Make That Draft a Dream Come True

Issue #1017 May 3, 2016
Publisher: Joan Stewart

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

In This Issue

1. Make That Draft a Dream Come True
2. Join me for a Blab Thursday
3. Wanted: Your “Prop” Photos
4. Hound Video of the Week

This Week in the Hound House:

The most interesting thing I found while dejunking my basement: A special section of my college newspaper, published more than 45 years ago, after we did an investigation that showed students could vote multiple times in the student government elections. I’m hauling furniture and about 10 boxes of stuff to my friend’s house where we’re having a village-wide rummage sale this weekend. Let’s hope it’s worth all the work.

1. Make That Draft a Dream Come True

Five authors will stagger away with a $10,000 package that will help turn their draft into a dream come true: a published book.

The Author U “Draft to Dream” competition closes May 31.

You can enter in five categories: Children’s, Young Adult, Juvenile, Adult Fiction and Adult Non-fiction.

A panel of Colorado-based librarians will judge entries based on context, originality, characterization and artistic quality.

Winners will receive a $10,000 package that includes cover design, copy editing, interior layout, ebook creation, Advanced Reader Copies, global distribution with IngramSpark, help from a virtual assistant, an author photo shoot, and much more.

I’m a proud member of the board of AuthorU.org, the 501c6 nonprofit that creates community, education, guidance, vision and success for serious authors. You don’t have to be a member of Author U to enter.

To do: See last year’s winners and learn more about the Draft to Dream Book Competition. Read the FAQs and find a link to the entry form on that page. If you win, make plans to come to the Author U Extravaganza Sept. 15 in Denver, where you’ll be introduced and celebrated.

2. Join Me for a Blab Thursday

One of the biggest excuses for not building an email list is that “I’m already on social media.”

Unless you’re capturing people’s email addresses, with their permission, and mailing compelling content no less than every other week, you’re missing the chance to let them know, like and trust you–and eventually buy from you.

The real power of social media isn’t just talking back and forth. It’s moving those friends, followers and fans from up to a dozen different social media sites onto one tidy email list.

I’ll show you how when I’m a guest on Melody Jones’ livestreaming Blab at noon Eastern on Thursday, May 5. If you wish, you can even join us on camera. Or use the chat box to ask questions.

To do: Register for “How to Use Social Media to Build an Email List with Joan Stewart”. You will first need to register for a Blab account and connect it to your Twitter account. “The Ultimate Guide to Blab.com” has lots of tips for newbies.

3. Wanted: Your “Prop” Photos

I’m writing about the importance of taking props to your professional photo shoot.

Props, which help people understand your business or your hobbies, make for great environmental photos that you can offer to bloggers or publications that have lean photo staffs, or no staff. Photographer Ashlee Bratton took this one me with my arms full of newspapers and magazines. Turns out it’s ideal for my Facebook page.

A cookbook author might be shown in her kitchen wearing an apron and holding a colorful bowl of fresh vegetables. An antique car buff might be shown leaning against his 1957 ford Thunderbird.

To do: If you have professional photo that uses props, I’d love to see it. I might use it on the blog post I’m writing about this topic, or link to it. Email the photo or the link to JStewart@PublicityHound.com. Please, no selfies.

4. Hound Video of the Week

Who says dogs can’t fly? Check out the DockDogs that fly through the air with the greatest of ease, trying to catch a Frisbee in a swimming pool.

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