I understand--yes, the Boomer washline where women go to talk is verrrry long!--that THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER has been a topic here recently and I thought, as a former guest, I'd jump in here. Of COURSE, I want to promote it, but I also know from the letters I receive how much it helps authors-both the new ones and the more experienced ones.

The other point I'd like to make for Teresa and others is that that, though Boomer writers on this forum are experienced and a great resource, they can't write whole chapters of advice on any given topic. So, as valuable as this kind of networking is, it cannot take the place of doing some serious reading and research.
If forums like this are addended to some solid knowledge about a subject, the "extras" one gets here are invaluable!

Also writers should beware of the Web. Use it, of course. But there is lots of misinformation going around (especially about grammar and craft) and if a writer isn't checking credentials, taking creditable classes (notice the adjective there! (-: ) and reading. A lot!!! She could very well be operating with some bad info or at least some incomplete info.

An example is book signings. Everyones WANTS to do book signings. They work in some instances. But there are MANY better ways to promote a book--not only better but way less expensive. If you've read FRUGAL like Pam and Georgia, you know what they are.

Anyway, best to you all. I've missed you. But I'm still here in spirit and am happy to drop in any time at all if you in a promotion bind. Dotsie rocks!

Love,

Carolyn Howard-Johnson
THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER: HOW TO DO WHAT YOUR PUBLISHER WON'T
Winner of USA Book News' "Best Professional Book 2004"
http://carolynhowardjohnson (site being re-worked)

Hi Carolyn,
We've missed you!

Hi Carolyn!

This is the first I chance I have had to get on the boomer website all weekend. Your absolutely right! I have received alot of wonderful advice on how to promote my book, but I have heard on more than one occasion that your book is what I need to purchase in order to understand the full dynamics of self promoting. Purchasing your book is a must have......as I have put it on my list of "things to do" this week.

I agree.....book signings are a way to promote a book, but it certainly isn't the ONLY way to promote it.

So far, my website is working wonders but more importantly, networking through my family and friends has formed a dominoe effect.

One person is sharing the news with another, then another and so on and so forth. Amazing!

Cheers!

Teresa

Just popped in for another reason today and found this! I'm so glad I'm someone favorite queen. Hubby is off to China. I'm not complaining. I may get some time to write! But I do think about you all!

Love,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Award-winning author of THIS IS THE PLACE, HARKENING, THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER and a new chapbook of poetry TRACINGS
http://carolynhowardjohnson.com

Hi Carolyn, I'll add my second to Teresa (we are encouraging each other on almost a daily basis) that my to do list included purchasing your book. Promoting I need...and frugal I am. Thanks for a great resource. Karen

Hi Carolyn!

Being I am a first time writer......I sure have learned alot. Sorta like learning how to drive a car. "I have seen parts of a car engine, but not sure how they are put together in order to make the car run."

I have found that writing was the easy part and promoting is the difficult part. But I have learned to narrow down my audience. Not everyone will enjoy reading my book. Not everyone can relate. Therefore I have focused in on attracting an audience that suits the purpose of my book. So far, it's working......and had two newspaper articles written about my book in August.

Like Karen, your book is on my "to do" list as well. In fact, I plan to pick it up this month as my book will FINALLY become live in acouple of weeks.

Karen and I bounce things off of each other......which has been very helpful! In saying that.....I believe both of us will certainly benefit from the advice you share within your book.

Can't wait to read it!

Teresa

Hey Carolyn, good to see you.

I have read Carolyn's book and loved it. She was a past Featured Author at BWS. You may want to go to that forum, pull it up and read some more.

I'm sure Carolyn won't mind this because we certainly need more than one book to teach us promotional skills. You may also want to check out www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com. Francine also has a great newsletter and book.

Now I have to run to an interview...promote, promte, promote.