The Frugal Book Promoter
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
(Reviewer - Rebecca Brown)
2004 Star Publishers
ISBN: 193299310X

How To Do What Your Publisher Won't. Or the Nitty-Gritty How-Tos for Getting nearly Free Publicity.

Whether your publisher assigns zero dollars to your book's promotional campaign or thousands, The Frugal Book Promoter assures it the best possible start in life that you, the author, can give it.

Carolyn Howard-Johnson, formerly a publicist for a New York agency, & currently the author of two books, now shares her professional & personal experiences in the world of publicity, together with giving you the practical basics to building your book's visibility in the world of readers.

You'll learn how to create a “killer” media (press) kits, releases & a “knock-'em-dead” mailing lists -- all 100% more effective than any you could buy at your publishers. You can pick & choose from dozens of promotional ideas she's developed or refined through two extensive book campaigns of her own. Several are sure to match your pocketbook & personality.

This one's for all authors, whether published by one of the Big Guns or going the POD or small press route.

For years I've picked Carolyn Howard-Johnson's brain, via email, when I've come upon a knotty publicity problem. I've been impressed by the focus & clarity of her words. I have also been nagging her to get those secrets to success in marketing books, into a book, so we “non-publicists” can give ours the best shot we can.

So, I heartily recommend The Frugal Book Promoter for all & every author interested in getting their words out there. It is a clue to Carolyn Howard-Johnson's wit & style, that the word “frugal” appears unabashedly in her title. No author has money to waste on thinly disguised plagiarized promises to fame & fortune, however, every penny you spend on The Frugal Book Promoter will reap not only the reward of a good read, it'll get you & your books, noticed.

I was thrilled to see Carolyn Howard-Johnson mention her experience with us on Page 201 as a Hint on how to say Thank You, even for a review that wasn't top-notch! Which, naturally, got us talking, out of which she has since become an Associate Reviewer, as well as submitting useful editorials on the process of promotion. Wonderful things happen when you say Thank You!

Briefly, The Frugal Book Promoter covers:
 • publicity No-Nos, plagiarism, success & rejection
 • learning the PR Game, building your media kit & credentials
 • writers' conferences & using the Web
 • signing contracts & getting started
 • hiring a publicist, cover design, blurbs & praise & professional photos
 • “free ink”
 • professional mailing lists, postcards & book reviews
 • media interviews & television
 • rare publicity roads & book expos
 • how to get reviewed by the biggies
 • library sales & reading groups
 • author becomes a small business & launching your book
 • signings, readings & book fairs
 • the power of thank you
 • e-books, catalog & corporate sales
 • success as a motivator
plus samples of releases & query letters.

The Frugal Book Promoter is written in lively language, easily ingested, with loads of Hints & an entire chapter devoted to the mammoth Amazon.com & how to make it work in your favor.

Very well done! Timely, informative & at a price you can afford! My copy is already sprouting Post-Its as I promote my own efforts, & I am now enjoying composing those “killer” media (press) kits.

Do catch my Interview with this lively writer, I know you're going to enjoy her company.

More from Carolyn Howard-Johnson:
This is the Place
Harkening
She has also contributed several reviews & these Editorials:
A Rant About Arrogance: or 10 Ways to Connect with Authors Who Care
Publisher Raises the Ire of its Authors

http://carolynhowardjohnson.com
(10/24/04)

Rebecca