One of my longtime  virtual  colleagues, Carolyn Howard-Johnson, has just released the second edition of The Frugal Book Promoter, winner of an Irwin award and USA Book News’ pick for Best Professional Book. This new editgion is expanded to a fat 416 pages, reorganized, and updated to meet the demands of Internet marketing the easy way.

One reviewer said reading Howard-Johnson’s books is like picking the brains of a master marketer. It received plaudits from industry shakers like Marilyn Ross, founder of Small Publishers or North America and Tim Bete, director of Dayton University’s Erma Bombeck Writers’ Conference. The new one carries endorsements from the likes of Dan Poynter and Tony Eldridge.

Howard-Johnson, an instructor for nearly a decade at UCLA Extension’s Writers’ Program, chose to have the new edition published in both e-book format and paperback in order to give her struggling students and clients affordable and convenient choices. Whichever format a reader chooses, The Frugal Book Promoter assures an author’s book the best possible start in life. Full of nitty-gritty how-tos for getting nearly free publicity, the author shares her professional experience as well as practical tips gleaned from the successes of her own book campaigns. A former journalist and publicist (she wrote media releases for fashion designers like Christian Dior), she tells authors how to do what their publishers can’t or won’t and why authors can often do their own promotion better than a PR professional.

Howard-Johnson even assigned a new subtitle to the book to this edition to reflect its appeal to a broader array of authors. It is now The Frugal Book Promoter: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or partnering with your publisher. It also has an amazing new cover—the epitome of “frugalness”—by Chaz DeSimone, www.chazdesimone.com.

Howard-Johnson 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. 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 can give to authors of those genres.

Learn more about Howard-Johnson at http://www.howtodoitfrugally.com and http://carolynhoward-johnson.com. Also, check out the generous bonuses offered during this online launch (she has made them available for an extra period of time to WriteSuccess readers.  But hurry–the bonuses will only be available through Saturday, October 15!):  http://bit.ly/qHi6DZ.

Again, for those of you on Facebook…

My colleague Tammatha R. Conerly has created a terrific resource for writers at the WRITE Business Solutions.  I urge all of you to check out the great links and information for writers there.

Here’s to your writing success.

Mary Anne

Are you on Facebook?  If so, there’s a new place to post your announcements for writing events, news about your book or latest article, blog updates, writing websites, etc.

http://www.facebook.com/authorpromotion

Here’s to your writing success!

Mary Anne

This is a new workshop called “Gateway Through Life’s Losses” and is open to anyone who would like to spend time discovering the benefits of writing from pain for healing, health, and hope.

Last summer, Carl and I held two “Writing the Heartache Workshops” in our area. We are thankful to all who attended.

Since that time, a new course has been created with new exercises and lessons. I hope you’ll be able to join us on Saturday, July 30th, for “Gateway Through Life’s Losses” from 8:30 AM to  4:15 PM.

“Gateway Through Life’s Losses” is for anyone who has had to say good-bye to a loved one, suffered a broken relationship, lost a dream, a career, or health due to illness. We all have sorrows that are hard to handle, and yet studies prove that writing through them provides great therapy! This is a course to help you understand what you’ve been through and focus on your continuing journey.

The workshop schedule will look like this:

8:30 AM to 8:45

Coffee and registration

8:45 to 10:00

1. The Benefits of Journal Writing with a DVD called “What Do I Get Out of It?”
2. Prompts to Get us Focused: A Letter to Myself
3. Dealing with Emotions: Being Truthful

10:00 to 10:15

Coffee and muffin break (provided)

10:15 to 12:30

4. Describing Losses Through Our Eyes

12:30 to 1:30 PM

Break for lunch (on your own)

1:30 to 3

5. Reflective Writing: Writing as an Outsider

3:00 to 3:15

break

3:15 to 4:15

6. Writing to Share: Publication
7. Wrapping it up

“Taking Alice’s “Writing the Heartache Workshop” was one of the best decisions I ever made.” ~ Kit T.

The cost for this workshop is $59.00 per person and that includes all materials, coffee, water, and a light breakfast. AND if you bring a friend, it’s only $110 total for both of you (a savings of $8.00).

For more information, contact Alice at http://www.alicewisler.com/

If you’ve ever wanted to write, publish and market a book that transforms your life AND business…. as
well as the lives of your readers, then you really don’t want to miss
the opportunity to see what my friend, Christine Kloser is up to!

She’s offering a brand new virtual program called the Transformational
Author Experience absolutely FR*EE!

Here’s that link to the video again:
==> http://www.profcs.com/app/?af=1343045

You’ll discover the 6-step system to transform your book “idea” into a
published book – and a thriving business!

Featured teachers include New York Times best-selling authors Gay
Hendricks, Marci Shimoff, Robert Allen, and Sonia Choquette… as well
as leading book publishing and marketing experts including Jonathan
Fields, Mari Smith, Marc Allen, Christine Kloser… and many more!

Register now for the Transformational Author Experience and discover
how you could win a chance to BE the next big transformational author
when you enter the Transformational Author Writing Contest.

Seriously! Did you see these prizes?

*Personal review of your book proposal by Marc Allen, President
and Publisher of New World Library (Eckhart Tolle’s publisher) and be
considered for a traditional publishing contract
*Publishing packages with Balboa Press (a division of Hay House
Publishing), including visibility at all Hay House “I Can Do it
Conferences”, Hay House Newsletter and more
*Have your book professionally edited
*A gorgeous book cover designed to sell!
*A professional book marketing consult
*Custom creation of a video book trailer
*Guaran*teed publicity for your book
*And much more!

Check out the video now…
==> http://www.profcs.com/app/?af=1343045

So, if you’ve ever wondered how YOUR idea can become the next great
transformational book; have dreamed of getting your book proposal
hand-delivered to the publisher who made Eckhart Tolle famous; or felt
frustrated you’re not impacting more people and making more mon*ey as
an author (or soon-to-be author) this program is the answer to your
prayers!

I hope you’ll take the time NOW to watch this video and see the gift
that has presented itself to you. The event starts soon and I don’t
want you to miss the opportunity to accept this invitation and choose
to pursue your goal of becoming a successful, transformational author
(and entrepreneur).  Everything you need to know is in this program,
and it’s FR*EE – so you have nothing to lose and your DREAM to gain!

==> http://www.profcs.com/app/?af=1343045

Here’s to your writing success,

Mary Anne

PS –  Just think – your book proposal can end up on the desk of the
publisher who made Eckhart Tolle famous!  All the details will be
emailed to you as soon as you register! Don’t put your dream off any
longer:  http://www.profcs.com/app/?af=1343045

PPS – I am excited to be an affiliate for Christine and to share the
Transformational Author Experience with you.  However, you can be
assured that even though I may receive compensation if you choose to
take action on this offer, I would not be sharing it with you if I
didn’t fully believe in the potential of this valuable resource.

Do you want to take your freelance business to the next level next year?  Looking for ways to stay more focused, make more money and get more clients?

If your answer is yes, you’re in for a treat— a f.r.e.e. five-part telesummit entitled “Profitable Business Building for Freelancers: How to Attract, Monetize & Retain Your Perfect Clients.” starts this coming Monday, October 25th.  Four colleagues and I have banded together to share our expertise on the following topics:

•How to create a strong database of prospective clients so you always have someone to sell to.

•How to attract the clients you love working with and have them at “Hello” by speaking their language on your websites.

•How to know whether you’re charging too much or too little for your services.

•How to be laser focused so that people know exactly what you have to deliver.

•How to break the feast or famine cycle and create stable cash flow in your business!

There will be one call per day over a five-day span.  Even if you can’t make all five (or even any) of the calls live, we’ll make recordings available to you to listen to at your leisure.  Plus it will cost you absolutely nothing. Zero. Zip. Nada!

So what are you waiting for?  Come join us next week!  To learn more about this awesome telesummit and to register (did I mention that registration is free?), go to http://iapgw.org/profitable-business-building-strategies-for-freelancers/.

“See” you there! Oh, and here’s to your writing success.

Mary Anne

Have you ever looked at successful authors and entrepreneurs
like Michael Gerber, Marci Shimoff, Peggy McColl,
Loral Langemeier, Arielle Ford and Michael Port with a
mixture of admiration and envy….wondering what in the
world they did to become such successful authors… and
how you can to?

I certainly have – and today I’ve got great news for you!
Christine Kloser and Lynne Klippel are allowing me to
invite you to their newest program completely for FREE!

“Successful Author Secrets: Navigating The Course
from Aspiring Author to Best-Seller and Beyond”

It’s a ground- breaking program that walks you through the
crucial 9 steps to becoming a successful author… even if
you haven’t written a word of your book yet!

I CAN’T believe they are giving you this at completely no-cost!
As soon as I heard about it, I knew I wanted to share it with you.

And get this… in the program, 21 successful authors will tell you
the truth about what it took for them to become successful.
There’s never been anything done like this in the publishing
industry. And, it’s about time!

Successful Author Secrets is literally a road map for becoming
a successful author… and entrepreneur!

It starts August 2nd and you can participate for FREE!

Get started now, go to:
–> http://budurl.com/lylpevent

The lineup of speakers is a who’s who of the best and
brightest in the non-fiction book world!

So, if you have dreamed of writing a book, are in the middle
of writing one, or have a book completed that is not doing
as well as you like, you’ve got to check out this incredible
program!

Grab your free ticket and join the fun!
–> http://budurl.com/lylpevent

Here’s to your writing success,
Mary Anne

P.S. Want to learn how one author sold millions of copies
of his self-published book and another author successfully
wrote 14 critically acclaimed and best-selling books?

Then, grab your free ticket and join us!
–>http://budurl.com/lylpevent

Due to the Memorial Day holiday here in the US, there won’t be a Monday Miscellany next week.

I wanted to take this opportunity, though, to pass along a few resources sent to me by readers of WriteSuccess:

Kay Millward e-mailed me to let me know about Writers New and Old, a relatively new UK-based site for both new and established writers.  For a small first year membership fee, they offer writing competitions, advertise member websites, provide free critiques upon request, include writing tips and advice, and publish articles by well-known agents, publishers and authors.  Check it out today at http://www.writersnewandold.com/.

Writing the Heartache Workshop is my writer-friend Alice Wisler’s  one-day event (and the realization of one of her dreams) on how to write through grief.  Alice is a sensitive and compassionate writer herself,  so her workshop should be truly memorable.  It’ll be held in at the Country Inns and Suites near the airport in Durham, North Carolina, US on July 17th.  For more information click here or email Alice at info@alicewisler.com.

Humor writer and long-time friend Georgia Richardson (a.k.a.  Queen Jaw Jaw) has launched a blog on the musings, experiences and observations of humor writer Georgia Richardson!  Once you begin reading her sometimes reflective, sometimes gently self-deprecating, always engaging writing style, I think you’ll enjoy getting to know and love Georgia as much as I do.  http://allthingsroyal.blogspot.com/

Oh, and then there’s my dream-come-true: The International Association of Professional Ghost Writers at http://iapgw.org.  Come visit, sign up for the free newsletter and/or join us!

Have a wonderful weekend. Here’s to your writing success.

Mary Anne

May 18: “Painless (No, Really!) Negotiation for Writers” (with business coach Mary Ellen Bates)
Many more things are negotiable than we may think; in fact, much of life involves negotiation. And the effects of not negotiating can be cumulative. This presentation helps you identify who is “the boss of you”, develop your ability to “reframe” challenging situations, and build tools to enhance your negotiation skills and approach every situation as negotiable.

Mary Ellen Bates is a librarian of fortune and strategic business coach for knowledge entrepreneurs. She established Bates Information Services (www.BatesInfo.com) in 1991 and enjoys her work more than should be legal. She has written six books and innumerable articles on the information industry, she blogs at www.LibrarianOfFortune.com and she tweets sporadically at www.twitter.com/mebs You can see a slide deck of her “Painless (no, really!) Negotiation” presentation at www.BatesInfo.com/extras She, her partner and their dogs live in the boondocks of Colorado.

The details for this event are as follows:

Date: Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Time: 2 PM Eastern (1 PM Central, Noon Mountain, 11 AM Pacific)
Cost: Free!

To register for this class and receive an e-mail with call in information, go to http://iapgw.org/upcoming-events

To your success,
Mary Anne Hahn

For several years, I published a biweekly e-zine called WriteSuccess. And while that has since morphed into this blog format, a number of other e-zines for writers that came into existence around the same time mine did still continue to make weekly or biweekly appearances in e-mail inboxes around the world.  Here I list some of the best of them:

Funds for Writers: C. Hope Clark packs two free e-zines a week full of paying opportunities for writers, from publications seeking articles and writing contests to grants that writers can apply for. http://www.fundsforwriters.com/

Writing World: Moira Allen’s e-zine contains writing news, market information and informative articles. http://www.writing-world.com/

Worldwide Freelance: Both the site and the e-zines (there are two—one solely targets European writers) are jam-packed  with information and resources for writers around the globe. Kudos to Gary McLaren, who publishes these. http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/

Writer Gazette: This site, developed by Krista Barrett, has received Writers Digest awards since 2002. Her e-zine brings you “free writer-related articles, paying call for submission and freelance job postings, contests, resources, tips, and more to help induce, improve, and promote your writing career  every week.” http://www.writergazette.com/

The Well-Fed Writer: On the heels of his successful book by the same name, Peter Bowerman’s weekly digest offers “income-boosting resources for commercial writers.”  http://www.wellfedwriter.com/ezine.shtml

Writer to Writer: From the land down under, my friend Cheryl Wright delivers an e-zine that tells writers ways we can generate cash flow from our writing passion.  She shares how she does just that in every issue.  http://www.writer2writer.com/

Writing for Dollars!: This one just might be the granddaddy of them all—it certainly was one of the very first that I ever subscribed to.  Great source of high, medium and low-paying writing markets.  http://www.writingfordollars.com/

Read ‘em and reap!

Mary Anne