To read this newsletter in PDF (with a bit more pizzazz) go to:

http://www.AuthorsDen.com/adstorage/1713/SharingwithWriters_Dec_04_2008.pdf

December 04, 2008
Sharing with Writers
A newsletter that is also a community. Share your ideas. Learn from theirs!

From the Desk of
Carolyn Howard - Johnson
And Sharing with Writers Subscribers

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 (F r ^ ^ Copies Anyone?)
~Letters to the Editor
~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
~Author Successes
~On Poetry
~Humor Hint by Anne Louise
~Mindy Lawrence's Itty Bitty Column
~Carolyn's Appearances and Teaching
~Wordstuff ™

Special to this Issue
~Linda Morelli on redesigning a Website
~A Gift for You and Example of Holiday Promotion
~Feature: Writing for the Love of Santa
~Q&A a la Ann Landers: You Want Me To Do What with My Media Kit?
~WOW! Women On Writing Gift You with Gift Guide
~Children's Writers: On Mentoring and Critique Groups


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Note from Carolyn
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Dear Subscribers and Authors' Coalition Members:

The Southern Review reports that one publisher has offered to give free review copies of some of his books to bloggers who promise to post a review of at least 200 words on both their blogs and on Amazon. Smart publisher. that guy! He's smart 'cause:

*Even though the book may be given to a couple of people who would otherwise buy one, the percentage would probably be very small.

*You're after inundation of the net in a few short weeks to propel sales in a given time frame.

*Giving away a book plus postage is very cheap exposure compared to advertising (advertising is by its nature paid - for exposure).

*Bloggers talk to people and word - of - mouth is the best sales tool around, and once they've blogged, they may talk up your book in other ways, especially if you follow up with a great thank you letter afterward (even if you weren't crazy about the review!). If the review was favorable you could ask the reviewer to include the book on a reading list (if he is a teacher), recommend it on his website, or even add it to one more website like BN.com after you've complimented him on how much you loved it.

*People who accept the offer become part of your network if you save their e - mail address.

Individual authors could do the same as this publisher. Why not? We give lots of copies to friends and relatives who often never read our books anyway, right? So commit them. Or we could make an offer to the general public and limit the number of books we offer.

Think about this before you do it, though. You must be comfortable with the idea that a review is an opinion and the reviewer is welcome to voice it. If they hate your book and say so, as a professional, you can't go back and ask them to withdraw their review or change it. It is against journalism ethics. Having said that, I never suggest a reviewer do a complete slash and burn of a book. A tactfully worded letter to the author that the reviewer is reneging on his or her offer to review because it appears the reviewer and book are not well matched is far kinder - - and also more professional.

Some days I'm a very quick learner. So here's my offer. I will give away 25 of The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success (published by Red Engine Press) to those who will post a review of 200 words or more on their blogs and post the same review (or slightly different) on Amazon.com before January 30th, 2009. To do so, send an e - mail with REVIEW BOOK REQUEST in the subject line. Include your address and preferred e - mail address, the title of your book and your web address, because an added bonus will be a thank you in this newsletter with a link to your site. If you have already reviewed The Frugal Editor, and want to participate, let me know and I will extend the offer to either Harkening, This Is the Place or Tracings.

Another idea: I am adding a classified advertising page to www.howtodoitfrugally.com. It's very inexpensive Only $10.00 and I'll run any book - related ad for up to a year. (You get to tell me when to take it down!). That would be a good place to help get the word out in addition to this newsletter.

I am making this offer exclusively (at least for a time) to SWW subscribers so your chances of being in the top 25 are pretty good.

And did I happen to mention that a review with a byline and tagline is very good promotion for your book? You'll find more details on how that works in The Frugal Book Promoter.

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

PS: And if you don't make the cut - off for this offer, please don't be upset. I'll do another such offer soon with another of my books. ( - : Only maybe with that one, I'll only offer e - copies. There's another idea for you!

PSS: Just a little teaser of things to come: Listen to Magdalena Ball, my co - author of a new chapbook of poetry, read a selection from her portion of She Wore Emerald Then in her dreamy voice with her slight and lilting Aussie accent: http://www.compulsivereader.com/html/images/Mother%27s%20Bed.mp3



Letters - to - the Editor
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Dear Carolyn,

I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your newsletter and website. Both are wonderful and chock full of helpful information. I have gratefully taken advantage of your kind offer to allow us readers to post your articles on our websites or in our newsletters. Your "Seven Easy Ways to Keep Dialogue Sharp" is currently on my website's Writers Page (http://echristensen.atspace.com/writers.html). I hope I've followed your directions correctly for linking back to your site.

If any of your newsletter readers write for the children's educational market and you think my market list would be helpful to them, feel free to share the link (http://echristensen.atspace.com) with them.

Happy holidays to you and your loved ones!
Evelyn B. Christensen, http://echristensen.atspace.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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Following One Author's Process

Linda Morelli Polishes her Website . . .
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Reconstructing a Web Site

As a writer, I used to have an extensive web site on AOL, Linda’s Place – A Site for Romance Readers & Writers. Its original purpose was to keep friends updated on my writing, to provide readers with links to romance authors and the latest trends in the romance industry, and for writers links to research materials (as I found them), publishers, and as a place for me to review the romance authors and books I came to love.

After becoming an award - winning author of three books (FIERY SURRENDER, LANI’S CHALLENGE and SHADOW OF DOUBT), I decided to branch into a new hobby – one that several of my romance author friends also do - - making jewelry. Thus, I added my designer jewelry to my AOL sites.

I say I “used to have” a site on AOL, but in mid - October, while I was updating my jewelry site, I received a message from AOL that they were closing down their web site hosting as of October 31, 2008.

Needless to say, I panicked. I had well over 50 pages of material on my AOL site and had to scramble to find a new hosting site. The process, however, gave me a chance to trim down my site to include the material that was most helpful to my readers, writers and authors.

Thus the weeding process began. I kept all the useful links I had spent years compiling and updating. I naturally retained my published book pages and articles I had written, the list of my friends, and my most recent quarterly newsletters. I added my new jewelry site (which gets updated weekly). Gone was all the dated material that, after a critical evaluation, I realized was no longer necessary. Now, my web site is about 1/3 the original size, yet has content relevant to my readers and others in the writing field.

The process took a few weeks and a bit of frustration, but the end result is a more concise site with relevant information for my visitors. And the best part is, it now takes me less time to keep it current. ~ Linda Morelli http://www.lindamorelli.net/ , Reviewer, www.MyShelf.com, and award - winning author of Fiery Surrender, Shadow of Doubt and Lani's Challenge. Check out Linda's Designer Gems & Jewelry at: http://www.lindamorelli.net/lindasgemsjewelry.html


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Please paste this - - perhaps with a little endorsement - - in your newsletter or website: 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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Author Successes

Stories for Children Releases First Anthology
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Stories for Children Magazine is proud to announce the release of its first annual anthology Best of Stories for Children Magazine Volume 1. Come take an adventure in the World of Ink and let the SFC Contributors and Stanley Bookman show you how your imagination can be your guide. It is a collection of over 20 poems, stories, and articles published by leading children's authors. With the release of the Best of Stories for Children Magazine Volume 1, children, parents, librarians, and teachers can enjoy the top stories, poems, and articles from Stories for Children Magazine’s first year of publication over and over again. Purchase it at LuLu.com http://www.lulu.com/content/4892856, and the SFC Bookstore at http://www.storiesforchildrenmagazine.org



Humor Hint by Anne Louise . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I love being a part of a writers’ group so much that I’m a member of more than one. Through the illustrious author of this newsletter, Carolyn Howard - Johnson, I was fortunate to be invited to my second group - - a monthly lunch with women writers in our area. Started a couple of years ago by the grammar queen, June Casagrande, author of Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies and Mortal Syntax: 101 Language Choices That Will Get You Clobbered by The Grammar Snobs - - Even If You're Right, the group provides some wonderful camaraderie. We are writers of all types and stripes, and we get together to talk shop, politics, and families, and of course, eat lunch. This group is not set up to read our work and give each other feedback, but lots of great ideas get kicked around, and just by showing up, we give each other support. Some days, it’s a little hard to face the empty page on the screen, and it’s a great help to hang out with people who really get what that’s like.

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 Pam Kelly . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~. . . . author of Speak with Power! Speak with Passion! for adding covers of both The Frugal Editor and The Frugal Book Promoter to her blog's home page. You'll want to go there anyway because she talks about a book fair that many have never heard about. Leimert. Is it right for you? Go to http://www.pkellycom.blogspot.com

Thank You to Dana, The Book Marketing Maven . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~. . . . for including this newsletter as among her favorites for writers. Her site is loaded with other resources. Check it out at: http://snipr.com/ezinesforauthors


===================================================== 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 partner better with the editor you choose or your publisher assigns to you in The Frugal Editor.
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In the News: Oprah endorsed Kindle on her show in October as her "new favorite gadget," Jeff Bezos appeared on her show, too, and everyone in the audience got a f r ^ ^ Kindle. Wish I'd been there! Both The Frugal Editor and The Frugal Book Promoter are available on Kindle, but I haven't purchased one. Doesn't really matter, though. Kindle owners will want to buy books for their devices and if your book isn't available that way, they're likely to substitute something similar. It's also true that you book will have less competition as a Kindle download because only 185,000 titles are on Kindle. That's a lot but not compared to the books available other ways. Besides, it's just plain good business to give your customers your book to read the way they want to read it.
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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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In the News: On the front page of their Calendar section (E1, Nov 29, 2008), the LA Times reports that Stephenie Myer, author of the movie - inspiring Twilight series of books, took up the slack when her big New York publisher Little, Brown got the promotion wrong. Those, of course, are my words. Theirs are the site LB set up for her "failed to pick up on the book's subtler themes - - the bridled desire and self - deprecating humor . . . ". So Meyer did her own thing. Times's Susan Carpenter pointed out that Meyer's success was at least in part due to a "brilliant and strategic use of the Web . . . ,” one in which she "directly engaged with her readers." This was back in the time when she first signed with LB, sometime around 2004. It worked then and it works now, folks.
Oh, I should mention that her Web technique included her efforts to go to others' blogs instead of waiting for her readers and prospective readers to come to hers.
If this story doesn't convince you that advice you get in this newsletter and from The Frugal Book Promoter doesn't work, I don't know what will. So much of promotion is about the author. So much is about caring. So much is about doing what doesn't cost because only a handful of people in the world can afford to risk trying to do it with paid advertising and a whole lot of other paid services. Without your participation - - participation in abundance - - even the most creative, talented and well - connected publicist can do little for you.

And, as long as I'm on that subject, the best reason to pay for a service is to learn. As an example, pay to let someone help you with a blog tour if you don't have the time to learn. Then do it on your own the next time around. The people you use at the service you hired won't mind. Especially if you tout how well they did their job occasionally.

Speaking of blog tours, I know about three who do excellent jobs at reasonable prices. I think you can do it on your own, but if you don't think you can, you'll be able to when they are through with you. E - mail me for my recommendations.
CHJ


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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).
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A Gift for You and Example of Holiday Promotion . . .
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. . . all rolled into one. I am participating in Recipes and Writing 2008 compiled by Gregory A. Kompes (www.kompes.com) for Fabulist Flash Publishing. It includes TaDa! recipes, stories, essays and poems from authors. Yes, it's a gift from Writerpreneur Gregory and those of us who contributed, but it is also an example of a wonderful cross promotion that you might try. Those of you who have known me for a long time will remember Cooking by the Book. That recipe book is a concept much like this one, and it has served some of my promotional needs for years now. This one will, too!
You'll find Recipes and Writing 2008 here, http://www.kompes.com/RecipesandWriting2008.pdf, but you can also just e - mail me and I'll send you the pdf, especially if you'd like to use it for your own holiday greeting.

The authors who contributed to this book (and others) will send it - - or one we've produced ourselves - - to friends, family and colleagues and it's better, by far, than a simple card because of recipes like Ben Malisow's Bachelor Steak - - Reduce Mess and Impress, Leslie E. Hoffman's Mom's Sweet Potato Pudding and a tribute to my mom, Birdie's Chocolate Cherry Nut Cake with 7 minute "Icing." ("Icing" is in quotations because it may be a term that people in some parts of the English - speaking world aren't familiar with - - most call it "Frosting.")

Participants in Gregory's book will also put it into our newsletters (you are valued colleagues, after all!). We'll offer the gift on our blogs, or we might offer it as a gift when people buy our books or as an incentive for readers to sign up for our newsletters. This year you may use this one, next year you may decide to do something of your own.

CHJ


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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: A new friend I met on Twitter has a neat blog that will be helpful for any of you who are starting a blog or trying to improve your blog's traffic. It is "How To Make My Blog - - Free online blog ideas, tips, tools and tutorials." Create, setup, and start your Internet blog today. Go to: http://www.howtomakemyblog.com


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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 . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . . Magdalena Ball, the editor behind www.thecompulsivereader.com, and I have collaborated on a new chapbook of poetry about mothers called She Wore Emerald Then. I hope you'll watch for its release. It is - - in the time - honored way of poets everywhere - - self - published. Thanks to Maggie's technical genius.


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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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Opportunities: Search for Presenters
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PROMO DAY! is a f r ^ ^ all day international online event for people in the writing industry. There are lots of new features for the 2009 event including workshops by experts in the industry. If you would like to be a workshop host or moderator please visit http://jolinsdell.tripod.com/promoday for full details or email promoday@ymail.com. Last year's lineup included well - known authors' advocates like Lea Schizas. PromoDay! is sponsored by Jo Linsdell.


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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: Have you thought of decorating a theme Christmas tree with copies of your books, big bows and lots of twinkle lights? If you belong to a writers' organization, how about one of these with the members' books at your December meeting? I know. I'm brilliant. If someone else thought of this first, please don't let me know. I am basking in the glow of my own creativity!


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Available: Audios from Audio Divas on many aspects of building a writing career. Here is the page where you'll find the full list at http://tri - studio.com/AUDIOCLASSESALL.html 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.
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Feature

For the Love of Santa ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
By Donna L. Turello

Ah, the conundrum of the starving writer: Do you write for love or money? Preferably both, right?

Why not write for Santa?

Granted, it's not a huge moneymaker, but for a little holiday cash, why not try writing letters from Santa? Or the Easter Bunny, or the Tooth Fairy? Or the Christmas Angel?

Think back. What is your fondest memory of Christmas? Was it the time Santa ate the cookies you left for him? Was it the stockings hanging on the mantel filled to the brim with candy? Or was it the letter, written by the Jolly One himself, that proved Santa knew everything you did during the year, the good, the bad, and the ugly, and that he was leaving you presents anyway?

But Santa's a busy guy. He needs helpers, and that's where you come in.

Santa letters come in all shapes and sizes, from form letters folded in thirds to fully personalized letters printed on holiday paper, mailed "flat" with surprises included, such as stickers, pencils, certificates, membership cards, or poems.

First, decide how personalized you want to make your letters: just name and address, or with multiple fields, such as age; awards and accomplishments for the year; favorite toys and activities; siblings', friends', and pets' names; and chores the recipient performs regularly. (For Tooth Fairy letters, I substitute dental habits and routines, such as brushing and flossing.) You can even include an opportunity for the sender to include a special message to the recipient, either in his or her own name, or in Santa's voice.

I say "recipient" because while most Santa letters are geared toward children, I've also written letters for adults and even pets.

Letters from the Christmas Angel are similar except instead of Santa and toys, they emphasize the religious aspects of the holiday, such as the Nativity.

Next, decide whether you want to include "surprises." These can range from the homemade - - certificates, membership cards to "Santa's Good Kid Club," poems (your own or those in the public domain, such as C. Clement Moore's "The Night Before Christmas,") word finds, or coloring pages - - to the store - bought, such as stickers, pencils, ornaments (think tiny stockings that lay flat). Another possibility is "reindeer food" (oatmeal, maybe with colored sugar crystals or edible glitter, packaged in small bags).

For "street cred" I stamp my Christmas letters with a "North Pole" postmark rubber stamp, but for other holidays, I just print my own postmark on address labels with a greeting card/clipart program, such as Printmaster. If you plan early, the post office also offers a North Pole postmark, as well as a Valentine postmark for Valentine letters. Just make sure you also include a return address, with something to the effect of "Santa's Helper, Elf Donna" along with your real address, or a post office box. I put mine on the "back" side of the envelope and add a clipart graphic to make the address less noticeable (but still readable, if you squint).

Once you've mined your creativity for tidbits about life at the North Pole and developed either several "stock" letters or stock paragraphs that you can string together, you'll need to create an order form. These can be as simple as black and white fliers printed at your local copy shop, or tri - fold brochures in color. You can go door to door (don't put them in mailboxes, though), or ask permission of local businesses to leave a stack in stores and banks. You can tuck business cards into your bills, or you can create a website, taking orders either by postal mail, with a printable order form, or via an online form or email, utilizing a service such as PayPal. To drive more visitors to your site, run a contest and list it on the various sweepstakes sites. Or take a table at a local holiday fair - - and donate to the raffle table for extra exposure.

As with all freelance writing, you control your own destiny. The more promotion you do, the better the return. You can even offer the letters to business clients as an alternative to the usual Christmas cards. If you're crafty, you can add more products, like stocking stuffers or Tooth Fairy gifts. You can offer holiday letters year - round.

However you do it - - whether for love or money - - do it for Santa. Remember, it's the Jolly One you're representing. And when you do it for love, and not just money, you'll feel the holiday spirit fill you. I promise. Because there is nothing like watching repeat customers "grow" through the years. And when moms and dads, aunts and uncles, and especially grandmas and grandpas tell you that you've put a great big smile on a child's face - - you'll be smiling too. Because we're writers. Heck, money under the Christmas tree is always nice, but we really write for love, don't we?

For the love of Santa.

Some resources:

PASE: The Professional Association of Santa's Elves - - http://www.paseelves.org

Dover Publications sells clipart software and books. Their B&W clipart programs make great coloring pages - - http://www.doverpublications.com

Paper suppliers: Staples, OfficeDepot, and OfficeMax offer holiday designs; more can be found on Amazon and ebay. But for a larger variety, see specialty paper suppliers such as Cambridge Paper (http://www.cambridgepaper.com), Idea Art (http://www.ideaart.com), and Paper Direct (http://www.paperdirect.com)

Stickers, pencils: Party City; local discount and "dollar" stores; and Oriental Trading (http://www.orientaltrading.com)

Clipart and templates for brochures and cards - - Printmaster (http://www.broderbund.com)

Shipping supplies - - Uline (http://www.uline.com)

North Pole rubber stamp - - Rubber Stamps of America (http://www.stampusa.com)

BIO - - - - Donna L. Turello is the author of Everything You Need To Know To Start A Santa Letter Writing Business, and owner of An Enchanted Letter, for which she writes fully personalized Letters from Santa, the Christmas Angel, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy the hard way (without mail merge). Visit An Enchanted Letter at: http://www.enchantedenterprises.com

In her "other" writing life, she is a member of Romance Writers of America, where she puts her MA in English to use revising her novels, one of which won the YA category in the 2006 Frontiers in Writing Contest. Another took Honorable Mention in the Romance category in 2008. Her essay "System Recovery" can be found in the new Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Resolution anthology, due out December 2008. Check out her new website at: http://donnaturello.bravehost.com/index.html



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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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Tip: I enjoyed the process at this interview site I found in my e - mail box. Not sure of how much it will do for you except that it will provide another link back to your website and that's not bad. It is f r ^ ^ . See my interview here and leave me a message: http://www.whohub.com/carolynhowardjohnson# I kept it short on purpose. If you do it go to www.whohub.com/WRITING. There's another tip here. Not all e - mail that comes uninvited is trash.


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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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Q & A a la Ann Landers

You Want Me to Do What with That Media Kit?


QUESTION:

Carolyn, I’ve been reading Chapter 3 in The Frugal Book Promoter about media kits. It seems there is a lot that goes into one of these.

What I haven’t been able to figure out is why I need to gather such extensive information. The editor at my local newspaper would probably go cross - eyed before they would read all that stuff. I know if I received one with all the info you talk about, I wouldn’t read the whole darned thing, just skip here and there.

Can you help me out here? Thanks!
- - - - - Katie Hines, Children's Author, http://www.katiehines.com, Coming Summer 2009: "Guardian" - A middle grade urban fantasy.


ANSWER:

Yes, Katie. You're on the right track. You want to make it easy on your editor - - above all. The thing is, that kit is designed to do just that. That editor would rather browse through a kit a bit and then, when she's grasped onto something she can use, know that everything she needs is right there. Any kind of a question she has that isn't answered right there may become a stumbling block to her using your material at all. She is one busy woman, probably doing about four jobs that I didn't have to do when I was sitting at a news desk back at the beginning of my writing career (in the dinosaur age).

So you also want to give your editor stuff he can use exactly as you present it. If your kit is an e - kit, then he doesn't even have to retype, just copy and paste. And if he needs that first person essay during a busy holiday season, he just uses it, because you've written it in a word count he's most like to need, edited it for him, and given him permission to use it, too. That's it! No work for him! And a filler? Editors are always needing fillers! Then you've provided them with your Seven Tips page and he can use any one of them and just drop in your name.

Having said that, every segment I mention in The Frugal Book Promoter doesn't go into every kit you send out. Take out the stuff you're sure your editor won't need or want. Except for the mass mailing after your book is issued, most times you can tailor your kit to fit an editor's specific need.

Generally, though, too much is better than not enough. A busy editor is a whole lot less likely to contact you for more info (unless she plans a whole feature on you) than she is to use what you have given her. I know. I once worked on a news desk. And I even find that true now with my newsletter. That's why I keep nagging in this newsletter (and about everywhere else I can think of) about a full autosignature in e - mails, even for people you know well.

When you are using most every segment I tell you about in your kit, the Table of Contents I suggest is a nice extra. (You can learn how I did it my TOC by downloading one of my kits from my website, www.howtodoitfrugally.com. Go to the media room for links on several kits - - all differently focused.


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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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Tip: If you Twitter, you'll want to extend the reach of that effort at Twellow.com When you do this, be sure to put yourself in all relevant categories. It may just be "Authors and Writers" but you may fit other places, too, depending on your area of expertise. Like "Teaching." Or, in my case, "Marketing" and "Publishing." You can categorize yourself in up to ten of them.


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

Wow! Women on Writing Gift You with Gift Guide
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The folks at WOW - Women on writing, www.WOW - WomenonWriting.com, kicked of Cyber Monday with a new gift guide. They say, "We've done our research so you don't have to. In creating the guide, WOW! staff members and readers picked their favorite books of the year and compiled them into one portable document that you can take anywhere and share with your friends.

"We have something for everyone on your list! Whether you're looking for a cookbook or need to find the perfect picture book, we have a few choice suggestions for you. We also have other items like tees for readers and writers, gadgets, and other writer - friendly products."

And yes, they chose The Frugal Editor and The Frugal Book Promoter as favorites in the writers section. There are others, too. Perfect gifts for your writing friends. Find the Guide at http://www.wow - womenonwriting.com/downloads/WOWHolidayGiftGuide.pdf You'll also find a page for "Other Gifts Writers Will Enjoy!"

BTW, feel free to pass this guide around to your friends. It's a gift in itself.


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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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Feature

Children's Writers: Who Mentors Them Today?
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By Margot Finke

This column is the first in a three part series, beginning with Margot Finke's thoughts on the reality of Mentoring writers in the 21st Century. Her #2 column will deal with Finding the Perfect Critique Group. And I wind up the series with #3 Starting Your Own Critique Group. Follow them through in the coming editions of Sharing with Writers.

When Editors Mentored
Once upon a time, many editors took promising new writers under their wing. Trained professionals, these editors spotted emerging talent, nurturing it until the writer was ready for publication. This was known as mentoring. These days, due to computer access, sky - high slush piles, and changing publisher economics, fewer editors have time to spend mentoring prospective authors. Editors who mentor may not be as extinct as the dodo, the typewriter, or the five - cent ice cream cone, but they are certainly hard to find. Nowadays, budding writers surf the Internet for guidance, join critique groups, and receive enough rejection slips to paper a small room.

Find Helpful Online Writing Lists
Writers today must discover new ways of learning the secrets of writing for children. Your Internet connection can hook you up to a host of helpful writing lists. These message boards encourage writers, from beginners to the highly experienced. Members post questions and offer their own valuable experiences. Answers flow, and often lead to informative debates on many aspects of writing for children. Not mentoring one - on - one, I agree, but a great way to tap into a valuable resource. Look for online lists that specialize in writing for children. Surf around until you identify message boards that have published and advanced writers – people that know the children’s writing game. After you sign up, and become a valid member, lurk awhile. Absorb the helpful writing and publishing information flying back and forth on a daily basis. When you feel comfortable and at home, ask your writing questions. Below are three helpful message boards.

The CW List (Childrens Writers) childrens - writers - subscribe@yahoogroups.com Send a blank e - mail with “Subscribe” in the subject line.

CW Today (Childrens Writers Today) To visit your group on the web, go to: Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.
To SUBSCRIBE: Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.

Write4Kids.com (The Yella board) . http://write4kids.com/cgibin/discus/discus.cgi

The Childrens Book Writer’s Café - - http://groups.msn.com/TheChildrensBookWritersCafe Go to “Join Now” on the left

Critique Groups Inherit the Mentoring Crown – Sort Of!
The best online writing boards usually have a badly kept secret: critique groups that flourish among their members. Ask these lists if there are vacancies, and mention the type of books you write. No, critique groups do not mentor in the traditional way. There is no one - on - one – more like a rotation of five - or - six “critters” helping one. A critique group offers a chance to work with, and seek guidance and information from, writers who are more experienced. Each member receives helpful feedback on their plot and characters, voice, and much more. Encouragement and support is the backbone of these groups. Today, picky editors demand an almost perfect manuscript. Working with a trusted group of peers encourages you to look deeper, weed out what is weak, or rework that troublesome chapter one more time.

Mentoring–21st Century Style–The Self - Help Approach
This is the age of the search engine and self - help! If genuine mentors are hard to come by, be independent. Think out of the box! Most published writers, and many who are not yet published, have websites. Think octopus! The many - tentacled links snaking from these websites can divert a flow of “how - to” information onto your computer screen. The wisdom of experienced writers is only a mouse click away. With help from Google, or other search engines, you can explore sites that offer current information about publishers, agents, or any aspect of writing for children. A few clicks will put you in the magical world of writing for children.

Below Are Some of the Best Children’s Websites Owned by Writers

The Purple Crayon - - http://underdown.org/index.html - - Harold Underdown's website for children’s writers. Great articles and links. Harold’s book, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Publishing Children’s Books,” plus his vast experience & writing wisdom, makes this a must visit site.

Margot Finke - - http://www.margotfinke.com - - offers Critique Help at reasonable fees, Secrets of Writing for Children, plus WAHOO! and Books. "Musings" also appears monthly in The Purple Crayon, and WR&C for Smart Writers Journal. Her book, “Kangaroo Clues,” is now available.

Jan Fields - - http://www.janfields.com/ "Nuts & Bolts & Magic Wands." covers children's writing from A to Z. Well published, with talent to burn, Jan's website, writing advice and great links, is most helpful.

Aaron Shepard’s Kid Writing Page - - http://www.aaronshep.com/kidwriter/index.html Excellent writing advice and information. Check the links page. A must visit.

Verla Kay - - http://www.verlakay.com/ This multi - published author offers a website full of excellent resources. Don’t miss this one.

Anastasia Suen has a wonderful writer's website, full of lessons to be learned - - If you want to write for children, visit her Intensive Picture Book Workshop.

Write4Kids http://www.write4kids.com/ Jon Baird offers links, helpful advice, writing news &newsletter. Surf this site to find every writing tool you need.

CBC (Children's Book Council) http://cbcbooks.org/
A great site, full of information about writing, authors, books and publishing.

Yellapalooza.com http://yellapalooza.com/ This is a delightfully designed site, specifically for those who write and illustrate children's books. Helpful tutorials for writer/illustrators, and lots of links. Coming soon is News and Reviews.

Cynthia Leitich Smith http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/index.html Cynthia's Website is chock - full of helpful information and links to other great sites. Her books and her insights are well worth the trip to this website.

Suzanne Lieurance's "National Writing for Children Center." Her new site has everything, from Book Reviews to Writing Classes, and everything in - between.
Her Children’w Writers Coaching Club (CWCC) inspires and motivate you to get a little writing done. Join Here: http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=717608

Summary

Due to the influence of modern technology, mentoring today has changed. It did not expire with the dodo bird, or when many editors threw up their hands and cried, “No more time!” Mentoring dove into the 21st century, and evolved via the Internet. Mix a little do - it - yourself research on writer’s websites, with membership in a message board or two, plus some experienced critique group input. Hey - presto, your manuscript is ready for a publisher.

HAPPY WRITING MATES!
- - - - - Margot Finke is an Aussie writer who has lived in the US for many years. She writes picture books and mid - grade fiction. Her website, http://www.margotfinke.com, offers Manuscript Critique Services, books, + help for writers. Her blog http://margotfinke.blogspot.com/ promotes writers, books and offers writing help and news of interest to writers. Her latest children's book is Rattlesnake Jam. It’s great for boys and reluctant - reader friendly.


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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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Tip: The Southern Review of Books is not really what I expected it to be from its title. It's full of publishing industry news and a few catalog show opportunities for you. It's long. Yep, lots longer than Sharing with Writers. I print it out to read at lunch. I plan to try their catalog/website exposure program for what appears to be a reasonable price. www.anvilpub.net/southern_review_of_books.htm



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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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New Vocabulary Word: This from Leora Krygier, SWW subscriber and critique partner, a word she knew I'd love. She says, "I thought you might be interested in William Safire's latest Sunday N.Y. Times Magazine article...

The headline is "Frugalista" defined as someone who lives a frugal lifestyle but stays fashionable and healthy by swapping clothes, buying secondhand, growing own produce etc. "This could be the nom de guerre of the recession warrior."

I thought you could use this tidbit, my frugal promoter friend! ~ Leora Krygier
www.leorakrygier.com. Coming Soon from Scarecrow Press -
Juvenile Court: A Judge's Guide for Young Adults and Their Parents


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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: Spiritual Health
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By Mindy Phillips Lawrence

Spirituality comes in many flavors. Unless we are a professed atheist (and some writers are), we have some sort of spiritual life. This life can greatly influence our writing and our health. Doctors tell us that those who go to church, synagogue or other religious gatherings on a consistent basis tend to live longer. Perhaps that is because the spiritual dimension helps us deal with stress, loss and the uncertainty that daily life brings.

When I think of spirituality, I often think of something besides a particular religious group. Many people who do not believe in a particular organized religion still classify themselves as spiritual. They see this as something far broader than beliefs which can sometimes become warring factions.

Writers need to dig down into what they consider the spiritual to balance the insanity of the creative world. Also, spirituality can be a powerful backdrop for stories.

Below you will find links to some of the world’s major religions. The last few links are on meditation, which is part of many religious practices.

If you do not have a spiritual life, I gently suggest that you think about having one of your own choosing. It will enrich and enhance you creative abilities and your life in general.

LINKS
Christianity
http://www.religioustolerance.org/christ.htm

Buddhism
http://www.buddhanet.net/

Taoism
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Taoism/index.aspx

Islam
http://www.religioustolerance.org/islam.htm

Judaism
http://www.religioustolerance.org/judaism.htm

Meditation
http://www.learningmeditation.com/
http://www.dhamma.org/
http://www.beliefnet.com/Holistic - Living/Meditation/index.aspx

Brights: A Naturalist World View
http://the - brights.net/

- - - - - 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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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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New!Come join Yvonne Perry and Carolyn Howard - Johnson on January 13 for "Conversation with Editors" at 5 pm Pacific time, 7 pm Central. Yvonne has a full service editing business and Carolyn is an editor and author of The Frugal Editor. You do want to know how to impress agents and publishers with your query letters don't you!? Yvonne even has a neat service. You sign on and she'll remind you when to come join us: http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com/2008/11/conversation - with - editors.html.

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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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New!Carolyn Howard - Johnson will be presenting two seminars at the National Stationery Show, one on Monday, May 18, called "Move Upward in a Down Market with Free Publicity Exposure and Money - Making In - Store Promotions" and the other, "Grow Your Business Online for No $$$," on Tuesday, May 19. This is a huge show a la BEA but for stationery retailers and will be at Javits center in Manhattan. She'll also be publishing a new book for her HowToDoItFrugally series, this time for retailers. Many of the principles are the same, though. ( - :

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New!Carolyn Howard - Johnson will speak on how editing is one of the most important parts of your book promotion with "Query Letters as Promotion: Let's Make Them Picture Perfect!" at International Conference PROMODAY! on Saturday, May 9 at 9 am Pacific Time. The conference is on Rome, Italy, time so check your time conversion tables carefully to be sure you join the seminars at the right time. http://jolinsdell.tripod.com/promoday/ PROMO DAY! is an all day international online event for people in the writing industry. There are lots of new features for the 2009 event including a workshop chatroom.

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New! For the first time, Sisters in Crime/Los Angeles and Mystery Writers of America/SoCal are joining forces to present a new venture, the California Crime Writers Conference, to be held June 13 - 14 at the Pasadena Hilton, Pasadena, CA. The conference is titled “Breaking In & Breaking Out: Plotting the Write Course,” and is the next incarnation of the successful No Crime Unpublished conference held biannually by Sisters in Crime/LA. Carolyn Howard - Johnson will be presenting a class on marketing your book online on Saturday June 13. The time is to be announced. The pubic is welcome. Learn more at http://www.sistersincrimela.com/ccwc.htm


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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.)

"DIVORCE: Future tense of marriage."


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Essential Book and Record Keeping:

This letter is 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)

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