A #SharingwithWriters Multi-Level Lesson on Making a Single Promotion into a Work Horse

My precious #SharingwithWriters visitors and subscribers know that I love to share promotion that work on several levels. 

Here is one I did with WinningWriters.com that speaks to a long relationships.  So, lesson #1. Those who advertise for us writers or invited us to be guest posters for their blog or feature us on a podcast are (or should immediately become ) part of our networking team. Once something lovely happens to us or or books, that information goes immediately into our contact files (that's number 2!) and it's up to you to #3 return the favor at some point and a little later #4, pitch an idea where you can help them with content (or whatever else occurs to you).  Scroll down to the section with blurbs that Adam Cohen, principal at Winning Writers, chose to use for this ad for his email list that goes out to writers monthly--all part of his free newsletter subscription program. Hint: None of these blurbs are new. They are all gleaned from reviews (in this case old ones, but they could be new!)  Let's see, that would be #5. So now I go about letting those who gifted me with blurbs or reviews about this blog where they get more exposure for their books or other pet projects. It's a carousel that never need run out of energy! If this blog post (Adam's ad!) gets you started on a carousel of your own, I hope you'll let me know the details, (Number ???)  maybe refer back to this post with a link (Number ?) , and maybe we can work it into another article for this blog or just a quick tweet (Number ??). 

Hugs,

Carolyn 

"Carolyn is a long-time partner for our North Street Book Prize. Her books in the HowToDoItFrugally series are essential reading for authors, whether self-published or traditional." - Adam Cohen   HowToDoItFrugally     The frugal ticket for writing, editing, and marketing your books “Nothing demonstrates professionalism like a well-edited submission. Follow Carolyn Howard-Johnson's clear, step-by-step editing approach for putting your best book forward and you'll submit like a pro." — Gregory A. Kompes, conference coordinator, Las Vegas Writer's Conference "The Frugal Book Promoter. I love it. Most authors don't have deep pockets for publicity, promotion, and marketing; this is the kind of information we need! The chapter on the perks available on Amazon is a perfect example of the kind of practical advice offered—the kind that took me months to discover." — Rolf Gompertz, author, veteran publicist for NBC and 30-year UCLA Extension instructor in marketing See how Carolyn's books can help you with your critical publishing needs. You'll learn how to get your book noticed and stop wasting money.       The Frugal Book Promoter   Pick and choose from dozens of ideas for promotions that Carolyn developed or refined through extensive (and award-winning) book campaigns of her own.   Buy on Amazon   $6.95     How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically   The culmination of the nearly two decades Carolyn spent helping writers avoid pitfalls, misconceptions, and out-and-out scams perpetrated on unsuspecting authors...helping them reach their dreams of great reviews, great book tours, and great launches!   Buy on Amazon   $17.95     The Frugal Editor   There are gremlins out there determined to keep your work from being published. Banish them and impress agents, decision-makers, and readers with whistle-clean copy—from a one-page cover letter to your entire manuscript.   Buy on Amazon   $3.99     Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips for Writers   "...usage advice that cuts through the contentious world of grammar to offer real help. Writers polishing their manuscripts and query letters will find Howard-Johnson's guide more useful than Strunk and White." —June Casagrande, author of Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies (Penguin)   Buy on Amazon   $2.99     The Great First Impression Book Proposal   Many of Carolyn's clients hate writing book proposals and hate learning how to write them even more. Give her 30 minutes and she'll coach you through the process. "...golden-nugget-TO-DOs and smart ideas which can help guide writers past the Gatekeepers."   Buy on Amazon   $2.99   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. © 2001-2021 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

 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 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 (http://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and The Great First Impression Book Proposal (http://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 (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 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 (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 all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor (http://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow for news on her new releases direct from Amazon at http://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

Meshing Reading, Writing, and Marketing

A Memoir—and Marketing Technique--to Be Pondered 

 

From your #SharingwithWriters blogger and multi award-winning author of fiction, 
poetry and the HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers 

Here is a book that neatly combines my love of memoir and marketing. The dust jacket of this beautifully designed book explains: When God Says No by Judith Briles was first published in 1990, republished in 1994 and again in 1997.  But wait! Here it is again published in 2019 when it “took on a life of its own.” As I read, it became clear that in spite of its many touching memoir moments, it was the journey this book took along with that of the author that caught my attention—something that would illustrate to my readers that a book needn’t die. It can grow. It can become a classic. And that reviews are one of the marketing tools that can best make that happen!

The thing is, it can only happen if the author (or publisher!) knows or has a sense that it can and also knows how to make something so miraculous transpire. In fact, it is the best example I have run across for the authors I have tried to convince about the value of reviews. It illustrates these steps:

1. Know that these days books needn’t die as they once did when they were given ninety days before bookstores sent them back to publishers to be remarketed on discount sale tables or shredded! 
2. The author and/or publisher must realize a potential for a new edition or the magic never happens.
3. Such a realization is more likely to work well if the author has been keeping notes about new events, information, or ideas that affect the content—anything really, from a memoir to a how-to book. 
4. That authors and publishers who keep honing their marketing skills are most like to make this book successful—from the first edition to, well, whatever number the last might be.

Note: The author of this memoir has been sending me copies of her new books for several years, usually with a handwritten note—both a gesture of gratitude and a request for a review or blurb tucked inside the front cover. It’s part of her process and certainly one that should be added to the marketing repertoire of anyone who wants to make a career of writing books!

Those who know my HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers may have guessed that making a book into a classic by using repeated editions and putting reviews at the forefront of their marketing expertise is the reason I wrote , How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically: The ins and outs of using free reviews to build and sustain a writing career. One of my favorite sayings is MSNBC’s “The more you know…”  The future of one of your books may depend on just such a notion! 

 

More About Carolyn's 'Books Needn't Die' Theory

Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s first novel was set in Utah. This is the Place, has won eight awards and, though out of print, the paperback is still available in Amazon’s new and used feature—usually for less than a dollar. That’s another little tips for making a book into a classic. Letting Amazon keep it alive with their New and Used Book feature.  Her book of creative nonfiction Harkening, is a collection of stories most of them set in Utah. Also, out of print, it is also still “alive” and has won three . Her practical and detailed how-to book on promotion, The Frugal Book Promoteris an example of using editions for the same purpose. Published by Modern History Press in its third edition, it was once dubbed a “classic” by Bookbaby.com. The flagship book in the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers, it is available at http://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII. 

 

More About When God Says No

Title:  When God Says No

Subtitle: Revealing the Yes When Adversity and Loss Are Present

By Judith Briles

Publisher: Mile High Press, Ltd. (2019) 

Genre: Memoir

ISBN: 9781886431731

Available on Amazonas hard cover, paperback and e-book

 

 

 

One of my my Frugal Book Promotion Tips About Calendars and Your Marketing

Some days I just can't resist sending my FB friends one of my #FrugalBookPromoterTips:

So, What’s a calendar for? To list world-wide and national days of celebration for inexpensive (frugal!) ways to promote, of course! Just a few steps required:

1. Enter whatever date might be related to your product or business (Like National Writers Day!) on your calendar once.

2. Set the annual alert for a few days before.

3. Make the entry recur every year.

When you get an alert each year, socially network My favorite is #EarthDay and related environmental days (there are at least three other major ones!) for the poetry book Sublime Planet (http://bit.ly/SublimePlanet) by Magdalena Ball and me. You could work your posts around a discount, a contest, a giveaway or just your altruistic self.

 

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 (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)

Important News: SPAWN Gets New Name, Offers New Opps

To My visitors and subscribers: SPAWN has long been a favorite resource of mine, one I love to support. And now it will be even better!  Here are the details you need to get the most of it in its new designer duds, a media release that does what media releases are supposed to do: Media Release from Kathleen Kaiser, President:  Approaching our 25th year as a national literary nonprofit, the Small Publishers, Artists & Writers Network is changing our name to the Writers and Publishers Network. The change reflects the direction the organization has taken over the last few years of focusing on the needs of writers and small publishers in the digital age of publishing. We still support artists, but our primary members as of now are indie authors, freelance writers, and small publishers, along with book marketers and those offering publishing services such as cover design, interior layout, and more. The original intent of the organization was to be an online group. But twenty-five years ago, that goal wasn’t easy to accomplish. With new online services and educational programs, we hope to expand even more over the next two years. Technology had to catch up with our ideas. The new programs include a series of webinars by top publishing professionals launching in May. Titled WPN Publishing Webinars, topics will cover a wide range of topics on the business of writing, the book marketing element for either indie authors or small publishers. Many genre-specific organizations handle the basics of writing. WPN has transformed into being more about the business of writing. Our focus in the future will be business though we are investigating a series of master classes for the craft of writing. The May issue of SPAWNews introduces the new name and new title for the monthly newsletter, WPNews. The monthly members’ exclusive newsletter – SPAWN Market Update – will feature the new logo and name in May. Writers & Publishers Network’s new website will be live by June 1 at WritersAndPublishersNetwork.com. We will send out an eblast announcing the new site. We planned our introduction to be at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books this month. With the festival rescheduled to October, we will have a significant presence at the show, and all of our graphic materials will be ready. Already we have eighteen authors who will be in the booth over the weekend, most for one full day or both. Other projects launching soon: · Online writing critique groups · Weekly podcasts · Authors Helping Authors – a new program for everyone to join in the promotion of their books and those of other members. Until everyone is familiar with the new name and domain, SPAWN.org will forward visitors to the new website. We hope everyone will take advantage of all the new benefits of membership (discounts on all services, webinars, and events) that more than save the price of membership. If you have any ideas for more things we can offer, please contact me. I'd love to hear your ideas. Kathleen Kaiser President Kathleen@WritersAndPublishersNetwork.com

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 (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)

#TheFrugalBookPromoter #TheFrugalEditor #BookProposals #BookMarketing #BookPromotion #SharingwithWriters

An Opportunity for Children’s Authors and Readers to Help

MSNBC reports A new program for educating and feeding kids not attending school during these times.  Children’s books being read online  by stars on savethechildren.com. Stars like Amy Adams, Jennifer Garner, etc., are participating and it is free of charge. It is also associated with feeding kids who are  are lacking food because the schools— and thus the food programs associated with schools—are closed. The need is greater now than it was when they served those who were underfed before schools closed to protect them from the virus. They are also looking for donations.  This  program may also be an opportunity for lesser known children’s authors to have their books read.

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 (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)

Gene Cartwright Offers Great Badge for Exploring His Amazon List

My long time on-line friend Gene Cartwright is as passionate about helping other writers as I am. I received this note from him and thought I would share it with you--a valuable free badge for your book to use the way you like to use images. Did I say it is absolutely free. And it gives you an excuse to explore Amazonlist.ning.com and its subsidiary site that I'm most excited about, MyBooktoFilm.com. I love mine! (Scroll down to see it!)  Gene says, We're doing all we can to encourage authors to join us in building our network. We include features like, MyBooksToFilm, which could be a standalone site. Of course, there is an "all things free" view in eyes of most authors on the web, and we certainly understand.  To counter the formidable competition start-ups face, we offer even more. For a limited time, we will create a 3D image of one of the books of any new Elite Amazon Member  who signs up. Please let fellow authors know the value of what they receive here is far beyond our very modest support fee. Thsnks, Gene A similar coffer is made at our funnel site, AmazonList.net

Visit AmazonList at: https://amazonlist.ning.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

 

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 (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)

Still Time for Writers to Join Stellar Leadership

Just another recommendation from me to you, my treasured #SharingwithWriters visitors and subscribers. This memo from a writers conference director is an example of why I recommend this conference book fair—even for book display when you can’t be there—the only one I recommend in my The Frugal Book Promoter because without personal attention from authors they rarely work! This one, however, is frugal and coupled with benefits and solid publishing industry knowhow. Read through.  Especially the director’s benefits list! You’ll be glad you did!

MEMO #1 11/04/19

Dear Authors and Book Sellers,

Welcome to the eleventh annual Meet the Authors' Book Fair! It is on November 23 & 24, 2019, at the Eau Gallie Civic Center in Melbourne, FL. The doors open to the public at 10:00 AM and you may begin to set up at 9:30 AM. Please plan to stay until 5:00 PM.  

This is a happenin’ place for authors to re-energize, hang out, and chill with other writers–not to mention meet the reading public to sign and sell books! Please invite all you know to come and support you and the other authors for an enjoyable day. Encourage family and friends to do their holiday shopping early. Time to post on your blog, web page, FB and Twitter and to send out your email blast is now!

There are only three vendor tables still available at this time. We will continue to accept registrations until they are gone. Book Display Only applications are for those who want to display their books and business cards, but are unable to attend the Book Fair in person. See the registration form for additional information on this easy and inexpensive marketing opportunity at AuthorsForAuthors.com

BENEFITS TO PARTICIPANTS:

Included in your registration ~

1. Publicity for you and your work
2. Contact list of names, email addresses, and book titles of other participants for networking
3. Handout with your information for participants and visitors at the book fair
4. Gift folder with writing tips and related information
5. Networking with other professionals in your field
6. Ability to view and discuss marketing ideas with other authors
7. Opportunity to sign and sell your books
8. One table and two chairs provided (Please, no extra people at your table)
9. Table cloth and name tag provided
10. Bring your own tabletop displays, banners, promos, electric extension cords, books, business cards, laptops, etc.
11. Sunday only: Author's Book Exchange: Read & Review

More information will follow soon. Watch for MEMO #2.

If you have questions please email Valerie Allen at VAllenWriter@gmail.com.

Looking forward to seeing you at the book fair!

AuthorsForAuthors.com

VAllenWriter@gmail.com

Valerie Allen and Marshall Frank

-- 

~  Valerie Allen  ~

                                            ValerieAllenWriter.com                                                    VAllenWriter@gmail.com

Amazon.com/author/valerieallen

Write, Publish, Sell! 2 ed

Beyond the Inkblots: Confusion to Harmony

Amazing Grace
Sins of the Father

Suffer The Little Children

The Prodigal Son

Stories for the Man in Your Life

A Gift for Mom: Short Story Collection

'Tis Herself: Short Story Volume One

'Tis Herself: Short Story Volume Two

Summer School for Smarties

Bad Hair, Good Hat, New Friend

—-

More about the 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 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)

What Learning from Fellow Authors: What Authors Did Right . . .What Authors Did Wrong

It won't be long! I'm hoping visitors and subscribers to SharingwithWriters will check this writers' conference in Oxnard out. It's in Sunny California. At a resort. On the beach.  What better way to start November out before the holiday rush is upon you!

I am sending you a special invitation to join me on Saturday, Nov. 2, for a three-hour workshop. It's about how to get a book off to its best start--or keep it alive!  Or to relaunch it.  The web is our friend. With the right tools, we can keep our books alive for a long, long, LONG time--or use them to to move our careers forward--help keep those next books coming (and on top!). You'll also learn to build a media kit and use it as your forever go-to for the promotional materials you'll use every day. It can be your major time saver! I bring the bricks and mortar for your UN-virtual, hands-on kit!

Today I'm sharing one of the featured panels.  You'll love it. I have followed the trajectory of Patricia Fry's Kept Cat series, and believe me she has a few secrets to share!

If you are considering self-publishing, this is a must-attend panel. View this email in your browser

The 805 Writers Conference TOOLS — SKILLS — RESOURCES Delivering the information you need to succeed in publishing Three self-published authors recounts what they did right and wrong, how they found resources who helped them, and what were the most important lessons they learned bringing their books to life. From the left, Kimberly Davis Basso, Patricia Fry, and Ivor Davis. Want to learn the brutal truth about self-publishing? No punches pulled? There is no magic self-publishing fairy who will come, take your manuscript, edit it, design it, turn it into a book, and put it up on Amazon. And then, MOST IMPORTANT, promote it, so people buy the book. All three of our panelists have gone through the uphill battle to see their book come to life and sell. And they have met with success, but it took time, lots of effort on their part, and a good deal of cash. You may have written the greatest book on the face of the earth--but you must spend to spread the word. Publishing is a business. Some of the things the panelists will cover are from their personal experience: Authors need to know: What are my publishing options and the pros and cons of each. How to determine the best publishing option for your book. Not every publishing option is right for every book and every author. No matter which option you choose, the author is responsible for promoting his own book—even if you go with a traditional publisher. What are your marketing options? How do you find marketing resources? If the publishing process was a pie chart for the time and efforts spent by an author, the percentages are something like this: 35% writing and revisions (over and over) 10% on editing phases (there are more than one) 5% on the design, layout, and production of the book 50% marketing and promoting the book – on Amazon, on social media, via your website, book signings, blogs, and more for at least 6 months after release. Learn how these three writers embraced self-publishing and succeeded. If you are considering self-publishing, this is a must-attend panel. If you can't spend a whole day or the weekend, individual session passes on sale nlow. 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 Sponsoring literary groups

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)