September 2006 Newsletter #30


	Fall's on the way! 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) sponsors...** ADRdomainsPlus.com for Your Domain Names and Internet Products BOTH have GREAT rates and EXCELLENT service! A New Radio Show... A new radio show devoted to book marketing made 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 BOOK PROMOTION NEWSLETTER Issue 92: August 30, 2006 ISSN 1545-5599 BOOK PROMOTION NEWSLETTER Issue 92: August 30, 2006 EDITOR: FRANCINE SILVERMAN http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com http://www.nystatetravel.com Issued every other Wednesday since 2003 ================= The annual fee for this newsletter is $7.50 Please send cash or check payable to Francine Silverman to Francine Silverman, P.O. Box 1333, Riverdale, New York 10471, or make payment via PayPal to franalive@optonline.net ================= In This Issue: (1)Feature Article (2)Promotional Coups (3)Grist for your Mill (4)Subscriber Seminars (5)Progress Report (6)Contests (7)Kudos (8)Correction (1) FEATURE ARTICLE When Your Topic is Timely by Fern Reiss A client emailed this week describing a book he is publishing on the current Middle Eastern crisis and asking my opinion. If you've ever contemplated doing a 'hot' book, you'll know how tempting and compelling the thought can be. But there are dangers in doing a newsworthy book. It's not rocket science to publicize an 'evergreen' topic. Even if you get off to a slow start, you can build on your publicity for years. But what if you've chosen to publish on a topic that's extremely newsworthy-at the moment? If you're thinking about publishing on a hot timely topic, read on. Reconsider. I'd be remiss if my first piece of advice weren't to urge you to reconsider. It's much more difficult to publicize a hot, newsy book-because your window of opportunity is much, much tighter. Fad topics can dim much more quickly that you might imagine. Moreover, with a timely topic it's much more complicated to attempt to estimate demand and print a reasonable quantity of books. Your capital and time investments are also going to be more complicated, because you'll need more of your money (and time) up front. And although it's easy to get excited by the thought of a sudden demand which nobody else is meeting, it's not uncommon for a bigger publisher to 'crash' a book and beat you to the punch. So don't publish a timely book unless you're 100% sure you know the market-and that you have the resources to do the job properly. My book, Terrorism and Kids: Comforting Your Child, was the first 9/11 book on the market (it came out one week after September 11th) - but I wouldn't have succeeded if I hadn't already independently published, and even then there were challenges I hadn't anticipated. Decide on your sales terms carefully. In general, book terms need to be standard, or the books won't sell. That means offering wholesalers full returnability, among other things. But the danger of marketing a hot topic with standard terms is that bookbuyers may perceive more demand than exists-and you don't want to be stuck with returns if you (and the wholesalers, or the chainstores) guess wrong. Terrorism and Kids was sold non-returnable, just to ensure that the chainstores wouldn't order quazillion copies and then return them. This is one situation where you can set your own terms and get away with it-because the industry's interest in your book will outweigh their usual reluctance to accept non-standard terms. Be sure your vendors are on board. If you're trying to 'crash' a timely book (the publishing industry's term for getting a book to market speedily) then you need to be sure your vendors are with you. Talk to your cover designer, editor, interior designer, and printer early and often, and make sure they all understand the importance-even more than usual-of your deadlines. This might be one time to consider digital printing, even at a higher cost per book, since it can significantly speed up your printing schedule. Consider non-book options. Something you should definitely consider is whether a book is, in fact, the appropriate medium for your material. Books take a lot of time, energy, and resources to publish; for a hot topic, you might be better off disseminating your ideas another way. Think about CDs, podcasts, blogs, email newsletters, wikis, and ebooks in addition to standard printed books. These are easier and/or less expensive to produce than a standard book, and involve less time from creation to consumer-definitely a plus with a timely topic. Be sure you know how you'll market the book. Marketing is always the crucial element in a book campaign; with a book that has a timely element, it's even more critical. If your window of opportunity for selling the book is only, say, a few weeks or months, then you need to really hit the ground running-and that means lining up your marketing ducks almost overnight. Be sure you totally understand the audience, the niche, and the sales venues you'll pursue. I still don't recommend crashing a book for most independent publishers; it's a tricky business that can easily backfire. But if you're determined to pursue a breaking-headlines topic, try following these guidelines. And let me know how it goes. Fern Reiss is CEO of PublishingGame.com Sign up for her complimentary monthly email newsletter on how to get more media attention for yourself, your book, and your business. http://www.PublishingGame.com/signup.htm ================= (2) PROMOTIONAL COUPS “Just look what exposure can do for you,” says Patricia Fry, whose latest book is THE RIGHT WAY TO WRITE, PUBLISH AND SELL YOUR BOOK (Matilija Press 2006). Patricia has been writing articles for magazines for over 30 years. "I write articles to earn a living and also to promote my 24 published books," she says. And her articles have been noticed. In May of this year, because of the articles she writes for "The Toastmaster Magazine," Patricia was invited to travel to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, all expenses paid (flying business class) to give the keynote address before 800 Toastmasters from throughout that region. She took copies of "The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book," with her and sold out in a matter of minutes. Now she is making the rounds locally talking about her amazing adventure in the futuristic city of Dubai. And she is also selling copies of her book at each speaking venue.http://www.matilijapress.com Visit Patricia's blog to learn more about Dubai and writing and publishing at http://www.matilijapress.com/publishingblog Patricia will present a workshop based on her latest book at the Wisconsin Regional Writer's Association Conference in Janesville, WI September 23/24. http://www.wrwa.net Follow Patricia's speaking schedule at http://www.matilijapress.com ---------------------------- Vicky DeCoster is ready to begin marketing her second book of humorous essays entitled HUSBANDS, HOT FLASHES, AND ALL THAT HULLABALOO! (due out in late 2006). She plans to follow a similar marketing plan to the one she used for her first book, THE WACKY WORLD OF WOMANHOOD: ESSAYS ON GIRLHOOD, MOTHERHOOD, AND THE LOSS OF MATCHING UNDERWEAR (iUniverse 2003) by contacting local hospital gift shops and line up signings. Vicky says she always has great luck selling in these giftshops as patients and their caregivers are always in need of more humor. She also has a web decal on her car with her web site address - http://www.wackywomanhood.com - and once looked in her rear view mirror and read a woman's lips who was sitting in a car behind her, "I wonder what wacky womanhood is?" Vicky says that so many people read her web site address due to this very inexpensive form of advertising. She also carries bookmarks with her that showcase both of her front book covers and her web site address. By offering statistics on how humor can benefit health, Vicky is able to provide a hook for newspapers, magazines, and radio shows. ================= (3) GRIST FOR YOUR MILL Valerie Connelly is booking guests for the rest of 2006 on her Calling All Authors radio show on Global Talk Radio, http://www.globaltalkradio.com She can be reached at publisher@nightengalepress.biz ---------------------------- Cora Schwartz, author of Voices from my Retreat, is asking on behalf of a writing friend for questions you would want answered in a book with the working title "Why Women Marry Incarcerated Men?" This email is being sent to both men and women and your responses will be presented anonymously to my friend. Please do not send opinions; we are looking for questions only. P.S. If you want your name to be kept on file for future updates re this book, please let me know. http://www.myretreat.net MyRetreat2@aol.com ---------------------------- Judith Colombo kindly provided me with a list of radio shows she's been on. I, in turn, contacted Irwin Gonshak, and he filled in the rest for my forthcoming book, Talk Radio for Authors. This one should certainly interest fiction writers: EVERYTHING GOES? ON WNYE-FM/91.5 RADIO NEW YORK (NYC Government radio station) is produced by Teachers & Writers Collaborative http://www.twc.org/events.htm#radio and can be heard throughout the New York City metropolitan area. Contact: Irwin Gonshak, Teachers & Writers Collaborative radio producer, at igonshak@aol.com to receive instructions to tape a program at the WNYE studio in downtown Brooklyn. Chad Bernhard, WNYE engineer/director of the series makes appointments for taping: 718-250-5809. Also, after receiving program instructions, writers outside the New York area who have access to a sound studio can send a CD of their program to: Chad Bernhard, EVERYTHING GOES? WNYE, 112 Tillary Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. For talk/readings/interviews, guests must bring their own interviewer if they want to be interviewed on a subject of interest. The genres covered are Poetry, Short Stories, Mysteries, Novels, Memoirs, Science Fiction, Westerns, Horror, Comics, History, Biography, Criticism, Songs, Museum Talks, Puzzles, Star Gazing, Deconstructionism, Chaos Theory, Postmodernism, "Sealing Wax, Cabbages & Kings.” ---------------------------- Julia Buckley has started a blog, on which she primarily interviews other mystery writers. “I chatted with almost fifty writers and they were all terrific interviews; it also gave me a huge list of books I'd like to read,” she says. “It's viewable at http://www.juliabuckley.blogspot.com Julia is author of THE DARK BACKWARD (Midnight Ink 2006) ---------------------------- Phil Harris and his co-author, Brian Doe, will be interviewed on Writers FM Radio on Friday, Sept. 1, 2006. http://www.writersfm.com Phil and Brian are authors of a controversial novel, WAKING GOD (Star Publish, 2006) http://www.authorsden.com/philfharris ================= (4) SUBSCRIBER SEMINARS Patricia Daly-Lipe, president of the National League of American Pen Women, District of Columbia branch, contributed the following: “Do check out our big event on September 9th at the Washington Club in Washington, DC. 38 authors (including Letitia Baldrige and John DeDakis and many others whose names you would recognize) and artists of every genre are participating. Go to http://www.NLAPW-DC.org and click on events. It is for a good cause.” Patricia is author of FORBIDDEN LOVES, Paris between the Wars (Jada Press 2004); NATURE'S WISDOM (Jada Press 2004); LA JOLLA: A Celebration of Its Past (Sunbelt Publications 2002); and MYTH, MAGIC & METAPHOR, A Journey into the Heart of Creativity (Authorhouse 1999). http://www.patricialipe.com ================= (5) PROGRESS REPORT These are spots I found for my clients: Saul Silas Fathi was interviewed for half an hour on August 16, 2006 on The Leslie Marshall Show on WWKB Buffalo/Entercom Radio, heard throughout New York, reaching Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Washington DC and Canada. http://www.lesliemarshall.us Saul is author of a memoir, FULL CIRCLE: ESCAPE FROM BAGHDAD AND THE RETURN (Xlibris 2006), and HISTORY OF THE JEWS AND ISRAEL (2006) - 4000 years of history condensed into 76 pages. ---------------------------- Walter Brasch was the guest of Greg Allen on The Right Balance on Monday, August 28 at 10:33am eastern. http://www.therightbalance.org The first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina is coming up and Walter's latest book is 'UNACCEPTABLE': The Federal Government's Response to Hurricane Katrina (BookSurge Publishing 2006). Walter reports: “Seemed to go well this a.m. Another conservative talk show, but he seemed OK, and did plug the book - AMERICA'S UNPATRIOTIC ACTS: Acts: The Federal Government's Violation of Constitutional and Civil Liberties (Peter Lang Publishers 2005) - quite a bit. (Somehow, publisher didn't get book to him, but he winged it.) ---------------------------- Charles Ehin was the guest of Wayne Turmel on “The Cranky Middle Manager Show,” on August 24, 2006, which will air on September 2 or 3. Charles is author of UNLEASHING INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL (Butterworth-Heinemann, 2000), HIDDEN ASSETS: HARNESSING THE POWER OF INFORMAL SOCIAL NETWORKS (Springer, 2004) and AFTERMATH (PublishAmerica 2004), an historical autobiography that brings to life the tragic effects of the secret pact between Hitler and Stalin in August 1939. http://www.UnManagement.com ---------------------------- Shoshanna Katzman will be the guest of Sallie Felton on November 15, 2006, 3 to 4PM EST with Sallie Felton on A Fresh Start with Sallie Felton on Contact Talk Radio. http://wwwcontacttalkradio.com http://www.salliefeltonlifecoach.com Shoshanna is author of QIGONG FOR STAYING YOUNG: A Simple 20 Minute Workout to Cultivate Your Vital Energy (Avery Penguin Group 2003). http://www.healing4u.com http://quigong4everyone.com ---------------------------- John Stoddard Klar will be on Erskine Overnight on the Genesis Communication Network for one hour. The show is broadcast Saturday/Sunday, September 2 and 3, 2006, 9 PM-3 AM (PST), 10 PM-4 AM (MST), 11 PM-5 AM (CST) and 12 AM-6 AM (EST). http://www.Erskineonradio.com John is author of CHRISTIAN WORDS, UN-CHRISTIAN ACTIONS: George W. Bush and the Desecration of Christianity in Modern America (WinePress Publishing 2006). http://www.Christianwords.us ================= (6) CONTEST Author/illustrator Debra Frasier is running a contest. She will come to the winning school or library for a full day Author Visit. ALL expenses will be paid by Debra - air, car, hotel, plus the honorarium, estimated value, depending on local: $2500.00 -- and it is open to USA schools and libraries. The visit includes three of her acclaimed slide lectures on writing, illustration, and creative process. An optional teacher in service can be added. 10 runners-up will win a set of Debra Frasier books. By entering the drawing you'll also be signed up for Debra's free e-newsletter. You will be among the first to know about future contests, book give-aways, and free curriculum. Visit Debra's website for full details: http://www.debrafrasier.com ---------------------------- Dotsie's Bregel's Boomer Women Speak is holding its monthly Featured Authors and Writing Contest. The featured author for September is Pamela Blair. Author of three books, she will be discussing her latest, The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Midlife. Pamela is willing to discuss all things midlife and information about getting published. All are encouraged to join in the forum conversation simply by visiting this link: http://host513.ipowerweb.com/~boomerwo/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=91287&an=0&page=0#Post91287 Here are the details: Deadline: September 30, 2006 Entry Fee: none, but great prizes including $50.00 cash. Essay: Your best friend in the whole wide world, the one who has always been there for you, the one who would lay down her credit card for you, has just approached you with her new boyfriend. You know he is a jerk because the minute she excuses herself to go powder her nose, he hits on you. You do what? Tell her? Keep it to yourself? Put an ad in the paper? Threaten him? Tell us what you would do out of love for the friendship. Click here for Guidelines (September guidelines will appear September 1st.). http://www.boomerwomenspeak.com/august-contest.htm PRIZES: The winner will have their story placed in the Our Voices section at www.boomerwomenspeak.com, and receive the following: • Friends Heal Friends tee-shirt • Baby Boomer's Almanac, by Tim Brolus • Writing Home, by Cindy LaFerle • What Happens Next, by Chloe JonPaul • DVD of the premiere season of Commander in Chief • $50.00 cash Submit stories to Georgia@boomerwomenspeak.com You are welcome to contact Boomer Women Speak if you'd like to be a Featured Author. Also feel free to submit news for the newsletter, to be sent Sept. 15th. ================= (7) KUDOS D. Clayton Meadows received news that thrilled him so that he probably thought he was having a heart attack. Fortunately, his heart only required a minor procedure. Don's novel, OF ICE AND STEEL, an exciting sea adventure just published by Leatherneck Publishing, will be made into a movie!! “Tom Hanks will produce the movie version of my book,” he reports. “Cool huh? George Clooney and Gary Oldman have signed letters of intent. The effects will be done by a company called SKYLINE in Germany. I am as we speak looking at the option agreement (54 pages). Anthony Hopkins is also interested in playing a small role as Zivon Vitenka. Trust me - this has been so thrilling it has scared me into the hospital.” According to Don, the screenwriter is Carole Western, who did I,Robot and Harry Potter. “From what I'm told and this I have no way to confirm, the price on this project is going to be $70 mil.” He says the next book in the series, EPITAPH, “is coming along and folks are already yelling for it. Not bad for a book that is not yet a week old.” http://www.oficeandsteel.com ---------------------------- Cynthia Brian is one of the featured speakers at the first annual Virtual Dog Exposition taking place Friday September 22 through Sunday September 24, 2006. The weekend long event will kick off on Friday evening at 7PM EST with Cynthia as the first speaker at http://www.virtualdogexpo.com. She will also be the enrichment lecturer at The Oaks of Ojai spa October 21-22. For more information, http://www.oaksspa.com, 1-805-646-5573 And, look for Cynthia's daughter, Heather Brittany, in the new MYNETWORK TV series, Desire, where Heather has a lead role in the "Table for Three" episode. Heather is currently working on other TV and movie roles with major parts. http://www.starstyleproductions.com http://www.cynthiabrian.com ---------------------------- Judge Janice Law, Houston, Texas, is selected as a featured author (signing) at the 25th annual Kentucky Book Fair Nov. 11 in Frankfort, Kentucky's capital. Janice is also invited for a second year as a featured author/panelist (signing) at the Southern Kentucky Festival of Books in April, 2007 in Bowling Green. She is the author of non-fiction Yield: A Judge's Fir$t-Year Diary (2006) and Sex Appealed: Was the U.S. Supreme Court Fooled? (2006) http://www.judgejanicelaw.com ---------------------------- Carolyn Howard-Johnson will write a new column for Writers' Journal, edited by Leon Ogroske. http://www.writersjournal.com The bi-monthly print journal caters to all writers whose love of writing has prompted them to take the next step: attempting to become published. The 64-page magazine circulates to about 26,000 writers nationwide. Carolyn is the award-winning author of THIS IS THE PLACE (AmErica House 2001), HARKENING: A COLLECTION OF STORIES REMEMBERED (AmErica House 2001), and THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER: HOW TO DO WHAT YOUR PUBLISHER WON'T (Star Publish 2004). http://carolynhowardjohnson.com. ================= (8) CORRECTION I had mistakenly written that Tricia Molloy was interviewed on Small Biz America with David Wolf, http://www.smallbizamerica.com, on August 30, when in fact she will be on his show on September 30, 2006. ================= 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@infinitypublishing.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 BOOK PROMOTION NEWSLETTER Issue 93: September 13, 2006 ISSN 1545-5599 BOOK PROMOTION NEWSLETTER Issue 93: September 13, 2006 EDITOR: FRANCINE SILVERMAN http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com http://www.nystatetravel.com Issued every other Wednesday since 2003 In this Issue: 1) Feature Article 2) Promotional Coups 3) Grist for Your Mill 4) Contests 5) Progress Report 6) Kudos 7) Correction INTRODUCTION Compiling “Talk Radio for Authors” has been the best thing for my on-line publicity service. I get to know what the hosts are looking for and I am making more and more contacts. Some hosts who initially ignored my Expert Sheets are suddenly interested in my authors. Some actually ask me to provide them with guests. The easiest subjects to place continue to be politics, spirituality, pets, business, traditional and non-traditional health topics, self-help, and Christianity. If your books fall into those categories, you may want to consider joining my Membership Club. It's a steal. Only $49.50 a year for a year's subscription to the newsletter, my on-line publicity service, and an interview on my radio show. Compare this to what publicists normally charge!! You never know where an interview on a radio show might lead. As a result of getting Shoshanna Katzman on a radio show in August - Living Your Personal Best with Amy Lundberg and Alice Greene - a television host in the Boston area contacted me for Shoshanna's email address. He is preparing to start a new TV series about natural health and wellness and was looking for a Qigong expert. I had no idea had he got my name or email but Shoshanna explained that he had contacted Alice Greene, who gave him my email address. ******************************* (1) FEATURE ARTICLE WORKING WITH THE MEDIA By Maryglenn McCombs Once you have established a timeline and are ready to put the wheels in motion for your book's PR campaign, the first step is selecting your target media. Finding your target media requires a candid assessment of your book. Who would be interested in reading it? Make lists of potential book buyers - who they are, where they are, what topics and issues both concern and interest them, what in your book is relevant to them, and then find those potential buyers. Research magazines these potential buyers read, newspaper columns that reach them, radio and television shows they listen to and watch, and use this information as your guide. The more specific you can be, the better your likelihood of reaching these potential buyers. Your book may appeal to a wide variety of different groups and you should endeavor to reach them all. Once you have an idea of who your target media is, you need to find them. Media research databases can be a terrific source of information. However, they can also be terrifically expensive. Don't despair if a yearly subscription to a media research service is cost prohibitive, as there are plenty of other ways to find media contact information. Visit your favorite bookstore, library or newsstand and look for magazines, newspapers, and journals that might afford an opportunity for book coverage. Find magazines, journals, and outlets you think could be interested in your book. The internet is a wonderful source of information on specific media. Research media outlets by visiting their websites - read what they are writing about, note the focus of their publication or show, and research what topics specific journalists are covering. Most websites will include contact information for editors, writers, and staff. In addition, many websites even include guidelines for submitting. Now that you've found them, it is time to make contact. Making initial contact with a member of the media can be accomplished in several ways. You can meet face-to-face, call them on the phone, write a letter, or send an email. Please do bear in mind that journalists and producers are often working on tight deadlines and may not want the disruption of a phone call. Believe me - you will know! On balance, email is less intrusive, as the journalist has the luxury of reading - and responding - at his or her convenience. If you do prefer to call, be polite. Introduce yourself and be sure to ask upfront if this is a good time for them to talk and if not, ask when might be a better time. Be brief. Explain exactly why you are calling, and offer to send more information. Use your discretion, but sometimes a follow up email thanking the journalist for his or her time, and recapping the conversation can be useful. You've made contact, now keep in touch. Follow up is crucial. Know that it sometimes takes more than one follow-up to get a response. After initial contact has been made, and you have sent the requested material, follow up in 7-10 days to confirm receipt, and offer more information or an interview. If you do not hear back within 7-10 days, follow up again. Be persistent, but follow the guideline of 7-10 days, with the exception of breaking news that relates to your book. If there is a breaking news story that does not pertain to your book or area of expertise, do not contact them. Whatever you do, Know thy media One of the most important parts of pitching successfully is researching the media outlet before you pitch. Watch for articles and columns that the journalist has written, guests the host or producer has booked on a show, and mention them when you pitch - particularly when these relate to your book. By establishing this connection, you are letting the journalist know that you have taken the time to do your research and that you have an understanding of what he or she is looking for. It also signals to the journalist or producer that you may be offering a great lead on an upcoming story, show or article. Doing the research does take time, but it is time well spent. ************************************************************** 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. ***************************** (2) PROMOTIONAL COUPS Sandy Fox demonstrates how speaking engagements not only help sell books but can trigger an idea for starting your own. Author of I HAVE NO INTENTION OF SAYING GOODBYE (iUniverse, 2001 with a new edition in 2005), about surviving the death of a child, recently spoke at two national bereavement conventions and will also be on public radio in the near future. This summer she traveled to Deerborn, Michigan, to speak on "Coping techniques for bereaved parents" at the National Compassionate Friends Convention, and then at the Parents of Murdered Children National Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. "Not only do I enjoy speaking on a topic I am very familiar with," she said, "but it is also the best place to sell my book and meet lots of fascinating people with interesting stories. (lots of info there for another book, perhaps?) Even though my book is very specialized, I find that not only do bereaved parents buy my book but so do those who have friends who are bereaved and want to know how to treat and help those friends. “The parents in my book give wonderful suggestions as to how they have moved on with their lives, and I have received much praise in newsletters and emails about the book. From different speaking engagements, I decided to hold my own national conference for Now Childless parents, those who have lost their only child or all their children. The first one was in December 2004 and turned out to be very successful. The next one will be in April 2007 in Scottsdale, Arizona.” Interested people can contact Sandy at sfoxaz@hotmail.com. Sandy will also be speaking about her book and grief in general on the radio show "Healing the Grieving Heart" in January. Sad as it is, children will never stop dying," she said. "My book will always be a timely one and will be available for many years to come." http://www.sandyfoxauthor.com ***************************** The annual fee for this newsletter is $7.50 Please send cash or check payable to Francine Silverman to Francine Silverman, P.O. Box 1333, Riverdale, New York 10471, or make payment via PayPal to franalive@optonline.net ***************************** (3) GRIST FOR YOUR MILL Subscriber David Stanley was invited by travel advisor Phoenix Arrien to do some guest blogging on Allbusiness.com's Business Travel Blog. Stanley's posts appeared on Allbusiness.com on August 28, August 30, and September 1, he used them to promote his personal blog http://www.southpacifictravelblog.com and his book, Moon Handbooks South Pacific. His posts are indexed on http://www.allbusiness.com/operations/2975880-1.html and they also appeared on Sfgate.com. BPN subscribers with business journalism expertise can check out the possibility of becoming Allbusiness.com advisors on http://www.allbusiness.com/3471574-1.html ***************************** Mystery author Patricia Harrington has published her short story, "Antiguan Memories," on Amazon, which now features short stories that can be downloaded or kept in a virtual library for just 49 cents. The story is set in Antigua during the dark days of the 1930s. http://www.patriciaharrington.com The link to the webpage is: Antiguan Memories http://www.amazon.com/Antiguan-Memories/dp/B000GH3K7C/ref=sr_11_1/102-7237310-7950534?ie=UTF8 or http://www.amazon.com/Antiguan-Memories/dp/B000GH3K7C/ref=sr_11_1/102-7237310-7950534?ie=UTF8 ***************************** Bestselling authors and info-product marketers husband and wife Judith Sherven and Jim Sniechowski will be interviewed by master marketer Alex Mandossian about the Art of Soft Topic Copywriting . . . Wednesday September 13th at 1 pm EST (10 am PST) Notice, it's about SOFT Topic Copywriting . . . http://www.softtopiccopywritingsecrets.com/ask You probably already know that hard sell just doesn't speak to what you offer, who you are and . . . most important . . . what your customers are looking for, when you're not in the money business, you're in the PEOPLE business. So take your marketing presence to a new level by getting in on this revealing call. It's only $1. http://www.softtopiccopywritingsecrets.com/ask Why $1? Because Judith & JIm are really serious about the power and value of what they're offering as Soft Topic Copywriting teachers, and they want to make sure that you're at least serious enough to take out your credit card and make a $1 deposit on your own financial future. AND don't miss their free-never-seen-before Bonus when you register at: http://www.softtopiccopywritingsecrets.com/ask ***************************** Attention females - I discovered a radio show that is produced by women for women and hosted by Burnette Clingman called Rise! Radio Talk Show. On her website she writes that her show is the “culmination of my dream: it gives my listeners information that they can use to empower themselves. I am able to share my passion with a larger audience and provide knowledge that can cause life-altering change. I am so pleased to give my guests the opportunity to share their experiences, knowledge, and ideas with a large audience, since Rise!™ reaches roughly one million listeners in the tri-state area with 30 minutes of radio air time each Sunday morning.” If you wish to be a guest, click “Become A Guest” on the right side for what they are looking for. The show airs on Smooth Jazz 106.5 in Dayton, Ohio and on http://www.burnetteclingman.com/rise-radio-talk-show.htm Please let me know if any of you apply and are accepted. ***************************** (4) CONTESTS FUNDSFORWRITERS ANNUAL ESSAY CONTEST Email: hope@fundsforwriters.com http://www.fundsforwriters.com/annualcontest.htm NO ENTRY FEE / $5 ENTRY FEE - your choice. Four themes to choose from. Up to 750 words in essay form. Deadline October 31, 2006. Two categories open to applicants. $5 entry fee makes entrant eligible for the $150 first prize. No entry fee makes entrant eligible for the $50 first prize. No limit to the number of submissions. Essays must be unpublished, original, and in English. Winners announced December 1, 2006. See website for guidelines and details. C. Hope Clark Editor, FundsforWriters, http://www.fundsforwriters.com ***************************** Beverly Mahone, author of A BABY BOOMER'S JOURNEY INTO MIDDLE AGE (Benoham Publishing 2006), and host of Talk2Bev, is running this contest: Do you know a woman who's sassy, classy, spiritually motivated and 40 plus? If so, nominate her for the “F.A.B. Woman of the Month” It could be YOU or your best friend or maybe even someone you met on-line. Just send in a picture (full body preferred), along with the nominee's name, city/state, age and brief description as to why you are nominating her. Be sure to also include your contact information. Each monthly winner (and the nominee) will receive a special gift and next year, a grand prize winner will be selected and given a SPECIAL GRAND PRIZE (how does a trip to the Bahamas sound?) Men are also eligible to nominate their favorite baby boomer babe. All nominations are to be sent through this website. THIS IS NOT A PHYSICAL BEAUTY CONTEST. It's about what you exuberate on the inside so keep that in mind when you send in your nomination. The contest is sponsored by Whatever! Radio and Talk2Bev.com http://www.successtalk.com http://www.babyboomerbev.podOmatic.com ***************************** (5) PROGRESS REPORT These are spots I found for my clients: Yvonne Perry will make a guest appearance on Valerie Connelly's radio show CALLING ALL AUTHORS on Sept. 26th on Global Talk Radio. She will share her knowledge about freelance writing and how she started her business, Write On! Creative Writing Services in 2003 and how it was grown to include ten writers. Yvonne will give tons of tips on how she networks and talk about what it takes to become a freelance writer and business owner. Yvonne will also be the guest of Nic Daniel on October 9, 2006 on Elemental Journey on Contact Radio. http://www.contactradio.info Yvonne's latest book is MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE (Write on! Publishing, first printing, Booksurge.com, second printing, 2005); true stories from people across the country who have communicated with loved ones on the Other Side or have died and returned to tell about it http://www.yvonneperry.net So, mark your calendars for September 26th @ 7 p.m. Central Time (please calculate the time difference for your time zone). And tune in to listen live by clicking on the http://www.globaltalkradio.com. If you miss the show, you can listen to the archive at http://www.nightengalepress.biz/radio. ***************************** Penny Leisch was a guest of Kim Bloomer on the Animal Talk Naturally web radio show on September 6 to talk about animal rescue, and she'll be on again January 24th to talk specifically about cat rescue topics. http://www.AnimalTalkNaturally.com http://www.reiki4paws.com http://www.petsbypenny.com http://www.pennyleisch.com ***************************** Walter Brasch had an hour interview with Ginny McCabe on NewsTalk 1400 AM/1580 AM WOND in S. Jersey on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006. The topic was suppression of dissent . . . PAT ACt . . . and some Katrina stuff (how what happened in New Orleans affects the NJ coastal community.) http://www.wond1400am.com Some matches are made in heaven Walter reports: Show with Ginny McCabe at WOND-AM, Atl. City, seemed to go rather well. She asked solid questions, knew the subject, and had a sharp radio presence. Ginny McCabe reports: “Dr. Brasch was a fantastic guest and I hope to have him on again soon. The callers loved him and I have a box full of email already. Thank you for the heads up!” These are the topics from Walter's latest books: AMERICA'S UNPATRIOTIC ACTS: THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S VIOLATION OF CONSTITIONAL AND CIVIL LIBERTIES (Peter Lang Publishers 2005) and 'UNACCEPTABLE': THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE TO HURRICANE KATRINA (BookSurge Publishing 2006). http://www.walterbrasch.com ***************************** (6) KUDOS Two subscribers have won awards from The Military Writers Society of America. The Silver Award for Excellence was given to Carolyn Howard-Johnson for her chapbook of poetry, TRACINGS. The slim volume published by Finishing Line Press includes some poems inspired by memories of her uncle leaving for WWII, memories of watching her grandson graduate from boot camp and go off to Iraq, and her visits to European war memorials. Joyce Faulkner won the Gold Medal in historical fiction for her book, SHADOW OF SURIBACHI (Red Engine Press 2005), about seven young men who decide to join the Marines in World War II and meet on the beach at Iwo Jima. The MWSA, http://militarywriters.com/awards.htm, an organization of writers who write about the military or have a connection with the military, also gave their review of Tracings five stars. http://carolynhoward-johnson.com ***************************** This past Thursday, the books of Max Anderson were featured in the Rockford Register Star, in an article, in the magazine section called The Weekly. Here is an electronic version of that printed article: http://rrstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060907/NEWS06/109070021/1154 Max's books, NEWSPAPER CAPER, TERROR AT WOLF LAKE, NORTH WOODS POACHERS, MOUNTAIN CABIN MYSTERY, BIG RIG RUSTLERS, SECRET OF ABBOTT'S CAVE & LEGEND OF THE WHITE WOLF, are compared by readers and reviewers to Tom Sawyer, The Hardy Boys, Huck Finn, Nancy Drew, Tom Swift, Scooby-Doo, Lemony Snicket, and adventure author Jack London. http://maxbookreviews.blogspot.com ***************************** Susan Allan has been invited on the Montel Williams Show, for taping on September 14, 2006. Among her topics, she will discuss the “The 7 Stages of Divorce” she discovered. Susan is author of 101 DIVORCE SECRETS; A SURVIVAL GUIDE and DIVORCE: THE MARRY-GO-ROUND or How to Save Your Money, Your Sanity and Your Life. http://www.thedivorceforum.com ***************************** (7) CORRECTION In the entry on Subscriber Seminars, it should have read that Patricia Daly-Lipe's book, MYTH, MAGIC & METAPHOR, A JOURNEY INTO THE HEART OF CREATIVITY, was released last year in a new edition from JADA PRESS. http://www.literarylady.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@infinitypublishing.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 BOOK PROMOTION NEWSLETTER Issue 94: Sept. 27, 2006 ISSN 1545-5599 BOOK PROMOTION NEWSLETTER Issue 94: September 27, 2006 EDITOR: FRANCINE SILVERMAN http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com http://www.nystatetravel.com Issued every other Wednesday since 2003 ======================== "Authors -- Do You Know The Seven Things Rich Authors Know That Poor Authors Don't?" Learn them on free telephone seminar next Thursday, October 5th Why do some authors make a fortune while so many others struggle financially? After working with 9,300 authors over the last 19 years, I've learned rich authors simply do seven key things differently than poor authors. To learn what they are, join me for a free 75-minute telephone seminar Thursday, October 5th. Go here now to register: http://www.freeauthortips.com/call574 ======================== In this Issue: 1)Feature Article 2)Promotional Coups 3)Grist for Your Mill 4)Feedback 5)Progress Report 6)Kudos ======================== 1) FEATURE ARTICLE A LULU OF A PUBLISHER By Shirley Cheng PR Writing and publishing is a process that is both challenging and rewarding for most people, especially for those who are blind and physically disabled, and this is the case with me. Having lost my eyesight at the age of seventeen, I no longer could express myself in my artwork, so I turned to writing to share with others my imagined worlds and creations. I became an author at the age of 20, completing three books within one year. I wrote my books using a screen reader, a computer software that reads what's on the screen and tells me which keys I type. It has great functionality that enables its users to use most computer programs with relative ease. When I first started out as a professional writer, I was clueless to as what I should do to publish my books. I never heard about self-publishing or print-on-demand-technology, nor did I know that traditional publishing is not the route for everyone. I began by researching on the Internet and joining discussion e-mail groups consisted of writers, publishers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing world. I searched for publishers, and learned what to look for in a publisher. For my first book, "Daring Quests of Mystics," I first published it with a small publisher who uses print-on-demand technology. It differs from many other print-on-demand publishers in that they review manuscripts in order to accept those of high quality before accepting them for publication. I was thrilled when "Daring Quests of Mystics" was accepted, and in a matter of a few months, my book was published. For my following two books, "The Revelation of a Star's Endless Shine" and "Dance with Your Heart" (and later "Daring Quests of Mystics" when my contract with the publisher ended), I decided to self-publish them through Lulu.com. Although Lulu.com is listed as the publisher since I bought my ISBNs through them, I still consider myself as a self-publisher, for I have completed every self-publishing task, including formatting my manuscripts, on my own without eyesight; I had to upload the formatted ready-to-publish pdf files onto Lulu's servers, set the binding type, color, specification, pricing, etc.. I also found editors and artists to design my covers. Lulu.com primarily acts like a printer. Whenever I need more copies of my books, I simply order them through Lulu.com at the printing cost without any other fee associated with it. Lulu also fulfills my orders when people order my books through them or from Amazon.com and other booksellers, like brick-and-mortar bookstore managers. I highly recommend Lulu for several reasons: 1. There are no contracts to sign; there is only the member agreement (the usual terms of service) 2. You retain full copyrights to your work 3. There are no fees to publish any work (but you have the option to buy one of the two ISBN services they offer) 4. You can make your books available through Ingram by purchasing their ISBN service, and it will in turn make your books available on Amazon.com and other major outlets; and bookstores and libraries have the ability to order and stock your book 5. Publishing is instant; after you upload your file onto Lulu's server and specify the options, your book is immediately published once you click on the last button at the end of the simple steps. Once it is published, it is immediately available for others to order through Lulu. (Getting listed on Amazon can take up to eight weeks.) 6. You can have the option of making your book available only to yourself through Lulu, so you can order a copy to make sure everything looks okay before making it available to the public. 7. You can publish your books in different sizes and binding types (i.e. trade, textbook-sized, perfect, coiled, stitched) 8. You can use your own ISBN instead of theirs, so you will be the publisher of your work 9. Their printing quality is quite high, combined with paper of fine quality and glossy covers. 10. 24/7 availability--you can publish, revise, and order your book anytime 11. You can revise your book anytime for an unlimited number of times, and it's free, unless you have their ISBN+ Distribution where you have to pay $80 for any revision Publishing through Lulu has been a wonderful experience. Since I do everything myself, depending solely on a computer, and cannot travel to any printers, using Lulu's printing services have been a dream come true for me. As for marketing my books--I mainly depend on the net for that as well. I design and maintain my own website at http://www.shirleycheng.com Yes, a blind can do all that just with plenty of passion and faith! I also enjoy appearing on radio shows, holding book signings, and I am in the process of scheduling speaking engagements in my area. Shirley is co-author with highly acclaimed experts like Dr. Wayne Dyer and Jack Canfield in two books (including the latest installment in the bestselling "Wake Up...Live the Life You Love" series). ======================== 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. ======================== 2) PROMOTIONAL COUPS** Patricia Fry, author of 24 books, illustrates the importance of expanding our horizons. “In order to grow, you must also change,” she says. “For example, be prepared and willing to go in the direction that your business takes you.” Patricia has expanded her publishing company, Matilja Press, by publishing her first book by another author. Matilja Press was established in 1983, before self-publishing was fashionable or convenient, and Patricia has published many of her own books. However, this month she produced a book by first-time author, Rick McGrath. "`Johanna's Journey' is a true story of love, loss and faith,” says Patricia. “McGrath writes his story, and his fiancé, Johanna, tells hers through the detailed and rather provocative journals that she left behind. McGrath collected numerous pre-publication sales at a large family reunion held just weeks before publication. Prior to the reunion, we sent galleys around to willing readers and printed their positive comments on bookmarks along with ordering information. McGrath handed these out at the reunion. When the shipment of 'Johanna's Journey' arrived, we already had numerous orders to fill. "Johanna's Journey" 212 pages, $11.95. Read this book and then go hug a loved one.” http://www.matilijapress.com/johanna.html Patricia's latest book is THE RIGHT WAY TO WRITE, PUBLISH AND SELL YOUR BOOK (Matilija Press 2006). http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html ======================== To those who are interested in doing TV interviews, Tricia Molloy recommends starting at local cable TV programs. “My first TV appearance was on a station in Winder, Ga., outside of Atlanta,” she recalls. “They provided me a DVD, which I feature on my website. Besides using it to publicize my book and services, the show is a good audition tape for producers of other local and national shows. You can see it at http://www.divinewisdomatwork.com/Articles.asp. ======================== * Want to Be on Top National TV Shows? Get four free listings from "Harrison's Guide to the Top National TV Talk & Interview Shows" which profiles 259 major shows including Oprah, Good Morning America, CNN, Today, Bloomberg TV, MSBNC, Montel, Bloomberg TV and many more. The directory/database is on sale through 5 pm Eastern this Friday, September 29th http://www.AppearOnTopTvShows.com/special/?10573 ======================== 3) GRIST FOR YOUR MILL Subscribers Lea Schizas, Editor of "The Muse on Writing," and Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER: HOW TO DO WHAT YOUR PUBLISHER WON'T (Star Publish 2004), are sponsoring a virtual writers' conference on October 9th-13th 2006 -- very possibly the first. This conference offers writers -- published or not -- who have not been to a conference for whatever reason, to mingle with some of the publishing world's personalities, to pose questions and learn from them, and to partake in many of the F~R~ E~E online workshops they will be hosting. Bookmark this site: http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference/ and come back often to see the newest presenters and workshops. [Subscriber] Shel Horowitz just accepted our invitation and we already have dozens of others, the women said. Carolyn will be presenting on both book promotion and the craft of writing, specifically 'Writing Sparkling Dialogue in 10 Easy Steps. To check on the growing faculty and workshop session, go to: http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference/agenda.htm ======================== Dr. Gilda Carle, an internationally known relationship expert, has launched her free video blog, GildaVision, on http://www.DrGilda.com. Each week, she will offer an in-depth analysis of someone's relationship question from her Live-the-Capital-'I'-Life perspective. As a lifestyle service, names are never used. Her no-holds-barred, pop culture guidance promotes personal and professional health and success. One producer called GildaVision “the Rocketboom of Relationships.” Please send personal & professional Relationship Questions to GildaVision@DrGilda.com ======================== The Military Writers Society of America - http://www.militarywriters.com (MWSA) - invites those authors who have served in the military to join. Maria Edwards, V.P., writes: We are an association of more than 500 authors, poets, and artists, drawn together by the common bond of military service. Most of our members are active duty military, retirees, or military veterans. A few are lifelong civilians who have chosen to honor our military through their writings or their art. Our only core principle is a love of the men and women who defend this nation, and a deeply personal understanding of their sacrifice and dedication. Our skills are varied. Some of us are world class writers, with many successful books. Others write only for the eyes of their friends and families. But each of us has a tale to tell. Each of us is a part of the fabric of Freedom. It is our belief that if you served our nation - you have paid your dues. Therefore we do not charge monthly fees or annual dues.Benefits to membership includes being able to submit your book(s) for review and have them considered for our annual awards. While we occasionally review the work of non-members, only those books belonging to members are considered for an award. You will also be invited to participate in any MWSA sponsored events. As we learn of events in your area or contests that may be relevant to your material, we pass that on to you as well. All of our MWSA members are also automatically enrolled as members of our sister organization, American Author's Association, and their work will then be considered for their annual awards. These are just a few of the benefits to membership. In partnership with Francine Silverman and her Book Promotion Newsletter, we'd like to extend an invitation to join Military Writers Society of America. Interested authors should send an e-mail to Maria Edwards, MWSA Vice President, at jedward1@san.rr.com We look forward to hearing from you. ======================== Valerie Connelly's website, http://www.valerieconnelly.com, is both a website and blog (weekly, not daily) that she had put together to expand her “ability to get publishing information out to writers, and of course to promote communication among those who visit the site,” she says. “This is the skeletal version, and as time passes, the information will grow, the interactivity will rise, and I am hoping robust results will emerge. “I'm inviting you to link to http://www.valerieconnelly.com from your websites by placing my site in your links listing, or if you need more, I have put the introduction page you can use to select a paragraph for placement somewhere you choose to put it. "TO HAVE YOUR WEBSITE LINK ADDED TO THE BLOGROLL, PLEASE PROVIDE IT ALONG WITH A PARAGRAPH DESCRIPTION OF YOUR SERVICE OR YOUR BOOK. These descriptions will be posted in an easy to reach section of the BLOG. Please let me know that you will post a link on your website so we can make the circle complete. I appreciate your willingness to work together to increase awareness." ======================== Annie Jennings is offering a new podcasting series where you can learn how to podcast, step by step. There is no fee to subscribers. Too hard to learn you say? Not with Annie's PR's & PRWeb's Special Podcasting Support Group 10 Session Audio Tutorial. You'll learn all you need to know to create and distribute your podcast effortlessly. Annie offers you complete access absolutely free of charge (why pay when you can get all you need right here?) to the incredible breakthrough PODCASTING SUPPORT GROUP Teleseminar Sessions where Annie teamed up with PRWeb's 2.0 Director Andrew Schlichting to present the one of a kind, the only, PODCAST SUPPORT GROUP SERIES and the result? WOW! We learned how to podcast worldwide from scratch. Yes, from scratch! Be sure to click on the link below. You can save the sessions on your desktop simply by right clicking on the title and choose "save as" desktop. This way, you will have them when you need them. http://www.anniejenningspr.com/podcast-now.htm ======================== 4) FEEDBACK Peter Bowerman comments about the feature article, "WORKING WITH THE MEDIA" by Maryglenn McCombs. “Well written and in general, one can't argue with her advice, but, with all due respect, I think she gives way too short shrift to using the Internet to locate your target reviewers. I'm NOT talking about using the Internet to find mainstream media folks, but rather, using it to zero in on web sites and web-based organizations, groups, newsletters, and associations that cater to your target audience. If you have a non-fiction book (and even more so with fiction, truth be told), and especially one dealing with a niche subject, and you're an unknown author, by and large, the mainstream media doesn't care about you. Sure, pound away at them long enough, and you'll eventually get someone's interest, but it'll be little return on a lot of effort. If your book fits the above profile (and even if it IS a mainstream topic, but you're still unknown), given the limited time and resources we all have, you're far better of taking a more targeted Internet approach. This is what I did with my two self-published books (The Well-Fed Writer and TWFW: Back For Seconds; www.wellfedwriter.com). I essentially avoided mainstream media (unless I was making a physical appearance somewhere), and focused completely on my identified target audiences and the places they hung out online. Over a period of roughly five years, during the course of two book promotion campaigns, I sent out well over 450 review copies, the bulk of which ended up yielding a review, blurb, mention, Q&A, interview, green light to write an article for the site, or, in many cases, some combination of the above. Mainstream media coverage, as a percentage of the aggregate publicity volume, was in the low single digits. The result: nearly 50,000 copies of my books in print. ======================== 5) PROGRESS REPORT These are the spots I found for my clients: Bobbi de Cordova-Hanks was the guest of Beverly Mahone (both subscribers) on Friday, Sept. 15, 2006 for a taping for a series Beverly is doing on various issues affecting women's health. They discussed breast cancer and thyroid disease. The segment will air soon. The show is called Whatever and is on Success Talk. http://www.successtalk.com/whatever Bobbi reports: We taped Beverly's radio show…..She seemed very pleased. Time flew by.” Beverly reports: “First of all, thank you so much for introducing me to Bobbi. She was a joy to interview!” Bobbi and her husband Jerry are authors of TEARS OF JOY (Infinity Publishing 2003). http://www.speakersforlife.com Beverly is author of WHATEVER! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age (Benoham Publishing 2006). http://www.talk2bev.com ======================== Tricia Molloy was the guest of Carol Manetta on Angels on Air on Achieve Radio, http://www.achieveradio.com on Sunday, Sept. 24. Tricia is author of DIVINE WISDOM AT WORK: 10 UNIVERSAL PRINCIPLES FOR ENLIGHTENED ENTREPRENEURS (Aha! House 2006). http://www.divinewisdomatwork.com ======================== Allie Theiss is invited to be the guest of Nic Daniel on his radio show, Elemental Journey, on Oct 30, 2006, on Contact Radio. http://www.contactradio.info numerologybynic@gmail.com Allie is author of GYPSY MAGIC FOR THE PROSPERITY'S SOUL, and GYPSY MAGIC FOR THE LOVER'S SOUL, the first two books of four from the Gypsy Magic For The Soul series, both published by Gypsy Girl Press in 2006. She is currently working on the last two books in the series, as well as a children's book and a YA novel. http://www.GypsyAdvice.com http://www.GypsyGirlPress.com ======================== Saul Fathi was the guest of Ginny McCabe on The Zone on Friday, Sept. 15, 2006 on NewsTalk 1400 AM/1580 AM WOND in S. Jersey, broadcast in NJ, Delaware, Maryland and on http://www.wond1400am.com In an email to Ginny, Saul wrote in part that the interview went very well and that her questions were formulated in excellent manner, keeping her audience interested and involved. “Unfortunately, the 60-minutes went by quickly, before we were able to articulate the many other topics,” he lamented. “I would welcome another interview to pick where we left off…Thank you again for the interview and for giving me the opportunity to promote knowledge, historical facts and understanding in the world. It is my only mission.” Saul is author of a memoir, FULL CIRCLE: ESCAPE FROM BAGHDAD AND THE RETURN (Xlibris 2006). A review by the president of Military Writers Society of America, stated that Saul's autobiography “takes the reader to places and events that one may only get to know about from small glimpses on The History Channel or in some old National Geographic Magazines. This guy has lived a life that would make a great movie.” Saul's second book, published in March, 2006 is HISTORY OF THE JEWS AND ISRAEL - 4000 years of history condensed into 76 pages. He is fluent in English, Hebrew, Arabic and Portuguese. http://www.saulsilasfathi.com ======================== John Klar was a guest of Ian Johnston on Another Worldview Is Possible on WPFK-FM, Pacific Radio for southern California: 90.7 FM (Los Angeles) and 98.7 FM (Santa Barbara) on September 25, 2006, discussing John's book, CHRISTIAN WORDS, UNCHRISTIAN ACTIONS: GEORGE BUSH AND THE DESECRATION OF CHRISTIANITY IN MODERN AMERICA (WinePress Publishing 2006). http://www.kpfk.org ======================== Kim Bloomer of Animal Talk Naturally wrote to thank me for referring Cynthia Brian and Penny Leisch, who “have not only been wonderful guests but I actually feel as though Cynthia is a new friend and Penny is coming back on our show in January and we'll be having Cynthia back also! http://www.AnimalTalkNaturally.com Cynthia has authored four books; the latest is The Business of Show Business (Starstyle Productions 2002). Miracle Moments.®,” originally published in 1986, is now in its ninth printing. http://www.starstyleproductions.com http://www.cynthiabrian.com Penny is a writer, teacher, and small business consultant. http://www.pennyleisch.com http://www.petsbypenny.com ======================== 6) KUDOS WISHING MAKES IT SO (Hard Shell Word Factory 2006), a suspense thriller by Marilyn Meredith, was given a FIVE STAR rating by the American Author Association, as well as the 2006 Best Thriller Novel Award. http://fictionforyou.com ======================== An article by Barbara Bradlyn Morris on her recent yard sale was published in the Washington Post on 9/25/06. "I'm very pleased with how Style Editor presented the piece, with a focus on the community/social aspects of yard sales," she says. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/24/AR2006092401085.html A former Navy officer, Barbara is author of THE KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS: AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO WASHINGTON LIVELIEST MEMORIAL (EPM Publications 1994) and CRAZY FOR CATS: A PURR-FECT LOVE STORY (Gollehon Press 2002). ======================== 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@infinitypublishing.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 Banyon Publishing also offers... 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 \|