can spread the word about your book, perhaps one you've never tried before.

What does that mean for big-name authors and publishers? They may come to realize that they, too, will have to promote longer and harder; maybe even authors who aren't keen on partnering with their publishers will need to do their share or watch their books, well, semi-tank (at least comparatively speaking).

The Times reports that the publishers plan to use blogs more effectively (see September's -Fourth Week issue of this newsletter on how you might do that). The big publishers are actually encouraging their authors to use the Internet including their own websites (John Grisham, are you listening?)

And circling about again, what does that mean for us? It means that the stigma against promotion that seems to circulate among the literary hoity-toity may dissipate. That means it may become more acceptable for you to do whatever it takes this side of what is ethical to make your baby a success. Go for it!
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Something New that Might Benefit Even Those among You Who Are Traditionally Published:

Arigan Publishers is looking for authors to help build its line of Cheap and Easy™ books.
The first two in the series are Cheap and Easy Gardening and Cheap and Easy Houseplants.

Arigan Publishers offers a unique combination of marketing and print-on-demand publishing to provide its authors access to markets where their books will sell. Working with iUniverse, the leading producer of POD books, Arigan Publishers provides a quality product as well as access to leading booksellers. In addition, Arigan Publishers works with its authors to identify and reach target markets to maximize sales

Arigan Publishes does not publish fiction (although the right manuscript can change our minds), children’s or poetry. www.ariganpublishers.com
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Promotion Works:

This is proof that continued promotion works. You work it, your book sells. You loaf, it doesn't. My book was released in 2004 and it is still selling because it fills a need and because I promote it. Yours can, too. This is Amazon's report as of 4 pm on Wednesday, October 3:

The Frugal Book Promoter: How To Do What Your Publisher Won't
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #17,309 in Books
Average Customer Review: based on 54 reviews
Publication Date: July 16, 2004

This is intended to inspire you! Let's all utilize it! Even I go back and read some of my chapters before I embark on a new promotion campaign.
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Tip: "Have You Heard?" Visit MyShelf.com's popular page where your book gets noticed. Authors, this is the page to let your book be seen by readers. Features pick of the months, contests, and book biz and tidbits Contact Suzie Housley at haveyouheard@myshelf.com
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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
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 Writer Advice, 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 are encouraged to submit short articles of interest. Send an e-mail to nate@redenginepress.com with "Y&W Newsletter" in the subject line.
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Sun Signs for Writers: Astrology can benefit (and entertain!) writers. Here's a new Writers' Digest book: www.wdeditors.com/wordpress/fall-2006-titles/sun-signs-for-writers/
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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.htm 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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Check out Star Publish News as an example of what small publishers can do for their authors. It is at http://starpublishnews
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Sun Editing and Book Design offers interior book design, typesetting, book cover design and editing services. Directed by Jill Ronsley. Visit http://www.suneditwrite.com for information.

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Take a Tax Deduction: What to Do With Review Copies, Returned Books, and Overstock

Be the Star You Are! an all volunteer 501 (c)(3) charity dedicated to empowering women, families, and youth at risk through literacy and positive media accepts donated books, CD's, and music and re-distributes these resources for FREE to groups in need across America. The donor receives a tax deductible receipt for the full retail value of the resources donated, and other charities benefit from receiving the donated books and resources. All donors are listed on the Galaxy of Stars donor page on the web site and are thanked in the newsletter, Starsearchers Express, which offers publicity in gratitude for the contribution. Most genre books are accepted except those that advocate pornography, illicit sex, violence, or abuse. Be the Star You Are! especially needs books for children and women. Visit the web site to learn more about Be the Star You Are! at www.bethestaryouare.org. Opportunities to sponsor the Be the Star You Are! syndicated radio program are available and all donations/contributions to the charity are
tax deductible. Send books to: Be the Star You Are!, 1660 School St. #101 D, Moraga, California, 94556.

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Reciprocal Links:

Freelance Writing Organization - Int'l: Thousands of free writing resources.
http://fwointl.com/LMPmail/link.php?id=3c24af1hojo_in

For expert and up-to-date advice for writers from writers go to 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's 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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Feature:

What To Do When the Reporter Doesn't Mention Your Book!!

(This article was written by subscriber Carol White -- graciously -- at my request. We wanted to share with you how authors can turn major (or minor) media attention to their favor.)

You’ve got a great story angle for your book, right? And you’ve gotten just the right reporter interested – you are reeling him in. Finally, you get the blessing that they are going to use you for the story – home free? Not so fast.

Once a book has been out for awhile, it takes a different perspective to keep the publicity rolling. No longer can you submit your book for “review” (usually), nor can you get as many of the obvious story lines written about – you’ve got to be more creative in your queries and ideas. You’ve got to continue to be vigilant to ideas that relate to you or your book more loosely.

When I (Carol White, author of Live Your Road Trip Dream, RLI Press, 2004,) saw a query from Money magazine looking for families with a certain profile, I immediately thought, “Wow, MONEY Magazine, that’s huge! I fit what they are looking for; how can I spin this so the book gets mentioned – if they select me for the article.” A few weeks later, the editor announced that my family had been selected for the article, and it was going to press in one week. Fast action was needed. But what to do?

I was a marketer for many years and was used to establishing rapport quickly with media people. The editor had already interviewed me several times for the article and they had talked about the book, so they had some history built already. I decided to take a direct approach. I had found out that the editor had several friends who were authors, so she knew that the editor understood how important mentions are to small publishers. I asked him if he was going to include anything in the story relating to the story angle about the book. He said he loved the idea and was going to mention about the book, but that MONEY was very careful about how they handled such things. He would do his best to get at least a mention that there was a book that came out of their retirement planning and their extended trip. That was all he could do.

Not one to wait to see what happened, I did what I could on my own. I consulted with my webmaster, and composed an article for my Amazon blog. I found out the name of the article and when it would be released. I placed key words in my website, and had my webmaster develop a banner headline for the website (www.roadtripdream.com) and posted the Amazon blog entry just before the magazine was due to be released. I checked her search engine rankings for the key words of the article and my name. I sent e-mails to my contacts about the article, notified my distributor and wrote about it in my newsletter.

Sure enough, the article came out with this vague reference: “That money [Carol’s pension] helped to finance a retirement dream: She and her husband Phil spent a year in an RV visiting all 48 contiguous states and even wrote a book about their adventure.” One sentence amidst a six page article. But, a mention nonetheless – in a magazine with a huge circulation and influence.

The results? Sales, sales, sales. The Amazon ranking jumped from its usual 30K-40K range to below 20K and many days below 10K – for weeks on end. My own website sales increased a bit. People were finding them with just that little mention.

So the moral of the story is this: Don’t think that just because you don’t get EVERYTHING that you want, that you haven’t gotten anything that you want. Be creative, stay focused, think about your customer – what would they likely do if they really wanted to find you? As I said in my Amazon blog entry: If something sounds like it fits your desires and might help you reach your life goals, at least give it your best shot. It might not work, or it might not turn out exactly as you envisioned, but you will gain some knowledge and have a new experience.
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Carol White is the co-author of the award-winning book, “Live Your Road Trip Dream” (www.roadtripdream.com) – the ultimate road trip planning guide for extended road trips. Carol and her husband Phil have traveled over 50,000 road miles in the past several years, visiting all forty-eight of the contiguous states and having visited all of the National Parks in those states. They have also been to Alaska, Hawaii and the US Virgin Islands, leaving only American Samoa on their quest for National Parks. The Whites' are frequent speakers about the road trip experience, independent publishing, and reinventing retirement. They have been seen and heard on radio and TV throughout North America and their stories and interviews have appeared in over 100 print and internet media outlets.

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Fun and F r * *: If you 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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Tip: I collected this from SPAN's great newsletter: The Chicago Seven write a collective blog for the benefit of the literary crime fan. Bestselling authors teamed with some emerging authors (something all bestsellers should be doing in one way or the other to network and mentor). They offer up rills on crime, professional writing and their hometown, Chicago. Learn more at www.theoutfitcollective.com. Now, how can you make something similar work for you? And how might you connect with them? Are you from Chicago? Do you write crime stories? See if you can find any other connections in their blog.

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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: Also from Span Connection (shouldn't you belong?) -From SPAN Connections. Branch out into toys or other visuals. Bev Scott, author of Righteous Revenge, as an example uses a doll dressed like her protagonist. Your book isn't doll material. Try the AndGor Toy Company. It will create a replica of you or a character in your book for about $265.00. http://www.andgor.com/personalize_figures/personalized_figures.html

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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: So many good things to pass on from SPAN this month. I don't always borrow from them so you'll need to join if you want to keep getting tips like these, plus there is lots more in the issue I got these from and all the other issues as well. Find the memoirists' collective blog at www.myspace.com/thememoiristscollective. The collective memoirists answer questions. A perfect place to learn more about your craft.

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"AC is the current that propels your writing career."
Carolyn Howard-Johnson, Authors' Coalition Founder
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Author Successes:

(All author successes are not only an inspiration but are often also a possible lead to a success of your own. Revel in the success of others but ask yourself how that author's success might be promulgated into one for you.)

Bev Walton Porter had her first official author interview since the release of Sun Signs for Writers. Christina Katz interviewed for Writers OnThe Rise.

Here's the link to the interview in the October issue:
http://writersontherise.com.hosting.domaindirect.com/newsletter.html#Interview

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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: Gorham Printing (http://www.gorhamprinting.com/); has a neat free e-book on their home page that explains some aspects of publishing that will add to your knowledge.
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Carolyn's Appearances and Teaching:

New! Carolyn Howard-Johnson will take questions during an online-seminar called "Marketing Magic Boost your Book."
Send your questions to Dee Powers at dee@brianhillanddeepower.com. Go to
http://www.brianhillanddeepower.com/marketingseminar.html anytime between Oct. 11 and October 12 to see answers to your questions and trace down valuable advice on book marketing from me to others and from other experts to other writers. (-: This is an easy, fun way to get advice you your specific needs!
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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 is sold out with some 900 attendees and many well-known people in the publishing world acting as presenters including Shel Horowitz, Allyn Evans, Joyce Faulkner, Kathe Gogolewski, Penny Sansivieri, Terry Whalin, Michael Larson and Elizabeth Pomada, Janet Elaine Smith, and more. Watch for news of it for next year in this newsletter.
Bookmark this site
http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference/agenda.htm -----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson; June Casagrande, author of "Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies"; and Kerry Madden, author of "Gentle's Holler," will discuss "The Many Paths to Publishing." at Vroman's Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101, Saturday, Dec. 2. at 5 pm. May all of you in Southern California come, enjoy and publish.
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Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Roger Storkamp will copresent 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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Carolyn 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
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Carolyn will read from her chapbook Tracings, for Delta Gamma fraternity at a meeting to benefit their charity, the Blind Children's Center on Nov. 13, at 7 pm. Contact her if you are interested in attending. HoJoNews@aol.com .
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Paulette Ensign, board member of Publishers and Writers of San Diego, a SPAN and PMA affiliate, has invited Carolyn Howard-Johnson 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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New for 2007! Coming Saturday April 21, 2007 at 10 am. Led by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, Poetry! Don't Let It Molder in a Drawer, Publish It! A seminar and poetry reading at the Glendale City Central Library in the auditorium.

New!Mark April 28th and 29, 2007, for the LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books. More to come soon in this newsletter.
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Tip: Here is an example of how you can angle a link to fit a website that may not seem at first to fit with your branding effort. You make it fit by searching out an aspect of your career or your book to match theirs. This link is from Prill Boyle's "Late Bloomers" site. Go to www.prillboyle.com to see more!

WRITING: A WONDERFUL NEW CAREER FOR LATE-BLOOMERS
Carolyn Howard-Johnson turned to creative writing just before she retired. She carved out a whole new career and didn't retire at all! Further, she's glad it worked out that way. Click on her web link below and learn more about her new publishing career. The first person essay on her site tells her late-bloomer story.http://carolynhoward-johnson.com/

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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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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 Erica Miner, for including my successes in her newsletter. Newsletters are a wonderful way to reach your own fan base and the fan base of others in a personal way. I'd say Erica's letter is primarily about journaling and travel but she also reaches lots of writers. Subscribe at: http://www.ericaminer.com/newsletter.php

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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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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:

"The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when you fry them in hot grease."

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When was the last time you bought a book from an author you know? "Tracings" my new chapbook of poetry is available for that honor at 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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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:
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,

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