|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
 by: Jay Johnson Be sure to check out The Aton Project Newsletters at: http://www.self-publishinghelp.com/TheAtonProjectNewsletters.html. This newsletter, by author Tony VanSluytman, has been receiving rave revues despite it not being directed to writers. In addition, we encourage you to visit The Book Doctor at: http://www.self-publishinghelp.com/TheBOOKDOCTOR.html. You'll find his articles to be a must read for writers at all levels of accomplishment. We are quite proud of the contributions of these two dedicated authors and wish for you to learn more about them. *** Moonspinners Writer's Page (http://www.maureenmcmahon.com), the website of Maureen McMahon, has been voted one of the 101 Best Websites by Writer's Digest 2006 - specifically her Ask The Experts section, created in collaboration with fellow author Fran Silverman (http://www.maureenmcmahon.com/bookmarketing.html). The Experts Site is composed of 150 subscribers to Fran’s newsletter, Book Promotion Newsletter (http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com), who answer book marketing questions at no charge. Download: 10 Ways to Promote Your Book... Welcome our two (2) new sponsors... ADRdomainsPlus.com for Your Domain Names and Internet Products  BOTH have GREAT rates and EXCELLENT service!  A new radio show devoted to book marketing is making its debut on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 on Achieve Radio, noon to 1 p.m., MST. Host Francine Silverman will talk with authors, publishers and publicists, providing listeners with a unique perspective on book promotion. To access Book Marketing with Fran, go to http://www.achieveradio.com and click “Click to Listen” at top of page. Should you miss the show, click “Shows & Hosts” on the left and scroll down to Fran’s show and click, “More-Click Here” for the archives. Patricia Fry, president of SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists, and Writers Network) and author of 24 books, will be Fran’s first guest. Patricia’s latest book is The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book (Matilija Press 2006), a comprehensive guide for hopeful and struggling authors. Fran is author of Book Marketing from A-Z and editor publisher of Book Promotion Newsletter, http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com Issue 81: March 29, 2006 ISSN 1545-5599 BOOK PROMOTION NEWSLETTER Issue 81: March 29, 2006 EDITOR: FRANCINE SILVERMAN http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com http://www.nystatetravel.com Issued every other Wednesday since 2003 Please consider adding http://www.AuthorsandExperts.com and http://www.SchoolBookings.com to your list of resources. These are great places for authors, experts, and speakers to connect with members of the media, those searching for speakers, and schools. Free to schools and media members and an economical resource for authors and experts. In This Issue 1) Promotional Coups 2) Grist for your Mill 3) Feedback 4) A Good Question 5) Progress Report 6) Contest 7) Kudos INTRODUCTION My debut radio show had a major glitch and left me ruffled. I was using the computer, had my headphones on, the Booth and Skype programs were running, the digital clock numbers were counting down, and yet we were disconnected. Fortunately, my guest, Patricia Fry, was very patient with the technical difficulties and we managed to have a nice conversation on the time-tested telephone. What a way to start out my radio career!! Earlier in the day I had a radio interview with Catherine Franz on her Let’s Talk Marketing Show and it went well. Catherine later listened to my show and wrote me a warm note empathizing with my “hard time of it.” The archives are available at http://LetsTalkMarketingShow.com Arlene Evans, a colorblind expert and author of two self-published non-fiction books, COLOR IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER (2003) and SEEING COLOR: IT'S MY RAINBOW, TOO (2003), and a novel, DINNER FOR TWO, (Echelon Press Publishing 2005), http://www.CVDbooks.com, was my guest yesterday. Fortunately, the connection was perfect. Tim Leffel, world traveler and author of THE WORLD'S CHEAPEST DESTINATIONS, http://www.worldscheapestdestinations.com, will be my next guest. 1) PROMOTIONAL COUPS Tricia Molloy has found a way to increase traffic to her website and “create a buzz around the concept of using universal principles for business success. “With the help of my webmaster, I created an interactive Divine Wisdom at Work Quiz to help people determine how enlightened they are and encourage them to practice other principles for a more meaningful, prosperous and joyful business,” she says. “It adds up your score and then offers advice. As I continue to pursue media publicity, I expect some publications to use the entire quiz or excerpts from it. It's at http://www.divinewisdomatwork.com/Quiz.asp." Patricia is author of DIVINE WISDOM AT WORK™ 10 Universal Principles for Enlightened Entrepreneurs (Aha! House 2006), the first in a series of books. http://www.molloycom.com 2) GRIST FOR YOUR MILL Was there Fate in how you met your Mate? If so, we would like to hear your story for a sequel to The Simple Touch of Fate. www.thefatesite.com Please send stories to Arlene at auslander@theramp.net In sending out releases about my radio show, I was recommended to send one to Newton Love, editor of the e-news of the Maryland Writers Association. He is always looking for news. You can email him at newtlove@toad.net with writer related news, which he’ll post to the MWA E-Newswire. According to Newt, the current membership plus E-Friends is 616, and half of the E-Friends are editors of other newsletters. Book reviewer David Mitchell sent me an email that he thought might interest you. He is working with SelfGrowth.com to find “great self-improvement authors for a new paperback book,” being organized by founder David Riklan. http://www.SelfGrowth.com Some of the people who will be included in the book are Jack Canfield and John Gray. The second book in a series created by SelfGrowth.com, the title will be “101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Volume 2.” David will include 101 articles or short chapters from 101 experts in the self-improvement industry. The catch – and there is always a catch – is that you must purchase at least 100 copies of the book - at a 60% discount. If anyone is interested, I have the entire email with all the details and will forward it to you. David Stanley contributed the following: If you use Amazon links to sell books on your website, you probably aren't selling many copies in Australia and New Zealand. Nobody likes ordering from a company overseas. However, after a long search, I've discovered a couple of Amazon equivalents Downunder. http://www.fishpond.com.au focuses on the Australian market, but they actually ship from New Zealand so no Australian tax is payable. That makes them very competitive price-wise in Oz. http://www.fishpond.co.nz/ handles New Zealand orders. Both sites have efficient Affiliates programs which pay 10 percent commissions on all sales. I only signed up a few months ago, and I've already sold four books in New Zealand and 14 in Australia through the links on http://www.southpacific.org That may not seem like a lot, but those are books I probably wouldn't have sold otherwise, and it was very easy for me to add a few additional links to my existing website. If Fishpond doesn't currently sell your book, joining their Affiliates programs may be your foot in their door. David is author of several Moon travel handbooks. http://www.southpacific.org Shirley Cheng contributed the following: Attention authors and poets from the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico! Shirley Cheng will have a new page on her site called Readers Meet Authors from Alabama to Wyoming! where people can learn about authors throughout North America, including their interests and anything they'd like to share. So, all you authors out there, submit your information to be included in the upcoming listing for free with the following information: Name (under which you write your books); city (optional); state; up to five titles with the ISBN numbers and publishers; bio (100 words max); website URL; interests and hobbies (70 words max); and anything else you'd like to share with the world (100 words max), and send your entry to Shirley via her site at http://www.shirleycheng.com On April 3 on Lillian's SpeakOut, Shirley Cheng and her mother Juliet will be talking about the two serious issues Shirley advocates: parental rights in children's medical care and aide advocacy for students with special needs. The podcast recording will be available for download on Shirley's site soon afterwards. http://www.shirleycheng.com Erica Miner contributed the following: Do You Have A Great Idea For a Movie or TV Series - But You’re Not a Writer? Have You Always Dreamed of Writing a Screenplay - But didn’t know how to start or where to take it? If so, The Great Hollywood Story Search is your ‘must-attend’ event of the year! This two-day Conference event in San Diego from May 6-7 can help you: • Tell your story to Hollywood • Acquire a licensed Literary Agent. • Offer career guidance • Get your material to the networks and top producers And more! Our instructors for this exciting Conference are seasoned professionals. You can find out more about them and the event, and also register, by logging on to: http://www.greatstorysearch.com/index.php?page=home Download a pdf brochure about the Conference at: http://www.greatstorysearch.com/pdf/sandiego.pdf Seating is limited to 50 participants and always sells out quickly, so reserve your place asap! For the group discount of $99 (5 or more people from the same group), please use the “SD506” promotion code. The deadline for this discount is April 10, so act now! Brian Jud is conducting a series of weekly book marketing teleseminars, and recommends that you investigate them further. He may be able to help you increase your sales and profits, and he should certainly help you learn more about book marketing. The seminar will focus on one topic per week. You can visit the archives to re-listen to every session. The Book Marketing Weekly™ Teleseminars will be held from 7:00 – 8:00 pm EST every Thursday beginning April 6. Sign up for individual teleseminars or on a monthly basis. Mention "Francine Silverman" for a 20% discount. Please contact Brian directly at (800) 562 – 4357, brianjud@bookmarketing.com or for more information visit http://www.bookmarketingworks.com/teleseminars/BkWeekly.htm For a list of dates and topics: http://www.bookmarketingworks.com/teleseminars/Topics.htm To register and receive the supplemental material: http://www.bookmarketingworks.com/teleseminars/register.htm Betty Jo Tucker, aka Elizabeth Lawrence, will be one of three guests of Dana Taylor on the "Definitely Dana" radio show airing on www.healthylife.net on April 5, 2006 at 12 p.m. and on April 8 at 8 p.m. Pacific Time. Betty and her husband are authors of IT HAD TO BE US (SANDS Publishing 2001), and the show will focus on the subject of collaborating couples. The archives will be available in approximately 10 weeks. http://www.danataylor.net 3) FEEDBACK In the last issue, subscribers addressed three sides of the issue of whether writers should always be paid for articles, originally posed by Cindy La Ferle. Marian Van Eyk McCain now presents “The Fourth Factor.” “Every time the subject of 'to charge or not to charge' (fees for our writing) comes up, the same thing happens,” she says. “One side says it's important to charge fees because if you don't you're undercutting all the writers who depend on fees for their bread and butter. “The other side chimes in with, ‘What about us struggling newbies for whom a byline is worth more than a measly check?’ “Then in comes the voice of reason: sometimes it is important to charge a fee and sometimes it is more important to get the exposure now in order to get more sales (and thus more money) later. “I have seen this debate over and over again on writers' sites and in writing magazines. And it always seems to boil down to a question of money now or money later. “What never seems to rate a mention is the other purpose for which some of us slog away at our keyboards day after day. The one I call ‘the fourth factor.’ “I write the things I write because, no matter how misguided, egotistical or deluded others may think I am, I believe I have something to give to the world around me. When I wrote my book about living the simple life, I wrote it because I want to inspire more people to simplify their lives and reduce their ecological footprints. When I wrote my books about women and aging it was because I wanted more women to enjoy their 'third age' the way I'm enjoying mine, instead of dreading it. My writing is my way of trying to 'make a difference' in my retirement years, rather than whiling away the time playing golf. And when readers write and tell me that I've made a difference in their lives, I'm over the moon. Much more so than if I had received a check. Yes, I want to make lots of sales but I'm happy to give the money away or plough it into more publicity. “So when we're choosing the best strategies for marketing and promoting our writing, wouldn't it help to take a closer look at what the 'bottom line' is for each of us? “We all have one thing in common (I think). Which is that we all want our books to be best-sellers. But why do we want that? “Is it because we dream of being billionaires, like JKR? Is it because we want to make a good living at doing something we enjoy? Is it because we want fame and celebrity status? Is it because we are passionate about getting our message out there and making a difference in the world? Is it some of those or all of them? Or something else I haven't considered? “The answers may be as diverse as we are. “So do our answers to these questions affect the strategies we use, or doesn't it matter? “I think it behooves us to consider these questions. For if our personal 'bottom line' does affect our choice of promotional and marketing strategies, then we need to be clear about that so that our strategies are optimally chosen. And if it doesn't, then let's stop having this debate about 'to charge or not to charge' . For if we are clear about our motives, then for each of us the path ahead will at all times be obvious.” Marian is the author of TRANSFORMATION THROUGH MENOPAUSE (Bergin & Garvey, 1991), ELDERWOMAN: REAP THE WISDOM, FEEL THE POWER, EMBRACE THE JOY (Findhorn Press, 2002) and THE LILYPAD LIST: 7 STEPS TO THE SIMPLE LIFE (Findhorn Press, 2004) http://www.elderwoman.org http://www.lilypadlist.com Julia Buckley was wondering "how to avoid resentment of local booksellers who might be selling your book,” since they might “feel angry” if the author did a signing at a Borders right down the road. “I'm not sure who's been advising Julia, neither am I sure that they are correct,” says Pamela S. Thibodeaux, author of TEMPERED HEARTS and TEMPERED DREAMS, published by Writers Exchange Epublishing in 2000 and 2001, part of a five part series contracted by Com Star Media, revised and re-released in 2005. Pamela has “dealt with big chain stores such as Books A Million and small, independent stores like Bent Pages (Houma, LA), and found the store owners at the latter “give you more personal attention. Now, that's not saying the employees of chain stores simply ignore you! Many of them are just as excited to have you in the store as you are to be there. “However, I have never come across any type of 'resentment' with either. Bookstore owners understand that it takes a LOT of work to get your books out there and selling...NO one should hold it against you if you're willing to do that! “My suggestion is to approach both with a personal, friendly visit and be as accommodating as you can in their requests. I'll bet both will be more than happy to host a signing. Besides, it brings publicity and traffic to the independent store that they might not have otherwise.” http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com “When an author does a local book signing, the store has as much to gain as he or she does,” says Carol Weston. “If I can stack a store with book-buying friends, I'll have a festive feel-good evening, and the bookseller will make some money.” Carol likes to "support the independent bookstores that I love” and “are willing support me by keeping my books in stock,” she says. “I live in New York City and have had signings at stores like The Corner Bookstore (Upper East Side) and Ivy's (Upper West Side). But only Borders and Barnes & Noble have the bucks to invest in newspaper ads, and having your tiny face in the paper, or your giant book cover in the window is excellent publicity.” Bottom line: I try to mix it up so that with one book I go independent (good karma), and with the next I go with a bigger store (good publicity), and both stores stay aware of me. Most of us can't generate enough book buyers to pull off two successful signings in the same neighborhood for the same book, so choosing is necessary. But big or small is a win-win. “As for the resentment question, remember: You've Got Mail? A big store won't hold it against you for having a signing at a small store, whereas a small store that likes doing signings may appreciate your event. Of course, some stores don't want the bother. “In general: Book signings are most effective when you can provide some audience members (local friends), or when you can talk it up on TV or radio or with flyers (always a challenge), or in December (when people are on a buying frenzy). When I do local signings, I also serve homemade chocolate chip cookies. I just do. Always have.” Carol is the author of MELANIE IN MANHATTAN (2005) and three other Knopf children's novels about Melanie Martin, as well as GIRLTALK (2004, now in its fourth edition) and FOR GIRLS ONLY (HarperCollins 2004). www.carolweston.com. 4) A GOOD QUESTION Saul Silas Fathi self-published his two books, his memoir, FULL CIRCLE: ESCAPE FROM BAGHDAD AND THE RETURN, and HISTORY OF THE JEWS AND ISRAEL, both in 2006, and is “looking for a capable Literary Agent and a script writer in order to free up time to relieve the pressure of marketing and leave time to more writing.” Any recommendations? http:www.saulsilasfathi.com Randy Peyser would like to know if anyone has had experience with Book Masters, which is a distribution and fulfilment company for self-published books and small presses. Randy is author of CRAPPY TO HAPPY: SMALL STEPS TO BIG HAPPINESS NOW! (Red Wheel/Weiser 2002) and of an upcoming book, MIRACLE THINKING. http://www.randypeyser.com 5) PROGRESS REPORT Following are the connections I made for my clients: Francina Harrison, “The Career Engineer,” was interviewed by Dr. Gayle Carson on Tuesday, March 21, from 7:30 to 8 p.m. EST on her show on Entrepreneur Radio, "Women in Business." http://www.gaylecarson.com To listen, click Entrepreneur Magazine Women in Business Show and scroll down to #3. Click title of talk. Francina is author of A MIND TO WORK: THE LIFE AND CAREER PLANNING GUIDE FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT NEED TO WORK (iUniverse 2004). http://www.thecareerengineers.com Shoshanna Katzman is booked on two radio shows: On Sunday, April 2, 2006, she'll be the guest of Dr. Victor Zeines, a Holistic Dentist schooled in nutrition, and his co-host, Michael Dresser, on the Dr. Victor Zeines Show on http://www.healthradionetwork.com, at 7 p.m., Eastern time; and on Wednesday, April 19, 2006, 8 a.m., PST, she'll be on Kathryn Morrow's show, Tomorrow's Health on http://www.healthylife.net. Shoshanna is author of QUIGONG FOR STAYING YOUNG: A SIMPLE 20 MINUTE WORKOUT TO CULTIVATE YOUR VITAL ENERGY (Avery Penguin Group 2003), and co-author of FEELING LIGHT - THE HOLISTIC SOLUTION TO PERMANENT WEIGHT LOSS AND WELLNESS (Avon Books 1997). Patricia Canterbury will be guest of Angela Shelf Medearis of Diva Productions' Inside and Out radio show at 9 am (California time) on Wednesday, April 19, 2006. http://www.divapro.com http://www.medearis.com/insideout.php Patricia is author of THE SECRET OF ST. GABRIEL'S TOWER (Regeje Press 1998), the first of a proposed five book middle-grade historical mystery series, A Poplar Cove Mystery. CARLOTTA'S SECRET (Rbe Pub 2001) is the first of her children's eight chapter book contemporary fantasy mystery series, The Delta Mysteries. A major motion picture studio has optioned Carlotta's Secret. http://www.patmyst.com I came across a radio show hosted by Randy Gilbert called “The Inside Success Show.” It’s hard to tell if he charges guests (a policy I abhor). On the left, click “Learn How To Be A Guest” to see if you fit its theme of pro-activity and whether you think there is a charge. http://online-talk-radio.com 6) CONTEST Susan Taylor Brown is running a contest to win a free galley copy of Hugging the Rock. “I just received the galleys for my new middle grade verse novel Hugging the Rock and I want to give people the chance to read the book before the published copy hits the bookstores,” she says. “All you have to do to enter is sign up for my free newsletter which will keep you informed of my latest book news, speaking events and other info on my writing life. You can sign up here: http://www.susantaylorbrown.com/mailinglist.html (It's a double-opt in process so make sure you answer the confirmation email or I will have no record of you signing up.) On 4/21/06, I will draw one name from the list of subscribers and that person will win an ARC of Hugging the Rock. Refer a friend and get more chances to win! Each referral earns you an additional entry in the contest! Refer 1 person, get 1 extra entry. Refer 10 people, get 10 extra entries. 7) KUDOS Best-selling relationship authors and husband and wife Judith Sherven, PhD and Jim Sniechowski, PhD were interviewed by COSMO for a wedding article related to their new book, THE SMART COUPLE'S GUIDE TO THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS. The article will appear in the June issue. You can go to http://www.smartweddingcouples.com for a complimentary 2-chapter excerpt from their book. Film reviewer Betty Jo Tucker was quoted in the Hartford Courant in an article on March 23, 2006 and two of her books were mentioned: CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT (Hats Off Books 2001) and the biography of SUSAN SARADON: A TRUE MAVERICK (Hats Off Books 2004). http://authorsden.com/bettyjotucker Kathe Gogolewski returned from a three week trip in the SF Bay Area where she "sold class sets of my book plus the Teachers' Guide to seven teachers in two school districts," she reports. "I received rave reviews and the Palo Alto Unified School District in Palo Alto, CA, is making my book, TATO, part of their core curriculum." http://www.TRI-Studio.com Jan Eckles was quoted in a New York Times article on March 1, 2006 about jobs at home for the disabled. The reporter wrote: "Janet Eckles, 53, of Orlando, Fla., who is blind, works full time for Language Line Services of Monterey, Calif., taking calls from hospitals and courts that need a Spanish translator. Clients call a central number and are routed to either Ms. Eckles or hundreds of other translators. Ms. Eckles uses a computer to train other Language Line interpreters over the phone. For that, she uses a Windows program called JAWS, for Job Access With Speech. It is customized to let her navigate her computer using a keyboard rather than a mouse, and it reads the output into one ear while she talks to a trainee, like a television anchorwoman taking cues from a producer." "It does take some getting used to," she said. Francine Silverman is author of CATSKILLS ALIVE (second edition) and LONG ISLAND ALIVE, both published in 2003 by Hunter Publishing and geared to every interest. To learn more about her guidebooks and for links to hundreds of attractions on Long Island and in the Catskills, visit Fran's one-stop website at http://www.nystatetravel.com BOOK MARKETING FROM A-Z (Infinity Publishing 2005) is written by 325 paid subscribers to Book Promotion Newsletter and available at http://www.buybooksontheweb.com (Category: Marketing) and at http://www.amazon.com Subscribers are entitled to a 20% discount. Contact Fran at franalive@optonline.net for code. The publisher's toll free number does not work outside the continental US and orders cannot be processed from its website for shipping outside the US. Subscribers in foreign countries who wish to purchase the book with the discount may email Michelle at michelle@buybooksontheweb.com or fax an order (610/941-9959). She will provide confirmation that your order has been received and will be processed promptly. When using these options subscribers should put everything to Michelle's attention and reference the Promotional Code (contact Fran for code). If emailing Michelle, DO NOT put your credit card number in any email correspondence as this is not secure. Mail: Infinity Publishing, 1094 New Dehaven St, Suite 100, West Conshohocken, PA 19428 To subscribe: http://www.mailermailer.com/x?oid=12216r Go to Fran's BOOK PROMOTION NEWSLETTER site Issue 82: April 2006 ISSN 1545-5599 BOOK PROMOTION NEWSLETTER Issue 82: April 12, 2006 EDITOR: FRANCINE SILVERMAN http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com http://www.nystatetravel.com Issued every other Wednesday since 2003 Please consider adding http://www.AuthorsandExperts.com and http://www.SchoolBookings.com to your list of resources. These are great places for authors, experts, and speakers to connect with members of the media, those searching for speakers, and schools. Free to schools and media members and an economical resource for authors and experts. 1) Feature Article 2) Promotional Coups 3) Grist for Your Mill 4) Misery Loves Company 5) Progress Report 6) Feedback PUBLISHING YOUR FIRST BOOK? Hire a good copy editor who is familiar with all aspects of the self-publishing process. Read more about Sigrid Macdonald at http://www.sigridmacdonald.blogspot.com http://visitdamourroad.blogspot.com. INTRODUCTION Maureen McMahon, who is host of my Expert Site and lives in Australia, informs me that her site, specifically the Ask The Experts page, made the 101 Best Sites for 2006 in Writer's Digest! The Ask the Experts page is a collaboration between the two of us. "A friend just checked her WD magazine and there it is," Maureen writes. "I hope this brings more traffic." http://www.maureenmcmahon.com I am thrilled since 150 of you are featured as experts on the site answering book marketing questions for free. I hope that you will announce this good news in your newsletters and possibly on your websites. It's a win-win for us all! I had travel author Tim Leffel on my radio show last week and he made a good point. Tim's book, THE WORLD'S CHEAPEST DESTINATIONS (Booklocker 2002) is about value travel and he often sends the media press releases tied to the news. As a result he's been quoted in such prestigious publications as the Wall Street and Newsweek, as well as USA Today, where he was interviewed. I asked him how an author with a POD book gets quoted in these high-end publications, and he responded that while they may not review your book, they will frequently quote you if “you speak with authority on the subject” of their article. Moreover, he points out that “frequently a lot of [reporters] don't even know the difference” between one publisher and another. http://www.worldscheapestdestinations.com Speaking of self-publishing, I was amazed to read that Hedda Nussbaum, the battered ex-wife of Joel Steinberg, who beat their six-year-old daughter to death, published her new book, “Surviving Intimate Terrorism,” with PublishAmerica! To think, she was once an editor at Random House! The New York Times covered her book signing. I guess it helps a self-published author to be involved in a murder to get the major media to notice you!! 1) FEATURE ARTICLE Children's book author Max Anderson had sent me this email about his own experience as an author and I decided to use it as a feature article: The combination of 8 titles, the reviews, interviews, and email promotions, brought me to a point where my work became attractive to other publishers. Today, 10 of my titles are being considered by 4 large publishers. This made me a person of interest to an agent, so that relationship was started about a month ago. In the publishing business, each step leads to the next. I had set out on a 5-year plan, once the first book was published in September of 2003. I'm way ahead of where I thought I'd be at this point, but nowhere near where I'd like to be. I've learned a lot along the way. However, the first thing I realized was that we may be the creative force, but publishing is a business. If you understand this, then everything you do will fall into place along those lines. A person needs to decide, up front, where he or she intends to go. Map it out. Stick to a plan. Work very hard. Then, and only then, will you stand a chance in a field where opportunity is shrinking every day. Adventure books for readers 8 and up http://www.maxbooks.9k.com 2) PROMOTIONAL COUPS Debora Hill and her co-author Sandra Brandenburg, author of the novel, THE LAND OF THE WAND (Fire Mountain Press 2006), participate on Amazon.com's “word search” program. “It's called 'Inside the Book' -- authors send in a hard copy of their novel or book, and researchers choose keywords to direct people who are searching Amazon for books,” explains Debora. “Authors should go to Amazon.com and search for 'Inside the Book'.” Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell writes that “the nice things about 'events' is that there are event calendars everywhere that you can use for publicity purposes - as long as you keep the description short. We even have a state-based television station that broadcasts event listings….before any event…..I give a buzz to the local TV station and tell them that if the day isn't busy, to stop by - we'll have refreshments and a free book! That should entice them.” Stacy's newly published book is CONSUMMATE CONNECTICUT: DAY TRIPS WITH PANACHE, published by her new publishing venture, Cat Tales Press Inc. (Purr-fect Books for Purr-fect People). http://www.cattalespress.com. Stacy's free e-newsletter includes “some nifty weekend trips from around the world as well as DE-stressing advice.” Richard Brawer's best promotional effort was for his murder mystery, MURDER GO ROUND (iUniverse 2003). The motive for the murder was an antique carousel so he joined the National Carousel Association and the American Carousel Association, “obtained their membership lists, and promoted by direct mail,” he recalls. “Also there is a 'Friends of' (a specific antique carousel, i.e., Santa Monica, CA, Rochester, NY, Colorado, etc). I contacted all these groups by direct mail, sent a small donation ($5.00 was sufficient) and they mentioned my book in their newsletter. I received over $500 in royalties..” Yet not everyone loved the book. See “Misery Loves Company.” Richard's latest book is MURDER ON THE LINKS (HFFO 2005) Back in July, 2005, Ethel Stockton, 90, read several articles in O magazine about the need to learn how to live alone and like it. She popped off a letter to the magazine “telling them so and giving them some info on how I did it,” and received responses from readers wanting to know more about her. “Before I even got my September issue I began having letters from readers of that magazine,” she says. “Evidently, their magazine goes out to the east coast faster than it gets here [west coast] because I didn't get my copy until almost a week later so I was startled to say the least.” One reader was writing a book about a journey of wise women and asked to interview Ethel. Two writers bought all three of her books. In the letter to O, Ethel had written how, at age 86, she moved to Mazatlan, Mexico, to live alone, and was able to write fiction for the first time. Then when she returned to Seattle to sell her books “about an independent woman who is 77 when the story begins and 85 when it ends,” she discovered she “was in demand as a speaker.” Ethel's most recent books are OLD is a 4-letter word (Authorhouse 2003), OLDER IS BETTER (New Concord Press 2004) and NOT TOO OLD (New Concord Press 2005). http://EthelStockton.com 3) GRIST FOR YOUR MILL Subscribers Carolyn Howard-Johnson, Allyn Evans, Joyce Faulkner and Kathe Gogolewski, together with Marilyn Peake, have put together audio classes for writers (available as MP3s and CDs). According to Allyn, an audio in this series on Visualization is a bestseller on http://www.fictionwise.com. "We writers are having a blast creating and producing these audio courses," she says. "Not only is it a fantastic inexpensive promotional tool, but also I am learning so much from all the participants. It's really hard to take notes while moderating!" Carolyn shares, "Our latest round of audios, which will be available by April 1st, are packed with information. This time, we produced courses on Point of View, Book Fairs and Trade Shows, and Flesch Readability Score." Joyce Faulkner delivered the presentation on Flesch. Allyn adds, "I have a confession to make. I wasn't very excited about the topic at all, but after listening to Joyce I changed my mind. What a valuable tool for writers of all genres. And since most people don't use it, understanding and using the readability score and related tools definitely gives a writer an advantage." For more on vital subjects that pertain to writers everywhere - from technology to promotion to the craft of writing - check with the growing list of Double Dragon Publishing audios by visiting: http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/imprintlist.asp?imprint=PODRADIO This was contributed by Rick Frishman: We have an amazing full day workshop scheduled for May 18 in Washington DC. The cost is $299. AUTHOR 101 UNIVERSITY is the place to be if you're an author, publisher or aspiring author. You'll hear top publishing and marketing experts, including MC Mark Victor Hansen, reveal tools and techniques to get your book published and double or triple your income as an author or publisher. Your registration fee also entitles you to attend the after-event cocktail party - where you'll have the opportunity to meet and network with the speakers at the event plus the industry experts from the Publishing Panel and all the other attendees. Go to http://www.author101university.com?afid=132563 and get the details. 4) MISERY LOVES COMPANY Tina Volpe is owner of Canyon Publishing and her book, THE FAST FOOD CRAZE, WREAKING HAVOC ON OUR BODIES AND OUR ANIMALS, was published in 2005. When she submitted her book to Publishers Marketing Association's trade distribution program, it “was turned down because they thought that my fonts were all over the place, and my cover has a chicken on it and they mentioned they had no idea what a chicken had to do with fast food… (KFC?, McDonald's, Chicken McNuggets?)… Not to mention that chickens are the most tortured animal in the food chain.” http://www.fastfoodcraze.com Richard Brawer writes murder mysteries and his book, MURDER GO ROUND, was published through a cooperative program between iUniverse and Mystery Writers of America that no longer exists. “Part of the program was a review in 'Publisher's Weekly,'” he recalls. “I have never seen such a vindictive review in my life. It was like the reviewer was very mad at having to review a self-published book. He even gave a bad review to the dedication. Have you ever heard of any reviewer reviewing the dedication? Thank God I didn't dedicate it to my wife. Then I would have had to shoot someone.” Richard notes that all the other reviews were positive. http://www.rbrawerbooks.com [Interestingly, Richard “best promotional effort” was for Murder Go Round. See Promotional Coups]. 5) PROGRESS REPORT The following are spots I found for my clients: John A. Henderson, MD was interviewed by Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists, and Dennis Hovitz of NYC Atheists, on Saturday, March 25, 2006 on The Atheist Viewpoint on cable television. “We taped 4 one-half hour TV segments that will be shown across the country in Apr and May,” he reports. “The AA office is in Cranford NJ. We discussed my two books: God.com: A Deity for the New Millennium (Dorrance Publishing 2002) and FEAR FAITH FACT FANTASY. (Parkway Publishers 2003). To view the stations, each of which decides independently when to air the program, go to http://www.atheists.org and click “Cable TV Show” on the left and then click “about.” John was also invited on Bob Enyart Live (BEL) on KGOV radio, http://www.KGOV.com in Iowa. At Bob's direction, John contacted the producer, Ray Greybar, and “will be debating a right wing fundamentalist preacher on the subject of 'Does God Exist.' He is planning for the third or fourth week in April.” John said it would be aired over TLT in Denver with 4.2 million viewers. (Also aired in Des Moines). http://www.johnhenderson-god.com Shoshanna Katzman's appearance on the Dr. Victor Zeines Show was postponed from April 2 to Sunday, April 9, 7 p.m., EST, because the show was canceled. She'll be the guest of Dr. Zeines, a Holistic Dentist schooled in nutrition, and his co-host, Michael Dresser, on http://www.healthradionetwork.com. Shoshanna is author of QUIGONG FOR STAYING YOUNG: A SIMPLE 20 MINUTE WORKOUT TO CULTIVATE YOUR VITAL ENERGY (Avery Penguin Group 2003), and co-author of FEELING LIGHT - THE HOLISTIC SOLUTION TO PERMANENT WEIGHT LOSS AND WELLNESS (Avon Books 1997). Erica Miner will be a guest of Moira Shepard on “MidLife Miracle” on Monday, October 2, 2006, at 2 p.m., Pacific Time. Moira has been hosting “Triumph Over Trauma,” but as she explained, “I noticed a large percentage of my guests have had traumas tied in some way to midlife crisis… Toward that end, I am segueing 'Triumph Over Trauma' into a new show, 'Midlife Miracle,' starting in May, around the MidLife Miracle workshops I am creating.” http://www.TriumphOverTrauma.com A violinist with the Metropolitan Opera before a car accident ended that career, Erica is the award-winning author of TRAVELS WITH MY LOVERS (Authorhouse 2002). http://www.ericaminer.com Rae Pica, a children's movement specialist, will be taping a telephone interview for The Parent's Journal radio program on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at 11 a.m. The host, Bobbi Conner, will be interviewing Rae on the topic of Toddler and Preschool Play and Activity. The date the show is airing is still unknown. http://www.parentsjournal.com Rae has written more than a dozen books for educators, such as TEACHABLE TRANSITIONS: 190 Activities to Move from Morning Circle to the End of the Day (Gryphon House 2003), and WIGGLE, GIGGLE, SHAKE: 200 Ways to Move & Learn (Gryphon House 2001). YOUR ACTIVE CHILD: How to Boost Physical, Emotional & Cognitive Development Through Age-Appropriate Activity (McGraw-Hill-Contemporary Books 2003), is her first trade book. Written for parents, it details the importance of physical activity in the child's life and education. http://www.movingandlearning.com Cynthia Brian was invited by Anges Van Volkenburgh, DVM to her radio show, The Psychic Veterinarian: Loving Your Pet to Health, on wsRadio on April 19, 2006 from 5:45 to 6 p.m., PST for a live broadcast. http://www.psychicvet.com http://www.wsradio.com Cynthia's latest book is MIRACLE MOMENTS (West Coast Publishing 1996; Starstyle Productions 2004). http://www.star-style.com Ben Romero was a guest on The DeMarco Show this past Saturday, April 8, 2006 at 10:30 p.m. http://www.benromero.com. Both Ben and I were a bit leery about the show's content since the website seems to indicate a non-family format. Fortunately, the Saturday show, at least, is serious. "It was a great interview, lasting approximately fifteen minutes," Ben reports. "On the DeMarco show they talk about anything and everything. During my interview it was all clean and professional. We discussed my books, my writing style, my favorite authors, and my opinions on current immigration situation. I was asked to keep them posted about my next book and let them know when it comes out in print so I can be invited back on the show." Ben's fifth book is CHICKEN CHISME: THE FINE ART OF GOSSIP (2005). His sixth book, CHICKEN CHISTES: AN ANTHOLOGY OF SOUTHWESTERN HUMOR, will be published late this year. All his books are published by Trafford. http://www.benromero.com 6) FEEDBACK Cindy LaFerle sent along thanks for the latest response to her question about payment for articles: “Just wanted to pass along my appreciation for this week's newsletter, and to Marian McCain, http://www.elderwoman.org, who responded so eloquently to my little 'debate' on whether or not a writer should allow her/his work to be published without payment. She made some marvelous points, and I agree with all the factors she has mentioned. (Of course, the members of my professional journalists group won't agree, but that's OK.) “It's really a situational thing, and I like the way Marian broke it down into four factors. This question comes up -- every time -- in my personal essay writing workshops; even new writers, eager to assemble a portfolio of clips, wrestle with it. I will print out Marian McCain's comments from the newsletter -- with permission, of course -- and share them with my students. [Marian gave her permission]. Cindy is author of WRITING HOME (Hearth Stone Books 2005), a collection of her newspaper columns on family, parenthood and homemaking. http://www.laferle.com Cindy was interviewed by fellow subscriber Alana Morales on a site called Mom Writers Literary Magazine. http://www.momwriterslitmag.com/profile1.htm 7) KUDOS In the April issue of Real Simple, Anne Fletcher is quoted several times in the feature titled, "Secrets of Thin People." She is also quoted throughout "Instant Fixes for Any Diet Setback" in the April issue of Fitness Magazine. Anne is author of THIN FOR LIFE: 10 KEYS TO SUCCESS FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE LOST WEIGHT & KEPT IT OFF (Chapters Pub 1994) and its sequels, published by Houghton Mifflin, EATING THIN FOR LIFE (1998) AND THIN FOR LIFE DAYBOOK (2003). The publisher also put out SOBER FOR GOOD: NEW SOLUTIONS FOR DRINKING PROBLEMS - ADVICE FROM THOSE WHO HAVE SUCCEEDED in 2002. In 2007, Houghton Mifflin will release Anne's new book, WEIGHT LOSS CONFIDENTIAL: HOW TEENS LOST WEIGHT AND KEPT IT OFF - AND WHAT THEY WISH PARENTS KNEW. http://www.annemfletcher.com Joyce Faulkner's collection of dark fiction, LOSING PATIENCE (2004), the first book published by Red Engine Press, drew a “Notable” in the 2006 Writer's Notes Book Awards in the “General Fiction” category of Writers Notes Magazine (http://hopepubs.home.comcast.net/writers.html). The magazine recognizes work from small and mini presses and independent publishers. In this, her first collection of short stories, Joyce ponders the natural and supernatural aspects of mortality. Joyce's most recent book is a novel called IN THE SHADOW OF SURIBACHI (Red Engine Press 2005), the story of seven young men who join the Marines for different reasons and meet at the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. http://www.JoyceFaulkner.com Francine Silverman is author of CATSKILLS ALIVE (second edition) and LONG ISLAND ALIVE, both published in 2003 by Hunter Publishing and geared to every interest. To learn more about her guidebooks and for links to hundreds of attractions on Long Island and in the Catskills, visit Fran's one-stop website at http://www.nystatetravel.com BOOK MARKETING FROM A-Z (Infinity Publishing 2005) is written by 325 paid subscribers to Book Promotion Newsletter and available at http://www.buybooksontheweb.com (Category: Marketing) and at http://www.amazon.com Subscribers are entitled to a 20% discount. Contact Fran at franalive@optonline.net for code. The publisher's toll free number does not work outside the continental US and orders cannot be processed from its website for shipping outside the US. Subscribers in foreign countries who wish to purchase the book with the discount may email Michelle at michelle@buybooksontheweb.com or fax an order (610/941-9959). She will provide confirmation that your order has been received and will be processed promptly. When using these options subscribers should put everything to Michelle's attention and reference the Promotional Code (contact Fran for code). If emailing Michelle, DO NOT put your credit card number in any email correspondence as this is not secure. Mail: Infinity Publishing, 1094 New Dehaven St, Suite 100, West Conshohocken, PA 19428 Issue 83: April 2006 ISSN 1545-5599 BOOK PROMOTION NEWSLETTER Issue 83: April 26, 2006 EDITOR: FRANCINE SILVERMAN http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com http://www.nystatetravel.com Issued every other Wednesday since 2003 INTRODUCTION I have come to appreciate the importance of growing, changing and moving on. This newsletter spawned a book, which in turn spawned an Expert Site, which spawned my publicity service, which spawned my radio show on Achieve Radio, http://www.achieveradio.com, which spawned my blog - at http://bookmarketingwithfran.blogspot.com - which spawned my second radio show on subscriber Lillian Caldwell's Internet Voices Radio, http://www.internetvoicesradio.com. That show will be called Book Marketing Café and will be aired on Monday at 2 p.m., EST., either as a podcast or live - beginning May 8, 2006. Each cog along the way has widened my world. The radio show certainly added hundreds of authors to my radar screen, and the blog - for radio hosts, station managers, guests and listeners - has introduced me to folks with creative answers to my questions. Some emailed me directly and we've become Internet buddies. I initially resisted starting a blog, figuring I had the newsletter as my forum. But Internet radio is a relatively new phenomenon and, since, to my knowledge, there are no e-groups in which to network with other hosts, I decided to create a blog. It's as easy as pie to set up and edit - and completely free. Go to http://www.blogger.com and follow instructions. In less than 10 minutes, you'll have a blog. In This Issue: 1) Feature Article 2) Promotional Coups 3) Grist for your Mill 4) A Good Question 5) Progress Report 6) Feedback 7) Kudos 8) Correction 1) FEATURE ARTICLE Create a National Association by Fern Reiss Whether you're trying to get a literary agent and need what agents and publishers call a national 'platform,' or you're self-publishing your books and just looking for increased sales, one of the most effective things you can do is to create a national association. Creating a national association quickly positions you as the expert in a niche. Moreover, it positions you as an authority to both the general public and the media. I recently helped one of my Expertizing clients create a national association to showcase her expertise. Katie Jay weighed more than 300 pounds when she underwent the weight loss surgery that changed her life. Now, having slimmed down to a size 8, she's created the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. Here's how she did it - and how you can create a national association to enhance your positioning and book sales: Lock in the website. The first thing to do is to lock in the website domain name for your association. When journalists do a story the first thing they usually do is Google to see to whom they should speak. If you're the director of a national association on their topic, you're going to be one of their first go-to sources. The first thing Katie did was to lock in the NAWLS.com and NAWLS.org websites for her organization; she also locked in NationalAssociationforWeightLossSurgery.com so, though unwieldy, it's more likely to contain the words that journalists will Google. Create a board of directors. In order for your association to have credibility, you'll want to put together an appropriate board of directors. Unless you're creating a nonprofit foundation (ask your accountant whether it's worth the paperwork involved) there are no legal requirements for board members, so just think about getting a mix of people who will provide useful advice for your fledgling organization. Katie invited well-known bariatric surgeons, dieticians, and weight loss therapists to join her board. And don't forget to thank the individuals who have taken the time and energy to serve on your board and contribute to your association. Katie keeps her board members in the loop about what's happening with the association, and invites the group out for a celebratory dinner once a year to express her appreciation. Put your content online. Once Katie had a board of directors in place, she began soliciting content from them, in the form of articles and columns. The more content your association can disseminate on your niche topic, the more useful-and credible-it will be, and the more experts who contribute their knowledge, the bigger the influence. Heavy content on your website also boosts your search engine rankings -so we're working on not only putting Katie's content on the NAWLS website, but posting it in various spots online as a syndicated weight loss column to increase her incoming links and boost her rankings. (We're also inviting other organizations and sources to add in-bound links, and we're posting tantalizing press releases online as well, all with the goal of increasing those coveted search engine rankings.) Put together a juicy member package. People are used to getting free content online, so you'll need more than information to make your association successful. Piece together a subscription package that includes special reports, books, special offers from related vendors, discussion forums, and other perks that will appeal to your target market. Katie offers a discussion forum, samples of various weight loss products supplied by her advertisers, and a complimentary copy of her book, Dying to Change: My Really Heavy Life Story. The book isn't available in bookstores, only via membership in the association - and instead of collecting $14 per copy for just the book, she can charge $79 per membership. Moreover, she has none of the hassles typically associated with bookstore sales - no returns, no crummy credit terms, no distribution snafus. Go after the media. To grow your association, you'll need to get press attention. Luckily, a national association is usually an easy sale for a journalist. Katie's had press interest already from publications and media as diverse as CNN to the National Enquirer. And as always, the more press you get, the more journalists will be interested in you. Press attention feeds on itself, so get started! Listen to your members. Then sit back and take your cues from your members. If they want more discussion, set up a forum. If they're asking for more advice, get a few writers to answer their questions. If they're looking for more freebies, see if your advertisers would be interested in tossing in some loot. Katie's members were looking for more inspiration in their daily lives -so Katie began sending them a daily inspirational thought via email to keep them on track. The best way to have a successful association is to really listen to what your members want and need - and then deliver it. So consider whether founding a national association will take your platform where you want to go. And then get out there and start one! Fern Reiss of PublishingGame.com/Expertizing.com, is the author of The Publishing Game book series. Sign up at http://www.PublishingGame.com/signup.htm http://www.PublishingGame.com/worshops.htm for her complimentary monthly email newsletter. 2) PROMOTIONAL COUPS Aaron Lazar, author of the LeGardeMystery Series, contributed this tip: “Exchanging bookmarks is a great way to give a friend's book a boast,” he says. “Peter Pellissier is the author of a hilarious collection of boyhood stories set in the late sixties, entitled, Ham Loaf Hawaiian. Pete and I met on a writing board and discovered that we both were engineers, dads, gardeners, etc. We developed a friendship over the months, helping each other with various phases of publishing and promoting. When Pete does a booksigning event in Pennsylvania, he passes out my Double Forte' bookmarks. I return the favor at each of my events in Upstate NY. It's a nice way to spread the word across state borders without investing a great deal of money!” http://www.legardmysteries.com Reach a targeted worldwide audience with your ad! Your message on Fran's Achieve Radio website is a fraction of the cost of an ad for network radio. The current price list for airing announcements is given below. Price breaks are given for longer lengths of contract duration. Monthly Price, Length of Contract, Total Cost $41.66--12 months--$500 $50.00---6 months--$300 $75.00---3 months--$225 $100-----1 month---$100 Regular advertisers who wish to run announcements sporadically, i.e., for an upcoming event or newly published book, will be charged $15 per 30 second spot or $20 per 60 second spot - to run an average of six times a day. Banner ads are $400.00 a month and will appear on both Fran's radio site and her newsletter website. The radio station also has advertising packages that may interest you. Please visit: http://www.achieveradio.com/ARAdvertisingRates.htm 3) GRIST FOR YOUR MILL Cynthia Brian's nationally syndicated radio program, Starstyle®-Be the Star You Are! has a new time and new call-in numbers for the live broadcast. You can listen live every Wednesday from 5-6pm PST/8-9pm EST at http://www.worldtalkradio.com/show.asp?sid=118. The show takes calls from around the world. TOLL-FREE PHONE NUMBERS: 1. STUDIO A: 1-866-613-1612 2. STUDIO B: 1-866-613-1613 * INTERNATIONAL TOLL CALL PHONE NUMBERS: 1. STUDIO A: 001-858-268-3068 2. STUDIO B: 001-858-27 Listeners are encouraged to call these lines as well to speak with the renowned guests. For a list of syndicated networks, visit: http://www.star-style.com/radio/index.htm Karen Magill has revamped her website and is looking for links of self-published authors for her Resources page. You may send her your link with a short description. If it's too long, Karen may edit it. Email Karen at hbkbabe@telus.net http://www.karenmagill.com We're about a month away from the Author 101 University event - an amazing full day workshop scheduled for May 18 in Washington DC, just before Book Expo America. The registration fee is $299. Go to http://www.author101university.com?afid=132563 and get all the details. Valerie Connelly, publisher at Nightengale Press, is reaching out to authors and industry experts to join her on “CALLING ALL AUTHORS” a popular, cutting-edge Internet talk show on Global Talk Radio. CALLING ALL AUTHORS presents a dynamic and entertaining focus on mostly independently published books. Authors talk about their books, promote events, reveal lessons learned in writing and publishing and explain marketing hurdles they have overcome. Industry experts talk about writing, manuscript submission, publishing trends, marketing success and publicity tips. Some industry experts on CALLING ALL AUTHORS include Jan Nathan, PUBLISHER'S MARKETING ASSOCIATION, Peter Chamlis, FOREWORD MAGAZINE, MaryGlenn McCombs, MARYGLENN BOOK PUBLICITY, Irene Watson, READERVIEWS.com, Francine Silverman, BOOK PROMOTION NEWSLETTER, and Lee German, Publisher, SYLVAN DELL PUBLISHING. Display ads and 60-second commercials are also available. Listen to archives at http://www.globaltalkradio.com/shows/callingallauthors. Appear on the program: email publisher@nightengalepress.biz. Include your book's title, ISBN, Price, and a short 300 words or less synopsis of your book or explanation of your expertise. Authors are charged $45. Lee Ann Butler of Lullalee Productions would like to help Gretchan Pyne raise funds for Lulu's Foundation. It began a few weeks ago when Lee Ann read a touching article about the tragic death of Olivia Lynn “Lulu” Pyne and the mother, Gretchan, writing a children's book entitled "Lulu's rose colored glasses" - the proceeds to benefit the Olivia Pyne Foundation. “There was an article in the Ladies Home Journal (April) about the family,” says Lee Ann “Lulu's books have sold over 10,000 copies as a self-published book...and have been an inspiration to several people...as you can see it has made a difference in my life.” If you want to help, you can email Gretchan directly at angels@lulubellebooks.com http://www.lulubellebooks.com http://www.lullaleeproductions.com Film critic and author Betty Jo Tucker has been invited to discuss her favorite Mystical Movies on the DEFINITELY DANA radio show, airing on HealthyLife.net April 26 at noon and April 29 at 8 p.m. (both Pacific Time). The show will also be archived for 10 weeks. The show highlights artists, authors, and performers who use their creativity in positive ways. http://www.danataylor.net http://www.authorsden.com/bettyjotucker The following was contributed by Lisa Lenard-Cook. Author of DISSONANCE, short-listed for PEN Southwest Book Award, and COYOTE MORNING, a Southwest Book of the Year. http://www.lisalenardcook.com “Attention women fiction writers: This is a fabulous opportunity. I had lunch with Darlene Chandler Bassett, founder of A Room of Her Own Foundation, a few weeks ago, and she is determined to exponentially increase the number of applicants for this wonderful grant. “Please feel free to forward this email to anyone you think might be interested in applying. Don't be daunted by the lengthy application; the deadline is not until February 1, 2007, and the award is $50,000.” The application fee is $35 and all monies support programs for creative women. Application and instructions are available for download at http://www.aroomofherown.org/giftfreedom_application.html Gianni (Nan) Hayes, host of a radio show on American Voice Radio (AVR), will be interviewing Robert and Mary Schindler, the parents of Terri Schiavo tonight, April 26, 2006, from 8-10 p.m., EST on AVR. The Schindlers' appearance marks the one year anniversary of the death of their daughter whose feeding tube was removed by the order of her husband, Michael Schiavo, resulting in 13 days of starvation. If listeners cannot get the show on their FM dials, they may also access it through http://www.theamericanvoice.com, or by podcast, or through a phone bridge by calling 712-580-1100, and putting in the code #97524. A chatroom at the web address is also set up for listeners, as well as a toll free call in number, 1-800-433-1429. The show is re-broadcast every Saturday, 8:00pm, EST. 4) A GOOD QUESTION Tricia Molloy posed an interesting question. “I don't think it's a good idea to post your newsletter on the Internet,” she wrote. “I assumed that this was a kind of private exchange between members and I don't think our questions or comments should be posted online. This could prevent members from writing freely, like the interchange of whether we should be paid for our articles or consider the exposure our payment. Do you agree?” Tricia is author of DIVIINE WISDOM AT WORK: 10 UNIVERSAL PRINCIPLES FOR ENLIGHTENED ENTREPRENEURS (Aha! House 2006). http://www.molloycom.com http://www.divinewisdomatwork.com 5) PROGRESS REPORT These are spots I found for my clients: Shoshanna Katzman reported that she was taped on Kathryn Morrow's show, Tomorrow's Health, on April 18, 2006, and that it will air today at 8 a.m., PST at http://www.healthylife.net. It is then placed in the archives to be listened to 24/7 for 1-3 months at http://www.healthylife.net/RadioShow/archiveTHK.htm Kathryn wrote a very sweet note to Shoshanna following the taping: “What a beautiful light you are. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with my listeners. Thank you for the book. I know it will be well used. I can not wait to order your video.” Shoshanna was also on the Dr. Victor Zeines Show with Michael Dresser and Victor. Both shows went well, she says. Shoshanna is a Qigong expert, director of the Red Bank Acupuncture and Wellness Center in Tinton Falls, N.J. and author of QUIGONG FOR STAYING YOUNG: A SIMPLE 20 MINUTE WORKOUT TO CULTIVATE YOUR VITAL ENERGY (Avery Penguin Group 2003). Her companion DVD is directed by Eli Kabillo (Mad Dog Films) and Lorna Thomas (Swing Pictures). 6) FEEDBACK Regarding Richard Brawer's tale of woe about his bad review: “I had a similar problem with some reviews.,” says Cheryl Wright. "I regularly Google my name to check that no one has plagiarized my articles etc., and came across two of the most vindictive reviews I've ever read," she says. "Both were way off the mark when it came to the storyline, so it was blatantly obvious they hadn't even read the entire book before writing the reviews. "I'm not normally riled up about reviews, although of course - like any author - I don't like bad reviews. But these were way over the top. Quite a number of good reviews had already been received, and the book (Saving Emma) has been in the publisher's best seller list three times, so it's not like the book was horrid. "I spent days trying to get over those reviews, but just couldn't get beyond them; it just really got to me that they'd written such horrid things about my book without having read it. "It was totally out of character for me, but I ranted on the Authors Unlimited blog about it. I had quite a few responses - both privately and on the blog - and it seems that this has happened to many authors. As people say, if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." http://www.cheryl-wright.com http://www.writer2writer.com 7) KUDOS Norm Goldman reports that Book Pleasures has now reviewed more than 1000 books and has interviewed over 200 authors. “Our reviewers come from Canada, USA, India, Pakistan, Germany, UK, Scotland, Thailand and other places around the globe, giving us an international perspective,” he says. “Counted among our group are attorneys, professors, authors, scientists, teachers, journalists, post-grad students, engineers, and many more.” http://www.bookpleasures.com Husband and wife Judith Sherven, PhD and Jim Sniechowski, PhD were recently interviewed by Don Aucoin about their new book, THE SMART COUPLE'S GUIDE TO THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS, for the Boston Globe. The article will run in April. They will appear on "Good Day Atlanta" during Sweeps Week. The PAX network will be running 2 half-hour special interviews with Judith & Jim about their wedding book, THE SMART COUPLE'S GUIDE TO THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS and their third book BE LOVED FOR WHO YOU REALLY ARE. And they're offering a complimentary download of their teleseminar "Revealing the Causes of Common Relationship Problems" at: http://www.judithandjim.com/your_gift.html You can watch them talking about “The Power of Asking” on Albany's Time Warner Capitol News 9 -- where they do a weekly "Relationships 101" segment. Just go to: http://www.capitalnews9.com/content/headlines/?ArID=175508&SecID=33 Be sure to click on “Play” to watch the 3 minute interview. David Stanley's article "A Hiking Guide to Easter Island" on http://www.travel-rants.com/?page_id=199 was selected as "Blog of the week" for Easter weekend on the website of Britain's only urban national newspaper, Metro.co.uk http://www.metro.co.uk/yourmetro (print circulation 1,004,607 copies). The websites of two subscribers were voted among the 101 Best Websites for Writers by Writers Digest Magazine, as announced in its May 2006 issue: http://www.spawn.org (Patricia Fry) and http://www.fundsforwriters.com (Hope Clark) In addition, http://www.maureenmcmahon.com/bookmarketing.html - the “Ask the Experts” page on Maureen McMahon's website - in which 150 subscribers answer book marketing questions for free, was among the winners. The Expert Site is a collaboration between Maureen and myself. Debra A. Kemp's historical novel, THE HOUSE OF PENDRAGON I: THE FIREBRAND (Amber Quill Press 2003), is the June Book of the Month Selection at Renditions of Camelot, a Yahoo group devoted to Arthurian literature. “I would like to invite my readers and friends to join Renditions of Camelot and participate in the discussion about how I created my story and characters, and whatever else you want to know!” she says. “Follow the link below to subscribe: RenditionsOfCamelot-subscribe@yahoogroups.com See you in June at Renditions of Camelot!” The book was a finalist in both the 2003 Dream Realm competition (for best fantasy) and the 2005 EPPIE awards (for historical fiction) http://www.telltalepress.com/debrakemp.html 8) CORRECTION It was announced that Cynthia Brian would be a guest on The Psychic Veterinarian on April 19 but that show was canceled. Cynthia's correction is that Miracle Moments™ (1986) is not her latest book, although it's in its ninth printing with the latest release in 2005. More recent books are CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE GARDENER'S SOUL (HCI 2001), BE THE STAR YOU ARE! (Ten Speed Press 2001) and THE BUSINESS OF SHOW BUSINESS (Starstyle Productions 2002). http://www.star-style.com Francine Silverman is author of CATSKILLS ALIVE (second edition) and LONG ISLAND ALIVE, both published in 2003 by Hunter Publishing and geared to every interest. To learn more about her guidebooks and for links to hundreds of attractions on Long Island and in the Catskills, visit Fran's one-stop website at http://www.nystatetravel.com BOOK MARKETING FROM A-Z (Infinity Publishing 2005) is written by 325 paid subscribers to Book Promotion Newsletter and available at http://www.buybooksontheweb.com (Category: Marketing) and at http://www.amazon.com Subscribers are entitled to a 20% discount. Contact Fran at franalive@optonline.net for code. The publisher's toll free number does not work outside the continental US and orders cannot be processed from its website for shipping outside the US. Subscribers in foreign countries who wish to purchase the book with the discount may email Michelle at michelle@buybooksontheweb.com or fax an order (610/941-9959). She will provide confirmation that your order has been received and will be processed promptly. When using these options subscribers should put everything to Michelle's attention and reference the Promotional Code (contact Fran for code). If emailing Michelle, DO NOT put your credit card number in any email correspondence as this is not secure. Mail: Infinity Publishing, 1094 New Dehaven St, Suite 100, West Conshohocken, PA 19428 Betty B's Arcana Connection by Betty Bradford Byers INNER-VIEWS WITH CELEBRITIES Short Stories Corner Poetry Corner Write On Southwest...Book Reviews by Connie Gotsch The BOOK DOCTOR Book Reviewer's Corner Public Service links And so much more! | Return Home | The BOOK DOCTOR | The BANYON NETWORK | The Banyon Buzz Newsletters | The Aton Project Newsletters | Contact Us | |
||
 |
 |