December 19, 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_Dec_ThirdWeek_2006.doc

Learn about an opportunity to participate in the LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books -- whether you live in LA or not -- by going to my blog at http://redenginepress.com/chjohnson

The LA fair is one of the nation's biggest and most prestigious with more than 130,000 visitors and the power of the LA Times behind it.

Find pictures of last year's booth at http://tri-studio.com/kathegogolewskiPHOTOSfair06.html

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Note from Carolyn:

Dear Subscribers and Authors' Coalition Members:

It's not too late for great last minute shopping, especially if you give the best treasure of all, a book. This just came to me from Amazon:

"Dear Amazon.com Customer,


"The holidays are almost upon us and the rush is on. You can still finish your shopping in time for delivery by Friday, December 22. Here’s our shipping schedule:

"-Order by 3 p.m. PST on Wednesday, Dec. 20, for Two-Day Shipping (varies by item)
-Order by 3 p.m. PST on Thursday, Dec. 21, for One-Day Shipping (varies by item)"

"See all shipping options and restrictions."


Can't you just imagine what Amazon's elves must be up to!

I encourage you to give books from a fellow newbie author. If you don't know what to give, use Amazon's search engine to search by subject to find something a novel or book of poetry or a book on, say, beading. That way, you're really giving two!!! gifts.

Oh, yes. And get your book-gift reminders out to friends by e-mail today! Mine won't go out--I'm on deadline for THE FRUGAL EDITOR: PUT YOUR BEST BOOK FORWARD TO AVOID HUMILIATION AND ENSURE SUCCESS (excepting for this one, of course! Ha! ), but the rest of you should whip out a reminder complete with good wishes and a suggestion for your book and another one you've read this year. Let the love grow. And let your fingers do the walking! No Internet crowds--at least none that are visible!

Best,

Carolyn Howard-Johnson
HoJoNews@aol.com
http://carolynhoward-johnson.com
http://authorscoalitionandredenginepess.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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Saga of a Developing Cover: Learn from the Travails of Another

You'll love following along with Chris on this illustrated journey of his work on the cover of a newly self-published book. One of the reasons Christopher has had good getting great press (Entertainment Today as an example!) is his attention to details, his professional approach to publishing (and cover design). You'll see what II mean here! http://homepage.smc.edu/meeks_christopher/THE%20GENESIS%20OF%20A%20COVER.htm

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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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Opportunities:

LA Fair Opportunity--The Signing Positions Are Selling Fast, but the Catalog Spots Should, Too. You need to let booksellers know you're here! Reach out to 130,000 readers and Hollywood types including producers, directors. It only takes one break to make it big. There are several ways to participate from a signing to our catalogue for booksellers. Learn more about the program in the most recent entry in blog, http://redenginepress.com/chjohnson. -----
Call for Submissions:

Mike Kechua accepts manuscripts from 55 to 200 words for microfiction and 201 to 1,000 words for flash fiction. He says, "I also pay a stipend upon acceptance. I pay $10 for best story of the month. That's over and above the stipend.

"However, I'm very fussy and expect good storytelling. [it's been a] problem that from a few dozen submissions I got from around the world, none met my standards.

"I'll be revising my pay scale soon, and will switch to publishing quarterly from monthly. This way I'll stand a better chance of having enough time to get quality prose. I accept only speculative fiction, which includes the dozens of subgenres of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. Some examples of what I mean are urban fantasy and magical realism. Contact Mike at hohum332000@yahoo.com.
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Beat the Rush! Assure a Spot!

It's begun. Our registration lines are now open for our 2007 Muse Online Conference to be held October 8 - 14 2007. Make sure to go to the registration webpage and register. More info to come as to who will be with us in 2007 as the site is updated. For now, the Presenters from our 2006 conference are still up there.
http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference/
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Tip: This blog business has been fun. I partnered with Allyn Evans--she led me through some of the first parts. There are so many sites that can help you with an events list, as an example (www.trumba.com) and a books list (www.librarything.com). Go to mine and see how I utilized them and don't you dare not leave a comment! www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com.

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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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Opportunities:

Book Marketing with Fran: This is a grand way to learn something and get a mention (or a voice!) on radio. Fran says, "My 2 p.m., EST guest on Book Marketing with Fran on December 26, 2006 on Achieve Radio, http://www.achieveradio.com/, is Christy Barritt, author of a crime novel, Hazardous Duty (Kregel Publications 2006), http://www.christybarritt.com/

My 2:30 p.m., guest is Brenda Warneka, co-editor with Arlene Uslander of an anthology, The Simple Touch of Fate: Real People, Real Stories (iUniverse 2003). http://www.thefatesite.com/

Book Marketing with Fran airs live on Tuesday, noon to 1 p.m. (MST); 11 a.m., (PST), 1 p.m. (CST) and 2 p.m. (EST). During Daylight Savings Time, the show airs at 11 a.m. in Arizona, which does not change its clock. The archives are available 10 minutes after the shows ends. Here are easy Steps for tuning in:

1. Go to http://www.achieveradio.com
2. On left side, click "Shows and Schedules" and scroll down to my show.

To talk to Fran and her guest, you can call toll free 800-920-3717 (Phoenix area - 623-772-9379). To email them, on left side of main page click "In-Quick Message or Call-In" (In-Quick only works during live shows).

To download any of my shows, please email Fran at franalive@optonline.net for the Parent Directory website, where you easily click and save the show to your computer or iPod.
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Author Successes

(You are invited to send me news about your successes. New books, awards and more. If you read about others' successes you'll not only be inspired, you'll glean resources for future successes of your own.)

Karina Fabian and Robert Fabian's Brag: Infinite Space, Infinite God, (published by twilight Times Books, www.twilighttimesbooks.com ), is a finalist for the 2007 EPPIE Awards! Find out why people of all faiths are enjoying this Catholic science fiction anthology. Go to http://isigsf.tripod.com for more information and story synopses.

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"AC is the current that propels your writing career."
Carolyn Howard-Johnson, Authors' Coalition Founder
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Tip: Thinking about a Virtual Book Tour? Check out Karina Fabian's virtual book tour primer on her blog at www.fabianspace.com.

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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: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success 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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Carolyn's Appearances and Teaching:

New! Carolyn Howard-Johnson's new course at UCLA is Creating a Promotion Package for Your Fiction or Nonfiction Book (Engl. 735.1, Reg. #S9465). It is scheduled for April 14, 2007, one day only. On the UCLA campus, Public Policy Building, Room 1278, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
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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 (California) in the auditorium.
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New for 2007! Mark April 28th and 29, 2007, for the LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books. More to come soon in this newsletter. AC is having a booth, distributing a catalog to booksellers, a CD to the press and readers and more!
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New for 2007! Carolyn will speak on "Your Media Release: You Write So You Can Do It! September 8, 2007 at the Valley Cities Jewish
Community Center in Sherman Oaks, CA www.CalWritersSFV.com

New for 2007! Carolyn will speak at the fourth Annual Pen to Paper Literary Symposium October 6, 2007, Dayton, Ohio. The conference will include tracks for music and screenwriting, in addition to writing and publishing books. Start planning now to attend this elite event and take advantage of the early bird special (www.penofthewriter.com/pentopaper).

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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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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 Many Many Subscribers who keep recommending Sharing with Writers to friends so it can grow and grow. And to all of you who send me notes and ideas to share with others. It's hard to believe it took me so long to start sending out a newsletter! YOU all are the reward.

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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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Resources
From Elizabeth Lucas-Taylor

(Elizabeth contributes one valuable resource per SWW issue--either a great place to sell material or find writing craft or promotional idea.)

DON’T MAIL REVIEW COPIES UNTIL THE FIRST OF THE YEAR – Otherwise, they could wind up has holiday presents by unscrupulous reviewers. Make up your review packets now and drop them on December 28.

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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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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. Anyone who remembers the old story problems we were given at math time in grade school will appreciate this:

"The ballerina rose gracefully en Pointe and extended one slender leg behind her, like a dog at a fire hydrant."

========================================================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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RESOURCES

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
"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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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's Spirited Woman Circle, a monthly phone conversation series with bestselling authors has more for you every week! 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: Take a sneak peek at how astrology can benefit (and entertain!) writers with a new Writers' Digest book: http://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.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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Check out Star Publish Times as an example of what small publishers can do for their authors. It is at http://starpublishnews.tripod.com
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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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Need inspirations? Let Audio Diva and Toastmaster Allyn Evans speak at your next writers' conference or business meeting. www.allynevans.com
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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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Family Resource: Flying Hugs and Kisses by Jewel Sample is sensitive grief recovery book. http://hometown.aol.com/__121b_WWN/TAo+32eVsXubrG5saLSOLTFclZvj

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Watch for my new website where I will publish extensive lists of resources for writers. It's a horror-in-progress right now but soon it will become a portal for writers.
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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 is a place to share with others and learn from others.

Though I do attempt to verify information used within this newsletter's pages, Sharing with Writers does not guarantee entities or information. Subscribers should research resources

To submit information articles, tips or other information e-mail Carolyn at HoJoNews@aol.com . Please put "Submission: Sharing with Writers" in the subject line.

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 at http://starpublish.com/carolyn_howard-johnson.htm

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, published by Finishing Line Press may be ordered 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