Multi Award-Winning
How To do It Frugally
Series
of Books for Writers

Each of Them Is a Frugal Ticket
To Selling, Marketing
and Editing your Books.

Winner USA Book News Business Book!

"Howard-Johnson has the comforting tone of a mentor and
writes with the precision of a surgeon."
~ Francine Silverman, author, editor, author's advocate
 

The Frugal Book Promoter, Second Edition!

The new edition of The Frugal Book Promoter is bigger (nearly twice as big!) and updated than the first edition. Find what's new on its very own page!  This edition even has its own subtitle to reflect the broader audience it appeals to. It is Ta Da! How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher. But it still has all the award-winning qualities of the first edition (see below), maybe even more!

  The Frugal Book Promoter is runner-up in the how-to category for the
 Los Angeles Book Festival 2012 awards.

Global Ebooks Award Honorable Mention for
The Frugal Book Promoter, Second Edition, 2012

"I’ve followed every one of Carolyn's suggestions for my award-winning book, The Written Word,  so I’m confident I’ll gain every bit of exposure possible from this award. I learned long ago to do exactly as Carolyn says if I want to succeed and do it frugally."
~ Aggie Villanueva, bestselling award-winning author and
director of Book Promotion at Promotion a la Carte

The Frugal Book Promoter, first edition, was also named best business book award by USA Books News and the Irwin Award, awarded by the Book Publicists of Southern California for its marketing campaign.

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. The author, a former publicist, provides no-nonsense basics to build your media kit, media release, and a knock-'em-dead mailing list that will be more effective than any you could buy. Pick and choose from dozens of ideas for promotions that she developed or refined through two extensive book campaigns of her own. Several are sure to match your pocketbook and personality.

How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically:
The ins and outs of using free reviews to build and sustain a writing career

is the culmination of nearly two decades Carolyn Howard-Johnson spent helping writers avoid pitfalls, misconceptions, and out-and-out scams perpetrated on unsuspecting authors . . . and helping them reach their dreams of great reviews, great book tours, and great launches. It turns out that Get Great Book Reviews is the essence for a successful marketing campaign that includes all those things and--more importantly--for building the readership necessary for a prosperous writing career.

Cover by Chaz DeSimone.

 
 

How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically
 is the third in the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of of books for writers.

 
The Frugal Editor

There are gremlins out there determined to keep your work from being published, your book from being promoted. They —resolved to embarrass you before the gatekeepers who can turn the key of success for you —lurk in your subconscious and the depths of your computer programs. Whether you are a new or experienced author, The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success will help you present whistle-clean copy (whether it's a one-page cover letter or your entire manuscript) to those who have the power to say "Yea" or "Nay." Here are a few of the many awards and honors it received in both its first and second editions:

 

 

 

       

The Frugal Editor was named best business book award by USA Books News and Reader Views Literary. The Next Generation awarded the book a finalist medal and Carolyn's promotion campaign for this same book was given its top marketing award. The second edition in e-book format was a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards for e-books.

           

 

 

 

 
Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips for Writers

Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips for Writers is a handy little (but magic!) booklet that will help you avoid the gremlins lurking in your writing--the ones determined to embarrass you. You'll feel more secure when you send out your blog posts, your business and query letters, or your manuscripts to those who can help build your career.

Visit Editing Tips for Writers page where you'll find
Book Excerpt Table of Contents
Reader Review Carolyn's Credentials
Available free as an e-book when you subscribe to Carolyn's Sharing with Writers newsletter, packed full of marketing and writing tips and articles!
This book is available in
paperback and as an e-book.

The Great First Impression Book Proposal:
Everything You Need to Know About Selling Your Book in Thirty Minutes or Less

A new edition of a
time-saving way to put your
best book forward to agents and publishers!

 

Visit The Great First Impression
Book Proposal
page where you'll find:
Contents Book Proposal Tip
Review Endorsements
Available as an e-book or paperback on Amazon.

"Howard-Johnson writes with the experience
of a professional and the candor
of a best friend who doesn’t want
you to fall on your face."

~Jennifer Akers, reviewer for MyShelf.com


You Are Invited...

...to explore Carolyn Howard-Johnson's multi award-winning how-to marketing books for retailers. Authors are retailers, too! They  sell books.  The more authors know about retailing, the easier it is to partner with retail stores on workshops, book signings, seminars and other events.

Endorsement
for
Carolyn's  Newsletter
an extension of Frugal Book Promotion knowledge:

"The text-based Sharing with Writers e-newsletter published by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the Frugal Book Promoter and other truly insightful tomes, is probably the best electronic publication that comes across my screen."

~~~

"Sharing with Writers is always loaded with practical tips and advice. It takes me only seconds to implement the ones that hold promise for my books, and many of those I’ve tried have led to definitive results like more traffic to my Web site, participation in a new online venue or more exposure to libraries and the book buying trade. The newsletter provides a by-product of camaraderie with other authors and promoters in the community that reads Sharing with Writers, sharing motivation among the members."
~Peggi Ridgway, author, Successful Website Marketing and Wordpix Solutions, Web Design & Hosting, Brochures, Newsletters & Books

To Subscribe to "Sharing with Writers," click here.


What Others are Saying
About
Carolyn's Books for Writers

HowToDoItFrugally Series of Books for Writers

“Having paid thousands in tuition to learn what you have provided in your HowToDoItFrugally series of books for retailers, I can tell you right now, they are priceless! Great work!”
~ Anne L. Holmes, Boomer in Chief, National Association of Baby Boomer Women,


{Carolyn Howard-Johnson is} an incessant promoter who develops and shares new approaches for book promotion.
~ Marilyn Ross, Founder, Small Publishers North America and author of books on publishing


The Frugal Book Promoter

"If you're going to read only one book to get other people to read your book, it should be The Frugal Book Promoter."
~ Tim Bete, director of Dayton University's Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop and author


The Frugal Book Promoter. I love it. Most authors don’t have deep pockets for publicity, promotion and marketing; this is the kind of information we need! The chapter on the perks available on Amazon is a perfect example of the kind of practical advice offered—the kind that took me months to discover.
~ Rolf Gompertz, author, veteran publicist for NBC and 30 year UCLA Extension instructor in marketing


I thought I knew all there is to know about promotion but this book has taught me so much.
~ Mary Anne Raphael, author of How to Survive as a Freelancer 


“Great book! My copy {of The Frugal Book Promoter} looks like a porcupine, so many pages are flagged with great tips to try.”
~ Karin Ireland, author, motivational speaker


Howard-Johnson has the comforting tone of a mentor and writes with the precision of a surgeon. ~ Francine Silverman, editor Bok Promotion Newsletter


I'm thrilled with all the helpful info and I like they way the book clearly defines the various parts makes it much easier to use as a reference.
~ Vicki Malone, Publicist, Red Engine Press


Carolyn Howard-Johnson's advice in Frugal is like having your own private tutor, writing coach, PR person, English teacher, salesman of the year, marketing agent and, once you've talked to her, cheerleader, all rolled into one. They ought to bottle her energy and sell it. I'll take ten bottles. Uh ... Make that twenty.
~Georgia Richardson, AKA Queen Jaw Jaw, author, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Throne


The Frugal Editor

The Frugal Editor is like having a dear writer friend who's computer-savvy and a wonderful editor share all her secrets and tips for success with you - useful, entertaining, valuable. ~ Tara Ison, author and past director of Antioch University's Writers' Program


"Nothing demonstrates professionalism like a well-edited submission. Follow Carolyn Howard-Johnson's clear, step-by-step self-editing approach for Putting Your Best Book Forward and you'll submit like a pro."
~ Gregory A. Kompes, conference coordinator, Las Vegas Writer's Conference


 

“Good editing is like honest business accounting: If you don’t have it, you end up with a mess.  The Frugal Editor is a must for the novice writer who needs to make that ideal first impression and the writer with a tenth book hitting the shelves who has become complacent about his brilliant prose.” ~ Kristin Johnson, author and writing consultant.

 


 

"Carolyn, I can't put the book down. It's not a one time read. It will take several times for it to sink in.  Also I want to go to all the URLs' you mention. I feel like I'm back in school and I love it. "
~Sylvia K. Hamilton, author The Kahills of Willow Walk
 

"What a beautiful job . . . outstanding.

"You wrote this book, as you always do, in layman’s language. Since you’re speaking in my everyday vernacular, if I read your book, I won’t have any excuse for writing badly, will I? No more dangling whatevers, no more ineffective passives. You can make me the best-read writer in town."
~ Peggi Ridgway, Wordpix for Websites, Books, Flower Market Projects & More

 


I’ve long recommended John Kremer’s 1001 Ways to Market Your Books, but until now, I didn’t have many other “staples” to recommend to new authors looking for publicity.
~ Jenna Glatzer, author of  Make a Real Living as a Freelance Author


 

Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips

 

By creating a guide designed specifically to get writers past gatekeepers, Carolyn Howard-Johnson has created something of unmatched value: usage advice that cuts through the contentious world of grammar to offer real help. Writers polishing their manuscripts and query letters will find Howard-Johnson’s guide more useful than Strunk and White."
~June Casagrande, author of
Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies (Penguin).

For a sample of Carolyn's multi award-winning short stories.


Buy Links for Carolyn's Books


Great Fiction
Purchase THIS IS THE PLACE
and
HARKENING at Amazon in their new and used feature.
Both of these books are out of print. They are available only on Amazon's New and Used feature for about $1.

Great Poetry
Purchase TRACINGS (Finishing Line Press) at Amazon.
IMPERFECT ECHOES: Writing Truth and Justice with Capital Letters,
lie and oppression with Small

Give the gift of poetry with a chapbook from Magdalena Ball's
and
My Celebration Series

CHERISHED PULSE: Unconventional Love Poetry
IMAGINING THE FUTURE: Ruminations on Fathers and Other Masculine Apparitions
SHE WORE EMERALD THEN: Reflections on Motherhood
BLOOMING RED: Christmas Poetry for the Rational
DEEPER INTO THE POND: Celebration of Femininity
SUBLIME PLANET: Celebrating Earth and the Universe
 

HowToDoItFrugally Series for Writers
Purchase THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER,
THE FRUGAL EDITOR
Second Edition
GREAT LITTLE LAST MINUTE EDITING TIPS FOR WRITERS
GREAT FIRST-IMPRESSION BOOK PROPOSALS
HOW TO GET GREAT BOOK REVIEWS FRUGALLY AND ETHICALLY

Survive and Thrive Series of HowToDoItFrugally Books for Retailers
A RETAILER'S GUIDE TO FRUGAL IN-STORE PROMOTION
FRUGAL AND FOCUSED TWEETING FOR RETAILERS
YOUR BLOG, YOUR BUSINESS

Most of Carolyn's books are also available for the Kindle reader.
Did you know that with the Free app, Kindle can be adapted to any reader--even your PC!

"Careers that are not fed die as readily as
any living organism given no sustenance." 
~
Carolyn Howard-Johnson

Studio photography by Uriah Carr
3 Dimensional Book Cover Images by iFOGO
Logo by Lloyd King

To subscribe to Carolyn's FREE online newsletter send an e-mail.

Learn more about Carolyn's newsletter and blog.

Read past issues of Carolyn's Newsletter.

 

Frugal E-Book Tip

Kindle E-Books Aren't
Just for Kindle Anymore

Did you know that Amazon’s Kindle e-books are a low-cost/no-cost way to access books even if you don’t have a dedicated Kindle reader? You can read Kindle's e-books on smartphones, desktop computers and any e-device in between. You can even store the books on the Amazon cloud.

~ Quote from Diana Schneidman, author and marketer

 

Other Links

 

Carolyn's Commercial Acting

 


 Celebration Series of Poetry Chapbooks
 

 

This is the Place, a novel

 

Speaking

Tracings, a chapbook and memoir in one

Harkening, true short stories

Carolyn's Poetry

Helps For Retailers

Helps For Writers

Full Published Works Almanac

Travels and Poetry

Published Books


Subscribe to
Carolyn Howard-Johnson's Sharing with Writers Newsletter

and get a FREE copy of
Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips for Writers

"I have been a professional writer 40 years, and am also a tenured full professor of journalism. Carolyn's Sharing with Writers newsletter is  most useful for me--and for my students. I emphasize to them that while research is 90% of writing, and the actual writing is about 10%, there's another 100% out there called promotion. Carolyn shows numerous ways to get the message to the mass media."
~Walter Brasch, author and educator

"A decade of bettering writers' careers with how-tos, tips, and publishing news."


Find Carolyn on the Web

  writers retailers

Carolyn's Blogs

The Frugal Retailer Blog
Carolyn shares nearly three decades of retailing experience   with
an emphasis on marketing.


Sharing with Writers
All things publishing with
an emphasis on book
promotion. Named to
Writer's Digest
101 Best Website list.


The New Book Review
Great way for readers, authors, reviewers and publicists to get more
mileage out of
a great review.


The Frugal Editor Blog
This is the Frugal, Smart
and Tuned-In Editor blog.
Covers editing, grammar, formatting and more.
Get the answers you need.



Website Sponsor

As Featured in Publishers Weekly

This unique book is the perfect book to help immigrants and those who need better English skills to deal with Americans. You'll love the chapter on language and accent reduction. And love even more how the author uses idioms throughout the book--and explains them!

Available on Amazon bookstores worldwide, at Vroman's in Pasadena and other fine bookstores.


Published Works Almanac


Other Interests

Acting
Speaking
Travel

Tolerance


Carolyn's Poetry

Tracings
Imperfect Echoes
Celebration Series
Travel


Yes You Can Get Reviews


Carolyn's HowToDoIt Frugally Series

For Writers
For Retailers


Carolyn's Literary Works

This is the Place
Harkening
Published Shorter Works


Writers Resources

Find tips on writing, promotion, or tech on every page of this Web site.  Look for the little green and gray boxes. You'll also find articles on different aspects of writing on related pages.


Carolyn's Awards


Easy Access to Resources for Writers


Carolyn's HowToDoIt Frugally Series for Writers

Getting Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically New!

The Frugal Book Promoter

The Frugal Editor

 
Great Book Proposals in 30 Minutes
(Booklet)

Last-Minute Edits and Word Trippers

(Booklet)


Endorsement

I thought I'd respond to you as soon as I finished your book, which I thought would be a day or so since I'm a quick reader, but I've been underlining and underlining and it's limitless, this book of yours. Thank you so much! I've got so many good ideas for promotions that I hadn't known of, such as corporate gifts and mailing lists. ~ Mridu Khullar Relph, Freelance Journalist and Author

Proud to be Instrumental in Helping Other Poets

Poetry Mystique: A modern text edited by Suzanne Lummis with commentary from the editor.

Poems by selected students from Suzanne's many poetry classes.

 


Find Carolyn on Pinterest

Follow Me on Pinterest

Authors! I repin your books to my boards when you repin mine to yours!


Unsolicited Endorsement for The Frugal Book Promoter

"As a first-time novelist, I felt like promoting and marketing were beyond my budget and skillset. I would never have dreamed that so much of what I needed to know was in a single, no-nonsense and easy to read package! Thank you, Carolyn, for making me feel like this is within my reach!" ~ Dan Haight, author

Carolyn's Awards

Awards for Carolyn's Books, Blogs and More

The New Book Review
Named to
Master's in English.org Online Universities'

101 Essential Sites for Voracious Readers

Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites
for
Sharing with Writers blog.

 


Best Book Award for The Frugal Book Promoter (2004) and The Frugal Editor (2008) and the Second Edition of The Frugal Book Promoter (2011).

 

Reader Views Literary Award for The Frugal Editor

New Generation Award for Marketing and Finalist for The Frugal Editor

Book Publicists of Southern California's Irwin Award

Military Writers Award of Excellence for
Tracings, A Chapbook of Poetry.


A Retailer's Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotion wins author Military Writers Society of America's Author of the Month award for March, 2010

 

Gold Medal Award from Military Writers Society of America, 2010. MWSA also gave a nod to She Wore Emerald Then, a chapbook of poetry honoring mothers.

The Frugal Editor Named #! on Top Ten Editing Books list.

Finalist New Generation Book Awards 2012, The Frugal Book Promoter; Finalist 2010 The Frugal Editor;
Winner 2010 Marketing Campaign for the Frugal Editor


The Oxford Award
recognizes
the alumna who exemplifies the Delta Gamma precept of service to her community and who, through the years, devotes her talents to improve the quality of life around her.

The Frugal Book Promoter is runner-up in the how-to category for the Los Angeles Book Festival 2012 awards.

Glendale City Seal
Winner Diamond Award for Achievement in the Arts
Glendale California's Arts and Culture Commission and the City of Glendale Library,
2013

And more than a dozen other awards for Carolyn's novel, short story collection and poetry. See the awards page on this site.


Carolyn's Awards

Awards for Carolyn's aid to
better writing and
publishing,

The Frugal Editor

For the 2nd Edition
 E-book, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

For the first edition

  • Winner Reader Views Award for Best Professional Book

  • Winner USA Book News Award

  • Finalist Next Generation Book Awards

  • Winner Next Generation Book Awards for the Marketing Plan for that book.

Also available in paperback.


Sponsoring Site

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