One-Day-Only 805 Writers Conference Discount

So, rarely do this. I mean a blog for one day!  But Happy Columbus Day! (-:  Notice the discount code is case sensitive.  And, yes, love to see you Nov. 2nd.

$100 OFF FULL CONFERENCE OR $50 OF ONE DAY TICKET NOON MONDAY TIL 6 PM TUESDAY ONLY. Use the link and password below. View this email in your browser

MANY OF YOU HAVE ASKED, so here’s one last chance: $50 off one-day ticket for Saturday or Sunday. or $100 of the full two-day conference Attending my first writers’ conference over 20 years ago was the BEST THING I ever did for my writing and getting published. The people you will meet are working in publishing every day - they know what is really happening. Our speakers will inspire you, nudge you to be a better writer. Our speakers will tell you exactly how to sell more books, gain publicity, and find the readers who will follow you book to book. And the agents and producers are looking for stories, could one be yours? Join us on November 2 & 3 – it’s going to be a rewarding experience for all!   CLICK FOR DISCOUNT REGISTRATION - ENDS 6 PM TUESDAY Password - 24hourSaleDisc (case sensitive) October 15 is the deadline for conference discount prices on rooms at the Mandalay Beach Resort in Oxnard Shores. Every room is a suite with two full bathrooms and steps away from the beach overlooking the beautiful Channel Islands. After a day in conference sessions, doesn’t having a drink while watching the sunset sound like a great idea? And you will be meeting the people whose ideas will help you get published and sell more books.   CLICK HERE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS 30 HOUR SALE! Password is 24hourSaleDisc - case sensitive Our 2019 Speakers- agents, producers, bestselling authors, social media and website experts, world-class writing instructors and more. Pictured above from left to right: Top row: Carolyn McDonald, award-winning executive producer for many cable outlets; Michelle Zeitlin, literary agent who takes books to the screen; and, Jill Marr, literary agent. Second row: Toni Lopopolo, former NY executive editor, literary agent and writing instructor; Sherry Robb, literary agent and producer; Ilene Kahn Power, former VP HBO films, Emmy and Golden Globe winner; Howard Rosenmann, producer of Academy Awards and Emmy Award-winning films; and, Dana Newman, literary attorney and agent. Third row: Carolyn Howard-Johnson, bestselling author on book marketing; Naomi Kim Eaglson, editor; Shelly Lowenkopft, editor extraordinaire and author of over 40 books; Zhena Muzyka, author andpublisher; and, Patricia Fry, bestselling author of over 70 books. Bottom row: Ivor Davis, bestselling author; Mandy Jackson-Beverly, bestselling author and social media guru; Emily Heckman, former NY executive editor and now freelance editor; Kimberly Davis Basso, author; Adanna Moriarty, web designer; and, Penny Sansevieri, bestselling author and book marketer. These talented people have proven track records for success as bestselling authors, editors, marketers, agents, producers—all with up-to-date information to help you gain an upper hand in the world of publishing. "The 805 Writers' Conference was an incredible value and I would definitely recommend it to new or established authors. Unfortunately the day went by too quickly!  I had an amazing experience and accomplished everything I wanted to, and then some."

More about the Blogger

 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 now offered by Modern History Press, at a discount to visitors to this blog. The discount code in in the right column of the page. 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 (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/BookProposals) 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, 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)

Meet Agents Who Can Make Your Screen Dreams Come True

Ohhh, I love conferences that feature input from agents.  So, though I have featured information on this conference before (use the search engine feature to find those posts because they each focus on a different aspect of this conference), I thought I'd let post once again because this one focus not only on agents, but agents with an interest and contacts for media other than print--like the big screen. (-:

Of course, I still hope to meet you for my workshop on Nov. 2nd. There are lots of ways to launch both new and old books, keep them alive as it were.  Screen is one of those ways.

The 805 Writers Conference TOOLS — SKILLS — RESOURCES Delivering the information you need to succeed in publishing

Content for the many streaming outlets is driving book sales, both old and new. Look at Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies, or even better George RR Martin’s Game of Thrones. Both were turned into a blockbuster series. And like with Martin, it wasn’t a brand-new book but a well-crafted tale from a master storyteller. Four of the producers on the BOOKS TO SCREEN panel at the upcoming 805 Writers Conference are looking for great stories with complex characters and an exciting way of looking at life. They can be fiction or memoir, just as long as you have a story to tell. An adventure, dramatic plot, or an interesting experience examined. One book can be turned into a mini-series, the HOTTEST property right now for Amazon, HBO, HULU, and NetFlix to purchase. The five agents on the LITERARY AGENT Panel are looking for stories that can sell across genres, are fantasy, memoirs, mysteries, and the top-selling romance. Reading is segmented today, and publishers have slots to fill with stories that can attract specific audiences who buy books. And two of the agents also want manuscripts that can become streaming series. PLUS, four agents will hear your pitch for your book at AGENT 1 on 1. But you have to be a conference attendee to pitch. Plus, two agents will be holding sessions on HOW TO PITCH YOUR BOOK and HOW TO WRITE A 21ST  CENTURY QUIRY LETTER. Both are skills you need to move your writing career forward. Register now.   Meet the people who may help your dreams come true. Pictured above from left to right: Top row: Carolyn McDonald, award-winning executive producer for many cable outlets; Michelle Zeitlin, literary agent who takes books to the screen; and, Jill Marr, literary agent, Second row: Toni Lopopolo, former NY executive editor, literary agent;  Sherry Robb, literary agent and producer; Ilene Kahn Power, former VP HBO films, Emmy and Golden Globe winner, and mini-series producer; Howard Rosenmann, producer of Academy Awards and Emmy Award winning films; and, Dana Newman, literary attorney and agent. Learn more about the sessions and register now! "The 805 Writers' Conference was an incredible value and I would definitely recommend it to new or established authors. Unfortunately the day went by too quickly!  I had an amazing experience and accomplished everything I wanted to, and then some." The 805 Writers’ Conference brings Solution Providers to you, top publishing professionals who deliver unparalleled education. Each session gives you actionable information you can take home and put to work immediately be it on the craft of writing or the business of publishing. No fancy debates about philosophy, just solid tools and skills you can hone into a completed work you can be proud of. Have a book out there already? Then listen to our key marketing people who will show you new ways to promote your book, expand your audience, and sell more books. Got a book you think has movie or series potential? Meet producers and agents looking to take your book to the screen. Learn more at www.805WritersConference.com Register NOW

More about the Blogger

 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 now offered by Modern History Press, at a discount to visitors to this blog. The discount code in in the right column of the page. 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 (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/BookProposals) 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, 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)

Try Frugal (Free!) Twitter Pitches Offered by The Insecure Writer's Support Group

By Alex Cavanaugh and C. Lee McKenzie. 

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/

Why Did The Insecure Writers’ Support Group Start Doing Pitch Parties?

Twitter pitch parties are a fast, efficient way to connect writers with publishers and agents, and they’re gaining in popularity with both groups each year. Starting our own seemed like the next logical step. First, we’d grown to the point we could host a successful pitch party. Plus we wanted to offer our members and other writers another opportunity for finding an agent or publisher. Thus #IWSGPit was born.

What Happened During The Party?

Our latest #IWSGPit had about 5100 Tweets and became a trending topic on Twitter! Publishers and agents were happy to participate, as many were already watching the feeds of other pitch parties. Many reported finding good pitches and requested numerous queries and submissions from the list. (Dancing Lemur Press signed an author from last year’s pitch and another publisher found a couple of new authors.) Writers also reported many interested publishers and agents. Overall, it gave everyone a great way to connect and boosted the confidence of a lot of writers.

How Did We Put It Together?

After making the decision to host a pitch party, we checked with other organizations and people who run pitches, like Dan Koboldt who runs #SFFpit. Several of our admins were also quite familiar with the ins and outs of twitter pitches and helped plan the event. 

We selected a date and posted guidelines and a badge on the IWSG site. After that, we started promoting – in our newsletter, on the site, on Twitter and Facebook, and on our individual sites. We researched and sent invites to publishers and agents, especially those who’d participated in other pitch parties. We asked to be listed on sites that posted Twitter pitches for the year. When it drew closer to the date, we set a schedule for the admins to monitor the feed to be sure everyone was pitching according to the guidelines. It was a lot of work but completely worth it.

What Are IWSG’s Future Plans?

When we started, we hoped to do a Twitter Pitch Party twice a year, and now that we have two successful pitch parties under our belt, it will indeed be a twice yearly event. 

Our next #IWSGPit is Thursday, July 19, 2018! (For details and guidelines, visit http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-twitter-pitch.html) We’ll continue to expand our list of publishers and agents and reach out to other writers and writing groups. It’s a great opportunity and we don’t want anyone to miss it!

If you haven’t found us yet, we’re the Insecure Writer’s Support Group and a Writer’s Digest 2017 Best Site for Writers and The Write Life’s Best Site for Writers 2017/2018.

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter and #IWSGPit, and a monthly newsletter. 

If you’d like more about Twitter Pitch Parties, read this great article by L. Diane Wolfe on Reedsy. 

If you’re a writer (published, unpublished, traditional, indie, hybrid, fiction, non-fiction) you’re the person we want in our group. Join us today.

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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 )

Time for Authors Outside LA to Plan for Writers Conference, Great Weather

You are cordially invited to join o the Genre-LA 2018 Creative Writing Conference.  I will be speaking on marketing new books--and old. ("It is never too early or too late to market a book. "

This  educational and inspirational weekend will focus on the genres of Speculative Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Thrillers, Suspense, Mysteries, True Crime, Classic Romance to Urban Erotica, to Memoirs, Biographies, New Adult (YA), Christian, New Age, LGBT, Spiritual, Self-Help, and more. This will be a unique opportunity for writers to learn how to brainstorm and develop new ideas, visualize brave new worlds of wonder, create compelling memorable characters (both human and otherwise), plot and structure amazing story lines of imagination, and develop stand-alone award-winning novels, screenplays and graphic novels. PLUS, we will offer a general fiction writing track, which will (hopefully) include as many genres as possible and attract a broad-base of writers of books and screenplay to the event.

GenreLA 2018 will be held at Los Angeles California on February 23-25, 2018, and include a full weekend of panels, workshops and presentations with educators, noted speakers, and industry professionals  ­ and focus as always on the craft and business of writing. The conference differentiates itself by presenting unique creative writing program streams for (what we call the 3-A¹s) Aspiring, Active, and Accomplished writers of literature, as well as script writing for motion pictures, television, graphic novels and video games. Topics are offered in a progressive manner so writers are immersed all weekend in an exciting and educational environment. Attendees choose their areas of interest, and may change tracks at any time.  

This is a serious creative writing conference for writers, not a fan-based event. There are no costume balls planned, but festive attire, as well as business casual is welcome.

In addition to quality workshops, WC² will offer fee-based ProCritiques of attendee¹s work in a one-on-one meeting with professional editors and/or literary agents. This is a terrific opportunity and a cost-effective way for writers to receive constructive, professional feedback and advice on a novel or screenplay, and increase their chance for success. As always, WC² will also offer new talent with polished manuscripts free ProConsultationsto pitch literary agents and acquisition editors. http://www.wcwriters.com/1on1/index.html

We will continue to produce the very popular Greater Los Angeles Writers Conference June 22-24, 2018, the Digital Author & Indie Publishing Conference in the Fall, as well as a new wealth of workshops and retreats for writers of all levels and genres.

I

Tony N. Todaro Michelle Pincus Lillian M. Todaro

Executive Director   VIP Faculty/Guest Liaison   CFO, ProCritique Manager

  

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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 )

Have You Heard of a Twitter Pitchfest?

My friend L. Diane Wolf is offering a great way to pitch publishers and agents--fast!  It's called a Twitter Pitch Party and if it works out, it may become a regular.  Still, if you or an author friend has a book ready to pitch, don't miss this.  It may be a one of a kind. And see the amazing gatekeepers  you can reach (with links!), below!  Learn more at  http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-twitter-pitch.html

Here's the invitation:

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Twitter Pitch Party! 

#IWSGPit

July 27, 2017

8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time

All writers and authors are invited to participate in our very first Twitter Pitch.

Create a Twitter-length pitch for your completed and polished manuscript and leave room for genre, age, and the hashtag. On July 27, Tweet your pitch. If your pitch receives a favorite/heart from a publisher/agent check their submission guidelines and send your requested query. 

Many writers have seen their books published from a Twitter pitch - it’s a quick and easy way to put your manuscript in front of publishers and agents.

Rules: 

Writers may send out 1 Twitter pitch every 1 hour per manuscript.

Publishers/Agents will favorite/heart pitches they are interested in. Publishers can either Tweet basic submission guidelines or direct writers to their submission guidelines. (Writers, please do not favorite/heart pitches.)

Pitches must include GENRE/AGE and the hashtag #IWSGPit.

Ages: 
#C - children’s
#MG - middle grade
#YA - young adult
#NA - new adult
#A - adult
Genres: 
#AD - adventure
#CF - Christian fiction
#CO - contemporary
#F - fantasy
#H - horror
#HI - historical
#LF - literary fiction
#MCT - mystery/crime/thriller
#ME - memoir
#NF - non-fiction
#PB - picture book
#PN - paranormal
#R - romance
#SF - sci-fi
#WF - women's fiction

Participating Publishers and Agents: 

Acorn Publishing

Bond Literary Agency

Tiny Fox Press

Dancing Lemur Press

Dystel, Goderich & Bourret LLC

Entangled Publishing

Curiosity Quills Press

Rainbow Nerds Literary

Blaze Publishing

Inklings Literary Agency LLC

Owl City Press

Donald Maass Literary Agency

Carina Press

Anaiah Press

Speilburg Agency

Blue Ridge Literary Agency, LLC

Emerald City Literary Agency

Red Fox Literary

Fraser Bub Literary

Golden Wheat Literary

AB Literary Agency

Holloway Literary Agency

Dingbat Publishing

Aevitas Creative Management

The Knight Agency

Prospect Agency

Keen Editorial and Literary Services

The Friedrich Agency
Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management
Writers House LLC
The Seymour Agency
With more soon to come!

*Authors, please check out the publishers and agents before #IWSGPit day and before submitting.*

Please join us and spread the word! 


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 )

Finding Writers' Contests That Aren't Ripoffs--Win, Place or Show

Lately, I have been looking for contests that offer benefits to entrants even if they don’t win—benefits like critiques or ads or other exposure on a website. That search also includes contests that don’t require that a book be published.

The reason? When a book that hasn’t been published gets a nod from one of these contests, that honor can be used by an author or his or her agent to find a publisher. Or to find an agent. In other words, that win, place, show—or finalist—can lend some credibility to the one book you care about most, yours! Usually the one you are working on right now. Win, place, or show can make your book stand out in a query letter being sent to a publisher or an agent or it can be used as part of a prerelease marketing plan. In other words, it can give your book an edge over the hundreds of thousands other authors trying to get attention for their book.

Many of the contests at WriterAdvice.com run by B. Lynn Goodwin will do just that. My entry for my memoir Here’s How I Don’t Cook just placed finalist in Flash Memoir Contest. I excerpted 750 words from that book to meet the contest requirements and received a great critique to send to my agent, Terrie Wolfe at AKA Literary even before the finalist notification. Now I can add “Finalist” to the book proposal Terrie uses and I am—naturally—hoping for the “Winner” designation to add to that and the battery of critiques that come from the judges of the finalist entries. But if don’t win, I can use the critiques or take blurbs (excerpts) from one or more of them and use it in all kinds of marketing.

So now you know why I search for added benefits in the contests I enter. I also look at award benefits like subscriptions to the sponsoring journal, the size of the monetary award, and the amount of publicity they give their winners. Some even promise that your book will be recommended to an agent or publisher or that winners will be awarded a guaranteed review in a respected review journal like Midwest Book Review offers the winners of Writers' Digest's contests.

You can learn more about Lynn’s contests at WriterAdvice.com or you can reach her at Lgood67334@comcast.net. My next novel, This Land Divided, was a winner in that site’s Scintillating Starts Contest last year and my agent is working with it.  Isn’t it nice you could feasibly win that contest or some of her others in 2017—even if your book isn’t finished! And eve if you aren't a Number One, Top, Greatest Book of All winner!

 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 )