We have just updated our website with more helpful publisher guides. Please take a look when you can for info how-tos on book ads, tip sheets, BISACs, comparative titles, cover images, and more:

 http://www.straussconsultants.com/resources/effective-tip-sheet-guide

http://www.straussconsultants.com/resources/major-sales-accounts-image-specifications

http://www.straussconsultants.com/resources/comparitive-title-guidlines

http://www.straussconsultants.com/resources/book-advertising

Considering the current economic climate, it has never been a better time for publishers and authors to turn their focus to lower cost, high impact Internet marketing. Amazon Connect is one new vehicle for our Internet marketing efforts, which has great potential to drive sales.

Amazon Connect now makes it easier for publishers and authors to connect with consumers, while promoting their books and blogs. This free program allows publishers and authors to post messages directly to their readers. These messages appear on the consumer’s Amazon home page, on the author’s detailed book page, and profile page. Authors are also able to create their own profile page with personalized information. All you need is a blog that has the ability for people to subscribe to it through their RSS newsreader feed.

Authors and publishers are now more in control of the content on their books’ Amazon pages than ever before. There has never been a better time to start blogging!

From Nov. 9-16th the Miami Book Fair International will be showcasing authors, international books, Spanish books, children’s books, and more. The street fair portion of the Fair will be from Nov. 14-16th so bring friends and family.

On Sept. 19 at 12:30pm, the Publishers Advertising and Marketing Association (PAMA) will be hosting a luncheon with Arianna Huffington as the guest speaker. Arianna Huffington is an accomplished author of 12 books, nationally syndicated columnist, lobbyist, and founder of The Huffington Post. The topic she will discuss will be, “Game Change: How New Media Affects the Marketing of Books, Candidates, and Ideas.” This is a great opportunity to hear the thoughts of such an influential person and network with others in the book industry.

Place:
Doubletree Metropolitan Hotel
569 Lexington (at 51st Street)

Cost:
$75.00 per person

RSVP with company and attendee names to rsvp@pama-ny.org

On Sept. 25 at 6:30pm the African American Literary Awards Show (AALAS) will be held at the Harlem Gatehouse. This show celebrates and promotes the outstanding achievements of African American authors and writers in the worlds of publishing, the arts and entertainment.

Harlem Gatehouse
150 Convent Avenue at West 135th Street
New York, NY  10031

On from Sept. 27 – Oct. 4, 2008, Banned Books Week is the only national celebration of the freedom to read. It was started in 1982, to draw attention to the growing number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores, and libraries. During this week bookstores and libraries across the country will have special Banned Book Week displays and events. You can also purchase FREADOM gift cards for which 10% of sales will go to the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE)  to defend the freedom to read.

Banned Books Week is sponsored by the ABFFE, the American Library Association (ALA), the Association of American Publishers (AAP), the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA), and the National Association of College Stores (NACS). It is also endorsed by the Center for the Book of the Library of Congress.

Adopted sibling relationships can be very complex and multi dimensional, especially between an adopted child and a biological child. Made in China by Vanita Oelschlager, was inspired by such a sibling relationship, to be an aid for parents to address the subject with their children.

Recently reviewed in the Akron Beacon Journal, Made in China covers a topic that an ever expanding demographic can relate to. The Journal notes that in 2007 there were 20,700 children adopted by American families, and from 1971-2007 about 375,000 were from other countries, most (about 215,000) from Asia, according to the U.S. State Department.

Made in China is a book that can appeal to children and parents even if there are no adopted siblings in the family. It is a book about relating to the differences in others, and its stunning illustrations will capture any reader.

On June 26, from 6:30pm – 8:00pm in NYC’s famed Bryant Park Reading Room, the Secrets of Book Publishing will take place. Of particular interest to those looking for advice on how to write a great book and nail a publishing deal, this event will be hosted by notable writing instructor and author Susan Shapiro of Media Bistro. Other authors and literary agents that will be speakering include Alice Feiring, Dana Jennings, Elizabeth Kaplan, Liza Monroy, and Karen Siplin. 

Rain Venue:
The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen
20 West 44th Street (between 5th & 6th Avenues)

The Barnes and Noble Fairlawn store in Akron, Ohio will host a reading and signing of Made in China by Vanita Oelschlager on Jun. 19th from 10-11am.

B&N Store Location: 4015 Medina Road, Akron, OH 44333 Phone: 330-665-5199

If you’re around Akron, Ohio on June 19th stop in for the Made in China author reading at Barnes and Noble Fairlawn store. Author Vanita Oelschlager will be at “Story Time” from 10-11am reading and signing 3 books including Made in China published by Vanita Books, an illustrated children’s book for ages 4-8 about adopted Chinese children and getting adjusted. The illustrator Kristin Blackwood will also draw inside of each book sold. The family that inspired this tale of international adoption will also be on hand so children can meet the real life characters. The Oak Adoptive Center in Akron has been supportive of this book and getting the word out about this event. This event is for all families, and can be enjoyed by not only adoptive parents and their children, but everyone. Enjoy!

B&N Store Location: 4015 Medina Road, Akron, OH 44333 Phone: 330-665-5199