Mystic Writers Colony: 2014

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Lisa Saunders Show: Brian Jud--How to Make Real Money Selling Books

Friday, October 24, 2014

Need advice on publishers/query letters, etc?

If you are seriously seeking a publisher, then I recommend you consult with agent Jan L. Kardys. I have met with her myself and she gave me great advice on publishers and how to attract one with the right query letter, what it takes to get with a major house (plus certain benefits of self-publishing), etc. I have also attended and spoken at her Unicorn Conference where I met with several agents and publishing houses. She really cares about helping writers navigate through the world of publishing and I trust her. Her website is unicornforwriters.com. Her fees are: http://unicornforwriters.com/fees/

Thursday, October 16, 2014

How to Publish on Amazon (using Createspace)

Creating and publishing on Createspace can be free if you use the tools they give you (you can create the cover and insides if you use their templates). You would then just have to pay for the books you buy to resell or give away. This is print-on-demand so you don't need to have a large supply of books in your house.

HOW TO PUBLISH ON AMAZON

Is your book is at least 24 pages? If so, you can produce a softcover book:

Sign up for free account on CreateSpace. Start here: https://www.createspace.com/
Member agreement (requires your legal name, mentions your responsibility to pay taxes on royalties, etc. Seek lawyer’s advice if concerned).
Start project with the book’s title—this title can be changed later (so, just get started).
Choose setup process (go with “Guided” for step by step help along the way).
Click on “What’s This” for more info on terms such as “Publication Date” and “ISBN”.
ISBN (International Standard Book Number) options—this is important decision. I would save that decision until you have carefully looked over the options. I would even ask a bookstore for their advise on which way you should go on that.
Files accepted for uploading: pdf, doc, docx, rtf.
CreateSpace offers a “Formatted Template” to download. Cut and paste your work into it.
Videos available along the way to further demonstrate what to do.
“Build Your Cover Online” for free by clicking on “Launch Cover Creator” button.
Use their cover images or upload your own (jpeg or tiff).
Once complete, you will be given your file to create an e-book on Amazon through Kindle.

If you want the book available on Amazon, createspace makes it easy for you and will your deposit royalties in your bank account. The last time I checked, however, you can have only one primary author. Many others can have their names on it as contributing authors, etc., but createspace will only pay one. But, things keep changing so to know for sure, they will call you right away once you input your phone number at this link:https://www.createspace.com/pub/support/contact.contactus.do

Again, if you have any questions, contact Createspace directly at: https://www.createspace.com/pub/support/contact.contactus.do

Self-Publishing on Amazon

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

What We Talk About When We're Over 60: Lisa Saunders Interview

Mon,11/17, 6:30pm, Promoting Books Through Press Releases and Newsletters

Publicist Lisa Saunders to Speak at SECAPA Meeting November 17^th

The Southeast Chapter of the Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association will present publicist Lisa Saunders at its next open meeting Monday, November 17th, at the Groton Inn and Suites at 6:30 PM.

Lisa will present “Promoting Books Through Press Releases and Newsletters.” She is the author of several books including the free e-book, How to Promote Your Business (or yourself).

Visit Lisa at www.authorlisasaunders.com

Photo by Cindy Barry.

Her presentation will follow a brief business meeting and networking session commencing at 6:30 PM. For more information contact SECAPA Chairperson Tom Santos by phone at 860-599-5067 or email him at santostom@comcast.net. For more information about SECAPA, visit the website: www.secapa.org ; or for more on CAPA itself, visit www.aboutcapa.com.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Need Publicity for Your Event or Project?

There are several places you can mention your story or event! See live links below to submit your information.

Here are some places to send your press releases (you will have to dig for the correct email address):

Mystic Country ; The Day; Mystic River Press; This is Mystic; The Resident; The Mystic Wave; InTown

Upload your events to:

CT Tourism/events: Jean.Hebert@ct.gov
Mystic Country: jputnam@mysticcountry.com,

calendar@courant.com
Westerly Sun: Events calendar@thewesterlysun.com

For Non-Profits:
http://www.ctoutandabout.com/, edwinbartlett@hotmail.com
The Resident:  acrossthearea@theresident.com

Want to get on TV?

The Harriet Grayson's show. See: www.communitycultureshowcase.weebly.com. Contact Harriet at: graysonharriet@gmail.com

"Books and Things" with Tom Santos, SECAPA Chairperson. Contact him at santostom@comcast.net. For more information about SECAPA, visit the website: www.secapa.org. More info on CAPA: www.aboutcapa.com.

"The Lisa Saunders Show": Sometimes I have a free spot on my TV show, but I book up pretty quickly. Contact me at LisaSaunders42@gmail.com. Because I upload the shows of my clients on Youtube, they get highly ranked on Google. My interviews and the original broadcast on Comcast's Channel 12 are done at no cost to you, but if you want me to upload it to Youtube with your business information/website, there is a nominal fee. (If you want me to do other publicity work for you, such as write website content, news releases, and get you on Youtube, etc., I provide writing and marketing services for a fee.

Are you an author? Get interviewed on Internet radio shows like:
http://wnbnetworkwest.com/WnbAuthorsShowRequestForm.html

Press Releases

Write a press release (or I can help you do that for a fee)! Send them to your media contacts.

You can send your news to the editor at:

—Westerly Sun: http://www.thewesterlysun.com/contactus/publicsubmissions/

The Day: http://www.theday.com/article/99999999/STATIC01/141009745

If you are a tourist site, The Mystic Wave may accept your news. Contact blogger: molly@themysticwave.com.

Writing press releases and YouTube videos are what I do for my clients--if that is what you want, contact me at LisaSaunders@gmail.com. See my article and press release sample below:

Media Releases: When, Why and How to Send Them

By Lisa Saunders, Publicist

Ever present a talk at a library and no one showed up? Or publish a book and don’t know how to get media attention?

One of the best ways to broadcast your news is to send the media a press release, otherwise known as a media or news release. Many authors assume their publishers will send out press releases and that when they give a talk, the hosting organization will send one out. They may, but usually it’s up to you to make sure the word gets out. So start gathering media contacts now!

After you’ve sent a press release to the media, then post it to your blog from where you can easily repost to your LinkedIn, Facebook, Google +, and other online media accounts (ask your friends to do the same). There are even press release sites that let you post it there for free.

The first step is to learn how to properly format a release that will interest a reporter (who wants to quickly know, “How will this benefit my readers?”) and to minimize the reporter’s rewriting work (they need it written in Associated Press style, for example, write a.m., not AM or A.M.; and states fewer than six letters are spelled out. Connecticut is Conn.). If possible, you will want to attach a high resolution photograph to which you own the copyrights-- publications loves images they don’t have to search or pay for.

The most important and “why should my readers care” information needs to be on top of your release. Don’t make the reporter search for the date and time of an event. Make it easy on them and make it short! They don’t like to open attachments, so put your information within the body of the e-mail.

There are many reasons to send out a press release:

· Your topic is closely associated with an awareness month.

· You are giving a lecture.

· You won an award (I got a lot of news coverage when I sent a release about me winning a beer stein hoisting contest—I used that news to promote my book about my ancestor’s hanging, which was urged on by Samuel Adams, also the name of the brewing company hosting the contest).

One of my personal press releases that gained a lot of media coverage:

Email Subject: Mom asks CT to Stop # 1 Birth Defects Virus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: April 1, 2014
Lisa Saunders
P.O. Box 389, Mystic, CT 06355
LisaSaunders42@gmail.com

Mom Asks CT to Become 2nd State in Nation to Stop #1 Birth Defects Virus

House Bill 5147 includes Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Public Education Program

Mystic, Conn.— Lisa Saunders of Mystic didn’t know how to prevent contracting CMV (cytomegalovirus), which causes more disabilities than Down syndrome, until it was too late for her daughter Elizabeth born with a severely damaged brain.

On March 25, Connecticut’s Public Health Committee voted in favor of House Bill 5147, which includes a cytomegalovirus (CMV) public education program. At present, Utah is the only state that requires their Public Health Department to provide CMV education.

Saunders, the parent representative of the Congenital CMV Foundation, is now asking legislators to make Connecticut the second state in the Union to prevent the leading viral cause of birth defects by passing HB 5147. Congenital CMV can be prevented if women of childbearing age learn the precautions to take, which includes refraining from kissing their toddlers around the mouth.

According to a study posted on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, “fewer than half (44%) of OB/GYNs surveyed reported counseling their patients about preventing CMV infection” despite the following statistics from the CDC:

· About 1 in 150 children is born with congenital CMV infection (approximately 30,000 in the U.S. each year).

· Congenital CMV causes one child to become disabled every hour.

Saunders has been trying to raise CMV awareness for years through her speaking engagements and books, including Anything But a Dog! The perfect pet for a girl with congenital CMV (cytomegalovirus), and most recently her travel memoir, Mystic Seafarer’s Trail, where she jokes she's trying to get thin and famous like Amelia Earhart (secretly married in Noank), so people will listen to her CMV prevention message.
For more information, visit Saunders at: www.authorlisasaunders.com.

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Lisa Saunders, author and publicist, will discuss press releases in depth at the next SE CAPA (Southeast Chapter of the Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association) meeting on Monday, November 17, 6:30 p.m., at the Groton Inn and Suites in Groton.

For more information, contact Tom Santos, SE CAPA Chairperson, at 860-599-5067, santostom@comcast.net, or visit: www.secapa.org

Free Press Release Websites--They will post your news:

From Mashables:
Many of the sites on the following link will accept your uploaded press releases at no cost: http://mashable.com/2007/10/19/press-releases/

24-7PressRelease.com - Free release distribution with ad-support

1888PressRelease.com - Free distribution, paid services gives you better placement and permanent archiving.

ClickPress.com - Distributs to sites like Google News and Topix.net, Gold level will also get you to sites like LexisNexis.

EcommWire.com - Focuses on ecommerece and requires you include an image, 3 keywords and links.

Express-Press-Release.com - Free distribution company with offices in 12 states.

Free-Press-Release.com - Easy press release distribution for free, more features for paid accounts.

Free-Press-Release-Center.info - Distributes your release, offers a web page with one keyword link to your site. Pro upgrade will give you three links, permanent archiving and more.

I-Newswire.com - Allows for free distribution to sites and search engines, premium membership differs only slightly in adding in graphics.

NewswireToday.com - All the usual free distribution tools, premium service includes logo, product picture and more.

PR.com - Not only will they distribute your press releases, but you can also set up a full company profile.

PR9.net - Ad supported press distribution site.

PR-Inside.com - European-based free press release distribution site.

PRBuzz.com - Completely free distribution to search engines, news sites, and blogs.

PRCompass.com - Distribute your press release with a free or paid version, others can vote it up ala Digg style.

PRUrgent.com - Not only distributes your release, but attempts to teach you how to write one, and even offers downloadbale samples for you to work with.

Press-Base.com - Submit your release for free and get on their front page and the category of your choice.

PressAbout.com - A free press release service formatted as a blog.

PressMethod.com - Free press release distribution no matter what, but extra services based on the size of your contribution.

PRLeap.com - Free distribution to search engines, newswires, and RSS feeds. Fee based bumps get you better placement.

PRLog.org - Free distribution to Google News and other other search engines.

TheOpenPress.com - Gives free distribution for plain formatted releases, fees for HTML-coded releases.

Lisa's Writing Classes--October 2014

Lisa's Writing Classes:

Thurs, Oct 23 and 30, 7-8:45pm, Groton Library
FREE: Memoir Writing Workshop
Participants should plan to attend both sessions. Register at 860-441-6750 or reference@groton-ct.gov

Will teach again:

How to Self-Publish & Promote Your Paperback/E-Book

There are several advantages to self-publishing—full control of your work and higher royalties. Learn the free steps to making your work available on Amazon and Smashwords. The instructor is an award-winning writer and author of several books, including "How to Get Published (even if you're not thin and famous).” She resides in Mystic and works as a freelance publicist. Instructor: L. Saunders

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Memoir Writing Workshop (2 Sessions)

Share your life experiences with your family, friends and maybe even the public. Come to class with pen and paper or your laptop. Writing exercises will include some basic questions to help you get started. Answers will be shared with class. Publishing options will also be discussed. The instructor is an award-winning writer and author of three memoirs, including "Mystic Seafarer's Trail." She resides in Mystic and works as a freelance publicist. Instructor: L. Saunders

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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Author Media Offers Great Book Promotion Tips

Click into this post. I found it had great ideas!
http://www.authormedia.com/89-book-marketing-ideas-that-will-change-your-life/

89+ Book Marketing Ideas That Will…

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Are you a Speaker? Tips on Abstracts, PowerPoint and Speaking

I'm about to give a talk about preventing #1 viral cause of birth defects, cytomegalovirus (CMV) in Utah.

I found their tips on how to make the most effective abstract, PowerPoint presentation and speech very helpful:

ABSTRACTS:
The abstract should be well written and organized in a coherent manner.

The amount of information to be presented should be appropriate for the proposed session length and format.
The abstract should clearly describe the presentation’s goals and learner outcomes.
The abstract should provide prospective participants enough information to determine if the session will meet their needs.
If research results are included, they should be clearly described and supported by statistical findings with the conclusions supported by the results.

Presenter Guidelines and Suggestions
Start by reading these tips from Jeffrey Cufaude's Blog entitled: Idea Architects

Then:

If you plan on using interactive techniques remember to plan the appropriate amount of time required to allow your audience to interact.
Create opportunities for participants to share with others and compare information, offer data, react to ideas, or answer questions.
Help participants interact with the information you are presenting (interactive handouts with fill-ins and brainstorm lists).
Allow participants to observe the subject or action you are presenting.
Rehearse your presentation beforehand to make sure your presentation is not too long or too short. The actual delivery of the presentation usually takes longer than the rehearsal.
The average 8 ½” page, typed, double spaced with one-inch margins contains 250 words. The average speaker can present approximately 6 of these pages in 12 minutes. Have text that is highly legible with well-marked cues for visuals.
Speak directly into the microphone in a normal voice and do not handle the microphone while speaking. There should be a comfortable distance between your mouth and the microphone. If you turn away from the microphone the audience may not hear your voice.
During the question and answer period of your session, repeat all questions and/or comments into the microphone.
Make sure to look up at the audience and shift your gaze around the room.
Use active words, brief and concise phrases and short sentences.
If you are using materials in your presentation (pictures, charts, graph, etc.) that are not original work, remember to cite the source.
Give participants 3-4 seconds to adjust to a new image/slide before you begin speaking again. This will also give you a chance to take a deep breath.

Most common complaints attendees have of speakers:

Spoke too fast. If you think you are speaking too fast, you most likely are. Speak loudly and clearly.
Topic discussed did not match the information listed in the abstract.
Too much information was presented.
Did not speak into the microphone, mumbled or spoke too softly.
Did not repeat questions asked by the audience into the microphone.
Visual aids were cluttered and hard to read.

Power Point Tips

Keep your slides as "clean" as possible - minimize text, logos and background pictures.
Use no more than 8 lines of text in an easy to read, 24-point font.
Avoid using all capitals, use bold or italics for emphasis.
Clearly label graphs and charts.
Use contrasting colors when choosing backgrounds and text colors. The best combination is a blue background with white or yellow lettering or white background with black or blue text. Avoid using red text.

Poster Making Tips
The following internet sites contain useful suggestions for preparing effective posters:

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Dramatic Reading & Civil War Love Letters

Dramatic Reading & Civil War Love Letters
9/22, 9/29, 6:30-8:30pm, New London High School.

Bring the dead back to life! Learn the art of dramatic reading with actual Civil War love letters in my class offered through New London Adult & Continuing Education. The workshop will end with a performance.

Program title: Dramatic Reading & Civil War Love Letters

Dramatic reading is a fun and valuable skill to learn if you want to present your own writing or act in a “reader’s theater.” This two-part class includes learning how to read with feeling--emphasizing and pausing where appropriate--and will conclude with a performance of the reader’s theater, “Ever True: A Civil War Love Story.” Participants will read and narrate actual Civil War letters between a Union private and his wife. No memorization required!

Script includes Study Guide/Timeline

Lisa Saunders is a TV Talk Show host and author of the book and play, Ever True: Civil War Letters of a Union Private and His Wife.

To Register: https://www.newlondonadulted.org/CourseCatalog/ScheduleView.asp?ScheduleId=3010

If questions, contact:
Peggy Cherrick

New London Adult & Continuing Education

New London Public Schools

Three Shaws Cove

New London, Connecticut 06320

(860) 437-2385 ext.# 106

(860) 447-4025 fax

(860)625-1008 cell

cherrickm@newlondon.org