Dear Writers,

Eight years ago when my novel Love Made of Heart was about to “hit the streets,” my publisher (Kensington in New York) had purchased front-store-shelf -space at Borders and Barnes & Noble;  Nancy Suib & Anne Shulenberger, the independent sales reps for Kensington, had recommended my novel to their accounts/independent bookstores.

An author is lucky to get shelf-space (and to be “face out” so that customers would see the book cover), but, because new releases from publishers arrive every day, those precious high-visibility shelf-spaces usually cannot be reserved for one particular book for more than what is paid for by the publisher.

And, even if a new book gets into a bookstore, how do customers know about it?   One way is for the author to appear at the bookstore.  But, bookstore appearance aren’t easy to land because, as I said before, new releases from publishers arrive every day.

Two booksellers gave me my first break.  Kate Kelley from Books Inc. on Chestnut Street in San Francisco and Luan Stauss, owner of Laurel Book Store.

Luan says in her wonderful e-newsletter this week:

“Nine years ago, on September 15, 2001 the Laurel Book Store opened the doors for the first time.  And yes, it really has been that long. Babies then are now reading. 10 year olds then are now in college. Some of the college students then are now parents. While a whole swath of us haven’t aged a bit.
It’s been quite a ride and I’m planning for bigger and better things for the future.  We’re trying hard to roll with the economic punches and it’s made better by all of you who have been here supporting us all this time.  And by all the great books that come out each year making it tough to decide what to sell!
Rather than have a party this year, which by the way is the pottery year, we’re going to start planning for the 10 year anniversary. But do come by for a cookie, wish us well, and tell us what you’re reading!
Happy reading, and thank you for 9 years worth of your support.” Luan

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oakland-CA/Laurel-Bookstore/137434275283

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Leigh Anne Lindsey, a new member of Women’s National Book Association-San Francisco Chapter, celebrates her birthday. Leigh Anne writes novels,  including  Futuristic and Suspense-Thrillers.  WNBA is lucky to have her in our chapter–she attended our September board meeting, assisted the board members at our Sept. 12 publishing panel at the SF Public Library, and, with Kate Britton (VP of SF Chapter) will represent WNBA at the Redwood Writers Conference on Oct. 30, 2010.

Also, Leigh Anne is a Member of & Social Media Wizard for the Redwood Writers – the second largest branch of the California Writers Club; she’ s a member of San Francisco Writers Community

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To Writers,

Keep writing, keep networking, keep building your name/platform, keep learning about the industry through the experts (including published authors, bookseller, librarians, teachers, literary agents, acquisition editors and folks in publishing houses, members in writers’ organizations, and folks in their circles of influence).  Celebrate being a writer!

Hope to see you at October 2010 events!

Sincerely,
Teresa LeYung Ryan, author, writing-career coach, founder of GraceArt Publishing

Build My Writer’s Name and Platform: Attract Agents, Acquisition Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention
is the 22 minutes for 22 days workbook.
“Reach out, not stress out, when building your writer’s name.”

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/

archived in the San Francisco History Center

• Everyone recognized on the acknowledgment page of Love Made of Heart
• My agent Stacey Glick and all her colleagues at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management
• Editor John Scognamiglio, president Steven Zacharius, publisher Laurie Perkin, art director Lou Malcangi, sales director Debbie Tobias then, sales director Doug Mendini, author Libba Bray, copy-editor Jacquie Edwards, and Everyone who were at (or associated with) Kensington Publishing Corp. NY (so many talented folks).
• Nancy Suib, Anne Shulenberger and all independent sales reps;
• Folk who are associated with booksellers, libraries, schools, book groups.
• My darling husband, sister & brother-in-law, family members, friends, mentors and colleagues
• Folks related to Women’s National Book Association, California Writers Club, California Reading Association, California School Library Association, San Francisco History Center
• Teachers & students in Advanced Composition/English-as-a-Second-Language classes
• Readers
• Everyone who helped me quietly (the secret angels)

I wish you all a healthful & prosperous New Year!

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung Ryan
http://WritingCoachTeresa.com
http://LoveMadeOfHeart.com

As an author and a community member, I use my novel Love Made of Heart to:
• help mothers and daughters speak from the heart
• shed light on stigmas suffered by immigrants
• advocate compassion for mental illness
• help survivors of family violence find their own voices
http://LoveMadeOfHeart.com

Love Made of Heart is the story of Ruby Lin, a Chinese-immigrant-daughter, and her journey to self-forgiveness.