FIRST DRAFT IN 30 DAYS
FROM FIRST DRAFT TO FINISHED NOVEL {A Writer's Guide to Cohesive Story Building}
THE POWER OF PROMOTIONAL GROUPS
Q&A with Karen
About the Author
Upcoming Author Appearances
Website Map
Check out the FROM FIRST DRAFT TO FINISHED NOVEL bundle!
October 27, 2010, Karen will be interviewed for the How-to Interview Series at Margie Lawson's blog: http://www.margielawson.com/index.php/margies-blog. Karen will be giving away an autographed copy of FROM FIRST DRAFT TO FINISHED NOVEL {A Writer's Guide to Cohesive Story Building}.
Starting January 2011, Karen will be doing a regular monthly guest column, called "From One Author to Another" on Savvy Authors: http://www.savvyauthors.com. Topics will be of interest to writers--published and pre-published--and will vary each month. More details forthcoming.
Find part one of a two part podcast interview and article by Karen Wiesner, Part one is called "Writing Series: First Draft in 30 Days with Karen Wiesner" and you can find it here:
http://niapromotions.podbean.com/2009/12/28/writing-series-first-draft-in-30-days-with-karen-wiesner/ and
https://educationlearningonline.prfessor.com/course/705/register/. You can also listen to the interview here:
http://podcast.com/show/198633/. The full course includes the original interview content, the downloadable audio mp3, and the downloadable interview transcript.
Find part two of a two part podcast interview and article by Karen Wiesner. Part two is called "Fiction vs Nonfiction Production Steps with Karen Wiesner" and you can find it here: http://niapromotions.podbean.com/2010/01/14/writing-series-fiction-vs-nonfiction-production-steps/ and
http://educationlearningonline.prfessor.com/course/753/register. The full course includes the original interview content, the downloadable audio mp3, and the downloadable interview transcript.
FIRST DRAFT IN 30 DAYS and FROM FIRST DRAFT TO FINISHED NOVEL are now available in PDF download format! See links below.
Read Karen's article "Your Novel Blueprint", which is an excerpt from FROM FIRST DRAFT TO FINISHED NOVEL {A Writer's Guide to Cohesive Story Building} in the February 2009 issue of Writer's Digest Magazine:
Purchase a print issue: http://www.writersdigestshop.com/product/print-issue-writers-digest-february-2009/
Purchase a digital issue: http://www.writersdigestshop.com/product/digital-issue-writers-digest-february-2009-/
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FROM FIRST DRAFT TO FINISHED NOVEL BUNDLE
by Karen S. Wiesner
Special shrink-wrapped bundle!
Get those ideas on paper and keep yourself organized with the FROM FIRST DRAFT TO FINISHED NOVEL Collection. Experienced author Karen Wiesner helps you take your rough ideas, brainstorms and notes and turn them into a usable first draft and then to a polished final manuscript.
In FIRST DRAFT IN 30 DAYS you'll discover Wiesner's sure-fire method for writing a workable first draft, saving you countless hours of writing and rewriting by creating an outline so complete it actually doubles as a first draft.
Finalize your manuscript and get it ready with Wiesner's FROM FIRST DRAFT TO FINISHED NOVEL, and identify your goals and keep yourself on track with the Writer's Digest Weekly Planner.
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FIRST DRAFT IN 30 DAYS
by Karen S. Wiesner
Read an excerpt from FIRST DRAFT IN 30 DAYS.
Finish an outline so complete it reads like a first draft--in just 30 days!
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Say goodbye to writing and rewriting with no results. Starting--and finishing--your novel has never been easier!
FIRST DRAFT IN 30 DAYS provides you with a sure-fire system to reduce time-intensive rewrites and avoid writing detours. Award-winning author Karen S. Wiesner's 30-day method shows you how to create an outline so detailed and complete that it actually doubles as your first draft. Flexible and customizable, this revolutionary system can be modified to fit any writer's approach and style. Plus, comprehensive and interactive worksheets make the process seem less like work and more like a game. This invaluable resource also includes:
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Itemized and flexible schedules to keep you focused each and every day
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Dozens of detailed worksheets to guide you through the outlining process
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Completed sample worksheets inspired by best-selling novels
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Tips for outlining projects already in development
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Brainstorming techniques to keep you motivated
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Goal sheets for getting--and keeping--your career on track
Many aspiring and experienced novelists toss out hundreds of pages (and waste valuable time) before they have a workable first draft of a novel. You don't have to fall into this category anymore. With FIRST DRAFT IN 30 DAYS, you'll have the tools you need to write your masterpiece!
Read reviews for FIRST DRAFT IN 30 DAYS.
Order by phone: 1-800-289-0963
Order a trade paperback from Writer's Digest Books' website: http://www.writersdigestshop.com/product/first-draft-in-30-days/
Order a PDF download from Writer's Digest Books' website: http://www.writersdigestshop.com/product/digtial-download-first-draft-in-30-days/
Order a trade paperback from Amazon.com
Order a trade paperback from BarnesandNoble.com: BN.com
Order a trade paperback from BooksAMillion.com: BooksAMillion.com
Would you like to submit a reader review of FIRST DRAFT IN 30 DAYS? Thank you!
Please send the review with your name to KarensQuill-owner@yahoogroups.com.
If you're an unpublished author, please include that information.
If you're a published author, feel free to include your latest release and/or website address.
Please be aware that reviews will be published on my website.
By sending a review, you're indicating that you accept the publication of your review on my website.
Professional reviewers may also send requests for a review copy of FIRST DRAFT IN 30 DAYS to the address above.
FIRST DRAFT IN 30 DAYS
Table of Contents
Introduction: Making the 30-Day Method Work for You
The Goal of the 30-Day Method
Chapter One: Brainstorming Before You Outline
The Creative Coffeepot
Brewing (and Performing an Exorcism) Brainstorming Productively
Verbal Brainstorming
Chapter Two: Days 1-6: Your Preliminary Outline Day 1: Character Sketches Day 3: Plot Sketches
Understanding Story Threads
Weaving Threads Into Your Plot Sketch
Days 4 and 5: The Summary Outline Day 6: Miscellaneous Scene Notes and Closing Scene Notes
Chapter Three: Days 7-13: Researching Your Idea When to Research Dialogue Worksheets
Fact Sheets
Timeline Sheets
Motives and Alibis for Mystery and Suspense Novels
Chapter Four: Days 14 and 15: The Evolution of Your Story Conflict
Chapter Five: Days 16-24: Your Formatted Outline Consolidating Your Information Day 17: Incorporating Story Evolution Elements Day 18: Incorporating Character and Setting Sketches Day 19: Incorporating Research Days 20-23: Brainstorming Roadblocks
Outlining and Writing in Tandem
Day 24: Creating a Day Sheet and Table of Contents Turning Your Day Sheet Into a Table of Contents
Chapter Six: Days 25-28: Evaluating the Strength of Your Formatted Outline
Day 25 and 26: Tagging and Tracing
Tagging and Tracing Your Story Goal
Tagging and Tracing Subplot Threads
Tagging and Tracing Tension
Day 27: Isolating Plot Threads
Chapter Seven: Days 29 and 30: Revising Your Formatted Outline
Day 29: Filling In the Final Holes
Incorporating Last-Minute Research
Starting the Revision Process
Revising the Outline Instead of the Manuscript
Day 30: Putting It on a Shelf
Chapter Eight: Creating an Outline for a Project Already in Development or Re-Outlining a Stalled Project
Creating an Outline for a Project Already in Development
Days 1-3: Evaluate the Previous Draft
Days 4-10: Re-Outline
Days 11 and 12: Miscellaneous and Closing Scene Notes
Days 13 and 14: Character Sketches
Days 15 and 16: Setting Sketches
Days 17-20: Plot Sketch and Story Evolution Worksheets
Days 21 and 22: Research
Days 23 and 24: Outline Aid Worksheets
Day 25: Day Sheet and Table of Contents
Days 26 and 27: Evaluate the Formatted Outline
Days 28 and 29: Revision
Day 30: Finishing Touches
Revising an Outlined Novel Without Starting From Scratch
Chapter Nine: Getting the Most From Your Formatted Outline
A Snapshot of Your Novel Tweaking Your Outline as You Write
Purging
Final Editing Sheets
Avoiding Writer's Block
Revising Not Allowed!
Editing and Polishing: Absolutely the Final Step
Getting Critical Reads
Putting It Back on the Shelf
Chapter Ten: Outlining Your Career
Yearly Goals Writing Goals
Editing Goals
Getting Ahead and Staying There
Appendix A: Glossary
Appendix B: 30-Day Method Schedules
Appendix C: 30-Day Method Worksheets
Worksheet 1: Character Sketch
Outlining Worksheets
Worksheet 1: Character Sketch
Worksheet 2: General Setting Sketch
Worksheet 3: Character Setting Sketch
Worksheet 4: Plot Sketch
Worksheet 5: Formatted Outline Capsule
View or download five outlining worksheets from FIRST DRAFT IN 30 DAYS
Appendix D: 30-Day Method Goal Sheets
Worksheet 20: Yearly Goals
Your Commitment to the 30-Day Method
How to Use This Book
Understanding the 30-Day Method Schedule
What You'll Need
Creativity and Outlines
Improving Your Productivity
See the 30-Day Method in Action
Getting Started
Day 2: Setting Sketches and Research Strategies
Why Research in the Outline Stage
Additional Outline Aids
Day 16: Starting and Organizing Your Formatted Outline
Day 28: Shoring Up Weak Elements in Your Formatted Outline
Re-Outlining After at Least One Outline and Manuscript Draft
Using Your Outline to Write the Book
Multiyear Goals
Promotional Goals
Project Goals
PDF Version
Microsoft Word Version
Worksheet 2A: General Setting Sketch
Worksheet 2B: Character Setting Sketch
Worksheet 3: Research List
Worksheet 4: Plot Sketch
Worksheet 5: Summary Outline
Worksheet 6: Miscellaneous Scene Notes
Worksheet 7: Closing Scene Notes
Worksheet 8: Interview Questions
Worksheet 9: Dialogue Sheet
Worksheet 10: Fact Sheet
Worksheet 11: Background Timeline
Worksheet 12: Miscellaneous Timeline
Worksheet 13: Crime Timeline
Worksheet 14: Motives and Alibis
Worksheet 15: Story Evolution
PDF Version
Microsoft Word Version
Worksheet 16: Formatted Outline Capsule
PDF Version
Microsoft Word Version
Worksheet 17: Day Sheet
Worksheet 18: Supplemental Outline
Worksheet 19: Final Editing
Worksheet 21: MultiYear Goals
Worksheet 22: Promotional Goals
Worksheet 23: Writing Goals
Worksheet 24: Editing Goals
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FROM FIRST DRAFT TO FINISHED NOVEL
by Karen S. Wiesner
Read an excerpt of FROM FIRST DRAFT TO FINISHED NOVEL.
More information about this book can be found here.
Features detailed examples from published novels to illustrate story-building principles.
Includes worksheets and checklists that touch on everything from character development to plot conflicts to editing and polishing.
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Build a fully developed, multi-layered story from the ground up! Writing a story is not that much different than building a house. Both require some brainstorming (to provide a clear vision), a blueprint or outline (to lay a solid foundation upon which that vision can be built), building or drafting (to make the vision a reality), and decorating or revising (to polish the masterpiece and make it presentable to the public).
In FROM FIRST DRAFT TO FINISHED NOVEL, successful novelist Karen S. Wiesner carefully explores each of these stages, showing you how to:
Create a quick outline to help organize and expand your original idea
Develop a detailed Story Plan Checklist to solidify your story's details
Combine and effectively use tools like your outline and story checklist to weave together a cohesive draft
Put together a strong query letter and submission package
This book also features exclusive worksheets, checklists, and detailed examples designed to help you:
Improve your outlining techniques through the use of character, plot, and setting sketches
Write a strong Story Plan Checklist that ensures your characters evolve and your plot progresses
Develop your editing skills using revision and "punch" checklists
Whether you're working on a new story or a project in development, FROM FIRST DRAFT TO FINISHED NOVEL is your blueprint to a story readers won't be able to resist.
Read reviews for FROM FIRST DRAFT TO FINISHED NOVEL.
Order by phone: 1-800-289-0963
Order a trade paperback from Writer's Digest Books' website: http://www.writersdigestshop.com/product/from-first-draft-to-finished-novel/
Order a PDF download from Writer's Digest Books' website: http://www.writersdigestshop.com/product/digital-download-first-draft-to-finished-novel/
Order a trade paperback from Amazon.com
Order a trade paperback from BarnesandNoble.com: BN.com
Order a trade paperback from BooksAMillion.com: BooksAMillion.com
Would you like to submit a reader review of FROM FIRST DRAFT TO FINISHED NOVEL? Thank you!
Please send the review with your name to KarensQuill-owner@yahoogroups.com.
If you're an unpublished author, please include that information.
If you're a published author, feel free to include your latest release and/or website address.
Please be aware that reviews will be published on my website.
By sending a review, you're indicating that you accept the publication of your review on my website.
Professional reviewers may also send requests for a review copy of FROM FIRST DRAFT TO FINISHED NOVEL to the address above.
FROM FIRST DRAFT TO FINISHED NOVEL {A Writer's Guide to Cohesive Story Building}
Table of Contents
Introduction: Principles of Building a Cohesive Story
The Essential Process of Layering
Layering to Gain Cohesion
How to Use This Book
Getting Started
Layer I: Planning for and Laying a Foundation
Stage 1: Brainstorming
Stage 2: Researching
Stage 3: Story Blueprinting
Stage 4: Setting the Story Blueprint Aside
Layer II, Part A: Building on the Foundation
Stage 1: Building a Cohesive Story With a Story Plan Checklist
Stage 2: Evaluating the Blueprint
Layer II, Part B: Strengthening the Foundation
Stage 3: Writing the First Draft
Stage 4: Creating a Punch List
Layer III: Decorating
Stage 1: Revising
Stage 2: Involving Critique Partners
Stage 3: Setting the Final Draft Aside
Stage 4: Final Editing and Polishing
Layer IV: Preparing a Proposal
The Query Letter
The Synopsis
The Partial
Putting the Proposal Together
Epilogue: The Cohesive Story
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms
Appendix B: Story Plan Checklist Exercises
Appendix C: Editing and Polishing Exercises
Appendix D: Story Plan Checklist Examples
Example 1: I Am Legend, by Richard Matheson
Example 2: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J.K. Rowling
Example 3: Scared to Death, by Debby Giusti
Example 4: The Friday Night Knitting Club, by Kate Jacobs
Appendix E: Outlining Worksheets
Worksheet 1: Character Sketch
Worksheet 2: General Setting Sketch
Worksheet 3: Character Setting Sketch
Worksheet 4: Plot Sketch
Worksheet 5: Formatted Outline Capsule
View or download the five outlining worksheets from Appendix E
Appendix F: Story Checklists
Checklist 1: Story Plan Checklist
Checklist 2: Cohesion Checklist
Checklist 3: Punch Checklist
Checklist 4: Revision Checklist
Checklist 5: Editing and Polishing Checklist
View or download the five checklist worksheets from Appendix F
Appendix G: Sample Submission Elements
Sample 1: The Query Letter
Sample 2: The Synopsis
Sample 3: The Partial
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THE POWER OF PROMOTIONAL GROUPS
by Karen S. Wiesner
Read an excerpt from THE POWER OF PROMOTIONAL GROUPS.
Read an HTML excerpt.
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Most authors--regardless of whom they're published with and how long they've been published--often use a loose-cannon approach to promotion. They fire at anything that appears in their marketing scope. They live for the moment promotionally-speaking because the moment is a lot cheaper than worrying about the long haul. Successful authors, however, have two things in common: Their marketing is focused and long term, and they've developed an irresistible lure. So how do authors get their books into the hands of readers all year round without breaking the bank?
THE POWER OF PROMOTIONAL GROUPS teaches authors how to jumpstart their careers by advertising in long-term, affordable ways within the safety and strength of a promotional group. These authors accomplish together what few can do alone by sharing the cost of promotion and market their releases individually and as a group.
The book makes full use of the most valuable promotional resource available to all authors--the internet. With 130 writing organizations listed where authors can find other like-minded published authors and nearly 700 links to Web sites to find marketing opportunities, dozens of unique ideas are explored. The innovative plans for group and individual promotion included in THE POWER OF PROMOTIONAL GROUPS are both flexible and affordable for nearly any budget. Promotional groups offer authors the means to gain focused, irresistible promotion--indefinitely!
Read reviews for THE POWER OF PROMOTIONAL GROUPS.
Order from the publisher: http://twilighttimesbooks.com/PromotionalGroups_ch1.html
Order from Fictionwise: http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/eBook64190.htm
Order from BN.com: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Power-of-Promotional-Groups/Karen-Wiesner/e/2940000131589/?itm=41&usri=karen+wiesner
Would you like to submit a reader review of THE POWER OF PROMOTIONAL GROUPS? Thank you!
Please send the review with your name to KarensQuill-owner@yahoogroups.com.
If you're an unpublished author, please include that information.
If you're a published author, feel free to include your latest release and/or website address.
Please be aware that reviews will be published on my website.
By sending a review, you're indicating that you accept the publication of your review on my website.
Professional reviewers may also send requests for a review copy (download only) of THE POWER OF PROMOTIONAL GROUPS to the address above.
THE POWER OF PROMOTIONAL GROUPS
Table of Contents
Disclaimer
Introduction: The Promotional Landscape
Who Should Promote
The Basics of Promotion
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How Much to Spend on Promotion
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Strategies to Promote Multiple Releases
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Getting Our Message Across
Chapter One: Strength in Numbers: Types of Promotional Groups
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Co-op Promotional Groups
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Group Overviews
From the Members: Advantages and Disadvantages
Membership Fee Promotional Groups
Group Overviews
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From the Members: Advantages and Disadvantages
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Small-clutch Promotional Groups
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Group Overviews
From the Members: Advantages and Disadvantages
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The Common Laments and Praises of a Promotional Group
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Chapter Two: Building Your Membership: Meeting Your Needs and Finding Like-Minded Authors
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What Do You Need?
Finding Members and Group Dynamics: Shared vision
Handshake Agreement Versus Contracts
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Group Policies and Procedures Manual
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Setting Up a Business List for the Group
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Deciding on a Group Name
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Defining Your Mission as a Group
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Coming Up With a Tantalizing Lure
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Dividing Up Group Tasks
What All Members Should Be Responsible For
Possible Group Tasks
Promotion Coordinator or Committee
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General Secretary
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New Member Mentor
Chapter Three: Setting Up Camp: The Must-Haves
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The Website
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Do-It-Yourself Hosts
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Professional Web Designers
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Website Maintenance and Updates Coordinator/Committee
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Domain Name
Specific Pages to Include on Your Website
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Submitting to Search Engines
Some Things to Optimize Your Website
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Guestbook and Automated Forms
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Tools: Author Trackers, Website Statistics, and Visitor Counters
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Promoting the Group Website
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Linking to Your Site
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Inexpensive Banners and Other Types of Online Advertisements
Submitting Your Url to Freebie Websites
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Website Awards
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A Peek at the Websites of Promotional Groups
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Author Spotlights
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The Group Newsletter
Newsletter Editor
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Fan Welcome Chair/Committee
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Newsletter Excerpts: Free Book Samples
Promoting Individual Author Newsletters
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A Peek at the Newsletters of Promotional Groups
Chapter Four: Targeted, Inexpensive, Long-Term Promotion
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Web-Based Promotions
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Giveaways
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Giveaways Coordinator
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Promotional Packages
Online Interviews
Live Chats
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Signature Line Promotion
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Promoting on Listservs, Forums and Bulletin Boards
Webrings
Online Press Releases
Group Sampler Disks
Amazon.com Opportunities
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Marketplace
Advantage Program
Associates Program
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Off-line Promotions
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Chapter Five: Affordable Paid Advertising
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Promoting Both the Individual Author and the Group
Co-op Advertisements
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Ad Campaign Tips
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Paid Advertising Coordinator/Committee
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Treasurer
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Chapter Six: Group Anthologies and E-Serials
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Group Anthologies/Collections
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How Much Control Do You Want? Finding the Perfect Publisher (Or Publishing It Yourself!)
Making It Work By Getting It In Writing
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Group E-serials
Possible Anthology and E-Serial Tasks
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Coordinator
Editing Committee (Quality Control)
Anthology/E-serial Promotion Coordinator
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Conclusion: Success in Numbers
Appendix A: Finding Group Members Through Writing Organizations
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List of 130 Writing Organizations
Appendix B: Let Your Website Be Seen
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List of Almost 100 Search Engines
Appendix C: Online Websites to Promote Your Group
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List of Almost 700 Websites
Appendix D: Checklists
Setting Up a Promotional Group Checklist
Group Website Checklist
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Group Newsletter Checklist
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Possible Group Tasks Checklist
Free Advertising Deadlines and Details Checklist
Paid Advertising Deadlines and Details Checklist
Anthology/E-Serial Checklist
Read Karen's full bio here.
Karen is an accomplished author with 74 titles published in the past 12 years, which have been nominated/won 103 awards, and 23 more contracted for spanning many categories and formats. Named a "leading romance writer" in The Writer Magazine, Karen’s books cover such genres as women’s fiction, romance, mystery/police procedural/cozy, suspense, paranormal, futuristic, gothic, inspirational, thriller, horror and action/adventure. Her fiction releases have won or been nominated for RT Book Reviews Reviewer's Choice Award, the Dream Realm Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, eCataromance Reviewer's Choice Award, The Romance Studio's CAPA Award and Sweetheart Award, FTHRW's The Lories Award, the Frankfurt Award, many L-Edit Slip contest awards, and multiple EPIC Awards. Find out more about Karen's fiction here. Karen's award-winning Incognito Series (action/adventure romantic suspenses) is published by Whiskey Creek Press.
Karen is also the multi-award-winning author of poetry, children's books, and writing reference titles such as her bestsellers, FIRST DRAFT IN 30 DAYS and FROM FIRST DRAFT TO FINISHED NOVEL {A Writer's Guide to Cohesive Story Building}, available now from Writer's Digest Books. Her previous writing reference titles focused on non-subsidy, royalty-paying electronic publishing, author promotion, and setting up a promotional group like her own, the award-winning Jewels of the Quill, which she founded in 2003. The group publishes two award-winning anthologies together, edited by Karen and others, per year.
Karen's complete book list can be found here: http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/jewelsbooklists11.html.
Interested in what Karen is working on? Click here for Karen's WIP, along with information on new and/or unsold projects!
Find out more about Karen by visiting her websites at http://www.karenwiesner.com and http://www.JewelsoftheQuill.com. View editions of current and past issues of Karen Wiesner's newsletter, Karen's Quill, here: http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/KQnewsletter.html. If you would like to receive Karen's free e-mail newsletter and become eligible for her monthly book giveaways, type your e-mail address in the subscription box below:
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