Nowadays, so many books are written for writers that this makes it difficult for a young author like me to choose one. However, Carolyn Howard-Johnson's book, The Frugal Book Promoter: How To Do What Your Publisher Won't, stands out from the crowd. Not only is she an instructor at UCLA's Writers' Program, but you can come across her name almost everywhere, which clearly shows her expertise in marketing and self-promotion. This is no coincidence. She has many years of experience both as a publicist and as an author, promoting her own books, This Is The Place and Harkening, which became award-winning best-sellers.

The Frugal Book Promoter has a lot to offer for both new authors and those more experienced. It includes vital information on many tasks, practical advice and many fascinating anecdotes from the publishing world. The book includes advice on how to approach editors, what to include at your website, and how to get reviews for your book. It also gives the reader an insightful introduction to branding.

The Frugal Book Promoter tells you how to prepare for an interview with regards to the different sort of media, and how to get those interviews in the first place. She also tells you how to tackle your fears and gives practical advice on how to do readings, book signings and other appearances. She explains to authors what to include in a media release or a media announcement and how. One of the most interesting topics she deals with is building your media kit and the way to use it.

From this highly informative book, you can become familiar with the many aspects of the publishing process, including ebook publishing, blurbs, cover design, and many others.

The Frugal Book Promoter is packed with useful tips for would-be and practicing self-promoters. It contains useful addresses, for example, of review and press release sites. There are sites for further research on the topics included and an appendix with samples.

The Frugal Book Promoter is the winner of USA Book News' "Best Professional Book 2004", and this is not without a reason. Highly recommended for all authors.

Reviewed By Ilona Hegedus
© September 2005