Carolyn Howard-Johnson Shares a Highly Effective Ads and Tells a Little PR Story, Too~

Today I am sharing an ad with you done by Adam at @WinningWriters.com, something I’ve never done before. I’m doing it because the different rates of response ranged from 6% to above 12%. Those of you who know me well, know that I prefer almost any kind of book promotion that’s free to paid advertising which by definition is paid for!! But with results like this there are several features here that might be responsible for such great results that you can emulate in all kinds of different promotions you are doing currently or are planning.

So where did I get those statistics. From one of the classes I took for my BA degree at the University of Southern California taught by the former president who had just resigned from Western Airlines. He told us he was teaching Public Relations 10--which wasn’t the usual custom for a department head-- because he wanted to get to know the most promising students on a personal basis so he could talk to them about the importance of PR and other marketing classes for near guaranteed success in the business world!!  He was fantastic and I can specifically name things I did with our retail stores (which is what my husband and I were doing back than) because of demands he made on his students. Fun demands, but demands none-the-less!   

  This may be the best of all the ads the owner of WinningWriters and I have done together in terms of results. (He carefully measures statistics on them and we have been doing that for several years now.  So, behold! It includes lots of free stuff and that helps, but other things, too. Some of it can be adapted for you to use and you’ll find more detail across the spectrum of book promotion in my multi award-winning The Frugal Book Promoter.  

PS: I love the idea of including icons of awards and related organizations in ads--its a powerful way to set any book apart of thousands of other great books on the same subject--no exaggeration! 

MORE ABOUT YOUR BLOGGER

Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. 

 Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). 

In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

A Valerie Allen podcast? Gotta be a winner!

Valerie Allen is one of my favorite authors’ advocates.  Let’s explore this podcast together!  And while you’re at it, join her AuthorsforAuthors group on Facebook.  It’s full of authors--yep, helping one another!  

 Valerie Allen  ~

                                          ValerieAllenWriter.com                                                    VAllenWriter@gmail.com

Amazon.com/author/valerieallen

Write, Publish, Sell! 2 ed

Beyond the Inkblots: Confusion to Harmony

Understanding Mental Illness: A Guide for Family and Friends

Amazing Grace
Sins of the Father

Suffer The Little Children

The Prodigal Son

Stories for the Man in Your Life

Love Stories for Your Valentine

A Gift for Mom: Short Story Collection

'Tis Herself: Short Story Volume One

'Tis Herself: Short Story Volume Two

'Tis Herself: Short Story Volume Three

The Sun and The Moon

My Precious Little Kitty Cat

Summer School for Smarties

Bad Hair, Good Hat, New Friends

Go to the Guidance Office and Ask the Counselor 

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER 

 Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

Wow! When I Say I Recommend Writing Contests with Benefits This Is What I Mean!

My dear #SharingwithWriters subscribers and visits:

I couldn’t resist this when it landed in my email box today. It illustrates perfectly why I recommend #WinningWriters #NorthStreetBookPrize and why I support them. But this issue of their letter tells it so distinctly, so specifically, so, well...awesomely! And it is so important for writers out there to know that though there ARE spammy contests out there, there are some truly reputable ones.  I mean, frugal me hates as much as anyone to have to pay for my award labels after I’ve paid $80 to more than a $100 to enter that contest!  So, read every bullet below. Each of them is one more good reason for me to continue to love working with Winning Writers! They are so credible I can vouch for each and every one of them. In fact, you might bookmark this one to give you a precise list to compare any contest you enter against their benefits. Each is different, of course, but you could ask for a better gauge. 

Successful writing in 2024 to you all,

Hugs,

Carolyn 

PS: Please share this post with all your writing friends. I’d love to hear about it.

Here’s the link: ttps://sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com/2024/05/wow-when-i-say-i-recommend-writing.html  

A Great Contest for Your Self-Published or Hybrid-Published Book Sponsored by Winning Writers There are lots of contests for indie books. You can find them listed at the Alliance of Independent Authors and BookBub among other places. Here is what makes our North Street Book Prize one of the best: Large cash prizes: $10,000 for the grand prize, $1,000 for each category winner. Bonus awards: Winners receive additional services from Book Award Pro, BookBaby, Carolyn Howard-Johnson, Laura Duffy Design, Self-Publishing Made Simple, and Winning Writers to help market their books. Free gifts: All contestants receive five free gifts from our co-sponsors. Reasonable entry fee: $79 per book. Many other contests charge $85, $95, even $100+. No need to enter multiple categories: Choose one category for your book. If our judges feel it will do better in another category, they will reassign it. Flexible criteria: Submit books published in any year, on any self-publishing or hybrid-publishing platform. Pro-author attitude: Submit a non-qualifying book by mistake? A duplicate entry? We'll refund your fee. Transparent: We have four judges. Read about them on our guidelines page. Lasting, in-depth publicity: With some contests, it's hard to find out much about past winners beyond the author's name and the book title. At Winning Writers, we publicize our winners through our website, in our newsletter (50,000+ subscribers), and in our social media channels (including 135,000+ Twitter followers). Our North Street contest archives feature critiques of the winning entries, excerpts from the books, and bios of the winners going back to the first contest in 2015. No nickel-and-diming: Some contests charge winners for things like award seals. We provide those for free. Recommended by industry leaders: The North Street Book Prize is recommended by Reedsy and the Alliance of Independent Authors. Winning Writers itself is one of the "101 Best Websites for Writers" (Writer's Digest, 2023). New this year: Everyone who enters online will receive a brief commentary from one of the judges (5-10 sentences). Submit online via Submittable or by mail. Click to learn more about our contest.   Submit by July 1

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER

 Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers.  

Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

Dawn Colclasure Allows Me to Give Away My Pick for Best Free Download of the Year

I am so excited to offer subscribers and visitors to this blog Dawn Colclasure's new FREE book as a Christmas thank you as well as just an #AuthorsHelpingAuthors gesture for #writersblock or just maybe #craftdisplasia--if there is such a thing. Ahem.  I want to help authors avoid one of my biggest booboo--that is I didn't find the "perfect first line" for my novel until it was out of print!

 Here is is more about her freebie. I vote it the season's best free download. But don't forget Dawn's
great newsletter, now more than a year old.  Information on subscribing to it below. Just keep scrolling!

Do Not Fear the Blank Page! Let a First Line for a Story Get You Writing

By Dawn Colclasure

One way in which writers can find time to write is if they get up early in the morning to have some uninterrupted time. But what happens if everybody else in the house gets up early, too? Things get busy, there’s the rush for people to get out the door, and kids need to be transported to school. The writer hoping to grab some time to write just so they can get the words in their head onto paper may have trouble finding that time.

This is where writing down that first line comes into play. By writing down that first line I plan to use for what I want to write, I can come back to it later, when I have more time, to pick up where I left off. 

But having that first line to get started with serves another purpose as well: It eliminates the dread of facing a blank page. 

The most seasoned writers can sometimes have a hard time putting all of those thoughts in their heads into words. They know what they want to write and do have the time to write it, but facing that blank page with all of that space to fill up with words can be off-putting. It can incite a sense of dread that the words you choose to fill that blank space with must be perfect. There is the expectation that everything written on that blank page will be the final draft which everyone will read.

Even as we know this is not true, these implied feelings can keep the writer from even putting that first line onto the blank page.

But if you already have a first line written, there’s nothing to fear. The writing has begun, and it’s up to you to finish it.

That’s where my new ebook, 30 First Lines for Fiction Writers, comes in. 

By having a first line of a story or a chapter for a novel written, the writer can approach the task of writing feeling better prepared to write a story. There is no blank page they must deal with and no sense of dread on how to start their story. That first line is already written. All the writer has to do is use their imagination to write the rest.

Of course, no first lines are written in stone. The writer has the freedom to take that first line and revise it according to their own ideas, style and needs. A first line is only a suggestion or an idea. The writer can take that first line and change the point-of-view, change the dialogue, add greater detail or rewrite it according to their trope of choice.

Whatever the writer chooses to do with that first line is up to them. The point of this ebook is to provide a first line to get the writer’s creativity going and spark some ideas. The first line of a story is written; now the writer can take it from there to create the story they want to write.


Here is the blurb:

Writers of fiction often struggle with how or where to start their stories. The idea for a story isn't enough to start writing a story; a lot of times, the writer needs to figure out that first line. Just as a first line of a story can pull a reader in, it can also spark a writer’s creativity to help them get started on writing a story.

This book contains 30 first lines which can be used to help you start writing a story. It may not be the same first line used in the final draft, but a writer hoping to get that first draft written can start with any first line they so choose. 

Select a first line from any of these options and get busy writing your story! Get your free copy of this ebook here:
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/r5om5ilasi 

More About the Author

 Dawn Colclasure is a writer living in Oregon. She is a freelance writer, book reviewer, and columnist. She is the author and co-author of over four dozen books, among them her horror novel, Shadow of Samhain. Her forthcoming titles from PsychoToxin Press include the YA horror story collection, The Worst Thing You Ever Did, and the psychological horror novella, All the Beautiful Things. She also has a magical realism novel, I’ll Be Ghosting You, scheduled for a November 2023 release by Gypsy Shadow Publishing. Her work has appeared in magazines, websites and anthologies. She writes a regular column for ReaderViews.com's "First Chapter Plus", also a downloadable freebie.  Her websites are https://dawnsbooks.com/ and https://www.dmcwriter.com/. She’s on Twitter @dawnwilson325 and @dawncolclasure.

Some of Dawn's books for writers include: 

BURNING THE MIDNIGHT OIL: How We Survive as Writing Parents 

https://booklocker.com/books/1743.html 
The Big Book of Writing Challenges

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2MC4CFP/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1XBV6LO8EIDOK&keywords=Writing+Challenges&qid=1653786330&s=digital-text&sprefix=writing+challenges%2Cdigital-text%2C125&sr=1-3 
Free Stuff For Writers 
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BC6H8PDQ 
Write for Your Life!: The Health Benefits of Writing 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZLVZ4G9 
The Newbie Author's Guide to Getting Your Book Published 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9R8H3C7 

Dawn is also a book reviewer. She reviews books for her blog, Dawn Reviews Books, https://dawnreviewsbooks.blogspot.com/, as well as for Reader Views. 

As a freelance writer, her work has appeared in magazines, newspapers, websites and anthologies. She is also a self-publisher. 

She publishes the free newsletter for writers, the SPARREW Newsletter, each month. The SPARREW Newsletter is a free monthly newsletter for self-publishers, authors, readers, reviewers, editors and writers! Stay updated with the latest industry news, read interviews with some of today's most prolific industry leaders, and receive a free ebook with every issue. Subscribe here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/oQMfjTl/spring 
Her author site is at: https://dawnsbooks.com/ 
Check out the site for her latest release and to download free ebooks! 
You can check out Dawn's work as a freelance writer and read the latest issue of the SPARREW Newsletter at this link: https://www.dmcwriter.com/  
Dawn tweets as @dawncolclasure and @dawnwilson325. She is also on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawn10325/

The SPARREW Newsletter is a free monthly newsletter for self-publishers, authors, readers, reviewers, editors and writers! Subscribe here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/oQMfjTl/spring

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER

 Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/1615996001  offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically" (https://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews), and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. 

 Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). 

In addition to this blog,Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

Special Offer: One for You, One for a Writing Friend!

Many of your know I am not crazy about paid-for ads when authors can learn to do so much "advertising" for themselves, but something like this one from WinningWriters.com is very effective on two counts. That website is well respected and well-known and their audience is "my" audience. That is, the advertising is well targeted! Of course, offering a discount or special promotion doesn't hurt. (Thanks to my publisher Modern History Press for this one!)

The winningest book in the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series   The Frugal Editor: Third Edition     Do-It-Yourself Editing Secrets Whether your publisher assigns zero dollars to your book’s campaign or thousands or you do it yourself, The Frugal Editor assures your unpublished book the best possible start in life. Carolyn Howard-Johnson, a former publicist and a marketing and editing instructor for UCLA’s renowned Writers’ Program, provides what you need to snag the most suitable agent or publisher for your baby or proudly present it to the world as an example of indie publishing at its best. Here is a smattering of what's new in the third edition: Beta readers and peer reviewers What you probably don't know about custom dictionaries Up-to-date rules for accommodating gender-specific and other cultural needs A chapter for word-lovers and poets Quickie reviews of word processors What front and back matter can do for your book sales, your career, and your readers Considerations around sensitive language that have evolved greatly over recent years How to spot publishing scams     Kindle Edition   The Frugal Editor   Whether you are a new or experienced author, The Frugal Editor helps you present whistle-clean copy from a one-page cover letter to your entire manuscript that will convince those with the power to say "yea" or "nay" to your precious book. Paperback and hardcover editions are also available.   Buy on Amazon   $8.95     Special Combo Offer from the Publisher   Publisher Modern History Press has a special combo offer when you order direct. Buy the paperback edition of The Frugal Editor with Diana Raab's Writing for Bliss and save $14. Writing for Bliss is most fundamentally about reflection, truth, and freedom. With techniques and prompts for both the seasoned and novice writer, it will lead you to tap into your creativity through storytelling and poetry, examine how life-changing experiences can inspire writing, pursue self-examination and self-discovery through the written word, and understand how published writers have been transformed by writing.   Get Combo Offer $34.95 Testimonials for The Frugal Editor "Writers and editors have a true friend in Carolyn Howard-Johnson. Her word smarts, her publishing savvy, and her sincere commitment to authors and editors make The Frugal Editor a must-have resource."  —June Casagrande, author of The Best Punctuation Book, Periodand Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies (Penguin) and syndicated grammar columnist "Previous editions of The Frugal Editor were excellent. Nothing could be better...except this book which has an additional 50% new content. The publishing world changes quickly, and this text allows writers to keep up with the ever-changing world of editors, publicists, finicky agents, trends, cultural expectations, queries, and media kits...exploding grammar myths and possible scams. Save yourself time and money by learning from the best, Howard-Johnson." —Carolyn Wilhelm, BA, MA, MS and author of environmental content "Carolyn Howard-Johnson is a godsend for writers everywhere. Her new book, The Frugal Editor, is part reference guide, part do-it-yourself editing manual, part masterclass on the writing and publishing industry...and all with Carolyn's signature humor and encouraging energy! She is a master at simplifying overwhelming tasks into relevant, can-do information. This book is a must for every writer's bookshelf!" —Dallas Woodburn, book coach and best-selling author of Thanks, Cariss, for Ruining my Life "I am using The Frugal Editor to polish my next book. I've used it for the first edit, the beta edit, and...I'm ready to snuff out excess words. Your tip about adding spaces with the search and replace tool is a timely add to my editing skills. It was easy to weed out abbreviations like AR for Arkansas one of my clients used with the (space)AR(space) feature." —Elizabeth Seckman, editor of Insecure Writers Group newsletter "In the third edition of The Frugal Editor, Carolyn Howard-Johnson helps authors obtain a finished product worthy of Simon and Schuster. The book guides readers through evolving changes in the English language that has no governing academy regulating it." —Helen Dunn Frame shares her secrets for Retiring in Costa Rica or Doctors, Dogs and Pura Vida and other books "Use basic computer and editing tricks from The Frugal Editor to prevent headaches, to save time—and even money. It's well worth your effort to learn them." —Barbara McNichol, Barbara McNichol Editorial "...An important new section deals with using your friends, family, or writing circle as readers [beta readers]. Your book is your baby, but it may have content or pace that make it a loser when other people read it. Once you're sure you have a good product and have done all the recommended editing yourself, it's time to think about a professional editor. The book does an excellent job of showing what a professional can do for your manuscript." —Nancy Famolari, author of the Montbleu Mysteries       About the Author   Carolyn Howard-Johnson has been an instructor for UCLA’s world-renowned Writers’ Program for nearly a decade, a columnist and staff writer for the Salt Lake Tribune and the Pasadena Star News, and has appeared on hundreds of TV and radio stations nationally and locally. As a publicist for the Eleanor Lambert Agency in New York, she took part in the creation of the first "10 Best Dressed List" with Christian Dior. Carolyn was honored as the California Legislature’s Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment, received her community’s Character and Ethics award for promoting tolerance with her writing, and was named to Pasadena Weekly’s list of “San Gabriel Valley women who make life happen”. She presents at writers’ conferences nationwide. Her own writing as a novelist and poet has informed the advice she gives to authors regarding sales and genre. View her many offerings for writers on her website.

Sponsored messages help Winning Writers provide its services to you at no charge. We never share your email address with third parties. If your organization would like to send a sponsored message, please contact adam@winningwriters.com. © 2001-2023 Winning Writers. All rights reserved except for fair use. Winning Writers 351 Pleasant Street Suite B PMB 222 Northampton, MA 01060-3998 Unsubscribe | Change My Email Address | Help | Contact

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER

 Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), now offered in its third edition by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," "The Frugal Editor" and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. 

 Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide).

 In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow for news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

A Rare Resource Authors Can Trust

I am proud to be associated with this contest because of Winning Writers' reputation--decades of reputable service to authors--and the value-added aspects of this contest as outlined below. Oh, the other big thing. It  doesn't judge books by their covers, or the printing methods the author chooses. From it's newsletter to the #NorthStreetBookPrize, it's about quality quality and reputation.  Take the time to read this. And save it in your contact file, perhaps. The day may come--if not now, then in the future.  (-:  

Carolyn 

All North Street Book Prize Contestants Receive Free Gifts Deadline: June 30, 2022 We appreciate that the $70 entry fee is a significant investment for your self-published book, so we have arranged for our six contest co-sponsors to give free gifts to every contestant on entering. How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically by Carolyn Howard-Johnson (PDF) Free guides to successful publishing from BookBaby Three months' free subscription to Book Award Pro(Essentials tier), so you can find more great contests for your book The 7 Steps to Plan and Write Your Book, courtesy of Book Launchers (PDF) 8 Simple Secrets for Big Book Sales on Amazon, courtesy of C.S. Lakin at The Self Publisher (PDF) One month free membership in The Self-Publishing Mastermind at Self-Publishing Made Simple, a community for growing your knowledge of all aspects of self-publishing That's what you get just for entering. Here's what you receive if you win: One grand prize winner will receive $8,000, a marketing analysis and one-hour phone consultation with Carolyn Howard-Johnson, a $300 credit at BookBaby, and 3 free ads in the Winning Writers newsletter (a $525 value) The top winner in each category will receive $1,000, a marketing analysis and one-hour phone consultation with Carolyn Howard-Johnson, a $300 credit at BookBaby, and one free ad in the Winning Writers newsletter (a $175 value) One honorable mention in each category will receive $250 We will publish online excerpts from all entries that win a prize, along with critiques from the judges Submit online via Submittable or by mail. Winning Writers is a partner member of the Alliance of Independent Authors, and this contest is recommended by Reedsy. Click to learn more about our contest.   Learn more and submit here

Prefer to enter by mail?   You may mail your entry and $70 fee to Winning Writers, Attn: North Street Book Prize, 351 Pleasant Street Suite B PMB 222, Northampton, MA 01060-3998, USA. Please include your name, email address, mailing address, phone number, and categoryfor your book. Your payment should be a check or money order drawn on a US bank, payable to Winning Writers. US Postal Service money orders and US currency are also accepted. Postmark your entry by June 30.

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER

 Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers including the multi award-winning The Frugal Book Promoter (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), now offered in its third edition by Modern History Press. Carolyn's latest is in the #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers is How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically. She has two booklets in the #HowToDoItFrugally Series, both in their second editions from Modern History Press. Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and The Great First Impression Book Proposal (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. The Frugal Editor (https://bit.ly/FrugalEditor), now in its second edition, is the winningest book in the series. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow for news on her new releases direct from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

Writing Prompts Freebie for the 15th: Fantasy Writing Prompts

Free instant download: Fantasy Writing Prompts

On the 15th of the month, you may expect a set of writing prompts for your group or classroom quick writes. This month, we have fantasy writing prompts. There are pages with a written prompt, and the same picture pages without a prompt so the member of the writing group or class may select his or her own prompt. Some people prefer open-ended prompts, and some prefer a starter idea. 

Click on the next link for a free instant download PDF:

  Fantasy Writing Prompts Free PDF

Fantasy prompts may be a stretch for some people, and for some, maybe just the right thing. Everyone should try to stretch in writing exercises or even take a new viewpoint. Write from the point of view of someone who is not your usual character. 

Thank you for reading!

Carolyn Wilhelm

Carolyn Wilhelm is the author of The Wise Owl Factory site and blog. She has an MS in Gifted Education, an MA in Curriculum and Instruction K-12, and has completed the KHT Montessori 12-month program. She makes mostly free resources for teachers and parents. Her children's books are available on Amazon.

The prompts are on Carolyn Howard-Johnson's Sharing with Writers and Readers Blog and post on the 15th of each month. 

Adding Color Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Camping Writing Prompts  post and free instant download

Comedy Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Cyber Crime Writing Prompts post and free instant download

December Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Fantasy Writing Prompts post and free instant download

February Days Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Halloween and October Writing Prompts  post and free instant download

Historical Fiction Writing Prompts  post and free instant download

January Any Year Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Magical and Magical Realism Writing Prompts post and free instant download

March Days Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Motherhood and May Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Music Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Mystery and Thriller Writing Prompts post and free instant download

November and Fall Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Pandemic People Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Road Trip Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Royals, Monarchs, Kings, and Queens Prompts post and free instant download

Social Media Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Summer Evenings Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Traveling Abroad Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Twitter Writing Prompts  post and free instant download

Western Romance Picture Only Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Women Theme Writing Prompts post and free instant download

What if? Writing Prompts post and free instant download

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER

 Howard-Johnson is the multi-award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi-award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers including the multi-award-winning The Frugal Book Promoter (http://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), now offered by Modern History Press in its third edition. Carolyn's latest is in the #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers is How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically. Learn more on her Amazon profile page (http://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile). Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips for Writers (http://bit.ly/Last-MinuteEditsII) is one of her booklets--perfect for inexpensive gift giving. It's now in its second edition and available for resale with the launch scheduled for 9/1/20.  Another booklet, The Great First Impression Book Proposal (http://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) helps writers who want to be traditionally published. The Frugal Editor (http://bit.ly/FrugalEditor), now in its second edition, is the winningest book in the series. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it will help them convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques (http://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs at all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor (http://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com)

Writing Prompts Freebie for the 15th: Historical Fiction

Writing Prompts Freebie for the 15th: Historical Fiction

This month's freebie for the fifteenth are some historical fiction writing prompts. The first six pages have a written prompt. The second set of six pages are the same picture prompts without any written suggestions. 

To download the prompts, click on the next link:

Historical Fiction Writing Prompts Freebie for the 15th PDF

Writing prompts begin with an image to allow freedom of thought and creative juices to flow. Some writing groups have a timer, everyone uses one prompt, and then share what they wrote. Some groups begin with a prompt "to get the cobwebs out" and some end with a short writing time. Some people might write a flash fiction piece. Some writers will find a use for a current piece they are working on, so they may go home and insert it in a file. Some people may sit and pout or leave if it isn't a good day for a quick write! 

The link will allow you to have a copy of the document for your own use. You will also be able to edit the given word prompts for your own purposes. The images are all from Pixabay.com which offers images free for commercial use. The old correspondence may encourage a few writers. 

This rural farm building might inspire a few writers. There are four other pictures in the PDF. 

Thanks for reading! Carolyn Wilhelm

You might also like our other writing prompts, posted on the 15th of each month. 

The prompts are on Carolyn Howard-Johnson's Sharing with Writers and Readers Blog and post the 15th of each month. 

Adding Color Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Camping Writing Prompts  post and free instant download

Comedy Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Cyber Crime Writing Prompts post and free instant download

December Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Fantasy Writing Prompts post and free instant download

February Days Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Halloween and October Writing Prompts  post and free instant download

Historical Fiction Writing Prompts  post and free instant download

January Any Year Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Magical and Magical Realism Writing Prompts post and free instant download

March Days Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Motherhood and May Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Music Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Mystery and Thriller Writing Prompts post and free instant download

November and Fall Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Pandemic People Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Road Trip Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Royals, Monarchs, Kings, and Queens Prompts post and free instant download

Social Media Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Summer Evenings Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Traveling Abroad Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Twitter Writing Prompts  post and free instant download

Western Romance Picture Only Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Women Theme Writing Prompts post and free instant download

What if? Writing Prompts post and free instant download

MORE ABOUT THE #SharingwithWriters BLOGGER

 Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-wining author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers including the multi award-winning The Frugal Book Promoter (http://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), now offered by Modern History Press in its third edition. Carolyn's latest is in the #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers is How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically. Learn more on her Amazon profile page (http://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile). Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers (http://bit.ly/Last-MinuteEditing) is one of her booklets--perfect for inexpensive gift giving--and, another booklet, The Great First Impression Book Proposal (http://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) helps writers who want to be traditionally published. The Frugal Editor (http://bit.ly/FrugalEditor), now in its second edition, is the winningest book in the series. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it will help them convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques (http://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs at all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor (http://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com)