The New Book Review

Showing posts with label Nonfiction: Writers. Show all posts

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Debra Eckerling Shares Blog and Goal Setting Expertise

TITLE: Write On Blogging
SUBTITLE: 51 Tips to Create, Write & Promote Your Blog

AUTHOR: Debra Eckerling

AISN: B01MSP9HTN

LINK: http://bitly.com/WriteOnBlogging

GENRE: Non-Fiction:

CATEGORY: Blogging & Blogs and Writing Skills

All an author has to say to me is “tips” and I’m sold. They make easy reading and I nearly always find something among them that is new to me.

Debra Eckerling’s new book, Write On Blogging,does that for me, but it does a whole lot more. It’s a short book, but it’s complete—a whole lot more than tips.

I like that Eckerling doesn’t assume an author knows anything about blogging. She takes her tutorial from the needs of fresh (and scared!) beginnings like opening a blog to developing blogging skills that even a veteran will appreciated.

She also keeps a blogger on track with practical advice like “You want to develop a long and lasting relationship with your blog, and also open the lines of communication with your readers” found in Chapter Eight titled “Stay on Track.”

She also brings the same goal-making skills she offers her clients to this slender book—things like scheduling, priorities, commitment.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who blogs. It will either put bloggers on track or help keep them there.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

You will find Debra Eckerling:

On LinkedIn
On Facebook
On Twitter
On Pinterest
On Instagram
On YouTube.com
Via Email
On WriteOnOnline.com

Listen, watch, or read show notes from Write On Online’s Guided Goals Podcast. Sign up for her Write On Online Newsletter

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Carolyn Howard-Johnson brings her experience as a publicist, journalist, marketer, and retailer to the advice she gives in her HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers and the many classes she taught for nearly a decade as instructor for UCLA Extension’s world-renown Writers’ Program. The books in her HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers have won multiple awards. That series includes both the first and second editions of The Frugal Book Promoter and The Frugal Editor won awards from USA Book News, Readers’ Views Literary Award, the marketing award from Next Generation Indie Books and others including the coveted Irwin award. How To Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically is the newest book in her HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers.

Howard-Johnson is the recipient of the California Legislature’s Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment Award, and her community’s Character and Ethics award for her work promoting tolerance with her writing. She was also named to Pasadena Weekly’s list of “Fourteen San Gabriel Valley women who make life happen” and was given her community’s Diamond Award for Achievement in the Arts.

The author loves to travel. She has visited eighty-nine countries and has studied writing at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom; Herzen University in St. Petersburg, Russia; and Charles University, Prague. She admits to carrying a pen and journal wherever she goes. Her Web site is www.howtodoitfrugally.com.

ABOUT THIS BLOG

The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Linda Barnett-Johnson Finds Frugal Book Promoter a Help with Her Book Tour

The second edition of my The Frugal Book Promoter was recently reviewed on Amazon by Linda Barnett-Johnson and I thought I'd use it as an occasion to remind subscribers and visitors to this blog that this multi award-winning book makes a lovely gift for any author or aspiring author because it's a gift that keeps giving, keeps contributing to his or her writing career. This review makes it clear that it is one of those books one can keep referring to again and again.

Title: The Frugal Book Promoter

Second Edition

Author: Carolyn Howard-Johnson

Author's Web site

Available as paperback or e-book on Amazon

Awards: USA Book News, winner business category; Global E-Book Awards, honorable mention; BPSC Irwin Award

Cover by Chaz DeSimone

Reviewed by Linda Barnett-Johnson, originally for Amazon

I am always in the market for books on helping my author clients in promoting their books. The Frugal Book Promoter is one of those books that I bought. What I like about this book is the easy format; table of contents; easy to find categories; how-to’s and much more.

I love the word “frugally” because that in itself is what I am. I don’t have the big bucks to buy ads or other marketing strategies. I like giving my authors reliable information and tactics without them having to pay high dollar for it.

I was interested in the social marketing and blog marketing and “The Frugal Book Promoter” was there to help. Since I have never done a “book tour” before, it was easy to read and follow. I had my first book tour in March.

There are many interesting subjects:

Amazon - How to set up your books and much more;

Blogs;

Book launches;

Book tours;

Contests;

E-mail marketing;

Resources and Reviews;

And don’t forget “writing”

Anything from A-Z. She has researched and used her methods and it shows.

There are many quotes and anecdotes from other authors and writers.

If you want your book promotions to go easier, I would recommend her books. I have them all and will use them over-and-over.

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Linda Barnett-Johnson

Editor/Virtual Assistant for Authors

www.lindabarnett-johnson.com

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Midwest Book Review Managing Editor Reviews The Frugal Editor

In The Frugal Book Promoter, I advise that authors choose promotions and marketing tools that fit their title, their personalities, and their pocketbooks. Recently I have also learned it's a good idea to be kind to oneself and adapt to the circumstances of one's life. The campaign I had planned for the release of the second edition of The Frugal Editor in paperback is far more casual (and scattered!) than the one I had planned because my husband fell from our roof and broke his vertebrae (four of them!), So, as a full time caregiver, I'm taking my own advice and doing a what we might call this a dribble campaign. Here is the latest review from Beth Cox the new managing editor of The Midwest Book Review.

The Frugal Editor
Carolyn Howard-Johnson

From the HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers
HowToDoItFrugally Publishing
www.howtodoitfrugally.com
ISBN: 9781505712117
$17.95

Genre: Nonfiction/Writers/Marketing

288pp,

Available as an e-book or in paperback from Amazon

Review by Beth Cox, Managing Editor of Midwest Book Review

Reprinted with Permission from her June newsletter, the Beth Cox Report

June's Book of the Month is about the writing and publishing trades.
Writing/Publishing books are regularly featured in the Jim Cox Report,
so I rarely spotlight them here, but this one is exceptionally worthy:

Editing is the process of selecting and preparing written, visual, audible and film media used to convey information. The editing process can involve correction, condensation, organization, and many other modifications performed with an intention of producing a correct, consistent, accurate and complete work. The editing process often begins with the author's idea for the work itself, continuing as a collaboration between the author and the editor as the work is created. As such, editing can involve creative skills, human relations and a precise set of methods. There are various editorial positions in publishing. Typically, one finds editorial assistants reporting to the senior-level editorial staff and directors who report to senior executive editors. Senior executive editors are responsible for developing a product for its final release. The smaller the publication, the more these roles overlap. In the book publishing industry, editors may organize anthologies and other compilations, produce definitive editions of a classic author's works (scholarly editor), and organize and manage contributions to a multi-author book (symposium editor or volume editor). Obtaining manuscripts or recruiting authors is the role of an Acquisitions Editor or a commissioning editor in a publishing house. Finding marketable ideas and presenting them to appropriate authors are the responsibilities of a sponsoring editor. Copy editors correct spelling, grammar and align writings to house style. Changes to the publishing industry since the 1980s have resulted in nearly all copy editing of book manuscripts being outsourced to freelance copy editors.

The Frugal Editor: Do-It-Yourself Editing Secrets for Authors is a complete course of instruction under one cover. From editing query letters to editing final manuscripts to the editorial chores of marketing, The Frugal Editor covers the complete range of editorial tasks and responsibilities -- including common mistakes and errors to avoid. Thoroughly 'user friendly' from beginning to end, The Frugal Editor is ideal for the novice author, and would prove to be of immense value as an instructional reference resource for experienced authors, publishers, publicists, and freelance copy editors.

Bethany Cox
Managing Editor
The Midwest Book Review
http://www.midwestbookreview.com

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

WOW Blog Tour Review Love My Friend Nina Amir's New Book for Authors

Title: Authorpreneur: How to Build a Business Around Your

Book

Author: Nina Amir

Web site: www.ninaamir.com

Genre: Writing Craft

Publisher: Pure Spirit Creations

Publication Date: October 22, 2014

E-Book: 85 pages

AISN: B00OT67PPO

Buy the book at Amazon

Or at Smashwords

BOOK REVIEW: AUTHORPRENEUR

Reviewed by Jodi Webb originally for The Muffin

I am good with words. I am not good with numbers, money, business plans. I suspect in that way I am similar to many writers. Nina Amir's book Authorpreneur: How to Build a Business Around Your Book addresses that shortcoming in many writers by providing a step by step map to transforming a book into a business that provides an author many opportunities to earn.

When I say "step by step" I am not exaggerating. Amir will provide an idea such as webinar. From there she will provide you with the names of several platforms you can use to set up webinars along with the positives and negatives of each platform. Then she provides both creative and technical directions on how to produce a webinar: how to transform your book/knowledge into a webinar and tips on technical issues such as when to hold a webinar, producing online registration pages, etc. I was amazed by just how much information was in this 85 page ebook! Even if you just adopt one of the ideas Amir provides you will be getting your money's worth. But don't think this book is all about online opportunities. Amir provides the same detailed attention to things just as speaking engagements and creating mini-books.

On the surface, this book lends itself more to nonfiction writing but with some adaption fiction or memoir writers will find information they can use. It will definitely have you evaluating your book in a new way. I recommend that all writers read Authorpreneur: How to Build a Business Around Your Book and see where Amir's ideas will lead them.

More about the Author:

Nina Amir, the bestselling author of How to Blog a Book and The Author Training Manual, is a speaker, a blogger, and an author, book, and blog-to-book coach. Known as the Inspiration to Creation Coach, she helps creative people combine their passion and purpose so they move from idea to inspired action and positively and meaningfully impact the world as writers, bloggers, authorpreneurs, and blogpreneurs. Some of Nina's clients have sold 300,000+ copies of their books, landed deals with major publishing houses and created thriving businesses around their books. She is the founder of National Nonfiction Writing Month, aka the Write Nonfiction in November Challenge, and the Nonfiction Writers' University.

More about WOW Mini-Review Blog Tours:

WOW-Women on Writing organizes WOW Blog Tours of all lengths and types: everything from blog tours featuring interviews, guest posts, review and giveaways to social media reviews to tweet tours. We're also always open to new creations if you have something special in mind to promote your book. Nina is on one of our latest offerings, the WOW Mini Review Tour. The WOW Mini Review Tour launches with a review and giveaway on WOW's blog The Muffin http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/2015/02/authorpreneur-how-to-build-business.html then moves on to at least six other blogs that feature a review as well as reposts of the review on spots such as Amazon, Goodreads, Pinterest, B&N and Powell's. To learn more about WOW Blog Tours contact us at blogtour@wow-womenonwriting.com.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Author Loves Valerie Allen's How-To Book for Authors

Title: Write, Publish, Sell!: Quick, Easy, Inexpensive Ideas for the Marketing Challenged 2^nd Edition

Author: Valerie Allen
Author's Web site: www.ValerieAllenWriter.com
Genre: Non-fiction, Reference for Authors and Writing
ISBN 10: 1480043850
ISBN 13: 978 1480043855
Format: book and ebook
Purchase at: Amazon.com

For writers, new and experienced, as they move from writing to publication and marketing of their work. Practical suggestions to create and increase sales.

Reviewed by Jay Heavner, originally for Amazon 5 Star Review

This is the book you want.

This book is well worth the money. The information inside is very helpful in the fields of writing, getting published, and SELLING. I especially liked the part about SELLING. Once you have written your work, and found a publisher, you have to SELL. I have gotten my money back many, many times over with her helpful hints. You don't need to reinvent the wheel. Valerie Allen has written a great 'how to' book. She shares the short cuts she has learned the hard way. You will be a satisfied customer, take it from the author of, "Braddock's Gold," also on Amazon. You need this book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Valerie Allen, psychologist, author, and speaker, writes fiction, nonfiction, and children's books. Her articles and short stories have been published in newspapers, online, in literary journals, and educational and mental health magazines.

She conducts seminars for educators, parents, medical and mental health professionals based on her motivational, self help book, Beyond the Inkblots: Confusion to Harmony. Professionally, she is a member of the National and Florida Association of School Psychologists, and board certified by the National Association of School Psychologists.

She is a popular speaker at writer's conferences, libraries, and community events using her book: Write, Publish, Sell! Quick, Easy, Inexpensive Ideas for the Marketing Challenged 2^nd Edition.

She has written children's books for independent readers in grades three to five, Summer School for Smarties and Bad Hair, Good Hat, New Friends. She conducts workshops for students to foster their talent and creativity.

She is a member of the Space Coast Writer’s Guild, the National League of American PEN Women, Cape Canaveral Branch, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Arts Foundation of Brevard, FL

She is also co-founder of Authors for Authors,which sponsors book fairs, book launches, and writing seminars for new and experienced writers.

Valerie Allen can be contacted via Facebook.com/Valerie.Allen.520, Twitter, VallenWriter@cs.com or http://ValerieAllenWriter.com

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Author Love, Loves, Loves New Book for Authors

Title: Writing from the Senses

Author: Laura Deutsch

Published: May 2014

Publisher: Shambhala Publications

ISBN 978-1-61180-044-9

www.shambhala.com/writing-from-the-senses.html

Reviewed by Simi Silva originally for Goodreads

As soon as I saw the title ‘Writing from the Senses’ and read its description, I had to get my hands on this book. I couldn’t wait to delve in and find out the secret to writing a better novel. My glossy review copy with the inviting autumn lake scene on the cover arrived in the mail within two days, and I immediately tore open the package and started right in. Thankfully there wasn’t anything else vying for my attention at the time. I planned on reading it once through and then go back and make notes and do the exercises so that I could properly see the progress I could make on my novel which was sitting dejected in the corner collecting a film of dust. The idea tap on how to improve and finish it had run dry.

Honestly, I only made it through the first run-through before the motivation to get working on the manuscript was running high. Every chapter gave me so many ideas that I really wanted to write them all down, and I should have but dang, I wanted to keep reading and savoring every morsel of every page, every paragraph, sentence and word the author had put before me. Yet without even doing the exercises at the end of each chapter, my creativity had been ignited and I was more than ready to revitalize my writing! (Side note: I will definitely go back and reread it, make many notes in the margins, and do the exercises.)

I started with one scene in the middle of the manuscript and before I knew it things were being described so vividly that it not only transformed the scene, but the storyline itself began to blossom, taking on a life of its own. Scene by scene I started changing things around, adding more depth to them and the characters within. My fingers were flying across the keyboard trying to keep up with my brain. Now instead of telling what was happening, I was showing the reader through descriptions via every one of our glorious senses. And I wondered, why didn’t I see any of this before?

Maybe because as storytellers we’re programmed to tell the story. But by learning to write from the senses we allow the reader and ourselves in the process to enter into the characters’ head and feel like we are actually there with them.

When we are in tune to our senses we live more deeply, more productively. New memories are created and old ones relived. The suggestion is to keep a small notebook with you at all times and write these sensory experiences down as they happen or at least shortly afterwards. Capture the moment. For instance, what images, feelings or memories come to mind when I say - freshly baked bread with dollops of creamy butter melting into every crevice, warm sunlight shining through the mist onto the dew-kissed grass on a cool spring morning, the sweet fragrant scent and silky hair of a newborn baby, the sharp pain and instant rising heat from a wasp’s sting, or the delightful crunching sound of a car slowly driving over gravel? Internalize and make it personal. Now write about it.

This just touches the surface of what ‘Writing from the Senses’ is all about. Travel to the exotic places the author has traveled to and relate to the same emotions which she and some of her students have through their amazing pieces of writing, along with trying out the 59 exercises that are certain to ignite and revitalize your writing.

If you want to know the secret of how to take your writing to the next level, this is the book for you. Having it as a valuable reference guide with all the exercises and writing prompts in and of itself is a must for professional writers, those on their way to becoming professional writers, and those who just write for the sheer pleasure of writing.

Also, if you are in Mill Valley, California, sign up for one or more of Ms. Deutsch’s classes. Be sure to check out her website – http://www.lauradeutsch.com

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Simran Silva is the author of Tangible Dreams is available on Amazon.
“Sometimes, words alone aren’t enough to express how you feel…but set those words to melody, and you have music that says it all. If you’re in love, watch and share this with your special someone.” ~ Navin Kundra

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Friday, January 16, 2015

Midwest Review Raves About Book as Author Aid

Title: Book Fairs for Authors

Subtitle: How to Leverage Book Fairs to Build Your Author Platform
Authors: Larry DeKay with Peggy DeKay
Authors' Website: www.tbowt.com
Genre/Category: Writing – Reference – How-To
ISBN: 9780983414438
Journal Published: Small Press Bookwatch: January 2015

Reviewed by Jim Cox originally for Midwest Book Review and for MidWest Book Review Newsletter

Synopsis: Dozens of book fair links are included in "The Author's Guide to Book Fairs", an essential resource and reference for all authors, both traditionally published and self-published, who want to learn how to leverage book fairs to build their platform and sell more books. "Book Fairs For Authors" covers why you go to a book fair; who can be in a book fair; where to find book fairs; applying to be in a book fair; preparing to go to the book fair; tips on engaging buyers at the book fair; post book fair marketing; and book fair traps and pitfalls. "Book Fairs For Authors" is enhanced with the inclusion of a list of book fairs by state; a list of book festivals by state; resources for authors; book expos and trade shows.

Critique: Informed, informative, exceptionally well organized and presented, as well as thoroughly 'user friendly' from beginning to end, "Book Fairs For Authors" should be considered mandatory reading for authors and publishers who hope to expand the audience for their books -- and the financial revenues that expanded readership would engender.

Available from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Book-Fairs-Authors-Peggy-DeKay/dp/0983414432

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Santa's List for a Better Writing Career?

Midwest Review’s Top Books for Writers
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In an article in his newsletter, Jim Cox, founding guru of the Midwest Review, included his suggested titles for writers and I'm flattered (and glad) to be one of them. At this season I think of it as his gift list for writers. Just think! A holiday gift that could lead to a better writing career in 2015.

Cox said, "There are a lot of excellent how to instruction manuals and guides available to the novice publisher and the newly self-published author on what has been termed 'guerilla marketing' strategies offering a wealth of tips, tricks, techniques, and strategies for those of limited financial means. You will find them reviewed and listed at:

http://www.midwestbookreview.com/bookbiz/pub_shlf.htm

"There you will find such informative and "every author/publisher should read this" titles like:

"1001 Ways to Market Your Books by John Kremer
52 Ways To Sell More Books! by Penny C. Sansevieri
The Author's Guide To Publishing And Marketing by Tim Ward & John Hunt
Book Marketing De-Mystified by Bruce Batchelor
Book Promotion Made Easy by Eric Gelb
Brilliant PR by Cathy Bussey
The Complete Guide To Book Publicity by Jodee Blanco
The Economical Guide To Self-Publishing by Linda F. Radke
The Frugal Book Promoter: 2nd Edition, by Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Grass Roots Book Marketing by Rusty Fischer
Grassroots Marketing For Authors And Publishers by Shel Horowitz
Grassroots Marketing: Getting Noticed in a Noisy World by Shel Horowitz
Grumpy's Guide To Global Marketing For Books by Carolyn Mordecai
Maverick Marketing by Lisa Messenger & Mel Carswell
Maximum Exposure Marketing System by Tami DePalma & Kim Dushinski
Mosquito Marketing for Authors by Michelle Dunn
Musings Of An Online Bookseller by John Landahl
Online Book Marketing by Lorraine Phillips
Publicize Your Book! by Jacqueline Deval
Publishing For Profit by Thomas Woll
Red Hot Internet Publicity by Penny C. Sansevieri
Sell More Books! by J. Steve Miller & Cherie K. Miller
Sell Your Book Like Wildfire by Rob Eager
Selling Books as Premiums & Incentives by Marilyn & Tom Ross
The Selling Of An Author by Bruce E. Mowday
Simple Guide to Marketing Your Book, by Mark Ortman
The Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Publishing for Profit! by C. Pinherio & Nick Russell
Why, When, Where, & How To Write, Publish, Market, & Sell Your Book by Bill Thurwanger
Write, Publish & Market Your Book by Patrika Vaughn
You Can Market Your Book by Carmen Leal

"There are a lot more titles where these came from. I take a justifiable pride in the Midwest Book Review web site as having the largest writing/publishing bibliography data bases in all the world!"

Naturally, I thought I'd pass his suggestions on to you. I always say, "One book on the writing and marketing of books is never enough."

You can subscribe to Jim's newsletter at http://www.midwestbookreview.com. I love it.

You'll also find my personal list of helpful books for writers in the Appendix of The Frugal Editor, 2^nd Edition.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Title: Write, Publish, Sell!: Quick, Easy, Inexpensive Ideas for the Marketing Challenged

Author: Valerie Allen

www.ValerieAllenWriter.com

Genre: Non-fiction, Reference for Authors and Writing

ISBN 10: 1480043850

ISBN 13: 978 1480043855

Format: book and ebook

Purchase at: Amazon.com

For writers, new and experienced, as they move from writing to publication and marketing of their work. Practical suggestions to create and increase sales.

Reviewed by Peter Sorrells originally for Amazon 5 Star Review

Lots of new ideas

This is a well-written supplement and instruction guide for every author's reference collection. As an author, I am always reading books on writing, publishing, and marketing. This one has a lot of unique ideas I haven't seen anywhere else. For example, specific tips on writing including grammar, speaker, punctuation, formatting, cover, spine, even ideal book length - things we tend to overlook, but are very important in a polished product. The book includes quite a lot of information on marketing materials and methods, as well. I like Valerie's suggestions in promotion, like the P.I.T.C.H. Position and unique ways of marketing one-on-one, keeping the book always visible.

The book also contains four Appendices with very useful information including writing tips, book industry abbreviations, specific information on children's books, and a list of reference books for every writer's shelf.

I'll refer to this book over and over in my own writing and business, and will heartily recommend it to other authors.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Valerie Allen is also the author of Beyond the Inkblots: Confusion to Harmony: Summer School for Smarties; Bad Hair, Good Hat, New Friends; Amazing Grace; Sins of the Father: Suffer the Little Children. Reach her at:

VAllenWriter@cs.com ValerieAllenWriter.com

Facebook.com/Valerie.Allen.520
Amazon.com/Author/ValerieAllen

Monday, September 1, 2014

Frugal Editor Updates to Include Little-Known Ampersand Guidelines

The Frugal Editor
Subtitle: Do it yourself editing secrets for authors: From your query letter to final manuscript to the marketing of your new bestseller

By Carolyn Howard-Johnson

Genre: Nonfiction: Writers/Editing/Writing

Available as e-book at http://bit.ly/FrugalEditorKind

Second Edition Gets Spit and Polish

Digital Books Make New Edits of Even a Book on Editing Possible

Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s newest book is a second edition of the multi award-winning The Frugal Editor: Do-it-yourself editing secrets for authors: From your query letter to final manuscript to the marketing of your new bestseller. And now it’s sporting new formatting and even a few additions all because of the magic of e-books.

The author of the HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers was inspired a poem one of her clients sent her for editing. The author had used the lovely-to-look at ampersand everywhere she need to use an and. That, of course, could be a style choice, but not all style choices are good choices. Poetry should be trimmed of excess words, but this choice only shortened conjunctions that could have just been red-penciled out. The poet said she had made the choice because ampersands are so pretty. Yes, they are. So pretty and so rarely used that the reader could become distracted from the poem’s intent and the imagery. Carolyn’s editing instinct has always demanded that trickery with font, formatting, strained metaphors and the like should be avoided. She can only hope her client took her advice.

But the incident made the author realize that most writers don’t understand when ampersands can and should be used. So, it was back to the recent edition to make additions—thanks to the ease of fixing books published digitally these days.

The first edition of The Frugal Editor published in 2007 was winner of USA Book News’ pick for Best Professional Book, a Reader Views winner, and received nods from the Next Generation awards and the Military Writers Society of America, but the new version is Expanded (more than 100 pages)! Updated! And Reformatted. It also has a a new subtitle, a new cover by Chaz DeSimone with a new three-dimensional look by Gene Cartwright. And this e-book version was honored again by Dan Poynter’s Global Ebook Awards and the Next Generation Indie Awards.

The second edition covers new editing tricks the author has come to appreciate since the first was published, including how to spot the overuse of helping verbs when simple past tense would work just as well; a reminder that politically correct usage isn’t always what a writer should strive for (consider some of the language used in the award-winning movie Twelve Years A Slave); and more on style choices vs. grammar rules and how to make those choices. She says, “I'd be embarrassed if I had to say I hadn't learned anything more I could share with my readers in seven years since the first edition was published.”

The Frugal Editor received plaudits from industry shakers like Marilyn Ross, founder of Small Publishers or North America; Tim Bete, director of Dayton University’s Erma Bombeck Writers’ Conference, and respected industry editors like Barbara McNichol.

Howard-Johnson, an instructor for nearly a decade at UCLA Extension’s Writers’ Program, chose to release this new edition for e-books with Amazon’s Kindle because their free app allows readers to access it for many platforms and the lower price of digital publishing gives her struggling students and clients an affordable choice. It will soon be available for print, too.

Whichever format a reader chooses, The Frugal Editor battles the gremlins out there who are determined to keep an author’s work from being published or promoted. Resolved to embarrass authors before the gatekeepers who can turn the key of success for them—these gremlins lurk in a writer’s subconscious and the depths of computer programs. Whether a new or experienced author, The Frugal Editor helps writers present whistle-clean copy (from a one-page cover letter to your entire manuscript) to those who have the power to say “yea” or “nay.”

The author is the recipient of the California Legislature’s Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment Award, her community’s Character and Ethics award for her work promoting tolerance with her writing, and its Diamond Award for her work with arts and culture. She was also named to Pasadena Weekly’s list of 14 women of “San Gabriel Valley women who make life happen.” She has worked for Good Housekeeping Magazine and as a journalist for several newspapers and has been a popular presenter at writers’ conferences nationwide like the one at San Diego State University and the Sinclair Lewis Writers’ Conference. She is also a novelist and poet, which informs the advice she gives to authors of those genres.

Learn more about Howard-Johnson and her HowToDoItFrugally series of books at http://www.howtodoitfrugally.com.

The e-book is available at http://bit.ly/FrugalEditorKind.

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Cover image and media kit available on request at HoJoNews@aol.com.

“Absolutely essential for beginning writers and a necessary reminder for the more advanced. The mentor you've been looking for. This book won't collect dust!”~Christina Francine, review for Fjords Review

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Targeted Resources To Get You Invited To Be a Radio Guest!

This is not exactly the usual New Book Review review. I am running it on this blog because I know that many of the authors and publishers who have offered their reviews to The New Book Review will find this series of booklets useful. They offer up-to-date opportunities for radio interviews. The author, Fran Silverman, is also the author of
Talk Radio Wants You: An Intimate Guide to 700 Shows and How To Get Invited published by McFarland Co. 2009. It was a National "USA Best Books 2009" Awards winner in the Business: Reference category. And her new booklets are especially valuable because they are targeted to specific topics and genres and are frugally priced!

The following ebooks for radio guests are available from Fran:

Animals ($12 for 46 shows) - Covers animal advocacy, health, care, competition, communication, behavior, longevity, dog relationships, pets and the paranormal, pet peeves, wildlife, training, shelter and rescue.

Authors ($12 for 52 shows) - Covers writing, editing, publishing, marketing, literary agents, Christian authors, author spotlights; genres include thrillers, suspense, action/adventures, novels, teen/YA, romance, poetry, science, historical, baseball, screenplays, songwriting.

Business ($25 for 274 Shows) - Covers workplace issues, innovation, entrepreneurship, business strategies, careers, finance, small business, sales, home-based businesses, law, investments, insurance, money management, customer service, and real estate.

Entertainment ($20 for 176 Shows) - Covers art, fashion, movies, music and comedy.

Environment ($12 for 39 shows) - Covers green lifestyles, sustainable communities, conservation, cleaner energy, natural healing and medical remedies, environmental news, non-toxic living, wildlife, and activism.

Food and Travel ($12 for 64 shows) - Covers grilling and barbequing, wines and spirits, tea, chefs and recipes and raw food, parties, special event planning; all kinds of travel: budget, frequent, upscale, good deals, cruises and medical and health tourism.

Health ($20 for 178 Shows) - Covers healthy living and lifestyles, fitness, health as a business advantage, natural healing, alternative medicine, medical travel, issues, education and treatment, and overcoming adversities.

House and Garden ($12 for 26 shows) - Covers gardening, growing vegetables, going green, home improvement, repair, and remodeling, healthy home design trends, buying and selling homes, feng shui, organizing vegetable garden

Men and Women ($12 for 67 shows) - Covers chick lit books, female and Christian entrepreneurs, fun for women over 40, men's comedy, girl's math and science, women empowerment, life makeovers, interesting women, women's health, parenting, women's ministries and spirituality, women in business, medicine, politics, gay, lesbian and transgender issues.

New Age - ($25 for 220 Shows) - Covers astrology, metaphysics, Tarot, Angels, psychic development, paranormal, parapsychology, holistic health, healing, mysticism, occult, and mediums.

Parenting ($15 for 64 shows) - Covers parenting issues and pressures, education, security and safety, family life, parenting parents, health, home-school, child development, schooling, charter schools, mom entrepreneurship, homebirth, adoption, marriage, military moms, single mothers, childhood cancer, and money management.

Politics ($20 for 216 Shows)- Covers current events, conservatism, Christian conservatism, liberalism, Libertarianism, government, pop culture, U.S. Constitution, Tea Party movement, democracy, the military and labor.

Relationships ($15 for 72 shows) - Covers dating, relationship strategies, weddings, marriage, sex and divorce.

Science and Technology ($12 for 50 shows) - Covers hardware, software, wireless communication, clean energy technology, nanotechnology, engineering, film and video production, biology, astronomy, geology, robotics, physics, and outer space.

Self-Help ($20 for 231 Shows) - Covers personal and professional goals, growth and empowerment, emotional freedom techniques, motivation, creativity, living one's calling, making for a better world, transforming your life and self-realization

Sports ($20 for 100 Shows) - Covers wrestling, biking, gaming, fantasy sports, golf, fitness/health, football, baseball, basketball, hockey, tennis, thoroughbred racing, hunting, fishing, camping, birding, hiking, skiing, kayaking, and performance.

To order go to her buy page on her Web site: http://www.talkradioadvocate.com/Ebooks.html

Or e-mail her for more information at:
franalive@optonline.net.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Friday, April 18, 2014

Nina Amir and Writer's Digest Pair for Must-Have Reference for Writers

The Author Training Manual:

SUBTITLE: Develop Marketable Ideas, Craft Books That Sell,
Become the Author Publishers Want, and Self-Publish Effectively
By Nina Amir
Foreword by James Scott BellAuthors Website: www.ninaamir.com
Category: Authorship
Paperback: 248 pages
Publisher: Writer's Digest Books (March 18, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1599631458
ISBN-13: 978-1599631455
Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.1 x 0.7 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

By Brian Felsen, President, BookBaby www.bookbaby.com

Among the myriad of books written about the business of writing and publishing, Nina Amir's The Author Training Manual is the first I've seen which combines all of the elements necessary to learn how to be an actual (rather than "aspiring") writer. What makes this book special is its focus on how authors can view themselves and their art from a third person perspective to evaluate why someone might want to purchase or publish a book. She recommends an analysis of the true size and demographics of a book's potential market, and she shows how to take the point of view of readers and publishers to assess how well a book's purpose matches the needs of its prospective audience. With this foundation in place, the reader can begin an examination of how to sharpen a book's focus; how to structure a work so the content will match the excitement of the description; and how to write a proposal and build a platform. The Author Training Manual presents a complete package which, if followed, will serve writers well with their professional careers and with their craft.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nina Amir 
Inspiration-to-Creation Coach
With Nina you... Achieve More Inspired Results
www.ninaamir.com

 
Author of these books for writers:
How to Blog a Book, 
How to Write, Publish and Promote Your Work One Post at a Time 
(Writer's Digest Books)
The Author Training Manual: 
Develop Marketable Ideas, Craft Books That Sell, 
Become the Author Publishers Want, and Self-Publish Effectively 
(Writer's Digest Books)
10 Day and 10 Ways to Return to Your Best Self 
(Pure Spirit Creations)

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers.

Pages

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Debra Eckerling Shares Blog and Goal Setting Expertise

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Linda Barnett-Johnson Finds Frugal Book Promoter a Help with Her Book Tour

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Midwest Book Review Managing Editor Reviews The Frugal Editor

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

WOW Blog Tour Review Love My Friend Nina Amir's New Book for Authors

Title: Authorpreneur: How to Build a Business Around Your

Book

Author: Nina Amir

Web site: www.ninaamir.com

Genre: Writing Craft

Publisher: Pure Spirit Creations

Publication Date: October 22, 2014

E-Book: 85 pages

AISN: B00OT67PPO

Buy the book at Amazon

Or at Smashwords

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Author Loves Valerie Allen's How-To Book for Authors

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Author Love, Loves, Loves New Book for Authors

Friday, January 16, 2015

Midwest Review Raves About Book as Author Aid

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Santa's List for a Better Writing Career?

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Monday, September 1, 2014

Frugal Editor Updates to Include Little-Known Ampersand Guidelines

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Targeted Resources To Get You Invited To Be a Radio Guest!

Friday, April 18, 2014

Nina Amir and Writer's Digest Pair for Must-Have Reference for Writers

Sign for My #SharingwithWriters Newsletter: It's a Community. Learn from Others. Share with Others.

Pages

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Title: Authorpreneur: How to Build a Business Around Your

Book

Author: Nina Amir

Web site: www.ninaamir.com

Genre: Writing Craft

Publisher: Pure Spirit Creations

Publication Date: October 22, 2014E-Book: 85 pages

AISN: B00OT67PPO

Buy the book at Amazon

Or at Smashwords

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Friday, January 16, 2015

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Monday, September 1, 2014

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Friday, April 18, 2014

Sign for My #SharingwithWriters Newsletter: It's a Community. Learn from Others. Share with Others.

Publication Date: October 22, 2014

E-Book: 85 pages