I want to remind you that publisher Patrika Vaughn, talented Toastmaster award-winner Allyn Evans and I are teaming up to present a free teleseminar to writers who want to tell their own stories, as memoir or as fiction. Thus it is for genealogists, journalers and story tellers everywhere. It is titled "How To Write Your Life Story."
I'll share my experience turning my family's genealogy and stories into my award-winning novel This Is the Place and how I used the leftover stories from that effort in a book of creative nonfiction short stories, Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered. I hope my experiences will inform those inclined to publish their stories but who need more information about how that might come to be. I even used family memories in my chapbook of poetry, Tracings.
Patrika is author of How to Write Your Own Life Story or Your Family's Saga available as a CD set. She will talk about how to turn this material into a book, covering:
1) why you should write it
2) how to go about it (even if you've never before written anything but emails)
3) how to make it interesting to others
The teleseminar will be moderated by Allyn who is also the author of Grab the Queen Power: Live Your Best Life, based on her own experiences.
Writers are invited to listen and come prepared with their questions at noon on July 12th EST . Call 1-218-936-7999. When prompted use this access code: 390175. If asked participants may need this pin number: 2823.
The teleconference will be available as a podcast afterward at :
Authors' Coalition, www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress/podcasts_&_radio.htm
The ACapella Publishing site, www.acapella.com/
Allyn Evans' site, www.allynevans.com
On Allyn's Queen Power site, www.queeenpower.com .
And on Carolyn's Resources for Writers page at www.howtodoitfrugally.com
Those with questions may contact Patrika at acappub@aol.com
The seminar is offered as a service to the writing community through the auspices of Authors' Coalition (www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com) and Vaughn's publishing firm, A Cappela Publishing (www.acapella.com).
We three would love it if you could (or would!) pass this information to your fellow writers. How about your fellow critiquers and writing club members? (-:
h
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Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author THIS IS THE PLACE; HARKENING: A COLLECTION OF STORIES REMEMBERED; TRACINGS, a chapbook of poetry; and two how to books, THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER: HOW TO DO WHAT YOUR PUBLISHER WON'T; and THE FRUGAL EDITOR: PUT YOUR BEST BOOK FORWARD TO AVOID HUMILIATION AND ENSURE SUCCESS.
Her other blogs include TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com and AuthorsCoalition.blogspot.com, a blog that helps writers and publishers turn a ho-hum book fair booth into a sizzler.
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Blogging by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, founder of Authors' Coalition (www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com). Learn more at both the AC site and Carolyn's website, www.howtodoitfrugally.com and her blogs:
www.thefrugaleditor.blogspot.com
www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com
Showing posts with label carolyn howard-johnson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label carolyn howard-johnson. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
AC Member Pam Kelly Sets Promotion Example for Us All
Authors' Coalition thank yous go to Pam Kelly for putting the Authors' Coalition (and my guest appearance at her class) front and center on her blog. http://www.pkellycom.blogspot.com/.
Her blog is a perfect place to see some shots of fair happenings at our booth (the videos with Rey Ybarra at our booth, shots with Annette Fix, (a fellow Authors' Coalition booth participant) and Book Publicists of Southern California (BPSC) leader, Irwin Zucker, plus notes on the way she used a drawing (and promoted it!) during her signing time and, of course, the beautiful set-up for her table during her signing time. Her passion shows through, of course, (She wrote Speak with Passion! Speak with Power!) but her promotion details set an example for us all.
Just a quick note on the Authors' Coalition catalog that goes out to booksellers, too. Mindy Laurence is sending copies to bookstore buyers. Both in her hometown and that of her PR client, Dr. Dan Skelton.
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Blogging by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, founder of Authors' Coalition (www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com). Learn more at both the AC site and Carolyn's website, www.howtodoitfrugally.com and her blogs:
www.thefrugaleditor.blogspot.com
www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com
Her blog is a perfect place to see some shots of fair happenings at our booth (the videos with Rey Ybarra at our booth, shots with Annette Fix, (a fellow Authors' Coalition booth participant) and Book Publicists of Southern California (BPSC) leader, Irwin Zucker, plus notes on the way she used a drawing (and promoted it!) during her signing time and, of course, the beautiful set-up for her table during her signing time. Her passion shows through, of course, (She wrote Speak with Passion! Speak with Power!) but her promotion details set an example for us all.
Just a quick note on the Authors' Coalition catalog that goes out to booksellers, too. Mindy Laurence is sending copies to bookstore buyers. Both in her hometown and that of her PR client, Dr. Dan Skelton.
----
Blogging by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, founder of Authors' Coalition (www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com). Learn more at both the AC site and Carolyn's website, www.howtodoitfrugally.com and her blogs:
www.thefrugaleditor.blogspot.com
www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Best Selling Author TV Offers Book Fair Participants Post-Fair Exposure
Just because a fair is done, doesn't mean the publicity has to die, too. Now, to aid those who signed at Authors' Coalition's booth with their post-fair publicity comes this great spread from Best Selling Author TV!
How might you authors use it? Link to the page Rey did for us on your website, your blogs, and let your fans know about it! Try to spot your books on display, your posters, your faces. Here's Rey's note and link! Leave a comment, please, and, for the good of your book, leave a web address with your signature!
Thank you, Rey. We'll look forward to seeing more videos!
Please click on the link http://bestsellingauthortv.blogspot.com/2008/04/authors-coalition-teams-up-with-best.html to see photos and write ups for authors who participated on our Best Selling Author Television program from this years UCLA/LA Times Festival of Books!
Sincerely,
Rey Ybarra
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Blogging by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, founder of Authors' Coalition (www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com). Learn more at both the AC site and Carolyn's website, www.howtodoitfrugally.com and her blogs:
www.thefrugaleditor.blogspot.com
www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books: Authors' Coop Featured Authors
Visit with these authors.
Let them sign your purchases.
Get a free book with your purchase while our supply lasts.
Come to the LA Times/UCLA Festiva of Books, Booths 610 and 611, Zone F, Near the Food Section on April 26 and 27, Saturday and Sunday!
Saturday
Two per table
Please note--some authors are signing both days.
10 am Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Joyce Faulkner
11 am Fred Ephraim and Deborah Amelon
Noon Danalee Buhler and Annette Fix
1 pm Christine Alexanians and Sona Ovasapyan (both poets)
2 pm Carol Wood and David H. Jones
4 pm Rey Ybarra, video photographer
Sunday
Two per table
10 am Annette Fix and Carolyn Howard-Johnson
11 am Fred Ephraim and Pam Kelly
Noon: Danalee Buhler and Barbara Crandall
1 pm : Carl Nelson and Patti Kokinos
2 pm David H. Jones
4 pm Rey Ybarra, video photographer
------
Blogging by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, founder of Authors' Coalition (www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com). Learn more at both the AC site and Carolyn's website, www.howtodoitfrugally.com and her blogs:
www.thefrugaleditor.blogspot.com
www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com
Let them sign your purchases.
Get a free book with your purchase while our supply lasts.
Come to the LA Times/UCLA Festiva of Books, Booths 610 and 611, Zone F, Near the Food Section on April 26 and 27, Saturday and Sunday!
Saturday
Two per table
Please note--some authors are signing both days.
10 am Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Joyce Faulkner
11 am Fred Ephraim and Deborah Amelon
Noon Danalee Buhler and Annette Fix
1 pm Christine Alexanians and Sona Ovasapyan (both poets)
2 pm Carol Wood and David H. Jones
4 pm Rey Ybarra, video photographer
Sunday
Two per table
10 am Annette Fix and Carolyn Howard-Johnson
11 am Fred Ephraim and Pam Kelly
Noon: Danalee Buhler and Barbara Crandall
1 pm : Carl Nelson and Patti Kokinos
2 pm David H. Jones
4 pm Rey Ybarra, video photographer
------
Blogging by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, founder of Authors' Coalition (www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com). Learn more at both the AC site and Carolyn's website, www.howtodoitfrugally.com and her blogs:
www.thefrugaleditor.blogspot.com
www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Question on Book Fair Book Sales Answered
Hi Carolyn,
Thanks again for all of your helpful emails about the festival. My book, Running From Coyote: A White Family among the Navajo, is receiving some great reviews. You can see Tony Hillerman's comment, as well as the Discovery Kirkus Review on my web site: danaleebuhlerwriter.com
I have a couple of questions.
QUESTION: First, I plan to bring 40 books with me for the signing. In your experience, is that too many, too few? If I need more, I need to order them now from the publisher.
ANSWER: You'll be getting a notice on this soon. But yes, 40 would probably do it. It is a hard thing to know, however, because the LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books attracts 135,000 visitors (among them directors, producers, etc) so anything can happen. So much depends on:
1. the title
2. the author (if he/she is recognized by some and if he/she has learned/knows how to relate to people walking by)
3. the amount of promotion the author has done both in general and for the signing
4. the price of the book.
Also, keep in mind that, though we would all like to sell lots of books at this fair, fairs in general are about, yep! exposure and credibility among readers. So, think sales, certainly. But keep in mind that what you are really after is to be associated with this fair (LA Times and UCLA and Authors' Coalition!) and to use it has a vehicle to contact bookstores, contact media, contact libraries, contact readers.
Let the world know that you will be featured author at the AC booth at the LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books!
QUESTION: Secondly, I have two laminated 11x17 inch "Meet the Author" posters which I plan to add an 8x11 inch author photo. I will hang these on the booth. Can I use these instead of the requested 14x16 inch poster? I will pick them up by closing on Sunday.
ANSWER: Yes, but you would need to get some grommets in them so we can string wire through them. That's how they get hung. And we do the hanging, around the top of the booth. If you want to keep one to use when you're signing (stand it on the table near your book display, as an example) that would work. One for the permanent display in the booth (hung by wire) and one for your display as you sign. )
QUESTION: I was planning on bringing my own cash box and handle my own sales. Is that how it's done? That's not a problem for me. I have some old fashion candy give-a-ways for my 1950's memoir. I will also bring my 3x4 foot Navajo rug for display on the signing table.
ANSWER: Yes, that's it exactly. Each author is in charge of his/her own little table area, his/her own book sales.
COMMENT: Finally, I will provide ten books for your give-a-way program.
RESPONSE: That the booth offers a f r e e book to people who buy books from any of the authors (while supplies last) obviously makes it possible for people to see your book even when it isn't your turn at signing. Thank you. That's a nice incentive for our readers to buy others' books and so appreciated by all. Thank you, Dana.
I will have the items listed in your last email ready to mail to you around the first of April. I look forward to meeting you.
Danalee Buhler
SUGGESTION: This blog is made available to all authors so they can learn more about planning for fairs. Go back and see what we've done in the past, how they might be applied to any fair or booth you might be planning.
-----
Blogging by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, founder of Authors' Coalition (www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com). Learn more at both the AC site and Carolyn's website, www.howtodoitfrugally.com and her blogs:
www.thefrugaleditor.blogspot.com
www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com
Thanks again for all of your helpful emails about the festival. My book, Running From Coyote: A White Family among the Navajo, is receiving some great reviews. You can see Tony Hillerman's comment, as well as the Discovery Kirkus Review on my web site: danaleebuhlerwriter.com
I have a couple of questions.
QUESTION: First, I plan to bring 40 books with me for the signing. In your experience, is that too many, too few? If I need more, I need to order them now from the publisher.
ANSWER: You'll be getting a notice on this soon. But yes, 40 would probably do it. It is a hard thing to know, however, because the LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books attracts 135,000 visitors (among them directors, producers, etc) so anything can happen. So much depends on:
1. the title
2. the author (if he/she is recognized by some and if he/she has learned/knows how to relate to people walking by)
3. the amount of promotion the author has done both in general and for the signing
4. the price of the book.
Also, keep in mind that, though we would all like to sell lots of books at this fair, fairs in general are about, yep! exposure and credibility among readers. So, think sales, certainly. But keep in mind that what you are really after is to be associated with this fair (LA Times and UCLA and Authors' Coalition!) and to use it has a vehicle to contact bookstores, contact media, contact libraries, contact readers.
Let the world know that you will be featured author at the AC booth at the LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books!
QUESTION: Secondly, I have two laminated 11x17 inch "Meet the Author" posters which I plan to add an 8x11 inch author photo. I will hang these on the booth. Can I use these instead of the requested 14x16 inch poster? I will pick them up by closing on Sunday.
ANSWER: Yes, but you would need to get some grommets in them so we can string wire through them. That's how they get hung. And we do the hanging, around the top of the booth. If you want to keep one to use when you're signing (stand it on the table near your book display, as an example) that would work. One for the permanent display in the booth (hung by wire) and one for your display as you sign. )
QUESTION: I was planning on bringing my own cash box and handle my own sales. Is that how it's done? That's not a problem for me. I have some old fashion candy give-a-ways for my 1950's memoir. I will also bring my 3x4 foot Navajo rug for display on the signing table.
ANSWER: Yes, that's it exactly. Each author is in charge of his/her own little table area, his/her own book sales.
COMMENT: Finally, I will provide ten books for your give-a-way program.
RESPONSE: That the booth offers a f r e e book to people who buy books from any of the authors (while supplies last) obviously makes it possible for people to see your book even when it isn't your turn at signing. Thank you. That's a nice incentive for our readers to buy others' books and so appreciated by all. Thank you, Dana.
I will have the items listed in your last email ready to mail to you around the first of April. I look forward to meeting you.
Danalee Buhler
SUGGESTION: This blog is made available to all authors so they can learn more about planning for fairs. Go back and see what we've done in the past, how they might be applied to any fair or booth you might be planning.
-----
Blogging by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, founder of Authors' Coalition (www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com). Learn more at both the AC site and Carolyn's website, www.howtodoitfrugally.com and her blogs:
www.thefrugaleditor.blogspot.com
www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com
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
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.
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.
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
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