Carolyn Answers Your Letters on her Sharing with Writers Blog

On Authors Hiring Help to Get Reviews 

Carolyn's How To Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically

From an Author's Email to Me with Her Permission                                                        with names omitted to protect some mentioned entities: 

 Hiya, Carolyn:

What's your take on [this service that helps authors like me] get reviews?  I've been getting emails from [a prominent and trusted writer and author's advocate] who seems to [have a good reputation within the publishing industry]. I also see various publishing packages and promotion stuff for Amazon reviewers/raising listing numbers across the web. They claim to have a number of Amazon reviewers they send an author's manuscript to for a fee and claim this service raises books to top places in the Amazon ranking.

They don't mention if the manuscript has to be current/new book on the site. (I'm thinking of using one of those service one of my clients whose book was published July 2022. This client and I have been platform building, but it's a weird world with his inability to travel or speak even locally interrupted by health issues.

Thanks much for any insights you can offer us on these possibilities!

Cheers and love all I see from and about you, always!

And yes, will be sending you stuff on LinkedIn as you have so often kindly suggested. It's just been odd and very packed schedule lately, in part because we're working on Book two of three in my memoir series.

Cheers and here's to a good weekend!

Best,

Anonymous

Answer from Me with My Correspondents Permission                                                        with names omitted to protect some mentioned entities: 

MY DISCLAIMER HERE: I am no expert on the service you mention but you alluded to some information based on your own research.

#1: Are we sure your trusted resource isn't being paid to endorse it?  It is common within the industry. I won't do it for services, but I also know she is a trusted personality and getting paid doesn't necessarily mean that her endorsement is fake in any way.

#2: You mentioned Amazon's reviews. Their logarithms are extremely good at picking up on any review that is suspect in any way and it seems that many are suspect because the reviewer is in the same industry or known by the publisher or author. (I know because reviews for books like my  "The Frugal Editor" get rejected for that very reason (unless they know the ropes and give it four stars rather than five or use a disclaimer!). My argument with that is, who would read a book like mine unless they are part of the publishing industry? And that objection could be true of most any genre and/or published by by the author or a respected publisher.  Along that line, if you are pursuing reviews based on getting Amazon reviews, I agree with the concept of doing what is possible to keep them professional but in some instances Amazon's logarithms just aren't that smart. You and your client will benefit from the section in my "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically"  that is rather like a case study on Amazon's reviews (along with about everything else you need to know if you are working on getting reviews for a book--no matter when it was released. My book is still in its first edition--self-published. It is FAT! But the Index can help you find exactly what you are working on in the moment. 

#3. Any  service you use is immediately suspect on the grounds that you can probably do it yourself.  Like find reviewers.  One way is to simply search Amazon to find reviewers in the same genre as the book you're marketing in the moment. I found a great one I keep in contact with for her reviews and her newsletter. Her name is Jacquelyn Lynn. Look for the links that Amazon often gives on for their reviewers including their Vine reviewers. Click and read the profile that Amazon may have available for them on Amazon itself and elsewhere.  I guarantee that what you find will be more targeted for possibilities than what others do for you.  You know your book better better than anyone else and will be better able to judge suitability from the possible reviewer's own website or using Amazon's profile for authors and other Amazon contributors.  So....do you really want to spend your book marketing budget on getting help with this when the process for doing it yourself is reasonably simple? 

#4. Keep in mind that these writers aids that work from lists (like Amazon, Amazon-owned Goodreads and other review journals) are notorious for getting possible reviewers that request books but never review them. That amounts to even more wasted money.  My book will discuss more on why this happens. Sometimes (rarely) it's because they honestly believe that they can't give the book a fair review, but they generally don't have enough professionalism to let the author know that's their reason--tactfully or otherwise! Professionals, of course, know that authors and publishers actually learn a lot from critical comments in their reviews--or in a rejection/refusal to post the review!

By the way, have you seen several of my #FrugalBookPromoTips (my registered hashtag) about Amazon's new pages available for books in a series if the books are sold as e-books on Amazon? I notice your work-in-progress is a series of XXXX.  Here's the URL for my #HowtoDoItFrugally Series of books for writers, but I also just finished working with Amazon on the poetry series I coauthored with Aussie Magdalena Ball: https://tiny.url/FrugalSeries 

Many hugs.  

PS: I'm always looking for reviews. Amazon's logarithms gets a nudge when your book has a ton of them.  I get different stories from different sources but apparently somewhere above fifty. Seventy-five is also frequently mentioned. So, if you're paying for a service and don't manage to hit those magical numbers, you will have wasted not only what you paid for the service, but also what the review copies cost to print and ship. They also only work well if the author uses the link to Amazon's buy page for their book in their marketing. "Books available everywhere" kind of notification just doesn't cut it.

More hugs,

PPS: You did get the message that I am not disqualifying [this service].  Just be sure you want to spend your money on this aspect of your marketing and that your budget will accommodate it.  I think really good contests are a better way to set your books apart from the pack, but only if you market your win everywhere!   

 

Very best, 

CAROLYN HOWARD-JOHNSON

The HowToDoItFrugally Series of Books for Writers

Including Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips for Writers, 2nd Edition
E-book, paper, or hard cover available on Amazon at tinyurl.com/FrugalSeries
Published by Modern History Press 

My Website  

My Sharing with Writers Blog

The New Book Review: A Writer's Digest Best 101 Websites Pick

Submission Guidelines for Your Reviews

Twitter: @FrugalBookPromo

Facebook

Follow my Amazon Profile

E-mail: hojonews@aol.com

PS: Learn more about my fiction and poetry.

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.

New AuthorsDen Feature a Must for Authors, Book Publicists

I have been an AuthorsDen.com user since I started writing--maybe about 20ish years or so.  My #SharingwithWriters newsletter is powered by AuthorsDen and at certain levels, the site works well as a new writer's substitute Web site and certainly well as a network to other authors.  Well, now they've done it again. They have always been a resource for finding authors to review your book, but it wasn't formalized and now this! Here is what it's all about--straight from the AuthorsDen team!

Great News! 
Gold Members can now add up to 3 books into the AuthorsDen Book Review Program. 

The AuthorsDen Book Review Program 
is a win-win for Authors, Readers, Book Clubs, Bloggers and the Media 
by getting the word out about your books through honest book reviews. 

Review Requests 
In just 2 weeks authors have received over 70 requests from Reviewer to read and review 
their books, and some books have received multiple review requests. 

How it works: 
1) Add your book into the Book Review Program. 
2) Reviewer/Reader requests to read and review your ebook or paperback. 
3) YOU qualify the Reviewer by “accepting” or “declining” the request. 
4) If accepted we securely provide the ebook, if paperback is requested, you mail at your expense. 
5) Reviewer reads and provides you a detailed book review. 
6) We will email you a link to your review when its ready. 

Read the FAQ Page in your Den to find many detailed answers to questions. 

Your Friends at AuthorsDen.com 
http://www.AuthorsDen.com


Go to AuthorsDen.com. Sign up. And get busy!  And now I've got you in the "getting reviews mode,"  grab a copy--paper or e-book--of my How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically.  Reviews are a forever kind of marketing and one of my favorites.  

EVEN MORE EXCITING NEWS 

"Most book reviewers are not authors, but actual professional book reviewers or bloggers.
I mention this now as we are putting a great deal of effort in marketing to and personally inviting book reviewers,
true authors can use the program to review other authors books, but of the 70 requests to date,
only about 20 are from authors, the rest have no author profile page on AuthorsDen, as they are not authors.

This brings up our next development.
Readers will soon have mini profile pages on AuthorsDen
for authors to see the reviews those reviewers have posted
and for other readers to follow reviewer recommendation.

Even more good news:  

We will be launching ReadersDen.com
for readers, reviewers, their profiles, reviews, recommendations, reader followers, 
so that should clear up any missed communication about who is doing the reading and reviewing.
MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER

Howard-Johnson is the 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 award-winning second editions of The Frugal Book Promoter (where she talks more about choosing and the advantages of winning contests and how to use those honors)  and The Frugal Editor. Her latest is in the series 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 is one of her booklets--perfect for inexpensive gift giving--and, another booklet, The Great First Impression Book Proposal helps writers who want to be traditionally published. She 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. In addition to this blog, she 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 )

Must-Have Review Resource for Writers/Publishers

Do you know about Jim Cox's Midwest Book Review.  It's a lot more than a respected review site that considers all books based on their content and value,  not on the press they are printed on.  But it's a lot more than that. Reviews chosen for publishing may get included on any of a number of special editions aimed at librarians and specific regions.  This one by Diane Donovan, editor of The California Bookwatch, appeared on her "Writing/Publishing Shelf."  Reviewers and editors always give permission to expand the exposure of the reviews they write so that means when yours is chosen, you can submit it according to the guidelines in the left column to the sister of this blog, The New Book Review.   Be sure to subscribe while you're there. High participation benefits all the writers, publishers, and reviewers who contribute to it.

The Writing/Publishing Shelf

How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically
Subtitle: The ins and outs of using free reviews to build and sustain a writing career
Series: Third in the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers
Author: Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Website:  www.howtodoitfrugally.com
ISBN: 9781536948370, 
$17.95 PB, $9.95 Kindle
Available on Amazonhttp://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews

Reviewed by Diane Donovan, Editor of California Bookwatch, originally for her Writing/Publishing Shelf

How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically should be on the reading lists of anyone interested in gaining and, even more important, using book reviews. It informs both self- and traditionally-published authors of the ins and outs of getting and utilizing reviews; but most importantly, it discusses some of the tips and tricks for doing so - and reveals many approaches to avoid. From making the most of the best review from the most authoritative source to knowing what to do if the review process goes awry, this outlines the entire process of media promotion in the course of explaining the difference between a good and bad review, how they can be effectively utilized, and what to avoid. Very highly recommended!

Choosing "The Right" Contest for Your Book

Subscribers and visitors of this #SharingwithWriters blog know how important I think contests can be to the furthering of authors' careers.  And how carefully I believe they must be in choosing the contests they enter.  My friends at WinningWriters.com  invite you to compete for their third annual North Street Book Prize for self-published books. The winners of our second competition were Winfred Cook, L.S. Johnson, and Linda Baer .

This year's deadline is June 30. Submit a self-published book in one of the following categories, up to 150,000 words in length:

• General Fiction (literary and genre fiction)
• Young Adult Fiction
• Creative Nonfiction and Memoir

The winner of each category will receive $1,500 in cash, 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 $450 value). Two honorable mentions in each category will receive $250. We will publish online excerpts (1,000-6,000 words) from all entries that win a prize, along with critiques from judges Jendi Reiter and Ellen LaFleche. Lauren Singer and Annie Keithline will assist in the judging.

The entry fee is $60 per book. Your book should be available to the public for sale or download by June 30 to be eligible. Books published in past years are welcome. Submit as many books as you like.

All contestants receive a copy of the third in the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers, the How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically by Carolyn Howard-Johnson (PDF) and free guides to successful publishing from BookBaby.

Both the prizes and the benefits of just entering listed in the paragraph above are examples of the kinds of perquisites I tell authors to watch for. "Caring" and "Sharing" like this can set contests apart from the pack!

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER

Howard-Johnson is the 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 award-winning second editions of The Frugal Book Promoter (where she talks more about choosing and the advantages of winning contests and how to use those honors)  and The Frugal Editor. Her latest is in the series 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 is one of her booklets--perfect for inexpensive gift giving--and, another booklet, The Great First Impression Book Proposal helps writers who want to be traditionally published. She 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. In addition to this blog, she 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 )

Yes, authors do need reviews in July!

ust a quick reminder:  The third issue of SPAWN's announcement to reviewers--from bloggers to big writer-oriented media is coming up June 15. 

You probably know that my newest book in the multi award-winning series of books is How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically. This opportunity from SPAWN lets you reach over 1,000 top book reviewers using the famous Cision list (and others!) and is the perfect companion for putting to work all the amazing review-getting techniques found in that book. Register to be featured in the newsletter now at http://www.2spawn.org/register-for-new-releases-from.html. Have a book description of 75 words and your book cover image ready! And reviewers can contact you directly to receive a copy to review. 

It's easy. You don't even have to do the design of your "ad" yourself! 

New Releases from...Small Publishers, Artists & Writers Network. 

SPAWN’s New Releases from… newsletter:

If publishers want to use this as an author service, a special price
and publisher page for their own books can be created.
Contact Kathleen Kaiser at Kate@spawn.org for details.
And more details on this blog though scheduling adjustments have been made: http://sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com/2017/04/spawns-outreach-for-book-reviews-frugal.html

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER

  Howard-Johnson is the 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 award-winning second editions of The Frugal Book Promoter and The Frugal Editor. Her latest is in the series 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 is one of her booklets--perfect for inexpensive gift giving--and, another booklet, The Great First Impression Book Proposal helps writers who want to be traditionally published. She 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. In addition to this blog, she 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 )

Recommendation: SPAWN'S Outreach for Book Reviews: "A Lot for a Reasonable Price"

Second Issue Coming! Deadline Approaching! 

You probably know that my newest book in the multi award-winning series of books is How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically. This is a new opportunity that lets you reach over 1,000 top book reviewers and bloggers with a bi-monthly newsletter under the credible SPAWN name. Register now at http://www.2spawn.org/register-for-new-releases-from.html. Have a book description of 75 words and your book cover image ready!

This newsletter was out less than a couple hours when a request for a review popped into my e-mail box!  I can not only expect a review, I have a new contact to pass along to you in my #SharingwithWriters newsletter if I love my new reviewers' new site!

This program solves the mystery of getting a book in front of legitimate reviewers. Feature your book in the new service from SPAWN. It's easy. You don't even have to do the design of your "ad" yourself! 

New Releases from...Small Publishers, Artists & Writers Network. 

Congratulations to those of your who signed up for the first edition! But wait! It's not too late. There are more to come. Here they are:

The next issue dates are:Ho

May 25:  Deadline May 15

July 25:  Deadline June 15

Sept 25: Deadline Sept. 15

Nov 25:  Deadline Nov. 15
  

This service is open for all books published within the last year. And, yes! I am participating. Two major convincers: The credibility of the SPAWN name and the Cision list (mentioned in the newest book in my multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers)  that SPAWN is  using for this project.  Cision is formerly the famous Barron’s known to professional publicists everywhere! That list is so costly small publishers and independent authors probably couldn’t afford access to it.  So this is a grand opportunity. 

Here are details you need to know:

This newsletter goes out every two months to over 1,000 book reviewers and book bloggers. The reviewer list is pulled from Cision, the premiere online media database company that updates its media lists daily and includes top publications, online and broadcast resources like NPR, daily and weekly newspapers that publish book reviews, and a host of freelancers and bloggers who review books.

Each participating author submits up to a 75-word description of the book that starts with a catchy log line such as appears in the New York Times Book Review or online at Kirkus Reviews. Log lines are the concise one sentence description of the book usually at the top of the review. We want these descriptions to sound professional and grab reviewers.

Along with the description, an image of the book cover and a link for reviewers to use if they want a print or e-book version. Since many authors don’t have reviewer pages on their website for downloading e-books or requesting a printed book, this ability is included in the service

You can view a sample of this style page at: http://www.kkadownloads.com/   Password: 2016BooksKKA (case sensitive)

The design of these two pages is included in the fee and will remain on the site for six months after final publication of newsletter.

Fee and how to participate in the New Releases from... newsletter

     Option One:  $250 for one book description and cover plus the links for reviewers to download, which includes all three e-formats, and downloadable cover image and media kit (if available.)

     Option Two:  $400 for two editions with the download features.

SPAWN’s New Releases from… newsletter goes out every 2 months.

If publishers want to use this as an author service, a special price
and publisher page for their own books can be created.
Contact Kathleen Kaiser at Kate@spawn.org for details.

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER

  Howard-Johnson is the 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 award-winning second editions of The Frugal Book Promoter and The Frugal Editor. Her latest is in the series 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 is one of her booklets--perfect for inexpensive gift giving--and, another booklet, The Great First Impression Book Proposal helps writers who want to be traditionally published. She 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. In addition to this blog, she 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 )

Let Spawn Shout Out Your Book For You

1. As a special favor to this #SharingwithWriters blog subscribers and visitors, the deadline for this opportunity is Friday, March 17, 2017. 

You probably know that my newest book in the multi award-winning series of books is How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically. This opportunity from Small Publishers, Artists, & Writers Network (SPAWN)  is so new I wasn't able to write it into that book, but it will be in the second edition for sure! Still,  I wanted to get the information to you . . . like, now! 

SPAWN's outreach to reviewers and bloggers comes to you lets you reach over 1,000 top book reviewers and bloggers with a bi-monthly newsletter under the credible SPAWN name. They are looking for new resources all the time and the name SPAWN doesn't need to build the credilibty they look for.  

The other thing authors should pay attention to is the place that provides the updated list of librarians. It is Cision. Again, we're talking credibility here. (Cision did make it into the newest entry into the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers). By using this trusted resource, SPAWN assures participants that their blasts will get to the right people in the publishing industry, not someone who died ten years ago.  

Here is information on SPAWN's new marketing tool. I urge you to read it, check out the links, and then say "yes" to Kathleen Kaiser at Kate@SPAWN.org. 

Solving the Mystery of Getting a Book in Front of Legitimate Reviewers

That's the question that baffles most indie authors:
Where do I find these people?
What do I present to them?
Do I send a print book or e-book?

Feature your book in the new service from SPAWN
New Releases from...Small Publishers, Artists & Writers Network 

Sign up now and be part of New Releases from...
Deadline for first issue is Today, March 15. 

Launching March 25th, the newsletter will go out every two months to over 1,000 book reviewers and book bloggers. The reviewer list is pulled from Cision, the premiere online media database company that updates its media lists daily and includes top publications, online and broadcast resources like NPR, daily and weekly newspapers that publish book reviews, and a host of freelancers and bloggers who review books. Each participating author submits up to a 75-word description of the book that starts with a catchy log line such as appears in the New York Times Book Review or online at Kirkus Reviews. Log lines are the concise one sentence description of the book usually at the top of the review. We want these descriptions to sound professional and grab reviewers. Along with the description, an image of the book cover and a link for reviewers to use if they want a print or e-book version. Since many authors don’t have reviewer pages on their website for downloading e-books or requesting a printed book, this ability is included in the service. You can view a sample of this style page at: http://www.kkadownloads.com/   Password: 2016BooksKKA (case sensitive) The design of these two pages is included in the fee and will remain on the site for six months after final publication of newsletter. Fee and how to participate in the New Releases from... newsletter      Option One:  $250 for one book description and cover plus the links for reviewers to download, which includes all three e-formats, and downloadable cover image and media kit (if available.)      Option Two:  $400 for two editions with the download features. The New Releases from… newsletter goes out every 2 months. The first edition is scheduled for March 25, 2017. This service is open for all books published within the last year. Deadline for participation in the first issue is March 15, 2017. If publishers want to use this as an author service, a special price and publisher page for their own books can be created. Contact Kathleen Kaiser at Kate@spawn.org for details.

Register now at http://www.2spawn.org/register-for-new-releases-from.html. 

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER

 Howard-Johnson is the 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 award-winning second editions of The Frugal Book Promoter and The Frugal Editor. Her latest is in the series 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 is one of her booklets--perfect for inexpensive gift giving--and, another booklet, The Great First Impression Book Proposal helps writers who want to be traditionally published. She 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. In addition to this blog, she 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 )