Preparations:

There are three things I recommend getting before you start your book signing adventures: a Book Signing Kit and the Booksellers Return Program from AuthorHouse and a few books to help you hone your interpersonal skills (useful when dealing with store managers and the media).

When you are ready to begin prospecting for venues to sign in, research every bookstore in your state. Once you create your signing strategy, open your calendar and start making calls. When I get the manager or owner on the line, I give them my pre- planned "commercial." I tell them my name, book title and genre, a brief description of my book Lori, and finish by asking what information they require considering an author for a book signing.

A few managers simply have asked for my ISBN and booked me on the spot, while most ask for additional information. For those that request additional information, I send my sell sheet, business card, sample reviews and a cover letter in the mail. I always keep track of every contact and I follow-up within a week to set up a signing time. When I call back, many accept my request. A few pass on the opportunity. Don't be discouraged if you receive a negative response. Politely thank them and go on to the next call.

Before the Signing:

With the date set, I send the store bookmarks and a poster for promotions. Then I conduct media research. I contact the features department of the local newspaper and producers of radio and TV news programs. (You'll find that many stations are eager to feature someone interesting!) Many media sources have online event listings, so request that your appearance be listed. If you have a Web site, update the information too. I keep the bookstores abreast of all the articles and appearances so employees become excited about the signing as well.

At the Signing:

I have one rule: never sit and hand out bookmarks. Roam the store, greet customers and place either a copy of your book or a signed bookmark in their hand. Set up colorful posters, copies of your press kit, bookmarks and a big bowl of sweets. Consider taking pictures of the individuals who purchase your book to make the event memorable. When the signing is finished, give each employee a signed bookmark and autograph any remaining books. Let them know that you appreciate any hand selling that they do for your book. When I follow these steps, managers, without fail, ask me to return soon!

After the Signing:

Don't forget the important step of sending a thank- you note to the store staff and those responsible for media coverage you receive. A thank you goes a long way, and you'd be surprised how many authors fail to complete this simple task. In the note to the bookstore, I always include photos taken of the staff at the signing so they remember the day.

Note details of the signing for future reference. Touch base with each store periodically through updates and press releases. This past holiday season, each one of my contacts received a Christmas letter. When the press release went out for my second book, Sarah, I sent a Valentine. These little touches assure future signings for the remainder of my series, Circle of Friends.

Don't forget the key resource at AuthorHouse- your author advocate. I keep my advocate Chris updated every step of the way. Everything I learned about marketing and promotions came either from Chris, research, or the AuthorHouse Book Signing booklet. I've embraced every suggestion along the way, determined to overcome all obstacles and rise above average. I've poured all of my enthusiasm into every recommendation because this is my dream. If you haven't already, go after yours!

Diane Wolfe is inspired by to write by the adage, "everyone needs something to hope for and someone to love." Wolfe's series of books focuses on the pursuit of dreams and overcoming of obstacles. With over 50 book signings under her wing, Wolfe continues to fly through her book promotion adventure.

* Asthma * Stress The Chicken Soup Healthy Living books bring a new, refreshing format to a best-selling series. Each title features 10-15 stories interspersed with important information from top medical experts. At 144 pages they are priced at an affordable $6.95

What They Want:

The perfect blend of emotional support and vital information. Heartfelt, personal, uplifting stories from real people living with specific medical conditions along with positive, practical advice for caregivers and patients from top medical experts. Story topics focus on issues that affect your daily life; diet, psychological issues, relationships, daily challenges, unique obstacles, even alternative therapies. Expert content will explain medical terms, managing symptoms, quality of life issues, the effects of treatment options and managing the doctor-patient relationship.

Story Specifications: Length: 300-800 words. Pay: $200 upon publication for non-exclusive, World-Wide, all languages.

April 25, 2005

Multi-billionaire Joseph Talon and co-founder of Firebombers Inc has always had a good heart, placing welfare before profits. Now, at the stockholders meeting he announces that the company is on the verge of bankruptcy. What he fails to mention is that in an attempt save it all he has secretly made arrangements to take the company to international level. First stop Central America and the city of San Pietro.

A decision, he will soon regret.

Firestorm is a steady pace, well written and author Michael Archer's attention to detail is absolutely engrossing. Archer places readers deep within danger zones faced by firefighters today, but even more exciting is the unusual situation in which Joseph Talon forces his company into.

Government uprising, the jungles of Central America, gun-toting locals, secret weapons, and kidnappings are but a few of what to expect.

What turns up the heat in this novel is the firefighters' backgrounds, not your typical American citizens. Each has been carefully selected for their military combat experience!

Firestorm is pure entertainment of nonstop action and suspense. Michael Archer exceeds readers expectations!

Reviewed by Betsie

This wonderful children's book teaches children that they have the ability within them to change negative thoughts into positive ones.

As a tool-parents can teach tots "not" to feed the animals, thus giving them more confidence and control. That no matter what occurs within the surrounding's - we have the ultimate power to change course as to how events will turn out.

Author Tima Vlasto has created an entertaining "how to" for kids of all ages!

Reviewed by Betsie

Jude Thaddeus was more than just an orphan. He was a man with high aspirations, intelligent, and extremely cunning within the business world. His path an extraordinary one, and one that would lead him to great men such as: Henry Kissinger, Nelson Rockefeller, George Wallace and Richard Nixon then to tango with wealthy organizations such as OPEC and scandals like Watergate.

His cool, calm demeanor a plus in his strategic plan to obtain 10 million dollars! With careful manipulation - the game is on. Jude's sights are on the Presidency, although after years of preparation, something goes wrong.

The characters are vividly depicted, to the point that you become emotionally involved with them. Jude is certainly a fantastic and fascinating character.

I guarantee readers that from the moment you pick the Amendment, you will want to read more from this promising author. John J Fitzgerald's writing style is smooth and well paced, pulling you into this saga that will leaving you wondering if it actually occurred. Excellent work Mr. Fitzgerald!

Reviewed by Betsie

The reluctant characters in someone else's twisted story are given choices. These choices present themselves in the form of "3 Doors" that can lead the children home or deeper into the Abyss that has swallowed them. A part of you will cheer for them to enter the wrong door to see what they'll find while the other part will want them to arrive home safely.

"3 Doors" was originally conceived as a Screenplay and then rewritten as a novel. The authors, sisters Kiane and Rochelle Simeon, write some of their characteristics, memories, traits or mishaps into their characters and the result is a well-rounded cast of characters that the reader will feel some type of attachment to. This book is the first part of a trilogy that is bound to become an establishment reminiscent of other multi-chapter films that we enjoy today at the box office.

As well as their entertaining book I urge you to check: http://www.3doorsadventure.com. This website is very informative and you will have a great time there as well! ""3 Doors"" was a great read and I urge you to check it out. If you're looking for a book that will fill your mind with vivid images and leave you breathless - ""3 Doors"" is the way to go!

Reviewed by Tyrone V. Banks

For more contest details

Music Publisher Seeking Music for Compilation CD - BMI Music Publisher set to release promotional compilation cd in July 2005.

Genres accepted: Dance/Techno, Pop, R&B, Rock and Hip-Hop. The cd will be used in the following capacity:

-To be shopped to major record labels.
-To be shopped to music supervisors, production companies and major music licensing companies for placement in film and television projects.
-To be distributed at music conferences and industry events, for example, Russell Simmons' "How Can I Be Down" music summit, which takes place in Miami in July 2005.

Mail to:
Elizabeth M.,
Project Manager
Imana Ink
567 NE 68th Street, Suite#1
Miami, FL 33138

Christina Aguilera
c/o Irving Azoff
Azoffmusic Management
1100 Glendon Ave #2000
Los Angeles, CA 90024

Marshall (Eminem) Mathers
c/o Paul Rosenberg
M2M Studios
508 Pier Ave Ste 1
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Company name: ANIMAX Entertainment
Contact: Michael bellavia
Category: Storyboard Intern
Location of work: Los Angeles, CA USA
Job starting date: ASAP
Type of contract: freelance
phone: 310-559-9651
email: intern@animaxent.com

Job description: Need a storyboard intern to work with our lead storyboard artist on a variety of animated projects. You will be cleaning up boards and in some cases working on boards. If you can assemble an animatic that would be great.

Requirements (skills):Past experience preferred but since it is an internship we('re) very willing to work with someone who is just getting up to speed. Current students welcomed. Must be local to Los Angeles though and willing to come into our office for meetings.

Benefits: This is a paid internship based on either an hourly rate or a flat per project fee.

APPLY

Category: Senior Writer Producer
Company: TimeWarner DivisionHBO
Location: United States - New York - New York
Requisition #39691BR
Position Type: Full Time
Job Description: Must demonstrate superior creative and conceptual abilities, superior writing and producing skills, and superior film and video shoot skills, including talent and client relations Impactful writing, dazzling cutting and an innovative point of view are a must; these qualities and versatility are demonstrated on a first-rate reel along with a strong eye for graphics and great ear for music.

Responsibilities include conceiving, writing and producing a wide range of on-air promotional spots with little supervision Ideal candidate must be able to consistently generate compelling, innovative promotional concepts Ability to juggle multiple projects through all phases of production with strong organizational and budgeting skills required Candidate must possess a broad knowledge of current production and post-production techniques for both video and film Candidates must possess superior AVID and technology skills and a minimum of three - five years relevant experience

Reels should be available upon request

This employer prefers that you apply to their jobs on their site. By selecting "APPLY" below, you will be directed to the page on their site, which allows you to apply to this job.

APPLY

Category: Production Assistant
Company: TimeWarner Division Turner Broadcasting
Location: United States - Georgia - Atlanta
Requisition #41852BR
Position Type: Full Time
Job Description: College degree, prefer degree in Broadcasting, Film/Television Production or Communications. Previous Production Assistant experiences a plus.

Duties: The Production Assistant will assist with research and development of new original shows, current show ratings and network competition. Assist as needed with various shoots on location or in the studio. Supervise tape dubbing, assist in show delivery to appropriate departments throughout Turner South, and supervise various edit projects as needed by Executive and Coordinating Producers. Maintain tape library and support Operations department with day to day administrative duties and office work. Act as liaison to in house and out of house production companies.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers.

This employer prefers that you apply to their jobs on their site. By selecting "APPLY" below, you will be directed to the page on their site, which allows you to apply to this job.

APPLY

Websites that have only sales pitch as their main content are very much like these salespersons that arrive when you are not looking for them. Visitors go web browsing primarily looking for specific information and not sales offer. When a visitor arrives at a website which offers information she finds useful and solutions to her problems, she is likely to visit again.

A website should not be designed only for selling something, though that may be purpose for setting up the website in the first place. The website should provide information and commentaries which can pre- sell the product to the visitor. It should attract targeted visitors interested in the content. Pre-selling arouses interest in the product prompting the visitor to visit again. She will try to satisfy herself with information provided, testimonials, bio of the webmaster, links to related sites and other considerations before she will actually buy the product. In a way, pre-selling tries to guide her in this direction and makes it easier for her to make a decision.

People are more inclined to buy what they want instead of what they need. Once they set their minds on buying something, they look for reasons (or call it excuses) why they should buy, only to satisfy themselves, though the decision for the purchase has already been taken. Pre-selling provides reasons which they find compelling; enough to part with money.

The website which has valuable content the visitor is looking for produces a pleasant experience for her. By pre-selling she is made to develop trust in the website and the webmaster and will look at the recommendations with an open mind. Once the visitor decides to buy, the website should ensue that she does not face any problems in making actual purchase. The links provided for the order page should work properly and the whole process should be kept simple. It will be very unfortunate if the prospective buyer calls off the purchase only because she finds that the ordering process does not work.

How will your website appear to your visitor? That is an important question, which should be asked often. Try to visualize yourself as a first-time visitor to your site. Then see your site as if you're looking at it for the first time. How does it appear? Does your headline create a curiosity? Are you drawn towards the main content or other features of your site grab your attention? Are your main content readable, interesting and not a sermon?

How far does it succeed in pre-selling?

Ask your friends to see your website and give their opinion on these and other questions. Website building is a dynamic process and is never complete or perfect. But whatever changes are made, they should enhance its pre-selling ability. It is good idea to actually test the website after changes are made. Any change, which tends to reduce the traffic, needs to be modified. The changes should gradually refine the website to attract more visitors.

Pre-selling should be seen as a service to satisfy the needs of the visitors who arrive at the website. It should be considered as the first step before actual sale. Pre-selling forms a bond, an understanding built on trust between the seller and the prospective buyer, which eases the process of actual sale.

PR by the Book -Marika Flatt spent seven years with Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists as the lead publicist. She has launched her own firm called PR by the Book. PR by the Book offers: full scale media campaign, ala carte publicity services such as media training, specific city promotion, press material development, and other training/ consultant services. Of most value to new writers, Flatt develops a complete marketing plan which writers can use in their promotion to agents and publishers. Visit PR by the Book today!

WriterOnLine - is an e-publication dedicated to writers and lovers of writing. Fiction, poetry, business and technical writing, how-tos, articles, reviews, freelance markets, jobs for writers and much more, published bi-weekly. Completely renewed! Visit WriterOnline today.

Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists, Inc. - Since its inception in 1994, Phenix & Phenix has built a reputation that ranks it among the industry's most highly respected publicity firms, and the publicist of choice for authors and publishers throughout the United States and 17 foreign countries.

Phenix & Phenix also offers a no charge comprehensive media analysis of your book, to evaluate its potential reach and scope in the media.

Contact:
Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists, Inc
2525 West Anderson Lane, Ste. 540
Austin, Texas 78757
512.478.2028
512.478.2117