NO PDF THIS WEEK. Just scroll down for plain, old text. ( - :

November 23, 2008
Sharing with Writers
A newsletter that is also a community. Share your ideas. Learn from theirs!

From the Desks of
Carolyn Howard - Johnson
And Authors' Coalition Friends
Sharing with Writers is the official newsletter of Authors' Coalition,
www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
An organization of writers who help writers.

In the spirit of the advice I give in the Frugal Editor - - that is to use an extra pair of eyes whenever possible - - this newsletter is voluntarily copyedited by Authors' Coalition member, Mindy Phillips Lawrence ~ mplcreative1@aol.com ~ www.freewebs.com/mplcreative. I also tell writers to be patient with other writers when they make editing boo - boos. We're all human, this letter comes out weekly and it's long!

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Contents

Regular Features
~Note from Carolyn (America's Great Revisit Old Works)
~Thank Yous (where you also find leads and great resources!)
~Tips and News Galore! (They're scattered, you'll just have to find them!)
~Opportunities
~On Poetry
~Humor Hint by Anne Louise
~Mindy Lawrence's Itty Bitty Column: “Keeping Writers Healthy #2”
~Carolyn's Appearances and Teaching
~Wordstuff ™

Special to this Issue
~Obama Humor (Sorry, couldn't resist!) taken from the Web
~What About A Sell Sheet
~Six Things I Learned from SouthWest Airlines Editor
~Reprint on Obama's Speaking Skills
~Use Your Author - Friends' Interviews to Benefit You Both



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Note from Carolyn

Dear Subscribers and Authors' Coalition Members:

When I facilitate critique sessions or teach, I tend to advise published authors not to go back and rewrite old novels. It is always a temptation for we do move on, learn new things about craft and publishing and formatting and grammar and . . . well, you get the idea. Nevertheless, there is so much new in the world . . . stories we must tell, helpful books we must write, etc. Having said that, I am updating The Frugal Book Promoter. It is the kind of book that needs a second edition and, hopefully, will need a third. There are some broken links, as an example, that need to be fixed.

So that's one reason to revisit our old books.

Time magazine mentions some others in their Arts section (Nov. 3 issue). John Updike, Toni Morrison ad Philip Roth - - a trio of American greats - - are all looking back to earlier material. This essay/review by Time's critic Lev Grossman, gives us these valid reasons to harken back to previous books, especially if one is an . . . mmmm, older writer.

Here they are:

*It is a way for older writers to recontact our younger selves.
*It is a way for us to add to what we missed before, in terms of content. Now we're more experienced.
*It's a way for us to rectify what we got wrong in terms of philosophy or theme. I don't think reworking the finer points or the way we present our dialogue, as an example, is worth a revisit. I didn't get the idea that Grossman thought so either.
*It's a way to "register the ways that time has altered their (the author's) understanding of the world."

The last is the most important. As an example, in Updike's original Couples the theme seems to be that sex is empowerment. Now he is older and seems to understand that once sex is not the issue for us we thought it was when we were young, we must find new ways to approach love to maintain our power. That is Grossman's take (paraphrased) anyway.

Both Updike and Grossman have identified some really good reasons to revisit our work. Doing so may add to knowledge and understanding of a body of work and if we're real writers we'll be concerned with what our writing as a whole says about us when we're gone.

One of Updike's characters, Alexandra, says, "Everybody needs power . . . otherwise the world eats you up." Writers need to maintain their power, too. So, as I'm fond of saying, there is always a time to break a writing "rule," including the "don't waste your time going back rule" that I frequently espouse.

Am I being too philosophical? Is it the death of my mother? Or that I am aging so fast! Is it that our boomer population is aging? That the world is changing so quickly? Perhaps a little of all of those things. But writing is a process, just like living. Sometimes we just have to do what we have to do.

Happy promoting! And yes, writing and editing, too!
Carolyn Howard - Johnson

PS: Please visit my Sharing with Writers and Frugal Smart and Tuned - In Editors blogs. There are some new thoughtful articles there, many by talented and knowledgeable guest bloggers. www.shraringwithwriters.blogspot.com and www.thefrugaleditor.blogspot.com.


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Please pass this letter on to others. Unlike many, 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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Six Things I Learned from SouthWest Airlines's Editor
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It seems Jay Heinrichs, editorial director of SouthWest Airlines' inflight magazine, Spirit, is especially interested in writing - - more than one might expect from his position with the magazine. The recent issue was replete with articles on writing so presumably he believes that will interest his flying public. Even his editorial is aimed at writing - - books in particular. He says that it is a long - held belief in the publishing world that if a book is about Lincoln, doctors or dogs, it will fly off book shelves. He came up with a tongue in cheek title of his own, Lincoln's Dog - Training Secrets that sports a big "Doctor Approved" shout insignia on the cover. Kind of a cute cover, too, which as we all know helps books fly off of bookstore shelves.

So what did I learn from this issue of Spirit?

#1 If you have a good article on any of Heinrichs's three preferred subjects, send him a proposal. He is - - obviously - - already presold on the idea! With his interest in writing, he may also be interested in articles on writing that would appeal to his audience.

#2 Heinrichs recently self - published his own book, Sniff it First and 15 Other Things I learned From my Cat (also a pretty darn good title, even lacking doctors, Lincoln and dogs!). This tells me that Heinrichs has the experience and savvy not to judge a book by the press it is printed on. He says self - publishing "gives a voice to brilliant people who otherwise couldn't publish, while allowing a guy like me, unfortunately, to do a cat book." So, he might not easily dismiss your feature story idea or your title as a gift suggestion.

#3 The value of humor. You know I believe in it or I wouldn't use Anne Louise's Humor Hint in most issues of this newsletter. It is apparent from the title (though I haven't read Heinrichs's book yet!) that he used humor. He, obviously, is using self - effacing humor to promote it as well.

#4 That cat books may sell darn nearly as well as dog or doctor or Lincoln books.

#5 That having a platform from which to dive will surely help sell your book. (Heinrichs's is his visibility as an editor of Spirit!) Also, when you have an excellent platform, that may be the time not to give all the book's profits to a big publisher anyway. (Your platform could be your former writing, your Rolodex full of clients or whatever.)

#6 That reading when you fly can be beneficial to your writing career. That goes for this newsletter, too. Don't skim. Read. ( - :

To research departments and content of Spirit go to http://www.spiritmag.com/contact.php

To subscribe to Sharing with Writers send an e - mail with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line to HoJoNews@aol.com or go to www.howtodoitfrugally.com for an auto subscribe box.


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Favor: Please nominate this newsletter and its companion blogs, www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com or www.thefrugaleditor.blogspot.com for Writers' Digest 101 Best Websites. Here are the guidelines:

Send your nomination mentioning Sharing with Writers or The Frugal Editor and the appropriate URL (web address) to writersdig@fwpubs.com. Put "101
Sites" in the subject line. If you'd like, copy me at hojonews@aol.com. If you want to nominate both addresses, they must be submitted in separate e - mails. ( - :


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New members will help Authors' Coalition serve all its members better! Ask your writing friends to join at www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com/. Paid members get a favorite review posted, consideration for an interview or review in Yarnspinners and Wordweavers, ditto for The Fiction Flyer and Betty Dobson's Inkspotter. Membership is reasonable, too.
Tell friends to visit the Authors' Coalition blog. There they'll learn how to spark generally insipid book fairs by using value - added promotions. www.authorscoalition.blogspot.com.
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Humor Hint by Anne Louise . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I love being part of a writers’ group. I’ve been a member of one group for years, and it’s been wonderful. We met when we took a class on writing children’s books, and decided to form a group to continue with our projects. Even though some of us (me) have gone into different genres, the feedback and support is still fabulously helpful. The twice per month deadline is a gentle reminder to keep typing away, and of course when we get together, someone always bakes, so no matter what they tell me about my writing, it’s worth it. I mean, maybe just about anybody could tell me, “Look, you keep trying to use that bit, and it just doesn’t work.” But would they follow it up with, “File it away for a while; it’s good and you’ll find a place for it. Now have a brownie.”

May your keyboard never falter!

- - - - Reach Anne Louise at annelouise@annelouise.net. Read more of her humor at www.annelouise.net.


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My blog, War, Peace, Tolerance and Our Soldiers is where I get to nag and rag and try to make things better for our troops and maybe for the world. I'd love to have you leave a comment. www.warpeacetolerance.blogspot.com
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Thank Yous

Thank You to Mary Davis . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~.
. . .for including a package of my HowToDoItFrugally series for books for writers in the promotion of her new website. Find the page at http://adventuresinfreelancing.onsugar.com/2509687 Enter her contest. You might win. BTW, Mary is a tweeter who follow me on Twitter.com. See what networking can do!! ( - :


Thank You to Marilyn Meredith. . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~.
. . . for reviewing The Frugal Editor for her blog http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/. She delightfully said, "Oh my goodness, how I wished I'd purchased The Frugal Editor when I first started hearing about it . . . it might have helped me to prevent the gremlins that crept into the galley." Marilyn is a writer of The Stiletto Gang mysteries. Learn more at http://thestilettogang.blogspot.com/


Thank You to Jozette Aaron. . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ . . . editor of DeSilva's News for reviewing The Frugal Editor. She posted it on Powell's: http://www.powells.com/biblio/71 - 9780978515874 - 0 Do you all know Powell's Bookstore? It is one of the largest used, new and antique bookstores in the nation and they now accept reviews at their online bookstore.


Thank You to paid advertisers. . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~Hutdog Quicksite , Editor Barbara McNichol, Authors Linda Morelli, June Shaw and more. Paid advertisers pay only $30 for a YEAR’S ad and as a bonus I put those ads not only on the home page of HowToDoItFrugally.com but on several related pages on the interior of the site. Ads are also available at Authors' Coalition (www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com). Learn more at http://www.carolynhowardjohnson.redenginepress.com/advertising.htm and http://www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com/onsite_advertising.htm/ And, yes, if you advertise both places, I'll cut you an even more frugal deal.


Thank You to Strategic Book Marketing. . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ . . . for recommending The Frugal Book Promoter as a "must - have" book at http://www.strategicbookmarketing.com/services - marketingbooks.html unbeknownst to me. You may be able to use some of their services. And thank you to Billie A. Williams, Sharing with Writers subscriber, for letting me know about it.


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So you got As in English. You know grammar and spelling. That's great but an editor of you it doth not make. An editor knows formatting, front and back matter, indexing, structure, the elements of fiction and on and on. But mostly she'll see your manuscript in a fresh, new light. Learn how to hire a great editor and learn to be a better partner for any author - - awful to superb - - in The Frugal Editor.
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Tip: Robert W. Kellemen, Ph.D., founder, RPM Ministries, www.rpmministries.org and author thought subscribers might be interested in a blog on what writer's can learn from the speeches of Barak Obama, http://www.rpmbooks.org/2008/11/words - matter.html.


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As always, I enjoy your newsletter, which invariably has something in it that gives me fresh ideas, contacts, or viewpoints. ~ Liz Babcock Editor of the East Sierra Branch of California Writers Club newsletter
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Tip: This tip is from Terry Whalin (his linked in profile is at http://www.linkedin.com/in/terrywhalin). He is author of books that help writers. He says, "[I found] The Frugal Book Promoter listed in the American Society of Journalists and Authors newsletter (Dec issue, page 11). What I discovered - - something you can pass along to your readers - - is anyone can subscribe - - and read the public sections of the newsletter - - which has terrific information on it for any writer. Here's the URL: http://www.asja.org/newspub/newspub.php The issues go back to October 1999. Interviews with top editors and other publishing leaders. What a resource for anyone since it is public and you don't have to belong to the ASJA."


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No part of this newsletter is paid advertising. If you would like to advertise to subscribers, display ads are available at www.howtodoitfrugally.com at less per year than most sites charge for a single month (see the advertising tab at the top of the page). Authors' Coalition www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com is also accepting ads. So is Yarnspinners and Wordweavers. Contact katieseyes@aol.com.
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Tip: On my Resources for Writers page is a list of ways writers can help related charities. Go to www.carolynhowardjohnson.redenginepress.com/links_for_writers.htm. To contribute to that list, contact me a hojonews@aol.com.


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Subscribers who have websites or newsletters of their own may be interested in the Free Articles 4 Readers and Writers on my site, www.howtodoitfrugally.com. I try to add new articles to it frequently. If you don't see what you need for your blog or newsletter, just ask. HoJoNews@aol.com.
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Tip: You know that list serves are a good way to network and learn from other writers. But how do you know which ones are best? Most just go to YahooGroups.com or GoogleGroups.com and find names that seem appropriate to their needs - - rather hit and miss. Authors' Coalition has a better way: Go to http://www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com/recommded_links.htm. There you'll find my list of favorites, categorized.


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Fun and F r * *: If you purchased the Frugal Book Promoter or the Frugal Editor, I'd love for you to review it on Amazon or BN.com. Make it simple; just tell what part of it you found most valuable. If you do, send me the review link (URL) and I will send you a handout from one of my UCLA classes. As a thank you, of course. HoJoNews@aol.com
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On Poetry
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This is a running feature for the poets among us and those who would like to try writing poetry but feel, well . . . inadequate. Please send in your poetry tips and resources for this section.

Recommended Poetry . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . .Here is a book of poetry recommended to me by one of my most accomplished poetry critique partners, Lois P. Jones. I bought it used on Amazon and liked what it taught me. It is Book of my Nights, Poems by Le - Young Lee.


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Don't suffer with book proposals. You can be a pro with and investment of only 20 minutes and 49 cents with my Great First Impression Book Proposal Short.
http://www.amazon.com/Great - First - Impression - Book - Proposal/dp/B000YG6O5U
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Tip: Look for Terry Whalin's e - book for people using social networking to promote. It is Mastering Twitter in 10 Minutes or Less: http://www.terrylinks.com/mt You can find more of my tips and even my mini movie reviews on Twitter, including the new "Boy in Striped Pajamas." www.twitter.com/frugalbookpromo.


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A general marketing rule is that a product must be seen seven times before it is purchased. That is just as true for books (because they are products, like it or not!). Let people see that book cover image! To do that, you are invited to advertise as a site sponsor at www.howtodoitfrugally.com for only $25 to $30 a year. Yep, the frugal way! Click on the Advertising tab at the top of the page or contact me personally at hojonews@aol.com.
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Tip: When I was poking around the ASJA site (see tip above), I ran into their newsletter editor, Barbara. She blogs at http://penonfire.blogspot.com and is author of Pen On Fire: A Busy Woman's Guide to Igniting the Writer Within (Harcourt, 2004), honored with a 2005 ASJA Outstanding Book Award. So, tip? Surf a bit each day and keep networking. That might include taking a gander at her book.


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Available: Audios from Audio Divas on many aspects of building a writing career are published by Double Dragon Press. Here is the page where you'll find the full list (http://www.double - dragon - ebooks.com/eAuthor.php?Name=Carolyn%20Howard - Johnson) including one on "Do It Yourself Indexing." The first audio, "Promoting Easy and Cheap!" is a
F R ^ ^ sample you can download. Each comes with a resource guide. Here is an example of a guide for the audio - lesson Your Divas did on "Contests": http://www.derondouglas.com/audiosample/AwardResourceGuideContests.pdf
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Tip: You will enjoy the newsletter issued by Texana Publishing. Find a sample copy at: http://cts.vresp.com/c/?TexanaPublishing/fa2a571959/2890e8dd7a/37be1ee966


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Endorsement: "I am so happy for you to receive a second award [Reader Views Literary Award] for The Frugal Editor. I bought this book a week ago, and I love it. I can already see the improvement in my work. Thank you. You deserve this award." ~Katherine Harms, author
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Learning Opportunity: Here are a couple of f r ^ ^ teleseminars on book promotion by Suzanne Lieurance and Yvonne Perry: http://www.buildyourbusinesswrite.com/askyvonnenow/.


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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://www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com/AC_Promotional_Videos,%20Logos%20&%20More.
You know you want it on your website! Be sure to link it to the AC site, too! And there is a cross - promotional slide show there that will add movement and color to your site or blog, even if you aren't featured on it. It's all about Karma. ( - :
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Author's Coalition Member Seeks Research Assistance: Mindy Lawrence is searching for information on the connections between the Irish Republican Army and German intelligence gathering around 1938 in the ramp - up to World War II. If you have any information or possible contacts, please e - mail mplcreative1@aol.com. This is research for a novel.


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Authors' Coalition: No Hum - Drum Book Fair Promotion Allowed is a blog where you can watch how Authors' Coalition members make book fairs successful with cross - promotion, value - added promotions and a good assessment process. Find it at www.authorscoalition.blogspot.com. It's time to sign up for 2009's LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books with Christine Alexanians, tinooshik@yahoo.com
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Opportunity

Author Access Broadcasts Valerie Connelly . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . . one of my favorite writer/publishers, talks about the Publishing Revolution. Author Access is a great learning resource - - always! http://authorsaccess.com/archives/119


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"AC is the current that powers your writing career." http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
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Feature

About that Sell Sheet!
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Most authors doing their own publicity forget or don't know about sell sheets. Some call them sales fliers. We should put them into the free copies of books we send to reviewers, bloggers, bookstore buyers and others. They need to sell, yes, but they really are all about giving the receiver info on reaching you and ordering your book. Sort of a trifecta on one sheet.
Here is what they should include.
*They should be in color and include a book cover image. Sometimes a headshot of the author, as well.
*It will necessarily be crammed with information but it should still be interesting and well designed.
*Include book and author awards. You're trying to convince people of the quality of the book and expertise of the author.
*Know your audience and let the sell sheet reader know who that is. No book is for "everyone." Use the BISAC subject heading. You'll find them as bisg.org/standards/bisac_subject/index.html. These are the heading that bookstores and librarians use so you might as well do what you can to make their jobs easier.
*Include your ISBN 13, the book's binding type (perfect, wire, comb, sewn) and the cover type (paperback, hardback, jacket?).
*Include book dimensions, page count, if there are illustrations or photos and what kind. If the illustrator is important (children's books), include a short bio/awards on him, too.
*Don’t forget the retail price. Include Canadian, too.
*Let people know what the book includes: Appendix, glossary, reference, index, etc. An excellent way to do this for nonfiction is to include the contents table (if it does crowd the page).
*Include review quotes and endorsements, most important and credible first.
*Include a short biography. Keep it focused on the author's pertinent platform rather than how many children she has, unless the book is about raising children.
*Include complete distributor information. That, by the way, is not Ingram, though that info should be there, too. If you don't have a distributor, do your research fast and try to get a good one.
*Include publisher and ordering info directly from the publisher.
*Mention the author's speaking ability, the subjects she is qualified to speak on.
You can see that one side of a page will probably not do the job. Use both sides.
Hint: You can use these as fliers at fairs, when you speak and more. When you send out ARCs, you can include the most basic info on a label applied to the inside of the front cover. That way, if the sell sheet gets separated from the book, the recipient will not go informationless.
Don't forget to include a way you can be reached by e - mail. You DO want to be reached, don't you?


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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 any of my books - - from the HowToDoItFrugally series to my chapbook of poetry - - for a place on my Resources for Writers or Resources for Readers pages on www.HowToDoItFrugally.com.
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On Editing Speech

Obama's Use of Complete Sentences Stirs Controversy: Stunning Break with Last Eight Years
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By Andy Borowitz
http://www.borowitzreport.com/article.aspx?ID=6961

NOVEMBER 18, 2008

In the first two weeks since the election, President - elect Barack Obama has broken with a tradition established over the past eight years through his controversial use of complete sentences, political observers say.

Millions of Americans who watched Mr. Obama's appearance on CBS' "Sixty Minutes" on Sunday witnessed the president - elect's unorthodox verbal tick, which had Mr. Obama employing grammatically correct sentences virtually every time he opened his mouth.

But Mr. Obama's decision to use complete sentences in his public pronouncements carries with it certain risks, since after the last eight years many Americans may find his odd speaking style jarring.

According to presidential historian Davis Logsdon of the University of Minnesota, some Americans might find it "alienating" to have a President who speaks English as if it were his first language.

"Every time Obama opens his mouth, his subjects and verbs are in agreement," says Mr. Logsdon. "If he keeps it up, he is running the risk of sounding like an elitist."

The historian said that if Mr. Obama insists on using complete sentences in his speeches, the public may find itself saying, "Okay, subject, predicate, subject predicate - we get it, stop showing off."

The President - elect's stubborn insistence on using complete sentences has already attracted a rebuke from one of his harshest critics, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska. "Talking with complete sentences there and also too talking in a way that ordinary Americans like Joe the Plumber and Tito the Builder can't really do there, I think needing to do that isn't tapping into what Americans are needing also," she said.


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I use Vista Print for lots of my promotional materials. Be aware that shipping prices may fluctuate, depending on the deal of the moment. Please use this link:
http://www.vistaprint.com/frf?frf=815651421184
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Use Author - Friends' Interviews to the Benefit of Both of You . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When your fellow authors are interviewed, it's nice to support them, of course! And it's nice to learn something new from them! But you can make those interviews work for you! Here's how:

*Call in live.
*Praise the guest (you know, like an endorsement).
*Introduce yourself and try to tie something about your book to the subject of the show. Maybe contribute a tip or hint, too.
*After the show, contact the host and offer to be a guest!
*Promote the show she or he agrees to for that helps promote you, too.
*Keep passing on the good will. ( - :

Here's my next interview. Hope You'll put it on your calendar!

Carolyn Howard - Johnson will be interviewed on InspirationStation live on Thursday, Dec. 11, 3:30 pm (Pacific Time, 6:30 Eastern) at www.blogtalkradio.com/InspirationStation. Hosted by Marla, Takiela and Sydney, it includes interviews of Leaders, Writers, Authors, and Speakers who are inspiration, positively impacting society. Sharing with Writers subscribers are invited to call to ask questions or contribute. Find Marla at inspirationstation@cox.net. The interviews are archived as well. If you'd like to call, use (646) 200 - 4417.


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Announcement: I plan to release a booklet with terms and words that writers often get wrong when they edit. I haven't decided whether to use tech terms in it or not, because the length of the booklet is so important. But watch for it. I promise to keep it lower than the cost of most greeting cards.( - :
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Tip: Find Linda Wizniewski's guest blog on "Writing the Stories of Our Lives" at www.SharingwithWriters.blogspot.com. It is part of a blog tour arranged by Angela, editor at www.WOW - WomenonWriting.com. Check out her services, too. Find her at angela@WOW - WomenonWriting.com.


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The New Book Review is a service of this newsletter and Authors' Coalition. It allows authors to get more exposure from their favorite review and reviewers a chance to have more readers see their reviews - - with links, of course. Please check the guidelines on the blog site at www.TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com.
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An Itty - Bitty Column on Writing


Keeping Writers Healthy: Writers and Exercise
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By Mindy Phillips Lawrence
Writers sit at their computers typing for a good part of the day. Their backs get stiff and their fingers cramp with fatigue. Their derrieres spread, their eyes cloud and their legs ache (not to mention their brains). If they have health conditions like diabetes, heart problems or circulatory problems, there is added concern. What writers need to do is take time to MOVE!
You don’t have time, you say? Well, the last three Presidents of the United States found time for it. It’s a personal decision to set time aside for yourself.
Walking is one of the best exercises a writer can do. Going outside to walk causes a calmness and ability to think through an idea more clearly. I find that when I lace up my sneakers and get out and about that the endomorphins that kick in when I walk often give me the exact passage and plot I am looking for by the time I get home.
Yoga is also a good way for writers to exercise. Jeff Davis, author of Journey to the Center of the Page, conducts yoga workshops for writers. Many others see this as a way not just to exercise but to get their muse in gear also.
As a diabetic, it is always beneficial for me to exercise. When my blood sugar is happy, the rest of me is happy. I can see better, work longer and have greater clarity of thought.
Below you will find a list of links to help YOU stay in shape as you write. Strap on those walking shoes or spread that yoga mat. Exercise your body to exercise your mind.
Links
Writers Need Physical Exercises, Too
http://fitness.families.com/blog/writers - need - physical - exercises - too

Meditation Walking ~ Patricia Fry
http://www.matilijapress.com/articles/write_meditation.htm

Wallking Rx for Writers – Christina Katz
http://www.writersontherise.com/documents/11.WalkingRxForWriters2006.doc

Yoga for Writers
http://www.hearwritenow.com/articles/health/yoga_for_writers.htm

Stretches for Writers – Kate Hanley
http://www.rodmellpress.com/writerstretch0208.pdf
Will Yoga Help Bring Your Muse Out of Hiding? – Malcolm R. Campbell
http://jockstewart.typepad.com/writers_notebook/2008/05/will - yoga - help.html

Obama’s and Exercise
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jcBBJ5tpkPgTHCP5HEJr1Ru9Q4fQD94HSM9G0


- - - - - Mindy Phillips Lawrence www.freewebs.com/mplcreative is the author of the poetry collections One Blue Star and Above and Below. She is co - author of The Complete Writer and a publicist and literary agent. She is in the process of researching a novel titled Alone is Where We Begin. Blogging at: http://mplcreative.blogspot.com/.



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Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites is now accepting nominations for next year’s list. If you've found Sharing with Writers newsletter or blog or the resources at HowToDoItFrugally.com helpful in the past year, please send your nomination to writersdig@fwpubs.com. Put "101 Websites" in the subject line. Please do it now. Jan 1, 2009, is the deadline and you know how the holidays get! ( - :
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Carolyn's Appearances and Teaching
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Carolyn Howard - Johnson will speak to the California Writers Club of San Fernando Valley at 1 pm on December 13, 2008. It's at the Encino Community Center, 4935 Balboa Blvd (just north of Ventura Blvd.), Encino, CA 91316. Learn more about the year's programs www.calwriterssfv.com and sign up to join. It's a dynamic group. E - mail is cwcsfv@gmail.com.
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New!Carolyn Howard - Johnson will be interviewed on InspirationStation live on Thursday, Dec. 11, 3:30 pm (Pacific Time, 6:30 Eastern) at www.blogtalkradio.com/InspirationStation. Hosted by Marla, Takiela and Sydney, it includes interviews of Leaders, Writers, Authors, and Speakers who are inspiration, positively impacting society. Sharing with Writers subscribers are invited to call to ask questions or contribute. Find Marla at inspirationstation@cox.net. The interviews are archived as well. If you'd like to call, use (646) 200 - 4417.

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Carolyn Howard - Johnson will be signing a new chapbook of poetry as well as her other books, including the HowToDoItFrugally series of books at the world renowned LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books the last weekend in April, 2009, on the UCLA Campus. To learn more about a signing position for yourself contact Christine Alexanians at chalexwrite@yahoo.com.
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Carolyn Howard - Johnson will appear on the Career Czar,
www.alltalkradio.net\careerczar on January 30, 2009. It is a unique Internet talk radio program focusing on all aspects of the world of careers. We'll be chatting about something dear to the hearts of baby - boomers - - reinventing yourself at retirement. With writing of course. The first segment will be about careers in freelance and journalism. The second segment will be about a career in fiction (novels and short stories). The third segment will be about poetry. The fourth segment will be about nonfiction - - specifically my nonfiction - - on how it's helped my career and that of others and how something similar can work for yours.

Check out host Paul Bruno's website and enhance your career by getting connected with The Career Czar.”

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I usually don't list places I'm published, mostly because they often don't have anything to do with writing. However, Romance Writers of America will be publishing my article on writing stand - out query letters in the January 2009 print edition of their magazine, Romance Writers Report. The editor, Kathleen Adey, says you can subscribe by joining RWA at www.rwanational.org.


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Sign up to receive a copy of my Sharing with Writers blog in your e - mail box. It is a focused blog on all things related to writing and publishing. Go to www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com. Sign up in the left hand column. Find related resources by scrolling to the bottom of the blog.
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Wordstuff ™

Something to Make Writers Smile
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(Definitions in the next few newsletters are from www.butlerwebs.com/jokes/definitions.htm.You might have some favorite neologisms, metaphors or similes that make you smile. If so, please contribute.)

"DERANGE: Where de buffalo roam."


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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

This is a place to share with others and learn from others.

Although 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 newsletter, send an e - mail to HoJoNews@aol.com with "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.

Ordering Information:
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 or at Amazon where it is discounted:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/193299310X/qid=1149015406/sr=2 - 1/ Order it as an e - book at http://starpublishllc.com/id43.html

The second in the How To Do It Frugally series of books, The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success, is available at
www.amazon.com/gp/product/0978515870

The Great First Impression Book Proposal: Everything You Need To Know About Selling Your Book in 20 Minutes or Less, is available on Amazon as a Short for 49 cents.
http://www.amazon.com/Great - First - Impression - Book - Proposal/dp/B000YG6O5U/

This Is the Place,
Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered, Tracings,
www.howtodoitfrugally.com.

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/

Contact Information
Websites: http://carolynhoward - Johnson.com (literary)
http://HowToDoItFrugally.com (all things about writing)
Authors' Coalition: http://www.AuthorsCoalitionandRedEnginepress.com
For the Frugal Editor, Amazon - direct: www.amazon.com/gp/product/0978515870

Blogs:
http://AuthorsCoalition.blogspot.com, a blog focused on book fairs

http://www.SharingwithWriters.blogspot.com, a blog on all things publishing

http://www.TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com, a blog focused on YOUR reviews

http://www.TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com, a blog focused on editing, formatting and craft

http://www.warpeacetolerance.blogspot.com War. Peace. Tolerance. And Our Soldiers.

And now! Squidooing at
http://www.squidoo.com/HowToDoItFrugallyforAuthors
and http://www.squidoo.com/carolynhoward - johnson