Perfect Christmas Giving for Author in Your LIfe

The Frugal Book Promoter
By Carolyn Howard-Johnson416 pages
ISBN: 9781463743291
Available in paperback or for Kindle
Also available as an e-book at http://createspace.com/3656422
Author's Web site: http://www.howtodoitfrugally.com

Everything you wanted to know about book promoting and much

much more., September 25, 2011

Reviewed by

mary greenwood

originally for Amazon

This review is from: The Frugal Book Promoter: Second Edition: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher. (Paperback)

When I saw the Table of Contents for this promoting bible, I was hooked. There was a chapter on everything I wanted or needed to know. I have written three "How To" books and have had a number of reviews and awards, but I am looking to go to the next level with some fresh new ideas. In other words, I had reached a plateau and did not want to repeat the same old methods.

When I first started reading the book I immediately liked the tone. It was as though the author was in my living room saying: Mary, why don't you try this and maybe you don't want to do this." Her books, like mine, are based on her personal experience. She has done book fairs; she has taught classes and consulted with authors; she has written award-winning books. She is an expert. That is what makes the book so powerful. I have read books that make me feel guilty if I haven't done ten things for my book that day.

Yesterday, I exhibited at a book festival and most of the authors were complaining that they had few sales. I looked up the topic in my new book. The author says "Book festivals are for readers." I knew intuitively that she was right. She goes on to say that these are really networking opportunities for the writers and not that many books are sold. That shift made me feel encouraged rather than discouraged at the book festival's results. Even though I did not sell tons of books, I did meet a lot of people: readers, writers and bookstore owners. I got a few tips and gave a few tips. I reconnected with people I had seen at previous events and got some recommendations for the best venues for future events. The author was spot on.

I also checked the chapter on book awards. I have won a total of 28 book awards for my three books and thought I knew all there was to know about awards and have spoken on the subject. However, after reading that section on book awards, I realized that I was not doing enough publicizing after I won the book awards and I am going to remedy that situation. Another tip I picked up. I am now going to say Mary Greenwood, multi-award winning author, instead of award-winning author.

Of course, I wished I had seen this book when my first book came out, but I can see that this book is useful for all authors, those working on their first book and authors who already have published several books and need some new ideas. I know I will go back and reread a chapter when I am starting a new task such as a press release or am thinking about doing a new blog or sprucing up my website.

I am just starting on my new book about "How to Negotiate With Your Dog" (hint: you don't.) I am going to use The Frugal Book Promoter Second Edition, the whole way. I can't wait to get started!
~Reviewer Green is author of How to Interview Like A Pro: Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job

Book Marketing: Midwest Review Calls Book "Single Most Valuable Addition"

The Frugal Book Promoter, second edition
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
HowToDoItFrugally Publishing
Author’s Web site: www.carolynhoward-johnson.com
ISBN: 9781463743291 Paperback $17.95
Paperback on Amazon
Kindle Edition

Reviewed by Jim Cox, editor of The Midwest Review

Originally for The Midwest Review and Newsletter

Carolyn Howard-Johnson draws upon her many years of experience and expertise as a professional book publicist and marketing specialist to author "The Frugal Book Promoter". The 416-page compendium of commentary, advice, tips, tricks and 'real world' techniques on how to authors can obtain nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with their publishers will prove to be an invaluable, practical, profitable, and thoroughly 'user friendly' instructional reference.

It should be noted that the Midwest Book Review is cited four times.

Of special note in this newly expanded and completely updated second edition are the sample letters query letters, media releases, blog entries, trade show invitations, phone pitch scripts, email auto-signatures, and tip sheets. Simply stated, "The Frugal Book Promoter" is the single most valuable addition any aspiring author or novice small press publishers can add to their personal and professional book marketing reference shelves -- and has a great deal of enduring value for even the more experienced publisher marketing directors and publicists.

Christian Romance Author Book Marketing

Have you published a Christian Romance book? Christian Book Marketing can help you market your Christian title by placing it on 100 separate Christian sites within the Christian Marketplace. Sites that all have great content, that showcase other authors and that have a national and international presence.

 

Christian Book Marketing can help you get the exposure that you need. From book reviews, to book review marketing, author press releases and distribution, video book trailers, author blogs and website creations to expanded author book marketing, make Christian Book Marketing your #1 choice for all your marketing needs.

Christian Fiction Author Book Marketing

Have you published a Christian Fiction book? If so, we can help you market your Christian Fiction title by placing it on 100 separate Christian sites within the Christian Marketplace. All sites that have great content, that showcase other authors and that have both a national and international readership.

 

Christian Book Marketing can help you get the exposure that you need and help you to create a expanded online presence. From book reviews, to book review marketing, author press releases, video book trailers, author website creations to expanded author promotions and book marketing, make Christian Book Marketing you #1 choice for all your marketing needs.

From a Legend and Kingdom of Darkness into Poems of Hope by Author Antionette Campbell

"From a Legend and Kingdom of Darkness into Poems of Hope" by Author Antionette Campbell, comes an amazing true story of triumph over indescribable and horrific tragedy. Antionette Campbell's life was filled with abuse from a very young age. Then at the age of 11 she witnessed a horrific crime perpetrated against her mother by her drunken father. In a rage, her father stabbed her mother 3 times in the head as she watched her mother lifeless and what seemed to be left for dead. Exasperating the horrific event, her and all the other children were put into foster care. Later the event was to be relived as she was forced to testify against her own father.

As the author began to share her heart and trials, this brilliant combination of poetry and story was the outlet to her healing from the pit of despair that entrapped her most of her life. God's saving grace compelled her to fill the beautifully written pages in giving hope to the end to those that are wounded and broken spiritually.

Antionette Campbell has done various interviews and radio shows to include Joyce Bender on Disability Matters, Cornerstone Television Network, Word FM, Moms on a Mission to Stop Violence just to name a few and is a member and speaker for RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest, National Network). In going "On Tour" with her book has expanded in attending at the national events such as the 2011 International Christian Retail Show and 2011 Frankfurt International Book Fair.

Antionette Campbell's declares the healing power of Christ. She states, it doesn't matter who you are or how deep you have fallen into despair or how tight the chains of bondage that may have a strong hold in your life. God's power will set you free and transform you from the inside into a new journey that's only found in Christ. The testimonials of this proof resonates continually through those letters she's received that have encountered and embraced the availability of God's hand in this book for us all.

Author Antionette Campbell is available for various speaking engagements to include youth camps, churches and women conferences as well. She is open to both national and international engagements. Some of the proceeds will be allocated to the Washington City Mission.

If you would like to contact Antionette Campbell, her preferred contact information is: P.O. Box 4131, Washington, PA 15301. She can also be reached by cell phone at: 412.216.2806 and her email address is: poemsofhope@gmail.com. You may also visit her authors website at Antionette Campbell

Take It From a Author's Perspective

 

Christian Book Marketing did a great job in putting together a trailer and review for my new book, Angel with a Mission. I was impressed with the mixture of professionalism and personal care, as well as the time that was invested in my book promotion. It seemed that they went above and beyond the call by giving me additional advice as I needed it with my first book. The trailer they put together was amazing, and I have had several comments on it. I love the Christian sites that they posted my book on, and I am looking forward to reaping the rewards of their work. ~ Author Donna Boddy

Author Perspectives

I recently learned about Christian Book Marketing through an internet search for book reviewers. As a new author, I am careful about who I partner with for marketing my books. Smitty answered my questions quickly and patiently. Before I even purchased the package, he was helping me with my blog. From the beginning, I felt that he had my best interest at heart. He went way beyond what was promised and expected. He reviewed my books as a professional and included his 6 year old's opinion of the children's books. You just can't get a better endorsement than that. I am very grateful that I found him and plan to use his service in the future.

Author Theresa Franklin

Book Editing from a Author's Perspective

CBM Christian Book Marketing was a God-send for "Revival: The True Fairy Tale". We asked for just lite editing, but they went far and beyond what we asked for, putting aside time trying to help us with the editing of our book. Smitty kept us informed and guided us through the editing process which we deeply appreciated. Their love of God's Holy Word and helping people to achieve their calling in literary works for God's Kingdom is amazing. We highly recommend Christian Book Marketing Book Editing Services for all your Christian literary needs.

Christian Authors, You'll Love The Healing Source

Hello Authors,

 

If you are like me you love spending time at a quality web site or blog that is filled with wise counsel, Kingdom principles, the Word of God, encouragement and blessings. Sometimes when my day comes to a close after being online working for endless hours I unwind by taking in content from a great web site or blog. Well, here is one ministry that is a breath of fresh air and worthy of spending time at.

 

The Healing Source is a must visit ministry.

 

Also, remember to visit Christian Book Marketing for all your author promotions and book marketing needs. From book reviews to press releases to expanded online author promotions, Christian Book Marketing can help you get the Word out.

National, International and the US Book Market for Overseas Authors

Do you live in a country outside of the US? If so marketing your books in the US could help you to increase sales. Creating a national and international marketing campaign should be every authors game plan. Of course if you are on some of the major online bookstores that's wonderful. However, here is fuel for thought. How many other authors and books are in those data basis and what are the chances of someone performing a search with your name as author, by your book title or ISBN number?

If you are looking to tap into the US book market and create some online author promotions and book marketing contact Christian Book Marketing. They can create a marketing plan that will put your book, book description, your cover shot and a link back to your authors site or any other page that you want on 100 sites within 24 to 48 hours. They also do author press releases, book reviews, book trailer productions, article releases, create author websites and offer other great author book related services.

Author Press Release Package and Prices

Press Releases come in all shapes and forms and with promises attached. Get your book in the hands of top television and radio producers. Our Press Releases are sent out to thousands of radio and television sources. Press Release released to over 10,000 outlets.

OK, ask yourself a question. Now do you really think that Press Release service sent out 10,000 emails? Or how about that get your book in front of thousands of radio and television sources. What do they do hand deliver them?

The reality is that while Press Release can be written and released, there is no guarantee that it will get read. It is the same with a musician sending a demo tape to Capitol Records. The mail service will deliver it, however, that doesn't mean it will ever be heard.

Another question? How many press releases are released per day? How about hourly? Endless thousands. Now do you think that there are thousands upon thousands of people reading press releases every minute of the day? I guess it's possible.

What about these prices of $495.00 to $800.00 to write and release a Press Release? Now does that sound like a deal? I guess if you get a slot on Larry King Live or some other great television show that it could turn into a good deal. Let's be honest though, right. And how many books do you have to sell to recoup an investment of $495.00 to $800.00?

Don't get me wrong. I'm not against Press Release. We also write and distribute Author Press Releases. We just don't try to send our kids to college on your hard earned dollars. Everything has a worth, however, many times people are being taken advantage of simply because the deal sounds like a great deal, however, that is not always the case.

If you are looking for a Authors Press Release, contact Christian Book Marketing's Press Release Service. We can create a professional Press Release, post it on up to 100 sites, plus submit the Press Release for publication to various Press Release sites and for far less than the above mentioned prices.

Authors Don't Pay High Prices for Book Marketing Services

There are some book publishing firms out there that offer marketing ad ons to their publishing packages. Press releases, book trailer productions and other marketing needs. The problem is not the services, but the prices. The services are way over priced and the first time and inexperienced author just doesn't understand enough about the industry to realize that they are paying way to much money for those services.

Here is a perfect example. Author business cards, flyer's, post cards and other marketing tools. Way over priced. You end up paying top dollar for something that you can get for less than half the cost. Check out VistaPrint.com for all your author and business printing needs. You can get quality printing and save lots of money.

If you are looking for book marketing services without paying through the nose. Check out Christian Book Marketing for your press release, book review, and book trailer production needs. They also offer expanded online marketing and can showcase your book on hundreds of sites that tap into the Christian Marketplace. Compare their services and prices with others and you will be surprised at how much online marketing you can get for much less than others are charging.

Kingdom Book Reviews for the Christian Author

As a Christian author I'm sure that you are looking for someone of faith to review your Christian title. Just image having a secular book reviewer review your Christian title. The end results could be disastrous.

At Christian Book Marketing we review Christian titles not just from a reviewers perspective. We review them from a Kingdom perspective.

It's very important to have a Christian reviewer review your Christian title. It's equally important that the review not only knows the Word of God, but also shares a relationship with God and understands Kingdom principles.

Christian Authors Tapping Into The Christian Marketplace

Your Book On 100 Christian Sites

Christian Authors Tapping Into The Christian Marketplace

As many of you know we normally charge $199.95 for our 50 site book marketing plan which is one of our most popular book marketing packages. We recently ran a special offering our 50 site book marketing package at $199.95 and with that we would throw in an additional 50 sites bringing the total to 100 sites. So what does that boil down to? $1.99 per site for one full year of book marketing.

Order our 50 site book marketing package at $199.95 and we will throw in an additional 50 sites for free. You get book marketing on 100 sites and save $199.95.

Christian Book Marketing, where authors come first.

Author's Drawings, Contests and Give-A-Ways

Come follow The Book Promotions Blog and you will automatically be entered for our yearly drawings for free books, author promotions and book marketing.

The Book Promotions Blog, helping authors get the word out and create book buzz.

You might also catch up on the latest at Christian Book Marketing where authors are taking the challenge.

Join The Christian Book Marketing Blog

Come follow The Christian Book Marketing Blog and you will be entered into our yearly drawings and give-a-ways for free online marketing and books. It's simple, visit The Christian Book Marketing Blog, become a follower and you are all set.

Just another marketing tool by Christian Book Marketing helping authors to get the Word out about their books and authors websites.

You may also contact us by email at kingdomexpansion1@gmail.com

The Authors Page, Authors Unite

The Authors Page allows authors to become a active part of sharing their books and projects with other authors and book lovers.

Simply contact us at kingdomexpansion1@gmail.com and let us know that you would like to be a active part of The Authors Page and we see that you are granted access.

Then simply share your book covers, book description and a link back to your authors site. It's simple, fun and an additional way to create some book buzz.

The Authors Page also has yearly drawings and give-a-ways and your participation automatically registers you for the drawings and give-a-ways.

Just another promotional tool from Christian Book Marketing helping to get authors the exposure that they need.

Author Spotlight Blogger Likes Promo Smorgasbord

Essential Book for Authors Reviewed by Nancy Famolari

The Frugal Book Promoter answers the question that most of us ask after writing a book. How do I get readers? The question is particularly important for self-published authors and authors who have little to spend to help their publisher promote their book. The book publishing industry looks particularly daunting when you're trying to break in. So many authors, so many books, what can I do to get noticed?

Carolyn Howard-Johnson gives excellent advice on this dilemma. It feel like you have a knowledgeable consultant sitting in the room with you. The book is filled with classic techniques, such as writing releases, query letters, obtaining interviews, and much more. My favorites, however, are the chapters on the new techniques: blogging, using social media, taking advantage of the tools offered by Amazon, and your web page.

My favorite chapter is on why writers worry. Writers worry about many things including plagiarism, pirating of ebooks, being sued, and the big one: success or rejection. I think that once an author gets by these hurdles the rest becomes, if not easy, at least a mountain it's possible to scale.

I highly recommend this book. If you've written a book, it's got wonderful suggestions on what to do next. If you're afraid to let your book see the light of day, Carolyn's discussion of worries will make you less afraid. In the long run, this book will save you money and sleepless nights.