Just Wonderin': About Those Expensive Writers' Organizations

When I was starting out in journalism at The Salt Lake Tribune, I often helped with the layout of some of the news pages. Part of that job was editing some of the column we got from news services like AP down to fit in the editorial space left after the advertising department had laid out their advertising for the day. That meant I was shortening some of the biggest and best known columnist of the time--and writing headlines for them. One of them was Ann Landers. Reading her advice was my favorite part of this duty. So now I include a similar column in my free #SharingwithWriters newsletter like the one below. You can get your full dose of writing advice by sending me an e-mail with "Subscribe" in the subject line to HoJoNews@AOL.com. Yes, I'll do it for you! I like to meet my subscribers "personally" when I can. 

 

 

Q&A a la Ann Landers

So, Just Why Should I Bother With Writing Organizations Again?

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QUESTION

Hi Carolyn,

I recently paid $100 to sign up to IBPA (Independent Book Publishers of America) and I am regretting it thus far. Am I missing something, or are all of the benefits they offer at an additional fee. It seems the only thing I get from them is their magazine. Hardly worth the price of admission. What do you use on their site, Net Galley? PR service. Do you pay to have them put your books at the book fairs?

I am curious because I have looked closely at the site and all of the member benefits are more money.

Thanks
Name Withheld

ANSWER

Each book and each author or publisher will benefit in different ways from IBPA and other organizations, but the Net Galley is wildly popular because it helps authors send out lots of review copies on a limited budget  The media release service discount helps anyone who uses them and, on occasion, news an author wants to disseminate is so newsworthy that they should try it (and discounts are always help!)

Also, you are good at writing content and I think you should keep submitting articles to them based on what you see (or don’t see!) in the magazine. They also like success stories from their members. Contact one of their regular contributors Linda Carlson and ask her what she needs. When I can contribute something positive and useful, I answer the questions Linda and others send me for the articles they are writing.  I have also written letters to the editor which have been published and sent releases of interest to writers for their online newsletter. And that is all at no additional cost. In general, to make any organization work for us, we authors need to get in there and make them know us.  

You’ll also want to check out their forum. Answer others questions and pose questions of your own. These are all important no matter what organization you join; it's not only a place to learn and help others, it's a place to gain name exposure. 

My husband Lance had good success with their library mailing for his What Foreigners Need To Know About America From A To Z (http://amzn.to/ForeignersAmericaUS) but he carefully chose from among the many catalogs they offer just because they are expensive. I think librarians were interested because immigrants are in the news right now and his book is perfect for that audience.

In general, don’t let your membership go idle. Use this first year to dig in and see how much you can benefit from it. I haven’t been to their conferences, but I’ve never been to any conference that I didn’t learn something new or meet someone I need to know.

CHJ

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Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of This Is the Place; Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered; Tracings, a chapbook of poetry; and how to books for writers including the award-winning second edition of, The Frugal Book Promoter: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher; The multi award-winning second edition of The Frugal Editor; and Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers . The Great First Impression Book Proposal is her newest booklet for writers. She has three FRUGAL books for retailers including 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. Some of her other blogs are TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com, a blog where authors can recycle their favorite reviews. She also blogs at all things editing, grammar, formatting and more at The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor .

IBPA Offers NetGalley Benefits to Members

Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) members get real help using the benefits of NetGalley.com. They say, "[with Netgalley] you can share galleys electronically, securely, and instantly with reviewers, media people, booksellers, librarians, bloggers, and other contacts. You save the expense of processing, and shipping and mailing galleys: IBPA does the work, including uploading your galley to the NetGalley catalog and advising you when reviewers request your title." Here is the page for NetGalley info: https://www.ibpa-online.org/benefits/marketing-programs/netgalley-book-review-express/#.UQBuSuiNzbI

And this page has some helpful FAQs: https://www.ibpa-online.org/benefits/marketing-programs/netgalley-book-review-express/ibpa-netgalley-program-faqs/#.UQBuyuiNzbI

And here are some testimonials from IBPA members who have used it:

From a publisher: “Loving working with you guys. One of the best investments we’ve made.” ~ Charles, Melville House Publishing”

From some reviewers: “I love Net Galley! Being a bookseller, this really helps me recommend books to customers and lets me know they’ll be happy with their purchase. Net Galley works wonderfully with my Nookcolor as well so that makes it so convenient.”
~ Rachel Shell Vance, via NetGalley Facebook Page

From a librarian: “I was exploring NetGalley last night and I am in love with it! It is so nice to be able to read ahead titles that are being published—especially in the Teen genre. And logging into NetGalley makes it that much easier for me to track! Thanks again for making my week!” ~ Amanda Tehonica, Reference/Teen Librarian, Flower Memorial Library

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Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of This Is the Place; Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered; Tracings, a chapbook of poetry; and how to books for writers including the award-winning second edition of, The Frugal Book Promoter: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher; The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success; and Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers . The Great First Impression Book Proposal is her newest booklet for writers. She has three FRUGAL books for retailers including 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. Some of her other blogs are TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com, a blog where authors can recycle their favorite reviews. She also blogs at all things editing, grammar, formatting and more at The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor .

IBPA Offers Valuable New Review Benefits

It took me a long time to join IBPA (Independent Book Publishers of America). When I did (it was called PMA then), I didn't think it did much for individual self-published authors so I dropped out. I joined again this year and am finding all kinds of services that have worked for both my husband (author of What Foreigners Need To Know About America From A To Z—  http://amzn.to/ForeignersAmericaUS), and now recommend it. Highly!

Here's a disclaimer, though. Like anything else, you can't just join. You must participate. And when you participate you must do it in a way to glean the biggest benefit. Example: I still believe that having your book displayed in a booth at BEA does you no good if you can't be there in person to sign it and market it in other ways. Details for making trade shows and book fairs successful are in The Frugal Book Promoter (www.budurl.com/FrugalBkPromo ). Of course!

Today I'm sharing just one of the many benefits I'm enjoy with IBPA. It's a new partnership with NetGalley.com which I mentioned in the last issue of my Sharingwithwriters newsletter (http://www.howtodoitfrugally.com)—before I even knew about this new partnership. The details from IBPA are below.

IBPA is proud to announce a new benefit exclusive to IBPA members, where IBPA members are able to save more than $500 and reach 50,000+ reviewers on NetGalley with the NEW IBPA/NetGalley Book Review Express program.

With NetGalley, IBPA members can share galleys electronically (and with full anti-copying protection applied) and instantly with reviewers, media, booksellers, librarians, bloggers and other contacts you save the expense of processing, shipping, and mailing galleys and IBPA does all the work!

IBPA has partnered with NetGalley to bring efficient, effective, AND affordable galley distribution to IBPA members. Exclusive to IBPA members, your 6-month title listing on NetGalley includes 3 NetGalley marketing programs designed to get your galley into the hands of influencers with the potential to spread the word about your new and/or upcoming book. Learn more about the new IBPA/NetGalley Book Review Express program at https://www.ibpa-online.org/Programs/NetGalleyReview.aspx

For a complete listing of member benefits, please visit http://www.ibpa-online.org/benefits/membenefits.aspx.

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Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of This Is the Place; Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered; Tracings, a chapbook of poetry; and how to books for writers including the award-winning second edition of, The Frugal Book Promoter: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher; The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success; and Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers . The Great First Impression Book Proposal is her newest booklet for writers. She has three FRUGAL books for retailers including 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. Some of her other blogs are TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com, a blog where authors can recycle their favorite reviews. She also blogs at all things editing, grammar, formatting and more at The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor . If your followers at Twitter would benefit from this blog post, please use the little Green widget to let them know about this blog:

Getting the Most Out of Organizations

I just joined (or rejoined!) IBPA (formerly PMA). Right after I received this rundown of benefits from Terry Nathan, the leader personified. (-:  I thought I'd pass them to my blog readers.  I think it's essential that authors who want to network, promote and otherwise build a writing career join organizations--goo ones. But here's my caveat. Look at what they have to offer before you spend your money. And determine what you will use, how you can be active and contribute, how you will benefit. Then weigh those things. Whether or not the organization will be worth the money spent is strictly up to us--the joiners. (-:

I have permission from Terry to reprint his letter:

Dear Carolyn,


Instead of going it alone and spending thousands on direct marketing campaigns, join your fellow IBPA members and get the maximum bang for the minimum buck with IBPA's marketing programs.


Take a look at the marketing opportunities below with immediate and upcoming deadlines. Please remember November 30th is the registration deadline only. For most programs, materials will need to be here by December 10th

NOVEMBER 30th DEADLINES

COOKBOOKS CATALOG MAILINGThis catalog produced by IBPA mails to 3,400 bookstore buyers, 3,000 reviewers, and 3,900 acquisition librarians. We will be featuring books in the following categories: Cookbooks/Cooking, Entertaining, Food Reference, etc. $350 per title. Click here: http://www.ibpa-online.org/programs/coopcats_target.aspx


PUBLIC LIBRARY MAILINGSend your fliers to 4,000 acquisition librarians at public libraries. $215 per flier.  Click here for details: http://www.ibpa-online.org/programs/library.aspx


PUBLIC LIBRARY ASSOCIATION (PLA) SHOWGet your own booth or display your book(s) at this every-other-year show, which attracts public librarians and support staff. $125 per title or $2,300 for your own booth. This year's show will be in Philadelphia, PA. Click here for more details.: https://www.ibpa-online.org/pubresources/exhibits_pma.aspx





OTHER UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

THE 24th ANNUAL BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AWARDSRecognizing excellence in both editorial and design, this award is regarded as one of the highest national honors in book publishing. Books with a copyright of 2011 are eligible to enter. Click here for more details: http://ibpabenjaminfranklinawards.com/


RELIGIOUS/SPIRITUAL CATALOG MAILINGThis catalog produced by IBPA mails to 3,400 bookstore buyers, 3,000 reviewers, and 3,900 acquisition librarians We will be featuring books in the following categories: Religion, Spirituality, Inspirational, etc. Sign up now. $350 per title. Click here: http://www.ibpa-online.org/programs/coopcats_target.aspx


BOOKEXPO AMERICA (BEA) SHOWGet your own booth or display your book(s) at this annual show attracting everyone involved in the world of publishing. This is the largest show in the US each year and this year's show will take place in New York City. $125 per title or $3,800 for your own booth. Click here for more details.: https://www.ibpa-online.org/pubresources/exhibits_pma.aspx


AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION (ALA) SHOWGet your own booth or display your book(s) at this annual show attracting librarians from around the country. This is the annual show of the American Library Association and this year's show will take place in New Orleans, LA. $125 per title or $2,450 for your own booth. Click here for more details.: https://www.ibpa-online.org/pubresources/exhibits_pma.aspx


K-12 LIBRARY MAILINGSend your fliers to 4,000 acquisition librarians at Elementary, Middle, Jr. High and High School libraries. $215 per flier. Click here for details: http://www.ibpa-online.org/programs/library.aspx


COLLEGE LIBRARY MAILINGSend your fliers to 3,200 acquisition librarians at College, Jr. College and University libraries. $215 per flier. Click here for details: http://www.ibpa-online.org/programs/library.aspx

IBPA/INGRAM MARKETING PROGRAMSDirect mail and electronic marketing catalogs will expose your books to Ingram Content Group's 28,000 retailers and libraries worldwide.
Click here for details: https://www.ibpa-online.org/Programs/ingramprogram.aspx



AND MORE. . .

PW'S ADULT SPRING ANNOUNCEMENTS - LIST YOUR TITLES FOR FREEPublishers Weekly, the leading trade publication, has partnered with Above the Treeline to collect title information for its very popular Spring Announcement issue. Title collection procedure for PW's spring adult and children's announcements-the Jan. 23 and Feb. 20 issues, respectively, is under way. The deadline for information, to be entered through the PW/Edelweiss portal, is Dec. 5 for adult titles publishing between Feb. 1, 2012, and July 31, 2012, and for children's titles, between Jan. 1, 2012, and June 30, 2012. Click here for more details and to register:
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/calls-for-information/index.html?record=63


If I can help in any way, please feel free to call on me anytime.


Terry


P.S. If you are receiving this after the deadline, please contact the IBPA office to see if there is still time to get into these programs.


--


Terry Nathan
Executive Director


PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBERSIBPA, the Independent Book Publishers Association
1020 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Suite 204
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266


Tel: 310.546.1818
Fax: 310.546.3939


terry@ibpa-online.org
http://www.ibpa-online.org


If you would rather not receive these reminders, please just let me know.

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Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of This Is the Place; Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered; Tracings, a chapbook of poetry; and how to books for writers including, The Frugal Book Promoter: How To Do What Your Publisher Won't; The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success; and Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers . The Great First Impression Book Proposal is her newest booklet for writers. She has three FRUGAL books for retailers including 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. Some of her other blogs are TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com, a blog where authors can recycle their favorite reviews. She also blogs at all things editing, grammar, formatting and more at The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor . If your followers at Twitter would benefit from this blog post, please use the little Green widget to let them know about this blog:

Author Opportunities Offered at a Special FRUGAL Discount

I know. I know. One more organization.

But here's the thing. If we authors join organizations and then get involved, they can do wonders for our careers. I highly recommend the National Association of Baby Boomer Women at many levels (they take such good care of their members!), but it is also an amazing vehicle for networking, especially if an author has a book that might appeal to the Boomer demographic. There are so many authors who are members that they have a special forum for them. So won't you check them out with this special FRUGAL offer for my visitors and subscribers from the "Boomer-in-Chief:"

If you are a baby boomer aged (born between 1946-1964) woman author whose work – fiction or non-fiction – targets or assists the burgeoning Baby Boomer Audience, here is a wonderful self-marketing opportunity which will benefit you every day.

Join the National Association of Baby Boomer Women. While there are dozens of great reasons for any baby boomer-aged women to belong, membership is a no-brainer for you if you are an author, as well.

Here’s Why You Need to Join the NABBW:

As an NABBW member who is also an author, you are eligible to receive the following:

• A review in our monthly newsletter, where it will be seen by our 7,000+ subscribers of any book you author and send to us.
• The same book review posted to our NABBW site, which you can link to on Amazon.com or use in any other way you desire
• The option for us to do a teleseminar together in which we can explore your topic of choice in an interview, and offer some sort of benefit to those listening on the call. Not to mention that all of our teleseminars are recorded, transcribed and archived, so NABBW members can listen to them at their convenience. (Note: a teleseminar is not something that we can guarantee all members will receive, but we select the experts for our monthly topics from among our members.)
• The opportunity to submit an article a month to be published on our site (See below for more details.)
• COMING SOON: Member blogs.
• COMING SOON: An integrated member directory, which will allow you to list your areas of expertise and interest, as well as contact information. Beneficial, especially if you also offer a service, like coaching.
• Both sites are top-ranked with Google with regard to the keyword phrase “baby boomer women,” and Google actually considers the NABBW site to be the authority site on that phrase. Which means we get a lot of traffic – all people who are your ideal audience.

AND occasional writing contests!

NOTE: Should you be interested in submitting articles or personal stories to share with your fellow NABBW members:

Look on the homepages of both sites for the guidelines on submitting articles (NABBW) or stories (Boomer Women Speak). You’ll find the rules posted under Member Articles on NABBW.com and under OUR VOICES, for the BoomerWomenSpeak.com site.

Here are a few additional pointers for submitting articles to the NABBW:
• NABBW Members can submit one instructional or "how-to" article per month.
• All articles must be in context and should not be stories or essays; however there is a category for humor.
• Once the article is approved, NABBW staff post it and send you a link to share your post with your audiences.
Finally, be sure to visit the Boomer Women Speak forums. There you’ll find loads of people to chat with on a variety of topics (hundreds of them), doubtless there are discussions of interest to you.

And here’s the biggest reason why you should join NABBW now. I have made arrangements with Anne Holmes, NABBW’s “Boomer in Chief” to get you a special “Starving Author” discount.

That’s right. Normally, membership is an all-out bargain at just $75/year. But if you join in the next 7 days – by June 17th – you can join for just $50, which is a full 33% off the normal rate of $75.

But don’t wait! I was only able to convince Anne to make this special offer for the next seven days.

Go check out the site. Don’t be put off by the fact that the site looks a bit dated. A new site is in the works. Meanwhile, Google considers the NABBW site an authority site for the keyword “baby boomer women,” and it gets a TON of traffic. Isn’t that just what you need to help you market your book?

Here’s the special link to join NABBW for just $50 for the year, which is 1/3 off the normal rate of $75. http://nabbw.com/bws50.php



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Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of This Is the Place; Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered; Tracings, a chapbook of poetry; and how to books for writers including, The Frugal Book Promoter: How To Do What Your Publisher Won't; The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success; and Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers . She is also the author of the Amazon Short, "The Great First Impression Book Proposal". She has three FRUGAL books for retailers including 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. Some of her other blogs are TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com, a blog where authors can recycle their favorite reviews. She also blogs at all things editing, grammar, formatting and more at The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor . If your followers at Twitter would benefit from this blog post, please use the little Green widget to let them know about this blog: