Question:
Carolyn:
I thought I'd seek your guidance on this. My next book, Months and Seasons, will be published on June 14, 2008 in a special presentation at the Beverly Hills library. Hence, I won't have books to sell in April. Still, I'll be promoting it at that point. I'll have sent galleys out to reviewers before that date. How might I use what you offer?
Best,
Chris Meeks, author of The Middle-Aged Man and Sea and other books
Answer:
Very good question, Chris.
I would do the catalog that goes out to booksellers and press. You have access to it to print up your own and repeat that later. You benefit from doing it this way because:
1. It is less expensive than sending out a mailing on your own.
2. Your book is associated with an organization rather than looking like only one of the hundreds of thousands of subsidy-published books.
3. The cross promotional aspect of many authors using the catalog afterward (in media kits, to follow-up with the same or other booksellers, to give out at events, etc.) can also be useful if we have an active group participating.
4. Because participants give us the names and addresses of bookstores in their area and bookstores they work with (including contact names and e-mail addresses), this becomes a targeted list. If they follow up with a phone call to the 25 or more bookstores they submit, that gives them a chance to do that frequency thing I always suggest. (-:
I also like both the CD and the slide show for both of the above reasons. If you do the CD, you get the slide show for only $30 more dollars. I don't believe you are a member of AC, but with that fee comes some other perks and associations that can't hurt either. Check out the membership page at www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com.
Having said that, here's another idea. You could also do a "meet and greet." Send invitations to press and contacts. Promise them excerpts (of course, if you do the CD that would have an excerpt on it, too!) and sign them. We give away books with any sale and we could do the same with people who came by for your white paper/booklet/handout--whatever format you wanted. You would be a test on this. We have nevery done anything like it. But with your contacts at UCLA, etc., I should think it could be very successful.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Award-Winning Podcast Covers Book Fairs, Book Tours
Irene Watson, pocast host and editor of AuthorSuccess says of the new podcast interviews in her series:
"... I have no doubt this episode [of AuthorSuccess.com podcasts] will go on to be
forever in our Top 10 list. Congratulations on a great show!
Here is her invitation to listen:
Visit with the creative force behind the HowToDoItFrugally Series of Books for writers. Carolyn shared her best tips and strategies for low-cost/zero-cost marketing campaigns and also talked about what NOT to do to market your books. She also talks about the value of editing and how it directly controls how your proposals, books, and marketing are peceived in the marketplace. Listen to the interview on Authors Access(visit link and click on the PODCAST button). Tune in each week as Irene and Victor interview industry luminaries on marketing, writing, editing, and publishing by subscribing to the RSS feed.
"... I have no doubt this episode [of AuthorSuccess.com podcasts] will go on to be
forever in our Top 10 list. Congratulations on a great show!
Here is her invitation to listen:
Visit with the creative force behind the HowToDoItFrugally Series of Books for writers. Carolyn shared her best tips and strategies for low-cost/zero-cost marketing campaigns and also talked about what NOT to do to market your books. She also talks about the value of editing and how it directly controls how your proposals, books, and marketing are peceived in the marketplace. Listen to the interview on Authors Access(visit link and click on the PODCAST button). Tune in each week as Irene and Victor interview industry luminaries on marketing, writing, editing, and publishing by subscribing to the RSS feed.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Come Join Us as a Participating Author! LA Times Festival of Books
The following is the 2008 program:
You are invited to participate in our next LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books booth--the one April 26 and 27 of 2008--or any of the value-added programs aligned with the fair. The book-signing portion of the fair required that you attend, the others do not.
(For pictures of the 2007 booth taken by Janet Goliger, one of our 2007 participating authors, go to
http://www.classeducation.org/pix/)
Authors' Coalition will again be sponsoring a double booth at the LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books booth on April 26 and 27 of 2008. As many of you know from this blog that focuses on making a hum-drum fair into a sizzling success and from past experience, we make changes every year based on what we learned the year before and the year before that (see other entries).
Last year we opened the fair booth to authors who live outside the LA area. That worked very well. Such participation includes the catalog, the slide show, and the CD offering. Those of you without travel budgets may like to know that we will have booths at other venues throughout the USA and throughout the year including Veteran's Week in Branson, MO.
Other advantages Authors' Coalition booths offer:
1. ongoing education in the operation and promotion of the booth
2. value-added promotions designed to draw readers to our booth including
the slide show, CDs, catalog for booksellers and media, and the free
gifts with purchase program designed to entice people to buy (Kind of
like the Estee Lauder gift with purchase at your local Macy's (-: )
3. cross promotion of many authors rather than of only a few
4. excellent location at the fair
5. association with a recognized name and with other authors with recognized
names
6. a stable booth position/location with an established history among
return visitors to the fair
7. a booth with double the usual frontage of most
8. assorted ways to participate, some available to authors who don't live in
the area
9. a limited number of books accepted to increase visibility (see below for
details)
10. display of your book (those who are signing) for the full two days
11. display of your poster for the full two days
12. exposure on Authors' Coalition blogs (see details below)
13. your book listed on an Amazon Listmania
14. the credibility being associated with a well-planned booth
DISPLAY:
Books on display will be shown on a bookstand, not tossed into a bin with hundreds of others. There is room near each participant's book to have a flier 4 x 5 3/4 and, to give away bookmarks or business cards--any two of the three. Each author may also supply laminated signs with grommets to be hung around the perimeter of the booth. Note: We are not offering display to anyone not signing this year. All books on display will be those of signing authors.
Other Perks and guidelines:
You may have your book featured FREE in our CD with the participation in our value-added catalog and slide show. (see details below).
You participation in signing and display, includes an ad on the Authors' Coalition website at no additional charge. For those participating in the catalog, slideshow and CD, your ad will be placed on other pages of the site as space allows.
No books will be sold out of the booth except by signing authors.
This fair-focused blog is open to all. That further exposes our participants' books. We use the blog as a kind of journal of our experiences and the blog comments as a way to share promotion ideas and ask questions. It is an ideal way to keep a record but also to share with other writers who might be planning a fair booth elsewhere.
We also offer a free review blog (www.TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com) where I post authors' favorite reviews (with permission from the reviewer).
SIGNING SEGMENTS AT THE FAIR:
Local authors or authors willing to travel may purchase one hour segments of signing time. Signings will be posted in the booth (Sorry, but the LA Times Festival of Books administration does not provide a way to list multiple authors in the brochures, etc. that the LA Times sends out. Thus signing authors will be responsible for their own promotions including media releases and invitations to drive traffic to their signing. In fact, for everyone to benefit we will ask for a pledge that each of them will do so.)
One hour signing segments cost $140 for the first and $100 for a second hour. The fee includes display in the booth for the full two days. If you choose to sign, we strongly recommend that participants consider the stands and banners we tested last year to make their signing times a standout. (Information on these amazingly-effective stands to come and at www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com ) All signing positions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We have had authors with books traditionally published as well as subsidy- and self-published. We only ask that no one with pornographic material apply because we are located near the children's section and sometimes have children's authors as signers. Those who are not members of Authors' Coalition will be asked to join at the Silver Membership level, $20. Participants whose memberships come due in April will be given a 50% discount for their next year's dues. ($10 in addition to the signing fee.)
Training: It is our policy to supply ideas for book fair promotion as well as to lead our participants through the process. We begin early. Many find this an educational experience equivalent to taking an expensive class in promotion.
Gift with Purchase: We supply books to give away free with purchase of books (while supplies last) from those signing. This does not cost anything additional. We will be pleased to accept books in quantity as giveaways for this purpose--from participants and other authors as well. We know donating books is a wonderful way to utilize damaged books, overstock, etc. Books in the hands of readers bear more fruit than books stowed in a closet. (-:.
Disposal of Fair Materials: Books and promotion materials will not be returned. Display books will be donated to a library after the fair.
Other terms: Because of the training process and because we must pay our expenses early, fees must be paid upon signing and cannot be refunded. There are also no refunds for natural or unnatural disasters and, yes, that includes rain.
An author must participate in the signing segment to actually sell books. They sell their own books in our booth only during their signing time and handle their own sales (or bring an assistant to do that for them.)
THE CATALOG:
Based on last year's success, we are offering a catalog again this year. This is a cross-promotional effort . Those who participate are expected to contribute names of bookstores in their area and to follow up with phone calls to the book buyers after the catalog goes out. That's what makes this super-successful, the personal contact with the buyers who then pay special attention to the catalog so that all participants -- regardless of the area they live in -- benefit. Participants also benefit from their name being associated with a prestigious fair. Prices are:
1/8 page: $125
1/4 page: $250
1/2 page: $500
Full page: $1000.
Nonmembers of Authors' Coalition or those not participating in the full program, please add $20 to cover your membership.
These prices include:
ad set up (layout),
ad space
printing
postage to book buyers and press contacts.
pdf copy of the booklet that each participant may produce (print) on their own to use at their own events throughout the year. the right to print and send copies of this catalog for other purposes as long as you do not make changes in the catalog
You can see how this cross promotion could snowball. We only ask that no changes be made to the catalog and that it be given away, not sold. If there is a demand for printing, we may also offer that service.
Catalog Details
A electronic sample catalog from last year is available on request.
Authors may participate only in this catalog or in combination with some of the others programs offered.
Those who participate in the catalog and the slide program will be included on the CD that we give out to 1,000 fair-goers at no extra charge.
The costs listed are for paid members of Authors' Coalition members. To support our sponsor, Authors¡¦ Coalition, all participants who are not members will be asked to pay $20 for a basic membership fee (or $10 renewal if they participated in last year's fair).
Participation in this catalog is limited.
This catalog will be sent out to at least 500 bookstore buyers and Los Angeles press contacts by mail.
This catalog will be circulated by e-mail to bookstores for which we have e-addresses. Participating authors will be encouraged to supply e-address as well as postal addresses.
This catalog will be circulated to bookstores personally selected by the participants as well as others.
Those who wish to list more than one book in this catalog will receive a 10% discount on the 2nd ad, 20% on the third.
THE SLIDE SHOW:
Last year Joyce Faulkner, director of Authors' Coalition, produced a test slide show for LA Times Festival of Books participants. Because it was a trial is was a free perk for those who participating in some other programs. It has turned out to be an excellent opportunity for exposure wherever crowds of readers gather and especially effective on the huge Veteran's Week (www.bransontourismcenter.com) screens in Branson, MO, (attendance some 100,000) and at speaking engagement where television screens are available. Here is an opportunity to join in its future. We will be using it at every feasible venue that we will be at and participating members may choose to utilize it at their events as well. Thus, it will be seen in places you can't possibly be yourself. When you use it at your own events it will be great cross-promotion that benefits others on the slide show and well as YOU.
So, if you want to be part of the slideshow/video you may. It travels with Authors' Coalition wherever it goes and with participating members wherever they go. It shows on computer screens and big silver screens. And your investment in this promotion lasts the entire year and only gets stronger with each participant. It is available to any author, whether he or she participates as a signer at the fair.
The cost for the slide show is $100.
Included in the fee are:
the technical aspect of setup
exposure wherever the slideshow/video travels through the year
a copy for your own use at your signings, seminars, workshops, etc.
the right to use it at your own events
It's a true cross-promotion. Your book, your blurb, your URL will be featured at these events. If you choose to participate, see below.
A 50% discount applies for those who participated in 2007. Those who are not members of Authors' Coalition will be asked to join at the low Silver level ($20). Learn more about the perks that come with that membership at AC.
THE CD:
We are offering a promotional CD with professionally designed artwork burned into each again this year. Authors' Coalition will burn 1,000 (or more, depending on participation) to be given to visitors and the press corps at the fair. Last year's participants will be given a price break because their sections will need only minor updates. (See below under "Costs.")
Authors will be able to purchase additional CDs to send to their own press contacts or readers or to use throughout the year. I use them as give-aways where I need an entree to talk to people and as easily mailable thank you gifts to editors, reviewers, etc.. Participants will also have the right to make copies on their own at not extra charge to distribute at events as give-aways. We ask only that no changes be made to content. Therefore, each author who participates must see that this kind of cross-promotion will benefit them and be willing to let their CD partners distribute the CDs at will. In other words, participants who actively promote with the CD will continue to benefit themselves and others.
The CD ROM includes your:
book title
book cover
author biography
review of books
a story, poem or excerpt.
These CDs will include professional design on each disc.
There will be a small additional fee to cover webmaster's time for any authors who wish to include multiple books.
CD Cost
A: $200 fee includes:
1.webmaster fees
2.CDs and sleeves
3. right to produce additional CDs on your own
or to purchase additional CDs at a minimal cost of $50 for 50 CDs plus
shipping costs. (Graduated discounts available)
4.1000 CDs given to readers and media at the LA Times Fair
Those who are purchasing the slide show may be included in the CD for only an additional $30.
Those who were included on the CD in 2007 may participate in the 2008 program for only $20.
Possible venues in addition to the LA Times/UCLA Fair (attendance 135,000P your CD will be shown at are:
1. West Hollywood Book Fair
2. Southern Book Fair
3. Arkansas Book Fair
4.Branson Veteran's Week
5.The classes, seminars, workshops and other events (where facilities allow
for its effectiveness) will be presented by other participants and Carolyn
Howard-Johnson, Authors' Coalition founder, and Pat McGrath Avery and
Joyce Faulkner, Authors' Coalition directors.
PAYMENT FOR ANY OR ALL PROGRAMS
To participate send an e-mail to Pat Avery at riverroadpress@yahoo.com. She can invoice you for PayPal or give you an address to send a check. Please put "LA Times Fair" in the subject line and please let her know the programs you would like to participate in so she will know how to bill you. She will then send you details for participation and answer other questions regarding this show.
Questions come to Carolyn Howard-Johnson. Put "LA Times Fair" in the subject line and them send to me at HoJoNews@aol.com.
You are invited to participate in our next LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books booth--the one April 26 and 27 of 2008--or any of the value-added programs aligned with the fair. The book-signing portion of the fair required that you attend, the others do not.
(For pictures of the 2007 booth taken by Janet Goliger, one of our 2007 participating authors, go to
http://www.classeducation.org/pix/)
Authors' Coalition will again be sponsoring a double booth at the LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books booth on April 26 and 27 of 2008. As many of you know from this blog that focuses on making a hum-drum fair into a sizzling success and from past experience, we make changes every year based on what we learned the year before and the year before that (see other entries).
Last year we opened the fair booth to authors who live outside the LA area. That worked very well. Such participation includes the catalog, the slide show, and the CD offering. Those of you without travel budgets may like to know that we will have booths at other venues throughout the USA and throughout the year including Veteran's Week in Branson, MO.
Other advantages Authors' Coalition booths offer:
1. ongoing education in the operation and promotion of the booth
2. value-added promotions designed to draw readers to our booth including
the slide show, CDs, catalog for booksellers and media, and the free
gifts with purchase program designed to entice people to buy (Kind of
like the Estee Lauder gift with purchase at your local Macy's (-: )
3. cross promotion of many authors rather than of only a few
4. excellent location at the fair
5. association with a recognized name and with other authors with recognized
names
6. a stable booth position/location with an established history among
return visitors to the fair
7. a booth with double the usual frontage of most
8. assorted ways to participate, some available to authors who don't live in
the area
9. a limited number of books accepted to increase visibility (see below for
details)
10. display of your book (those who are signing) for the full two days
11. display of your poster for the full two days
12. exposure on Authors' Coalition blogs (see details below)
13. your book listed on an Amazon Listmania
14. the credibility being associated with a well-planned booth
DISPLAY:
Books on display will be shown on a bookstand, not tossed into a bin with hundreds of others. There is room near each participant's book to have a flier 4 x 5 3/4 and, to give away bookmarks or business cards--any two of the three. Each author may also supply laminated signs with grommets to be hung around the perimeter of the booth. Note: We are not offering display to anyone not signing this year. All books on display will be those of signing authors.
Other Perks and guidelines:
You may have your book featured FREE in our CD with the participation in our value-added catalog and slide show. (see details below).
You participation in signing and display, includes an ad on the Authors' Coalition website at no additional charge. For those participating in the catalog, slideshow and CD, your ad will be placed on other pages of the site as space allows.
No books will be sold out of the booth except by signing authors.
This fair-focused blog is open to all. That further exposes our participants' books. We use the blog as a kind of journal of our experiences and the blog comments as a way to share promotion ideas and ask questions. It is an ideal way to keep a record but also to share with other writers who might be planning a fair booth elsewhere.
We also offer a free review blog (www.TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com) where I post authors' favorite reviews (with permission from the reviewer).
SIGNING SEGMENTS AT THE FAIR:
Local authors or authors willing to travel may purchase one hour segments of signing time. Signings will be posted in the booth (Sorry, but the LA Times Festival of Books administration does not provide a way to list multiple authors in the brochures, etc. that the LA Times sends out. Thus signing authors will be responsible for their own promotions including media releases and invitations to drive traffic to their signing. In fact, for everyone to benefit we will ask for a pledge that each of them will do so.)
One hour signing segments cost $140 for the first and $100 for a second hour. The fee includes display in the booth for the full two days. If you choose to sign, we strongly recommend that participants consider the stands and banners we tested last year to make their signing times a standout. (Information on these amazingly-effective stands to come and at www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com ) All signing positions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We have had authors with books traditionally published as well as subsidy- and self-published. We only ask that no one with pornographic material apply because we are located near the children's section and sometimes have children's authors as signers. Those who are not members of Authors' Coalition will be asked to join at the Silver Membership level, $20. Participants whose memberships come due in April will be given a 50% discount for their next year's dues. ($10 in addition to the signing fee.)
Training: It is our policy to supply ideas for book fair promotion as well as to lead our participants through the process. We begin early. Many find this an educational experience equivalent to taking an expensive class in promotion.
Gift with Purchase: We supply books to give away free with purchase of books (while supplies last) from those signing. This does not cost anything additional. We will be pleased to accept books in quantity as giveaways for this purpose--from participants and other authors as well. We know donating books is a wonderful way to utilize damaged books, overstock, etc. Books in the hands of readers bear more fruit than books stowed in a closet. (-:.
Disposal of Fair Materials: Books and promotion materials will not be returned. Display books will be donated to a library after the fair.
Other terms: Because of the training process and because we must pay our expenses early, fees must be paid upon signing and cannot be refunded. There are also no refunds for natural or unnatural disasters and, yes, that includes rain.
An author must participate in the signing segment to actually sell books. They sell their own books in our booth only during their signing time and handle their own sales (or bring an assistant to do that for them.)
THE CATALOG:
Based on last year's success, we are offering a catalog again this year. This is a cross-promotional effort . Those who participate are expected to contribute names of bookstores in their area and to follow up with phone calls to the book buyers after the catalog goes out. That's what makes this super-successful, the personal contact with the buyers who then pay special attention to the catalog so that all participants -- regardless of the area they live in -- benefit. Participants also benefit from their name being associated with a prestigious fair. Prices are:
1/8 page: $125
1/4 page: $250
1/2 page: $500
Full page: $1000.
Nonmembers of Authors' Coalition or those not participating in the full program, please add $20 to cover your membership.
These prices include:
ad set up (layout),
ad space
printing
postage to book buyers and press contacts.
pdf copy of the booklet that each participant may produce (print) on their own to use at their own events throughout the year. the right to print and send copies of this catalog for other purposes as long as you do not make changes in the catalog
You can see how this cross promotion could snowball. We only ask that no changes be made to the catalog and that it be given away, not sold. If there is a demand for printing, we may also offer that service.
Catalog Details
A electronic sample catalog from last year is available on request.
Authors may participate only in this catalog or in combination with some of the others programs offered.
Those who participate in the catalog and the slide program will be included on the CD that we give out to 1,000 fair-goers at no extra charge.
The costs listed are for paid members of Authors' Coalition members. To support our sponsor, Authors¡¦ Coalition, all participants who are not members will be asked to pay $20 for a basic membership fee (or $10 renewal if they participated in last year's fair).
Participation in this catalog is limited.
This catalog will be sent out to at least 500 bookstore buyers and Los Angeles press contacts by mail.
This catalog will be circulated by e-mail to bookstores for which we have e-addresses. Participating authors will be encouraged to supply e-address as well as postal addresses.
This catalog will be circulated to bookstores personally selected by the participants as well as others.
Those who wish to list more than one book in this catalog will receive a 10% discount on the 2nd ad, 20% on the third.
THE SLIDE SHOW:
Last year Joyce Faulkner, director of Authors' Coalition, produced a test slide show for LA Times Festival of Books participants. Because it was a trial is was a free perk for those who participating in some other programs. It has turned out to be an excellent opportunity for exposure wherever crowds of readers gather and especially effective on the huge Veteran's Week (www.bransontourismcenter.com) screens in Branson, MO, (attendance some 100,000) and at speaking engagement where television screens are available. Here is an opportunity to join in its future. We will be using it at every feasible venue that we will be at and participating members may choose to utilize it at their events as well. Thus, it will be seen in places you can't possibly be yourself. When you use it at your own events it will be great cross-promotion that benefits others on the slide show and well as YOU.
So, if you want to be part of the slideshow/video you may. It travels with Authors' Coalition wherever it goes and with participating members wherever they go. It shows on computer screens and big silver screens. And your investment in this promotion lasts the entire year and only gets stronger with each participant. It is available to any author, whether he or she participates as a signer at the fair.
The cost for the slide show is $100.
Included in the fee are:
the technical aspect of setup
exposure wherever the slideshow/video travels through the year
a copy for your own use at your signings, seminars, workshops, etc.
the right to use it at your own events
It's a true cross-promotion. Your book, your blurb, your URL will be featured at these events. If you choose to participate, see below.
A 50% discount applies for those who participated in 2007. Those who are not members of Authors' Coalition will be asked to join at the low Silver level ($20). Learn more about the perks that come with that membership at AC.
THE CD:
We are offering a promotional CD with professionally designed artwork burned into each again this year. Authors' Coalition will burn 1,000 (or more, depending on participation) to be given to visitors and the press corps at the fair. Last year's participants will be given a price break because their sections will need only minor updates. (See below under "Costs.")
Authors will be able to purchase additional CDs to send to their own press contacts or readers or to use throughout the year. I use them as give-aways where I need an entree to talk to people and as easily mailable thank you gifts to editors, reviewers, etc.. Participants will also have the right to make copies on their own at not extra charge to distribute at events as give-aways. We ask only that no changes be made to content. Therefore, each author who participates must see that this kind of cross-promotion will benefit them and be willing to let their CD partners distribute the CDs at will. In other words, participants who actively promote with the CD will continue to benefit themselves and others.
The CD ROM includes your:
book title
book cover
author biography
review of books
a story, poem or excerpt.
These CDs will include professional design on each disc.
There will be a small additional fee to cover webmaster's time for any authors who wish to include multiple books.
CD Cost
A: $200 fee includes:
1.webmaster fees
2.CDs and sleeves
3. right to produce additional CDs on your own
or to purchase additional CDs at a minimal cost of $50 for 50 CDs plus
shipping costs. (Graduated discounts available)
4.1000 CDs given to readers and media at the LA Times Fair
Those who are purchasing the slide show may be included in the CD for only an additional $30.
Those who were included on the CD in 2007 may participate in the 2008 program for only $20.
Possible venues in addition to the LA Times/UCLA Fair (attendance 135,000P your CD will be shown at are:
1. West Hollywood Book Fair
2. Southern Book Fair
3. Arkansas Book Fair
4.Branson Veteran's Week
5.The classes, seminars, workshops and other events (where facilities allow
for its effectiveness) will be presented by other participants and Carolyn
Howard-Johnson, Authors' Coalition founder, and Pat McGrath Avery and
Joyce Faulkner, Authors' Coalition directors.
PAYMENT FOR ANY OR ALL PROGRAMS
To participate send an e-mail to Pat Avery at riverroadpress@yahoo.com. She can invoice you for PayPal or give you an address to send a check. Please put "LA Times Fair" in the subject line and please let her know the programs you would like to participate in so she will know how to bill you. She will then send you details for participation and answer other questions regarding this show.
Questions come to Carolyn Howard-Johnson. Put "LA Times Fair" in the subject line and them send to me at HoJoNews@aol.com.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Thank Yous and Goodbyes to the West Hollywood Book Fair
Goodbye to the West Hollywood Fair for 2007!
This is a rundown and thank you to all those who participated and for those who want to know more about how the booth went.
I thought the fair was well-trafficked, well-promoted and well-planned. I don't know how many of you saw the guide/map they put out but they did a very good job with it. It is also the only fair I know of that lists all the signers in each individual booth on their website.
A special thanks to Janet Goliger. In Joyce's absence she was up at 5 am, at the fair with me at 6 (it was still dark) installing book shelves, lighting and hanging signs. She and Carol Amato stayed with me until we had broken down as well. I don't know what I would have done without them.
Also, special thanks to our three volunteers, Alexa Gregorian, Rita Gabrielyan and her friend. They handed out free CDs (many Authors' Coalition members are featured on that CD!) and took books around to talk them up. That was excellent practice in meeting people and saleswomanship for these youngsters. I am guessing that we gave away about 300 of the CDs.
The free book with purchase that we do in most of our booths is always a good perk for fair-goers. We gave away about 40 books throughout the day so that indicates a pretty decent one-day fair. It may be that more books than than were sold for sometimes some of us forgot to give away the free book when people purchased on of ours.
Keep in mind that book fairs have to be mostly about a chance to reach out to readers who are already on our lists, a chance to contact media so they know we are still alive and kicking (even if they don't show up!). One of our signers, Christine Alexanians, was very nearly successful in getting some coverage in an Armenian newspaper. It didn't quite work but next time she contacts them, they may remember her. One of our signers was an absentee. The volunteers helps pass out his cards and magnets and wore his T-shirt around the fair--not bad considering his book is political and this fair was definitely frequented by many with liberal view points.
Please review this blog for ways to apply the successes of this booth to others you may choose to participate in. Most do not provide the value-added promotions, but that won't keep you from doing it for yourself.
Our next Authors' Coalition booth/theater/extravaganza is at Veteran's Week in Branson, MO. This one is being planned and worked by AC directors Pat McGrath Avery and Joyce Faulkner. It will include the video/slide show that many Authors' Coalition members participated in. It will be shown on two giant screens in a theater that attracts many thousands of military people and veterans; the booth is in association with the Military Writers Society of America so it should also attract many writers.
Now things have quieted down, I hope you'll all review the Authors' Coalition welcome letter that comes with your membership. If you haven't already done it, you can have a review of your book(s) posted, your book can be in our bookstore with a link directly to Amazon. You can upgrade your membership to receive other perks including f r e e books on writing and more.
If you aren't receiving your associated newsletters (we want you to be the best educated published authors ever!), let us know. They are Sharing with Writers, Fiction Flier, Salute! (military people who writers who write about the military), Inkspotter, Yarnspinners and Wordweavers and QueenPower (for women seeking empowerment). The editors of each of these newsletters makes every effort to include AC members in their pages. That includes your articles, news of your releases, your fiction and your poetry. Check out the Authors' Coalition site.
And thank to our sponsores, Red Engine Press and WebforAuthors.
Best to all of you and, again, thank you!
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Founder, Authors' Coalition
www.howtodoitfrugally.com where you'll find hundreds of resource for writers.
This is a rundown and thank you to all those who participated and for those who want to know more about how the booth went.
I thought the fair was well-trafficked, well-promoted and well-planned. I don't know how many of you saw the guide/map they put out but they did a very good job with it. It is also the only fair I know of that lists all the signers in each individual booth on their website.
A special thanks to Janet Goliger. In Joyce's absence she was up at 5 am, at the fair with me at 6 (it was still dark) installing book shelves, lighting and hanging signs. She and Carol Amato stayed with me until we had broken down as well. I don't know what I would have done without them.
Also, special thanks to our three volunteers, Alexa Gregorian, Rita Gabrielyan and her friend. They handed out free CDs (many Authors' Coalition members are featured on that CD!) and took books around to talk them up. That was excellent practice in meeting people and saleswomanship for these youngsters. I am guessing that we gave away about 300 of the CDs.
The free book with purchase that we do in most of our booths is always a good perk for fair-goers. We gave away about 40 books throughout the day so that indicates a pretty decent one-day fair. It may be that more books than than were sold for sometimes some of us forgot to give away the free book when people purchased on of ours.
Keep in mind that book fairs have to be mostly about a chance to reach out to readers who are already on our lists, a chance to contact media so they know we are still alive and kicking (even if they don't show up!). One of our signers, Christine Alexanians, was very nearly successful in getting some coverage in an Armenian newspaper. It didn't quite work but next time she contacts them, they may remember her. One of our signers was an absentee. The volunteers helps pass out his cards and magnets and wore his T-shirt around the fair--not bad considering his book is political and this fair was definitely frequented by many with liberal view points.
Please review this blog for ways to apply the successes of this booth to others you may choose to participate in. Most do not provide the value-added promotions, but that won't keep you from doing it for yourself.
Our next Authors' Coalition booth/theater/extravaganza is at Veteran's Week in Branson, MO. This one is being planned and worked by AC directors Pat McGrath Avery and Joyce Faulkner. It will include the video/slide show that many Authors' Coalition members participated in. It will be shown on two giant screens in a theater that attracts many thousands of military people and veterans; the booth is in association with the Military Writers Society of America so it should also attract many writers.
Now things have quieted down, I hope you'll all review the Authors' Coalition welcome letter that comes with your membership. If you haven't already done it, you can have a review of your book(s) posted, your book can be in our bookstore with a link directly to Amazon. You can upgrade your membership to receive other perks including f r e e books on writing and more.
If you aren't receiving your associated newsletters (we want you to be the best educated published authors ever!), let us know. They are Sharing with Writers, Fiction Flier, Salute! (military people who writers who write about the military), Inkspotter, Yarnspinners and Wordweavers and QueenPower (for women seeking empowerment). The editors of each of these newsletters makes every effort to include AC members in their pages. That includes your articles, news of your releases, your fiction and your poetry. Check out the Authors' Coalition site.
And thank to our sponsores, Red Engine Press and WebforAuthors.
Best to all of you and, again, thank you!
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Founder, Authors' Coalition
www.howtodoitfrugally.com where you'll find hundreds of resource for writers.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Big Slide Show Opportunity for Veterans' Week at Branson
Some Authors' Coalition members are already part of the Authors' Coalition slideshow /video produced by Joyce Faulkner for the LA Times Festival of Books. It was free to those who participated in our CD program because we were test marketing it. It has turned out to be an excellent opportunity for exposure wherever crowds of readers gather. Here is an opportunity to join in its future.
This slide show will be flashed on two huge screens at the monster (some 100,000 visitors over the period of a week) Veterans show in Branson, MO.
Authors' Coalition has partnered with the Military Writers' Society of America to rent a huge theater in the main hall of the exhibit. Major speakers will draw crowds and AC/MWSA will have a booth in the hall. The whole theater belongs to AC. And those screens I mentioned will exclusively carry pictures of the participating authors' book covers, YOUR Books, YOUR contact information.
Obviously the focus is on veterans and writers who also happen to be veterans. But vets read, too. Even an occasional romance, I'll wager. So, if you want to be part of the slideshow/video you may. It travels with Authors' Coalition wherever it goes and with participating members wherever they go. It shows on computer screens and big silver screens.
The cost is $100 and includes the technical aspect of setup, exposure wherever the slideshow/video travels through the year, and a copy for your own use. It's a true cross-promotion. Your book, your blurb, your URL at these events. If you choose to participate, see below. There is no additional fee for those who were part of LA Times Festival of Book pilot program in April except for mailing the CD if you don't have it. You are already part of the program.
Learn more about Branson Veterans' Week
To participate send an e-mail to Pat Avery at riverroadpress@yahoo.com. She can invoice you for PayPal or give you an address to send a check. She will then send you details for participation and answer other questions regarding this show.
Please also copy Joyce at katieseyes@aol.com and me at HoJoNews@aol.com. Our deadline is 10/05/07.
There will be other military and veteran books in the slideshow, including In the Shadow of Suribachi by Faulkner, and They Came Home: Korean War POWs Tell Their Stories by Avery. There will also be a large category of books that help writers including The Complete Writer, The Complete Writer's Journal, The Frugal Book Promoter and The Frugal Editor.
Other opportunities for this event are also available. More info to come or watch this blog or the site, www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com.
Note: There is an additional membership charge of $20 for an Authors' Coalition Silver Membership for those who are not paid members of the organization. Learn more about the perks that come with that membership at AC.
This slide show will be flashed on two huge screens at the monster (some 100,000 visitors over the period of a week) Veterans show in Branson, MO.
Authors' Coalition has partnered with the Military Writers' Society of America to rent a huge theater in the main hall of the exhibit. Major speakers will draw crowds and AC/MWSA will have a booth in the hall. The whole theater belongs to AC. And those screens I mentioned will exclusively carry pictures of the participating authors' book covers, YOUR Books, YOUR contact information.
Obviously the focus is on veterans and writers who also happen to be veterans. But vets read, too. Even an occasional romance, I'll wager. So, if you want to be part of the slideshow/video you may. It travels with Authors' Coalition wherever it goes and with participating members wherever they go. It shows on computer screens and big silver screens.
The cost is $100 and includes the technical aspect of setup, exposure wherever the slideshow/video travels through the year, and a copy for your own use. It's a true cross-promotion. Your book, your blurb, your URL at these events. If you choose to participate, see below. There is no additional fee for those who were part of LA Times Festival of Book pilot program in April except for mailing the CD if you don't have it. You are already part of the program.
Learn more about Branson Veterans' Week
To participate send an e-mail to Pat Avery at riverroadpress@yahoo.com. She can invoice you for PayPal or give you an address to send a check. She will then send you details for participation and answer other questions regarding this show.
Please also copy Joyce at katieseyes@aol.com and me at HoJoNews@aol.com. Our deadline is 10/05/07.
There will be other military and veteran books in the slideshow, including In the Shadow of Suribachi by Faulkner, and They Came Home: Korean War POWs Tell Their Stories by Avery. There will also be a large category of books that help writers including The Complete Writer, The Complete Writer's Journal, The Frugal Book Promoter and The Frugal Editor.
Other opportunities for this event are also available. More info to come or watch this blog or the site, www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com.
Note: There is an additional membership charge of $20 for an Authors' Coalition Silver Membership for those who are not paid members of the organization. Learn more about the perks that come with that membership at AC.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
West Hollywood Book Fair Promotion Aids: Coming Up!
Below you will find a note from the West Hollywood Book Fair coordinator, Roz Helfand. I have attached the file that she sent me for you that includes an e-mailable postcard, a neat logo with the fair date on it and a list of the vendors. I have already included the new logo in my autosignature and in this post. The maps link will be useful for your invitations, too.
Our booth number is 51 and 52F.
Here's the message from Roz:
Dear Book Fair Exhibitor,
Hello! Attached to this e-mail is an alphabetical list of exhibitors with booth numbers. The Book Fair map will be available on our web site, www.westhollywoodbookfair.org, soon (sorry for the delay!).
Also, I've attached a Book Fair image that can be e-mailed to your mailing list. Please feel free to send it out, and to link to the Book Fair web site from your web site (logo provided for that purpose), as well.
Thank you so much!
Yours truly,
Roz Helfand
Coordinator
West Hollywood Book Fair
32-848-6515
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Let Your Book Work for You When You're Not in the Booth!
This question came from one of the authors who is signing in our Authors' Coalition Booth and I thought my answer might help some other authors.
Carolyn: Would you send me a sample order form – I’ve never done this, so I want to follow the template that works. Then, I’ll send the book and form to you. Thanks! Nance
Answer: Ideally this is what your order form should include:
An order form should be no bigger than an index card. It must fit in a 1 ft x 1 ft spot on a book shelf, along with your book which will be on a stand. Ideally, the order forms will be padded so that if we have a breeze, they won't blow away. There is also room for a business card or a stack of bookmarks. If you send business cards, it is nice to send an inexpensive business card holder, too. (Remember, though, nothing gets returned).
Here are my suggestions for what to put on your order form:
1. An image of your book cover (that way people to go home with a form will have a visual to help them remember your book), the title and the author's name.
2. A flattering short blurb, preferably from someone influential but "a reader" will do.
3. A URL to order (I use Amazon even though I have a website).
If you want to take care of orders yourself or send readers to your publisher you'll want information on the person who is ordering, name, address, zip (for shipping), phone (UPS requires it), and a list of accepted methods of payment.
If you accept charge cards, you'll want a space for the charge number, preferably in little blocks which force people to print the numbers legibly, and the expiration date in the same format. Also ask for the way the name appears on the card. AND, you also need an address where they should send their order.
An alternative is to send readers to your website, but that works only if you have a shopping cart.
Add anything else that is necessary. Example, if your book is not yet released, you'd want to put a disclaimer at the bottom (tiny) that says that orders will be shipped after xx,xx,xxxx.
Best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Founder, Authors' Coalition and award-winning author of the HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for authors.
Carolyn: Would you send me a sample order form – I’ve never done this, so I want to follow the template that works. Then, I’ll send the book and form to you. Thanks! Nance
Answer: Ideally this is what your order form should include:
An order form should be no bigger than an index card. It must fit in a 1 ft x 1 ft spot on a book shelf, along with your book which will be on a stand. Ideally, the order forms will be padded so that if we have a breeze, they won't blow away. There is also room for a business card or a stack of bookmarks. If you send business cards, it is nice to send an inexpensive business card holder, too. (Remember, though, nothing gets returned).
Here are my suggestions for what to put on your order form:
1. An image of your book cover (that way people to go home with a form will have a visual to help them remember your book), the title and the author's name.
2. A flattering short blurb, preferably from someone influential but "a reader" will do.
3. A URL to order (I use Amazon even though I have a website).
If you want to take care of orders yourself or send readers to your publisher you'll want information on the person who is ordering, name, address, zip (for shipping), phone (UPS requires it), and a list of accepted methods of payment.
If you accept charge cards, you'll want a space for the charge number, preferably in little blocks which force people to print the numbers legibly, and the expiration date in the same format. Also ask for the way the name appears on the card. AND, you also need an address where they should send their order.
An alternative is to send readers to your website, but that works only if you have a shopping cart.
Add anything else that is necessary. Example, if your book is not yet released, you'd want to put a disclaimer at the bottom (tiny) that says that orders will be shipped after xx,xx,xxxx.
Best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Founder, Authors' Coalition and award-winning author of the HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for authors.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Pre-Booth Promotion is Good for You, Good for Your Book!
Be good to your book!
Promote the West Hollywood Book Fair as if sales and good will depend on it. They do!
Here's what need to be done before the fair:
I need a copy of your book and a business card, order form or bookmark (with order information) before the book fair. Now is a good time to send them to me. They go up in a display that is available to the public the entire day. Authors who are signing will only be in the booth during your allotted signing time but their books will keep working on display where each is highlighted in a nook of its own.
Anyone who wants to send a poster of their book cover, laminated, with grommets, 14" wide and 18" to 20" long, feel free. They are a bit expensive and I'm not sure they are worth it unless you can retrieve it at the end of the day. (Some of you who participated in the LA Times/UCLA Fair sent posters and I kept those.(-: )
Disclaimer: Unless you will be there at the end of the day (6 pm ) to take your book and materials back with you, they will be donated to a library system. No books or materials (including poster) will be returned.
Reminder: Have you rewritten the media release (template) I sent to you and sent it to the press, radio and TV contacts and posted it on a free release disseminator? Find a list of those disseminators on my website at www.howtodoitfrugally.com. Click on the Resources for Writers tab at the top of the page and scroll down.
Have you sent invitations to local people from Ventura to San Diego to visit you at the booth? These can go out by USPS or by e-mail but they MUST go out for a successful fair. Think about all your lists. Holiday. College. Charity. Parents from your kids schools. Business. The names of readers you've collected from other appearances. You might even ask a few bookish friends to invited their list of local friends to come see you.
Two days before the fair, send a reminder to that list by e-mail. Mention something that is going on at the fair. You, of course, but also perhaps the seminars at the Writers' Pavilion or the children's activity area, etc.
Don't forget that we will give a free book away with each book sold while supplies last. That is an incentive. You might mention that on your invitations. Yes, Authors' Coalition is providing those but donations from you are welcome. (-:
Promote the West Hollywood Book Fair as if sales and good will depend on it. They do!
Here's what need to be done before the fair:
I need a copy of your book and a business card, order form or bookmark (with order information) before the book fair. Now is a good time to send them to me. They go up in a display that is available to the public the entire day. Authors who are signing will only be in the booth during your allotted signing time but their books will keep working on display where each is highlighted in a nook of its own.
Anyone who wants to send a poster of their book cover, laminated, with grommets, 14" wide and 18" to 20" long, feel free. They are a bit expensive and I'm not sure they are worth it unless you can retrieve it at the end of the day. (Some of you who participated in the LA Times/UCLA Fair sent posters and I kept those.(-: )
Disclaimer: Unless you will be there at the end of the day (6 pm ) to take your book and materials back with you, they will be donated to a library system. No books or materials (including poster) will be returned.
Reminder: Have you rewritten the media release (template) I sent to you and sent it to the press, radio and TV contacts and posted it on a free release disseminator? Find a list of those disseminators on my website at www.howtodoitfrugally.com. Click on the Resources for Writers tab at the top of the page and scroll down.
Have you sent invitations to local people from Ventura to San Diego to visit you at the booth? These can go out by USPS or by e-mail but they MUST go out for a successful fair. Think about all your lists. Holiday. College. Charity. Parents from your kids schools. Business. The names of readers you've collected from other appearances. You might even ask a few bookish friends to invited their list of local friends to come see you.
Two days before the fair, send a reminder to that list by e-mail. Mention something that is going on at the fair. You, of course, but also perhaps the seminars at the Writers' Pavilion or the children's activity area, etc.
Don't forget that we will give a free book away with each book sold while supplies last. That is an incentive. You might mention that on your invitations. Yes, Authors' Coalition is providing those but donations from you are welcome. (-:
Monday, September 3, 2007
One Week Event to Reach Tens of Thousands: Branson, MO. Coming Up!
Some of you are already part of the Authors' Coalition slideshow /video produced by Joyce Faulkner for the LA Times Festival of Books. We promised huge things. The video has been shown in many places since then but here is a big new opportunity!
Others of you didn't participate but you might want to now. That's because this video will be flashed on two huge screens at the monster (some 100,000 visitors over the period of a week) Veterans Show in Branson, MO. (www.branson.com).
Authors' Coalition has partnered with the Military Writers' Society of America to rent a huge theater in the main hall of the exhibit. Major speakers will draw crowds and AC/MWSA will have a booth in the hall. It is OURS!! The whole theater is OURS. And on those screens I mentioned will exclusively carry pictures of the participating authors books, YOUR Books, YOUR contact information.
Obviously the focus is on veterans and writers who also happen to be veterans. But vets read, too. Even an occasional romance, I'll wager. So, if you want to be part of the slideshow/video you may. It travels with Authors' Coalition wherever we go and we can set it up. It shows on computer screens and big silver screens. Those who participate will be sent a copy to use at your speaking engagements and events as well. It's a true cross-promotion.
It will be $100 and includes the technical aspect of setup, exposure wherever the slideshow/video travels through the year, and a copy for your own use. Your book, your blurb, your URL for all at these events. If you choose to participate, see below. There is no additional fee for those who were part of LA Times Festival of Book pilot program in April.
Here's the info on the big Branson week.
Veterans Homecoming Week
Date: 11/05/2007 - 11/11/2007
Time: 08:00 AM
Location: Branson
E-mail: info@bransontourismcenter.com
Phone: 1-800-785-1550
To participate send an e-mail to Pat Avery at riverroadpress@yahoo.com. She can invoice you for PayPal or give you and address to send a check. She will then send you details for participation and answer other questions regarding this show.
Please also copy Joyce at katieseyes@aol.com and me at HoJoNews@aol.com. Our deadline is 10/05/07.
Other opportunities for this event are also available. More info to come or watch this blog or the AC site
Note: Those who are not Authors' Coalition members will be asked to join AC at the Silver Level ($20. only). We offer several membership levels. Find them at the AC site. Just click on Memberships at the top of the page.
Best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Authors' Coalition Founder
and award-winning author
Others of you didn't participate but you might want to now. That's because this video will be flashed on two huge screens at the monster (some 100,000 visitors over the period of a week) Veterans Show in Branson, MO. (www.branson.com).
Authors' Coalition has partnered with the Military Writers' Society of America to rent a huge theater in the main hall of the exhibit. Major speakers will draw crowds and AC/MWSA will have a booth in the hall. It is OURS!! The whole theater is OURS. And on those screens I mentioned will exclusively carry pictures of the participating authors books, YOUR Books, YOUR contact information.
Obviously the focus is on veterans and writers who also happen to be veterans. But vets read, too. Even an occasional romance, I'll wager. So, if you want to be part of the slideshow/video you may. It travels with Authors' Coalition wherever we go and we can set it up. It shows on computer screens and big silver screens. Those who participate will be sent a copy to use at your speaking engagements and events as well. It's a true cross-promotion.
It will be $100 and includes the technical aspect of setup, exposure wherever the slideshow/video travels through the year, and a copy for your own use. Your book, your blurb, your URL for all at these events. If you choose to participate, see below. There is no additional fee for those who were part of LA Times Festival of Book pilot program in April.
Here's the info on the big Branson week.
Veterans Homecoming Week
Date: 11/05/2007 - 11/11/2007
Time: 08:00 AM
Location: Branson
E-mail: info@bransontourismcenter.com
Phone: 1-800-785-1550
To participate send an e-mail to Pat Avery at riverroadpress@yahoo.com. She can invoice you for PayPal or give you and address to send a check. She will then send you details for participation and answer other questions regarding this show.
Please also copy Joyce at katieseyes@aol.com and me at HoJoNews@aol.com. Our deadline is 10/05/07.
Other opportunities for this event are also available. More info to come or watch this blog or the AC site
Note: Those who are not Authors' Coalition members will be asked to join AC at the Silver Level ($20. only). We offer several membership levels. Find them at the AC site. Just click on Memberships at the top of the page.
Best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Authors' Coalition Founder
and award-winning author
Thursday, August 23, 2007
West Hollywood Logos/Superbanners/Blurbs Available Plus a Tip!!
Yeah for tips!! But I'm coming to that.
As those of you have participated (signed, displayed or been a part of our catalogue, CD or video/slideshow program) know, Authors' Coalition provides training in book promotion and booth management. Both here on this blog and in person. Sometimes we even pass ideas on from very sharp fair coordinators or program directors as you see below in a letter I sent out to our West Hollywood Book Fair group. And, yes, it seems a small thing, but small things add up. Here it is:
Dear Authors' Coalition Booth Participants:
Below you will find a letter from Roz Helfand, the West Hollywood Book Fair coordinator, along with the attached fair logo, a superbanner and blurb. She encourages you to make anything you use on your website clickable to the fair site. I'm glad she reminded me to remind you.
I also understand that booth numbers will not be assigned. I am not going to worry about this. We have a double booth and it will be lighted as AC Booths always are when electricity is available. This fair committee does a wonderful job with their programs/guides. Visitors will have no trouble finding us if you mention that you will be in the Authors' Coalition/Red Engine Press booth.
Best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
As those of you have participated (signed, displayed or been a part of our catalogue, CD or video/slideshow program) know, Authors' Coalition provides training in book promotion and booth management. Both here on this blog and in person. Sometimes we even pass ideas on from very sharp fair coordinators or program directors as you see below in a letter I sent out to our West Hollywood Book Fair group. And, yes, it seems a small thing, but small things add up. Here it is:
Dear Authors' Coalition Booth Participants:
Below you will find a letter from Roz Helfand, the West Hollywood Book Fair coordinator, along with the attached fair logo, a superbanner and blurb. She encourages you to make anything you use on your website clickable to the fair site. I'm glad she reminded me to remind you.
I also understand that booth numbers will not be assigned. I am not going to worry about this. We have a double booth and it will be lighted as AC Booths always are when electricity is available. This fair committee does a wonderful job with their programs/guides. Visitors will have no trouble finding us if you mention that you will be in the Authors' Coalition/Red Engine Press booth.
Best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Friday, August 17, 2007
West Hollywood Fair Administration Offers Promo Materials!
Rarely does a book fair offer its participants promotion materials. The West Hollywood Book Fair does!
Here is a note from Corey Roskin, the author coordinator of the WHBF. Please follow through by giving Roz Helfand your hoped-for number of postcards and bookmarks. Please do not ask for any more than you will use. Here are some tips:
1. Take the bookmarks to your library, your dentist, your corner grocery store etc. But first staple you business card to each one. That way you advertise YOU, your book and the fair. The book marks are little freebies. People will pick them up because they can be used. Don't leave too many. You'd rather they run out than waste them. Maybe 15 to 25, depending on the kind of reading traffic you get.
Use labels to attach to the post cards so they become personal invitations to your signing time and our booth. As yet, we do not have a booth number.
A couple of our participants don't live locally. They can still use the postcards to invite people they know who live in the Southern California area. Walt, are you listening? (-:
Don't forget to give Roz the number you'd like to have (she may or may not be able to honor your request. And give her your address.
If you have other ideas for using these promotion materials please add them under comments on this blog. See below in beigey-orange font.
Note:Those who would like to learn more about the Authors' Coalition-sponsored book fair booths may e-mail to receive my newsletter at hojonews@aol.com. Put "Subscribe" in the subject line. Authors who receive this letter learn first about all our new perks.
Here is a note from Corey Roskin, the author coordinator of the WHBF. Please follow through by giving Roz Helfand your hoped-for number of postcards and bookmarks. Please do not ask for any more than you will use. Here are some tips:
1. Take the bookmarks to your library, your dentist, your corner grocery store etc. But first staple you business card to each one. That way you advertise YOU, your book and the fair. The book marks are little freebies. People will pick them up because they can be used. Don't leave too many. You'd rather they run out than waste them. Maybe 15 to 25, depending on the kind of reading traffic you get.
Use labels to attach to the post cards so they become personal invitations to your signing time and our booth. As yet, we do not have a booth number.
A couple of our participants don't live locally. They can still use the postcards to invite people they know who live in the Southern California area. Walt, are you listening? (-:
Don't forget to give Roz the number you'd like to have (she may or may not be able to honor your request. And give her your address.
If you have other ideas for using these promotion materials please add them under comments on this blog. See below in beigey-orange font.
Note:Those who would like to learn more about the Authors' Coalition-sponsored book fair booths may e-mail to receive my newsletter at hojonews@aol.com. Put "Subscribe" in the subject line. Authors who receive this letter learn first about all our new perks.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Your Fair Media Release Template Whether You're Part of the West Hollywood Fair or Not.
This is your media release template. It is something you can use as a guideline, even if you're not part of Authors' Coalition or the West Hollywood Book Fair.
How Do I Make This Release My Own
You'll see that this release is written as if it were mine. Here are tips for utilizing the template. Those participating in the AC booth at the West Hollywood crows may adjust accordingly, but so might others:
1. You substitute your name for mine, trading it out from the list so mine is substituted for yours.
2. Insert your own bio template where mine is. Try to keep it short in best media release form and offer a link to your media kit for more information (or, if no link exists, offer to send it by attachement upon request as you see at the bottom of the release.
3. Do NOT send any release by attachment first time around. Most news outlets will not open e-mail with attachments. Also keep in mind that when you list exceptional accomplishments of a few other authors besides yourself you add credibility to your release.
4. Include your phone number (not shown here). Busy editors often cannot wait for answers by e-mail.
5. And, of course, use your OWN contact information. I can't answer questions about YOU intelligently. (-:
Or feel free to write your own media release. I am providing this template as a service only. For more precise instructions on writing media releases, varying them, getting a tad more creative, etc., refer to your copy of The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't. Or find it on Amazon.
For your own release, use you name in the headline, especially for contacts with your local press. Also mention the town you live in for releases going to your local media.
What Do YOu Do with a Release
And, no, it isn't too early to send out a release. If you do it early, you can send reminders later. Send to:
1. local media
2. all your contacts, fans, even those who have already bought your book. You wouldn't want your old fans to think you are getting lax, would you? Just tell them in an introduction to circle their calendars.
3. the Internet groups you belong to (yahoogroups.com kinds of discussion groups)
4. at least a couple of the free media release disseminators like prleap.com. Find a list on my site www.howtodoitfrugally.com. Click on the Resources for Writers link at the top of the page and scroll down to the list. I've even give you ultra-mini reviews of each of these sites. You are welcome to pay for additional services on these sites but IT IS NOT NECESSARY.
5. Post your release in your media room on your site. If you have no media room, consider getting one. In the meantime, post your most recent release(s) somewhere convenient. Or just use the material from your release to make a brief announcement. And, yes, be sure to includ the TIME you will be signing in your own releases and and on your website. That obviously doesn't work as well for a general release.
M E D I A R E L E A S E
Contact: Carolyn Howard-Johnson
E-mail: HoJoNews@aol.com
For Immediate Release
New Books Launched at West Hollywood Fair
Carolyn Howard-Johnson will introduce and sign her newly-released The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success at the West Hollywood Book Festival on Sunday, September 30, 2007 from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M at the West Hollywood Park, 647 N San Vicente Blvd.West Hollywood, CA 90069. Look for the Authors' Coalition and Red Engine Press booth.
Carolyn will also present "Reach for Your Dream: Prepare for Publication the Professional Way" at the fair's writers pavilion at 1 pm.
Other authors signing are Carol Wood, Janet Goliger, Christine Alexanians, Kevin Gerard, Margaret Danielak, Erica Stux, Leora Krygier, Walter Brasch, Jay Bern, Sona Ovasapyan, Michael Wallach, Nance Rosen ,and Carol J. Amato. Featured books include everything from nonfiction to poetry to genre fiction.
Howard-Johnson is also the author of This Is the Place, Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered, and Tracings, a chapbook of poetry. All are multi award-winners. She is an instructor for UCLA Extension's Writers' Program and has shared her expertise on publishing and writing at venues like San Diego State's world renowned Writers' Conference and Call to Arts! EXPO. She was recently awarded Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment by the California Legislature.
Learn more about Howard-Johnson at http://carolynhoward-johnson.com
More information on the West Hollywood Book Festival may be found at. http://www.westhollywoodbookfair.org/
For a schedule of author signing times go to http://www.authorscoalition.blogspot.com
Learn more about Authors' Coalition at http://www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
####
Support material available on request
How Do I Make This Release My Own
You'll see that this release is written as if it were mine. Here are tips for utilizing the template. Those participating in the AC booth at the West Hollywood crows may adjust accordingly, but so might others:
1. You substitute your name for mine, trading it out from the list so mine is substituted for yours.
2. Insert your own bio template where mine is. Try to keep it short in best media release form and offer a link to your media kit for more information (or, if no link exists, offer to send it by attachement upon request as you see at the bottom of the release.
3. Do NOT send any release by attachment first time around. Most news outlets will not open e-mail with attachments. Also keep in mind that when you list exceptional accomplishments of a few other authors besides yourself you add credibility to your release.
4. Include your phone number (not shown here). Busy editors often cannot wait for answers by e-mail.
5. And, of course, use your OWN contact information. I can't answer questions about YOU intelligently. (-:
Or feel free to write your own media release. I am providing this template as a service only. For more precise instructions on writing media releases, varying them, getting a tad more creative, etc., refer to your copy of The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't. Or find it on Amazon.
For your own release, use you name in the headline, especially for contacts with your local press. Also mention the town you live in for releases going to your local media.
What Do YOu Do with a Release
And, no, it isn't too early to send out a release. If you do it early, you can send reminders later. Send to:
1. local media
2. all your contacts, fans, even those who have already bought your book. You wouldn't want your old fans to think you are getting lax, would you? Just tell them in an introduction to circle their calendars.
3. the Internet groups you belong to (yahoogroups.com kinds of discussion groups)
4. at least a couple of the free media release disseminators like prleap.com. Find a list on my site www.howtodoitfrugally.com. Click on the Resources for Writers link at the top of the page and scroll down to the list. I've even give you ultra-mini reviews of each of these sites. You are welcome to pay for additional services on these sites but IT IS NOT NECESSARY.
5. Post your release in your media room on your site. If you have no media room, consider getting one. In the meantime, post your most recent release(s) somewhere convenient. Or just use the material from your release to make a brief announcement. And, yes, be sure to includ the TIME you will be signing in your own releases and and on your website. That obviously doesn't work as well for a general release.
M E D I A R E L E A S E
Contact: Carolyn Howard-Johnson
E-mail: HoJoNews@aol.com
For Immediate Release
New Books Launched at West Hollywood Fair
Carolyn Howard-Johnson will introduce and sign her newly-released The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success at the West Hollywood Book Festival on Sunday, September 30, 2007 from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M at the West Hollywood Park, 647 N San Vicente Blvd.West Hollywood, CA 90069. Look for the Authors' Coalition and Red Engine Press booth.
Carolyn will also present "Reach for Your Dream: Prepare for Publication the Professional Way" at the fair's writers pavilion at 1 pm.
Other authors signing are Carol Wood, Janet Goliger, Christine Alexanians, Kevin Gerard, Margaret Danielak, Erica Stux, Leora Krygier, Walter Brasch, Jay Bern, Sona Ovasapyan, Michael Wallach, Nance Rosen ,and Carol J. Amato. Featured books include everything from nonfiction to poetry to genre fiction.
Howard-Johnson is also the author of This Is the Place, Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered, and Tracings, a chapbook of poetry. All are multi award-winners. She is an instructor for UCLA Extension's Writers' Program and has shared her expertise on publishing and writing at venues like San Diego State's world renowned Writers' Conference and Call to Arts! EXPO. She was recently awarded Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment by the California Legislature.
Learn more about Howard-Johnson at http://carolynhoward-johnson.com
More information on the West Hollywood Book Festival may be found at. http://www.westhollywoodbookfair.org/
For a schedule of author signing times go to http://www.authorscoalition.blogspot.com
Learn more about Authors' Coalition at http://www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
####
Support material available on request
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Author Signing Times at the West Hollywood Book Fair
This is the signing schedule for the 2007 West Hollywood Book Fair on Sunday, September 30, 2007 from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M at the West Hollywood Park, 647 N San Vicente Blvd.West Hollywood, CA 90069. Look for the Authors' Coalition and Red Engine Press booth.
10 am
Carol Wood and Walter Brasch (Carolyn Howard-Johnson Standing in for Brasch)
11 am
Janet Goliger and Jay Bern
Noon
Christine Alexanians and Sona Ovasapyan
1 pm
Kevin Gerard and Michael Wallach
2 pm
Margaret Danielak and Nance Rosen
3 pm
Erica Stux and Carol J. Amato
4 pm to 6 pm
Leora Krygier
10 am to 12:30 and 2:30 to 6 pm
Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Joyce Faulkner (note, these two authors will not have signing stations but will be available to sign their books.)
We hope to see many many readers. Writers! Drop by to see how Authors' Coalition has developed a successful booth format using value-added promotions. Carolyn Howard-Johnson will moderate a panel on publishing at 1 pm. at the writers' pavilion. Joyce Faulkner is one of the panelists.
A media release is available on request from Carolyn at HoJoNews@aol.com.
We hope to see many readers at the fair. Writers! Drop by to see how Authors' Coalition has develped a successful booth format using value-added promotions. Carolyn Howard-Johnson will moderate a panel on publishing at 1 pm at the writers' pavilion. Joyce Faulkner is one of the panelists.
10 am
Carol Wood and Walter Brasch (Carolyn Howard-Johnson Standing in for Brasch)
11 am
Janet Goliger and Jay Bern
Noon
Christine Alexanians and Sona Ovasapyan
1 pm
Kevin Gerard and Michael Wallach
2 pm
Margaret Danielak and Nance Rosen
3 pm
Erica Stux and Carol J. Amato
4 pm to 6 pm
Leora Krygier
10 am to 12:30 and 2:30 to 6 pm
Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Joyce Faulkner (note, these two authors will not have signing stations but will be available to sign their books.)
We hope to see many many readers. Writers! Drop by to see how Authors' Coalition has developed a successful booth format using value-added promotions. Carolyn Howard-Johnson will moderate a panel on publishing at 1 pm. at the writers' pavilion. Joyce Faulkner is one of the panelists.
A media release is available on request from Carolyn at HoJoNews@aol.com.
We hope to see many readers at the fair. Writers! Drop by to see how Authors' Coalition has develped a successful booth format using value-added promotions. Carolyn Howard-Johnson will moderate a panel on publishing at 1 pm at the writers' pavilion. Joyce Faulkner is one of the panelists.
Friday, August 3, 2007
General Call for West Hollywood Book Fair Participation
Dear LA Area Authors:
Authors' Coalition has a few more opening for one-hour signing times at the West Hollywood Book Fair on Sunday, September 30, 2007.
Here are the benefits:
1. You get a time to sign and sell your book at the West Hollywood Book Fair, one of the fairs trafficked by Hollywood types including directors, producers, etc.
2. When you are not signing your book will be on display with order forms.
3. The booth will be a big showoff for you because it is:
a. a double booth
b. includes lighting
c. includes authors with GREAT cross-promotion instincts
d. the fee is lower than some fairs
4. Your $80 fee includes:
a. signing time
b. book display
c. a silver membership in Authors' Coalition (see www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com for the many perks of that membership)
d. the efforts of other motivated, promotion-minded authors. We all benefit from the efforts of the others.
e. personal (e-mail) guidance from me for your promotion efforts
f. we provide free books to be given with the sale of each signer's books, a nice encouragement for your fans to buy for the holidays early.
g. free promotional CDs are given to fair visitors to attract them to our booth
h. a video/slideshow will be running in the booth to attract visitors
6. If you are already an Authors' Coalition paid member, the cost is only I$60 for an hour. All those who participated in the last AC booth are already members.
So, for those who want to sign in West Hollywood on Sept. 30 (a one day fair only), this is what you need to do.
1. It is late so contact me at HoJoNews@aol.com. I'll give you an address for payment and will schedule you immediately.
2. Participation will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. There are only a few signing spots left, but they are all good times. I don't schedule for the last hour of the day, as an example.
Note: All signing authors and those who display are not encouraged but expected to promote. This is why our booths work better than others and better than going it alone. It is called cross-promotion. We will consider that if you participate in our AC/RedEnginePress booth, you will send out media releases, invite Southern California booksellers and librarians and utilize your personal list of anyone you know who lives anywhere from the Mexican border to San Francisco to the fair.
If you have questions regarding this e-mail, please post here and I will answer. We will all benefit from having all questions public--yes, even when I boo-boo. If you wish to unsubscribe from getting notices of any of my book/oriented events in the future, please just let me know.
Directors of Authors' Coalition are Pat McGrath Avery and Joyce Faulkner.
Very best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Founder Authors Coalition
www.HowToDoItFrugally.com
PS:
Some of you may already be set to display at the fair because you qualified for that when you chose to participate in both the catalog and the CD program at the LA Times Festival of Books in April. If you wish to sign as well, there will be an additional charge.
Authors' Coalition has a few more opening for one-hour signing times at the West Hollywood Book Fair on Sunday, September 30, 2007.
Here are the benefits:
1. You get a time to sign and sell your book at the West Hollywood Book Fair, one of the fairs trafficked by Hollywood types including directors, producers, etc.
2. When you are not signing your book will be on display with order forms.
3. The booth will be a big showoff for you because it is:
a. a double booth
b. includes lighting
c. includes authors with GREAT cross-promotion instincts
d. the fee is lower than some fairs
4. Your $80 fee includes:
a. signing time
b. book display
c. a silver membership in Authors' Coalition (see www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com for the many perks of that membership)
d. the efforts of other motivated, promotion-minded authors. We all benefit from the efforts of the others.
e. personal (e-mail) guidance from me for your promotion efforts
f. we provide free books to be given with the sale of each signer's books, a nice encouragement for your fans to buy for the holidays early.
g. free promotional CDs are given to fair visitors to attract them to our booth
h. a video/slideshow will be running in the booth to attract visitors
6. If you are already an Authors' Coalition paid member, the cost is only I$60 for an hour. All those who participated in the last AC booth are already members.
So, for those who want to sign in West Hollywood on Sept. 30 (a one day fair only), this is what you need to do.
1. It is late so contact me at HoJoNews@aol.com. I'll give you an address for payment and will schedule you immediately.
2. Participation will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. There are only a few signing spots left, but they are all good times. I don't schedule for the last hour of the day, as an example.
Note: All signing authors and those who display are not encouraged but expected to promote. This is why our booths work better than others and better than going it alone. It is called cross-promotion. We will consider that if you participate in our AC/RedEnginePress booth, you will send out media releases, invite Southern California booksellers and librarians and utilize your personal list of anyone you know who lives anywhere from the Mexican border to San Francisco to the fair.
If you have questions regarding this e-mail, please post here and I will answer. We will all benefit from having all questions public--yes, even when I boo-boo. If you wish to unsubscribe from getting notices of any of my book/oriented events in the future, please just let me know.
Directors of Authors' Coalition are Pat McGrath Avery and Joyce Faulkner.
Very best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Founder Authors Coalition
www.HowToDoItFrugally.com
PS:
Some of you may already be set to display at the fair because you qualified for that when you chose to participate in both the catalog and the CD program at the LA Times Festival of Books in April. If you wish to sign as well, there will be an additional charge.
Monday, July 30, 2007
West Hollywood Book Fair or What You Can Do to Promote Your Appearnce EARLY!
All Authors' Coalition's efforts are cross-proportional. That means we all benefit from the promotion each of the others does. So here is what anyone participating in a book fair can do six to eight weeks out.
1. Ready your media release. Check my HowToDoItFrugally website for a list of media release disseminators. Click on the tab at the top of the page that says "Resources for Writers" and scroll down. You'll even find my super-mini reviews of each site. Also be organizing your local list of contacts. Invite everyone, even those who have already purchased your book. They may need another for a gift, and they'll want to meet your fellow authors.
2. Some sample media releases will soon be coming your way. Jiggle them a bit to accommodate your own needs but do include the names of other participating authors. That helps search engines pick up your releases more frequently and gives your appearance credibility.
3. Janet Goliger, one of our booth signers, has volunteered to let us use her flyer as a template. That, too, will be coming to you.
4. Go to the Authors' Coalition site to pick up your logo. Use it on your website, in your newsletter, on your flyer, on your book's order forms, on your posters, etc. The possibilities are limitless. Please link any logo used on the web to: http://www.atuhorscoalitionandredenginepress.com.
5. Begin thinking about your order forms. All those with signing times will have their books shown in the booth on special bookshelves. A bood business card or order form should be available for visitors to pick up.
6. If you have a poster from the last AC Fair we did in Los Angeles, I saved it. If not, you may want to consider making one to specifications. More on that later.
7. Please share your promotion ideas with others. Click on the "Comment" link below. It's also a good place to ask questions.
Anyone who is interested in those last couple spaces available for this Sept. 30th fair can reach me for details at HoJoNews@aol.com.
Very best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
http://www.hotodoitfrugally.com
http://www.authorscoalition.blogspot.com
http://www.TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com
And my Sharing with Writers and Readers blog
1. Ready your media release. Check my HowToDoItFrugally website for a list of media release disseminators. Click on the tab at the top of the page that says "Resources for Writers" and scroll down. You'll even find my super-mini reviews of each site. Also be organizing your local list of contacts. Invite everyone, even those who have already purchased your book. They may need another for a gift, and they'll want to meet your fellow authors.
2. Some sample media releases will soon be coming your way. Jiggle them a bit to accommodate your own needs but do include the names of other participating authors. That helps search engines pick up your releases more frequently and gives your appearance credibility.
3. Janet Goliger, one of our booth signers, has volunteered to let us use her flyer as a template. That, too, will be coming to you.
4. Go to the Authors' Coalition site to pick up your logo. Use it on your website, in your newsletter, on your flyer, on your book's order forms, on your posters, etc. The possibilities are limitless. Please link any logo used on the web to: http://www.atuhorscoalitionandredenginepress.com.
5. Begin thinking about your order forms. All those with signing times will have their books shown in the booth on special bookshelves. A bood business card or order form should be available for visitors to pick up.
6. If you have a poster from the last AC Fair we did in Los Angeles, I saved it. If not, you may want to consider making one to specifications. More on that later.
7. Please share your promotion ideas with others. Click on the "Comment" link below. It's also a good place to ask questions.
Anyone who is interested in those last couple spaces available for this Sept. 30th fair can reach me for details at HoJoNews@aol.com.
Very best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
http://www.hotodoitfrugally.com
http://www.authorscoalition.blogspot.com
http://www.TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com
And my Sharing with Writers and Readers blog
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
How do Book Fairs Stack Up? Q&A A La Ann Landers
Question: I have so many expenses and so little money. Do you think [a book fair] would be a good investment or should I save my money for mailing, like to libraries or indie bookstores?
Carolyn's Answer: Try, as THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER suggests, not to use your money for promotion that can be done as well or even almost as well online. Use Google to the max. Glean the e-mail addresses from indie bookstores and libraries and send out your releases (both the release about your book's release and about your author-appearance at this--or any other--fair) by e-mail.
Question: Also, I get a better discount on my first order of books than thereafter and I was thinking I should buy as many as possible [with the money I have available].
Carolyn Answers: Buying books at a greater discount works pretty well but not if it leaves you without the funds you need for other important promotion. Promotion first. You won't sell the books you buy if you don't promote.
Question: There are also so may places to spend money in marketing -- like buying adwords and keywords.
Carolyn Answers: You can do something similar to Adwords without spending money. It's only similar but will work until you have some cash flow going for your book. Use the features on Amazon. The keywords feature. The help search feature. Listmania. So You'd Like Tos... Amazon is where readers hang out anyway. So read the chapters on that in your THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER and spend some time exploring the Amazon possibilities.
Question: Where do you think the book fair stands among all these things?
Carolyn Answers: That's a tough question. I do know that book fairs only work as well as you work them. That is true of any kind of promotion, professional organization, etc. Unless you're going to get that media release written and disseminated using the list on the Resources for Writers page my site, unless you're going to use your list serve groups (like our private savvygang@yahoogroups.com (a group of those who have taken my classes at UCLA) to let people know you'll be at the fair, unless you send your friends and contacts invitations to tell them you'll be there, etc. etc., it won't work at all. I've seen authors who do all these things, do really, really well (maybe sell 20 or 30 books and make important contacts to boot!). People who don't are lucky to sell 2 books. it's all about promoton, truly.
So, the choice is yours but I wouldn't be spending money to do by mail what you can do free by e-mail! (-: That's for sure!
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
www.howtodoitfrugally.com
www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.comwww.authorscoalition.blogspot.com
www.thenewbookrreview.blogspot.com
Questions Submitted by Alexa Wolf, author
Carolyn's Answer: Try, as THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER suggests, not to use your money for promotion that can be done as well or even almost as well online. Use Google to the max. Glean the e-mail addresses from indie bookstores and libraries and send out your releases (both the release about your book's release and about your author-appearance at this--or any other--fair) by e-mail.
Question: Also, I get a better discount on my first order of books than thereafter and I was thinking I should buy as many as possible [with the money I have available].
Carolyn Answers: Buying books at a greater discount works pretty well but not if it leaves you without the funds you need for other important promotion. Promotion first. You won't sell the books you buy if you don't promote.
Question: There are also so may places to spend money in marketing -- like buying adwords and keywords.
Carolyn Answers: You can do something similar to Adwords without spending money. It's only similar but will work until you have some cash flow going for your book. Use the features on Amazon. The keywords feature. The help search feature. Listmania. So You'd Like Tos... Amazon is where readers hang out anyway. So read the chapters on that in your THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER and spend some time exploring the Amazon possibilities.
Question: Where do you think the book fair stands among all these things?
Carolyn Answers: That's a tough question. I do know that book fairs only work as well as you work them. That is true of any kind of promotion, professional organization, etc. Unless you're going to get that media release written and disseminated using the list on the Resources for Writers page my site, unless you're going to use your list serve groups (like our private savvygang@yahoogroups.com (a group of those who have taken my classes at UCLA) to let people know you'll be at the fair, unless you send your friends and contacts invitations to tell them you'll be there, etc. etc., it won't work at all. I've seen authors who do all these things, do really, really well (maybe sell 20 or 30 books and make important contacts to boot!). People who don't are lucky to sell 2 books. it's all about promoton, truly.
So, the choice is yours but I wouldn't be spending money to do by mail what you can do free by e-mail! (-: That's for sure!
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
www.howtodoitfrugally.com
www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.comwww.authorscoalition.blogspot.com
www.thenewbookrreview.blogspot.com
Questions Submitted by Alexa Wolf, author
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Come Sign and Cross-Promote in West Hollywood
Dear Authors' Coalition Members and Future AC Members:
It is time to sign up for a signing spot for the West Hollywood Book Fair on Sunday, September 30, 2007. Some of you may already be set to display at the fair because you qualified for that when you chose to participate in both the catalog and the CD program at the LA Times Festival of Books in April. If you wish to sign as well, there will be an additional charge. This is what the guidelines said on that when I put out the call last year.
"This year we are combining the offer with an opportunity to also exhibit at the West Hollywood Book Fair in September of 2007 Frequency, after all, is the golden guideline for great promotion.
"This year you can have your book displayed F R^ E ^E. by participating in other value-added promotions (both the CD effort and the Catalog) associated with the fair."
So, for those who want to sign in West Hollywood on Sept. 30 (a one day fair only), this is what you need to do.
1. Contact Pat Avery and determine with her how you would like to pay (Paypal or check.) Pat is a director of Authors' Coalition. Contact me at HoJoNews@aol.com for directions on how to reach her.
2. Participation will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. There are only 12 signing spots. Several of you have already told me you would like to sign.
3. Signing segments are for one hour (realistically 50 minutes to allow set up and break-down time). There will be two authors at the signing table at once. The cost is $80 for one hour if you are NOT an AC member (and that includes a silver membership) or $60 for an hour if you are already a member (all those who participated in the last booth are members).
4. All those who sign for this fair will get display space as per the LA Times booth at no charge.
5. The slide show that many of you participated in for the LA Times fair will be shown in this booth at no additional charge. Many of you also participated in CDs. We will distribute more of those as well, also at no extra charge.
6. Any unsold signing spaces will be offered to authors outside Authors' Coalition on July 1, 2007.
7. All signing authors and those who display are not encouraged but actually expected to promote. This is why our booths work better than others and better than going it alone. It is called cross-promotion. We will consider that if you participate in our AC/RedEnginePress booth, you will send out media releases, invite Southern California booksellers and librarians and utilize your personal list of anyone you know who lives anywhere from the Mexican border to San Francisco to the fair. Why such a large area? Because you might be surprised who comes and even if your contacts don't come, it gives you one more valid reason to contact them. In promotion and branding, frequency counts and your being an active author is good branding.
7. After the unfortunate malfunction of our blog during the last fair, we will have one that works for sharing ideas this time. This is it! Please feel free to share ideas and learn, members of AC or not, participants in our booths or not.
If you have questions regarding this e-mail, please post here and I will answer. We will all benefit from having all questions public--yes, even when I boo-boo. Part of the value of working with Authors' Coalition and this booth is what we learn from one another, both our mistakes and our successes. (-:
Directors of Authors' Coalition are Pat McGrath Avery and Joyce Faulkner.
Very best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Founder Authors Coalition
www.HowToDoItFrugally.com
It is time to sign up for a signing spot for the West Hollywood Book Fair on Sunday, September 30, 2007. Some of you may already be set to display at the fair because you qualified for that when you chose to participate in both the catalog and the CD program at the LA Times Festival of Books in April. If you wish to sign as well, there will be an additional charge. This is what the guidelines said on that when I put out the call last year.
"This year we are combining the offer with an opportunity to also exhibit at the West Hollywood Book Fair in September of 2007 Frequency, after all, is the golden guideline for great promotion.
"This year you can have your book displayed F R^ E ^E. by participating in other value-added promotions (both the CD effort and the Catalog) associated with the fair."
So, for those who want to sign in West Hollywood on Sept. 30 (a one day fair only), this is what you need to do.
1. Contact Pat Avery and determine with her how you would like to pay (Paypal or check.) Pat is a director of Authors' Coalition. Contact me at HoJoNews@aol.com for directions on how to reach her.
2. Participation will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. There are only 12 signing spots. Several of you have already told me you would like to sign.
3. Signing segments are for one hour (realistically 50 minutes to allow set up and break-down time). There will be two authors at the signing table at once. The cost is $80 for one hour if you are NOT an AC member (and that includes a silver membership) or $60 for an hour if you are already a member (all those who participated in the last booth are members).
4. All those who sign for this fair will get display space as per the LA Times booth at no charge.
5. The slide show that many of you participated in for the LA Times fair will be shown in this booth at no additional charge. Many of you also participated in CDs. We will distribute more of those as well, also at no extra charge.
6. Any unsold signing spaces will be offered to authors outside Authors' Coalition on July 1, 2007.
7. All signing authors and those who display are not encouraged but actually expected to promote. This is why our booths work better than others and better than going it alone. It is called cross-promotion. We will consider that if you participate in our AC/RedEnginePress booth, you will send out media releases, invite Southern California booksellers and librarians and utilize your personal list of anyone you know who lives anywhere from the Mexican border to San Francisco to the fair. Why such a large area? Because you might be surprised who comes and even if your contacts don't come, it gives you one more valid reason to contact them. In promotion and branding, frequency counts and your being an active author is good branding.
7. After the unfortunate malfunction of our blog during the last fair, we will have one that works for sharing ideas this time. This is it! Please feel free to share ideas and learn, members of AC or not, participants in our booths or not.
If you have questions regarding this e-mail, please post here and I will answer. We will all benefit from having all questions public--yes, even when I boo-boo. Part of the value of working with Authors' Coalition and this booth is what we learn from one another, both our mistakes and our successes. (-:
Directors of Authors' Coalition are Pat McGrath Avery and Joyce Faulkner.
Very best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Founder Authors Coalition
www.HowToDoItFrugally.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
