We CAN! promote our books

Logos retailer Wins CAN-authored Books

CAN (Christian Authors Network) president Bonnie Calhoun and treasurer Karen Whiting spoke at the Association of Logos Bookstores conference and held a drawing for a bundle of CAN-authored books. The Logos managers hold their conference in tandem with the International Christian Retail Show. Becky Gorczya, executive director for the association said, “Karen Whiting and Bonnie Calhoun joined us with their enthusiastic presentation on successfully using social networking. Many thanks to the CAN authors for providing over $800 in nonfiction and fiction titles for a drawing that capped off the event"
    Janet Roberts from the Logos Bookstore of Nassau Bahamas won the books. Janet said it was a big surprise. She is thankful for the generosity of CAN members. The store will celebrate their thirtieth anniversary this September and plans to use many of the books as giveaways during the festivities.

Tips from the Pros: Davalynn Spencer

Greetings from historic Philadelphia, where I’m teaching “WannaBe Published,” a continuing session, at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference. I always enjoy spending time with other writers, and this conference is dear to my heart.

Every month, Davalynn Spencer, Sarah Sundin, and I alternate in posting interviews with our fellow CAN authors for this “Tips from the Pros” feature. So I take special delight in sharing the following interview with Davalynn. She has some creative answers and insights to share that I know you’ll enjoy.

Welcome to the other side of the interview desk, Davalynn. How did you get into writing?                                                                                     

Words captured me years ago, in the sixth grade, to be exact. Since then I’ve scrounged and scratched for just the right words to use in devotions, inspirational columns, biographical sketches, crime-beat reports, feature stories—and more recently—novels.

I love the variety there! How many books do you have published?

My first fiction piece was an e-book novella from White Rose Publishing, As You Are at Christmas. Heartsong Presents picked up my contemporary romance which releases August 6, The Rancher’s Second Chance, and signed me for a three-book historical series set in Colorado. The first book in the series is set to release in February 2014. I also have a short romance published in OakTara’s I Choose You.

Tips From the Pros

Greetings from Davalynn Spencer, visiting today with author Cynthia Hickey.

Welcome, cynthia. Tell us how you became interested in writing.
I’ve loved to make up stories since I learned to read at the age of five. I started writing them down by Junior High. Wouldn’t it be a hoot to go back and read my first stories? Sadly, they were lost a long time ago.

How many books do you have published and what are a few of your latest titles?

CAN Presentation at ICRS (Successful Author In-Store Events)

CAN members attended the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in St Louis in late June. That's the place where the industry meets-publishers, editors, authors, and especially retailers gather and interact!

CAN members shared a power point presentation on successful author in-store events and held a drawing for CAN authored books (gave away over $1600 in books to two retailers at the show).This photo shows a retailer from Nigeria with CAN members. She was one of the winners.

Tips From the Pros

Davalynn Spencer here, connecting from Colorado and glad to welcome E.E. (Ellen Edwards) Kennedy with her professional tips on marketing.

Tell us, Ellen, what lured you into the writer’s life?

Tips from the Pros: Debby Mayne

Not-so-sunny (because of Tropical Storm Andrea) salutations from Florida! Today, I'm please to present an interview with multi-published author Debby Mayne. I know you'll enjoy what she has to share with us today. 

Welcome, Debby. How did you get into writing?

I started writing articles for regional parenting magazines when my children were small. My husband challenged me to write a novel, so I did. It took about 5 years to sell, but I sold my first book to Avalon on October 6, 1999, and a novella to Barbour 10 days later.                                                                            

It sounds like you were one of those five-year overnight successes. How
many books do you have published now?                                                     

Thirty-something. 

Tips from the Pros: Cynthia Ruchti

"A bosom friend, a really kindred spirit." ~ L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

That's the kind of friend Anne Shirley longed for, and that's the kind of friend I found in author, speaker, and woman of God Cynthia Ruchti. We met while serving on faculty at the Quad-Cities Christian Writers Conference a few years ago. I've only seen Cynthia in person a few times since, but I'm delighted to introduce my forever-friend to the CAN audience today. She has many wise insights to share.

Enjoy!

Cynthia, how did you get into writing?

I always considered writing recreation rather than a career choice. I trained to work in a chemistry laboratory and did so for the first seven years of marriage, working part-time after our kids were born. But I longed to be home with them while they were young and laid aside my job at the lab and its income. Purely to keep my mind agile while making homemade baby food and creating clever birthday parties on a budget, I enrolled in several correspondence courses in creative writing. I sold an article here and a newspaper column there, enough to convince me of the joy of storytelling and the power of words to alter the flow of the human heart. 

Marketing: Build Bridges to Your Books

Aloha from Karen Whiting!

 

I’ve been writing for nearly two decades and continually spent time networking to build bridges and marketing strategies. We can’t do everything at once but with persistence we can build various platforms. Let me share how the past has been a bridge to recent and upcoming releases.

 

What to Include in a Speaking Contract

By Laura Petherbridge

In my early speaking years I didn’t use a contract. I assumed that it was unnecessary. I was wrong. Learning the hard way often hones your skills. Most of my events are conducted in a church. Therefore, the majority of my tips are geared toward that audience.

 Here is what I suggest to include when creating a contract between a speaker and a host.

At the Top Host Details

•  Your name, title, web address and contact information
• The host name, address, web site and phone number
• Event address if different from host
• The host’s contact person or event coordinator/ chairman, phone numbers, and e-mail.
• Name and phone of transportation person if different.

Event Details

•  Date and time of each presentation
•  Number and length of presentations
• Title of speaking topic (s)
• Speaking fee to be paid for these presentations-If an honorarium I state “Laura agrees to waive her normal speaking fee in lieu of an honorarium.”
• That air travel, lodging, airport shuttle and meals are in addition to the speaking fee

Logistical Details-I list exactly what we have agreed upon for me this includes:

• A microphone and sound technician (I can’t tell you the number of times I have arrived and there is no mic, or there is a mic but no one knows how to turn on the sound system)
• Each participant will receive a handout (I send a master before the event and host is required to duplicate)
•  2- 6 ft book tables located in a high traffic spot near my event.
•  A volunteer to work the table who is able to arrive at least 30 minutes before the event.
• All sales and receipts belong to the speaker (some events /churches expect you to give them a percentage)
• My messages may NOT be duplicated or sold. (Selling my messages is how I make my living therefore I do not allow other duplications unless previously agreed upon.)
• Deposit : I book my own flights. Therefore, I request a non-refundable deposit that will cover the flight amount should the host cancel.
• Cancellation Policy: If host cancels event less than 60 days out I request a $500 payment. This doesn’t leave time for me to book another event, therefore they are paying for taking that date off my calendar and keeping me from earning income.
• If they cancel less than 30 days out they pay the entire speaking amount plus any costs that have been incurred (such as shipping product).

I added all of this after a very large church I had spoken at 3 times invited me back to speak for 5 days, each day to a different large group. (Singles, women, divorce prevention, divorce recovery). 4 days before I was to fly there one pastor called and cancelled—all of it. I had purchased and shipped a LARGE quantity of product, which cost me a great deal of money. That huge financial loss taught me that I had to protect myself. I send out a special thanks to author and speaker, Mary Southerland, for her encouragement and advice during that season. I almost stepped off the speaking platform, and she sent the comfort and insight I needed.

Closing

• I include the phrase “This agreement transfers to new leadership and must be signed by a staff person, not a volunteer.” (Churches often change staff and you want to make sure the commitment is honored even under new leadership.) I once had a volunteer sign, then the church would not agree to pay. She did not have the authority to hire a speaker.
• Signature of Staff Person/ date-signed and printed.
• I include the date the deposit must be paid, that the balance is due the day I speak, and my fax number and address so they can send original with the deposit check.

I pray this has helped others to create or fine tune their own contract. It brings peace of mind, limited surprises and it allows everyone involved to clearly understand the commitment. www.LauraPetherbridge.com

Tips from the Pros: Angela Breidenbach

I don't see a sign of April showers here in Florida, but Angela Breidenbach, today's featured author, may be watching out for snow showers in her Montana home. She and I became acquainted a few years ago when we both taught at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, and our paths have crossed in several professional ways since. I'm thrilled to introduce Angie and her newest book, which released April 1, to our CAN audience! 

How did you get into writing, Angie?                                

 I started my writing career with articles for Group Magazine and my local newspaper. But I started my journey into writing through a personal journal. 

 How many books do you have published?

Two traditional books, one each nonfiction and fiction. But I also have two self-published cookbooks and a long list of compilations, devotions, and articles.