Connecticut’s Source for The Authority Writing, Publishing & Marketing Information Connecticut Authors & Publishers Association—Since 1994

Volume 27 Issue 1 www.aboutcapa.com January 2020

January 18 Speaker: Lisa Lelas Inside This Issue

Traditional Publishing… CAPA Board of Directors p. 2 Has it become the scary elephant in the room? SW CAPA Report p. 2 Book sideMarketing This Tip Issue p. 2 an unknown In today’s world, self-publishing 2019 in Review p. 3 has become the way to go for hun- author still Cover Design Strategies p. 2 dreds of thousands of authors. It’s profit? Will I MediaABCs ofTips Editing p. p.4 2 still own the easy, cost effective and virtually SellingThe Fiction More of Books Prediction p. p. 3 6 anyone can have a book printed rights to my and bound within days! That said, book? ReluctantCelebrating Reader Success p. p. 4 6

have you ever thought about sub- IBPAUpcoming Scholarship Meetings p. p. 4 7 Join bestsel- mitting your manuscript to a tradi- ABCs of Editing p. 5 tional publisher? Do frightening ling author and Media Performance Tip p. 7 thoughts cross your mind? Is it CAPA mem- Celebrating Success p. 6 good enough? Long enough? Am I ber, Lisa Lelas WritingSE CAPA Group Report p. p. 6 7 at the January established enough? Do I need an CAPA’s Co-op Connection p. 8 agent? Is it a lengthy process? Can Continued on page 2 January Webinars p. 8 January Meet A Member: Jim Bennett

By Barbara J Meredith Contributors Jim Bennett had a life changing ex- William Gil- perience which prompted him to be- lette who come motivated to fulfill his lifelong coined the Jim Bennett dream. Jim finished and self- phrase Roberta Buland published his first novel that he had “Elementary William O’Neill Curatolo begun writing 10 years prior to his my good Peggy Gaffney illness. Jim’s first novel is entitled, Watson” Brad Hurtado The Case of the Flying Corpse. The which is now Brian Jud theme of his books is Sherlock the famous Holmes, the famous fictional British Carol Keeney catch phrase Joe Keeney detective meets William Gillette, the for Sherlock Holmes. This phrase Connecticut native who was the had never appeared in the written Deborah Kilday stage actor portraying Sir Arthur manuscripts of the Sherlock Holmes Elaine Kuzmeskus Doyle’s character, Sherlock Holmes. novels. Jim also discovered the Lisa Lelas keen observational skills that Wil- Barbara Meredith During Jim’s research of William liam Gillette had that equals the Elizabeth Saede Gillette, he discovers an agreement skills of the fictional Sherlocks Lisa Samia between Sir Arthur Doyle and Wil- Holmes that helped the development Dan Uitti liam Gillette, stating that William and the credibility of the actor por- Gillette had theatrical freedom to act Benita Zahn traying the character. William Gil- upon any improvements to the char- lette is accredited for making the acter of Sherlock Holmes. It was Continued on page 3 page 2 The Authority

Speaker Lisa Lelas their platform skills and program SW CAPA Report content…something every author By Joe Keeney Continued from page 1 should consider as a vehicle for selling books and getting author The SWCAPA recognition! Website: Christmas party held meeting where Lisa will demystify www.LisaLelas.com Email: Li- on December 9th the process of submitting to a tradi- [email protected] had 22 members in tional publisher and answer all your attendance. Mem- questions. She’ll show you just bers who read from what’s involved, how you can bet- ter your chances for getting pub- Book Marketing Tip their own works was the highlight of the evening. Gabi lished by a traditional publisher and Coatsworth hosted readings by Bev- if that’s the best route to go for erly Peck, Dave Gregory, Debbie your particular manuscript. “If the author needs media training Kilday, Jack Levine, Patti Struski it’s usually not he or she who fig- and Joe Keeney. Lisa Lelas is a long-time profes- ures it out. The producer or publi- sional writer, speaker, magazine cist figures it out. Authors tend to The food donated by members was editor, newspaper columnist, book think they’re really good on their another highlight. And, we give spe- writing coach and bestselling au- topic, but they may not be good cial thanks to Debbie Kilday for her thor (self-published and traditional- storytellers.” the delightful salad she made, and to ly published). She has appeared on Carol Keeney for getting everything The Oprah Winfrey Show, Today Brad Hurtado, former producer of else there, including pizzas and bev- Show and more. She is the founder Donahue, Maury Povich and The erages. of Bestselling Bootcamps, unique Charlie Rose Show) book writing retreats. As a former We might have a new member or news reporter and NY television two; and, we thank those members casting director, Lisa also assists aspiring speakers with on-camera Article Submission who made that possible by bringing guests. presentation coaching to polish The Authority welcomes articles written by members. Here are our guidelines. CAPA Board of Directors

CAPA Officers’ & Board Members’ Contact Information Topics may cover any aspect of writing, publishing and marketing. Founder Brian Jud [email protected] Your personal slant on this is of in- Co-Founder (CAPA) Jerry Labriola [email protected] terest to all of us and welcome. President Dan Uitti [email protected] Vice President Dennis Schleicher [email protected] Articles should be no longer than Treasurer Brian Jud [email protected] 400 words. If the article is longer, Secretary Robyn Bage [email protected] the editors reserve the right to reduce Immediate Past President Steve Reilly [email protected] the size or divide it into sections that Newsletter Director Brian Jud [email protected] would be run in successive issues. Meet-A-Member Articles Joe Keeney [email protected] Meet-A-Member Articles Barbara Meredith [email protected] All articles will be edited. Submit SECAPA Co-Director Patti Brooks [email protected] single spaced with no built-in for- SECAPA Co-Director James Bennet [email protected] matting. Submit all articles to Brian SWCAPA Director Joe Keeney [email protected] Jud at [email protected]. Program Director Brian Jud [email protected] Membership Director Dick Benton [email protected] Send submissions for the Meet-A Website Director Dan Uitti [email protected] Special Activities Director Deborah Kilday [email protected] -Member column to Joe Keeney at Publicity Director Dennis Schleicher [email protected] [email protected] or Networking Director Peggy Gaffney [email protected] Barbara Meredith dbmeredith Past-President, Advisor Roberta J. Buland [email protected] @charter.net

ARTICLES ARE DUE BY THE Editor—Brian Jud, Meet-a-Member Column—Barbara Meredith and Joe Keeney, 28TH OF THE MONTH Copy Editor—Deborah Kilday, Staff Photographer—Deborah Kilday, page 3 The Authority

May 18: Allia Zobel Nolan subject Meet A Member 2019 -- CAPA’s Year was From the Divine to the Feline to Continued from Page One an Impossible Deadline in Review

By Brian Jud novels of Sherlock Holmes famous June 15: A in the United States. combined 2019 was a banner year for CAPA CAPA/ Jim’s second novel, Township, is – we celebrated our 25th anniver- APSS composed of short stories, with sary as Connecticut’s source for picnic at Sherlock Holmes and William Gil- Judy and lette as the main characters. Jim Chuck refers to his books as historical/ Miceli’s fictional mysteries within a mys- lakeside home. tery. If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, Jim’s books should be put on July 20: Tara Alemany told us how your must-read reading list. to Publish with a Purpose.

Jim is not only a successful self- August 17: published author. His other talents Anne Howard include being a former Chef at a writing, publishing and marketing captivated at- Mystic, CT restaurant, Co- information. Here are some of the tendees with a Chairman of CAPA’s Southeast highlights. graphic discus- chapter, and a host of his own SEC- sion about Writ- TV, Groton, CT cable television CAPA chapters in Avon, Shelton ing and Marketing True Crime. show called, “Books and Beyond and Groton conducted monthly with Jimmy Bennett”. As a host of gatherings (and members were able September 21: Pat McCurdy- his own TV show, Jim can share his to attend all 36 meetings). Events Crescimanno helped us understand passion for Connecticut State featured a party or a speaker who the critical role of library metadata. Parks. Jim had visited Gillette Cas- enlightened and entertained at- This was our first meeting to be live tle State Park as a child, but he nev- tendees with presentations on writ- streamed via the CAPA YouTube er appreciated the park as much as ing, publishing or marketing topics. channel, by Steve Reilly, making the he does now as an adult. While Descriptions of the Southeast CA- meeting con- writing his first novel, “The Case of PA and Southwest CAPA chapters tent available the Flying Corpus”, Jim refused to were reported monthly by Elizabeth to all 175 CA- visit Gillette Castle, fearing he Saede and Joe Keeney. Here are the PA members. would have to make amendments to subjects that were covered at meet- Steve expand- his manuscript to make its concise- ings in Avon. ed this to SW ness historically accurate. Jim’s CAPA, too. other passion is using his TV pro- January 19: Debbie Levison talked gram to acknowledge and highlight about getting the word out about October 19: Chuck Miceli gave us the talents of average Connecticut an information-packed presentation residents that otherwise wouldn't be your book about how to write and sell fiction. seen or shared with the Communi- ty. Jim offers the expression, “to February 16: Jim Alkon's topic was Do I Really Have to Market November 16: Jan Yager provided a watch small”. He has given this vivid description about how to self- phrase the same meaning as “Shop My Book? publish your book. Small Businesses’”. Supporting small TV channels, we are support- March 16: A festive evening party celebrating our 25th Anniversary December 21: A ing each other and learning new combined CAPA/ experiences that Connecticut and its APSS Holiday par- residents can offer. ty. This is an annual event that has been Jim and his wife reside in Mystic, a CAPA highlight CT. Together they have two adult for many years. children. April 20: Matthew J. Dicks

described the art of storytelling Continued on page 5 The Authority page 4

The ABCs of the Editing Process: Across the Pond, Again! By Roberta J. Buland

Sources for “The work, willingly removes her coat The second question in this column ABCs of Editing” and does so. listed several words that had some- come from un- thing in common and the challenge likely and likely Or, she may suggest he take his was to figure out what “aluminum, places. Some- phone for a 15-20-minute walk center, licorice, maneuver, offense, time, I can be outdoors, and verbally dictate into rumor and specialty” they had in reading “The New it his thoughts, like I recently did. I common. Obviously, they were Yorker” maga- “wrote” an article and emailed it to spelled correctly, in alphabetical zine, and an idea myself. Upon arriving home, I order, and in common usage. hits me like a checked the email. I had three pag- Sometimes to figure out a solution, rocket! Why not talk about writer’s es “written” by voice about my one has to think outside the box, or block, for example? A cartoon in a article. Granted, it was a rough even outside the country. After recent issue shows a man sitting at draft with many spelling errors— studying the words for a few his uncluttered, (read “Neat with my phone doesn’t always under- minutes, I figured out that the solu- nothing on it except the computer,”) stand my voice even though it has tion had to be simple, yet there had desk with a bookcase in the back- heard it many times. But I did to be a complication in order for ground, a cup of coffee, and a legal have three pages that could be easi- Ms. von Savant to include the list. pad with no pen or pencil nearby. ly edited and built upon until the Voila! No, the answer was not of His wife comes home and he looks six-page article I wanted to write French origin, but perhaps of Eng- up at her. She has a questioning was completed. This is a good way lish origin? Second voila! The Brits smile on her face as if to say, “So to begin to overcome the writer’s like to add a letter to our simple what did you write today?” He has block the gentleman above faced. words, or we like to simplify the already prepared himself to answer language by not including extra let- it. He explains that he does not un- Magazine Finds ters. So, the answer lay in that fact. derstand that no matter how much Another source to find stimula- Can you spell in British-English? If coffee he drank, played on his tion can be in a magazine one not, learn how to so you can incor- phone, looked at email several reads, especially if a favorite col- porate, where appropriate into your times, researched on line, interrupt- umn appears regularly. One that I writing, the unusual spellings. You ed his thoughts to go to the kitchen enjoy in the “Sunday Parade” sec- don’t even have to learn new words, for his favorite snacks, correspond- tion of my weekly newspaper simply “re-spell.” Not so hard, ed with his friends and even played (most likely, the only bit of right? And, think of the impression with his dog, he still could not get “intelligent information” in the you will make on your readers if any writing done! Have you ever whole magazine) is “Ask Marilyn,” their characters speak British Eng- been in any of the above situations, by Marilyn vos Savant. Her last lish using British spelling! let alone more than one? Can you name should give you a clue as to see the flaws in his approach to her intelligence. The column usu- writing, or “not” writing? What can ally poses two or three questions. Comments? Contact rjbu- be done? And the best part is that the an- [email protected] , 860-308-2550 swers to the questions are at the Decluttering One’s Mind bottom of the column, written in a The wife might suggest he de- tiny font upside down. This is no Roberta J. Buland is the owner- clutter his mind of all of the above problem for me since I learned how editor of RIGHT WORDS UNLIM- except the actual goal of writing, but to read upside down as a child sit- ITED, a full-service editorial and it is probable that he tried that along ting opposite my Dad at breakfast publishing services firm in West the way as he threw the disruptions as he read the newspaper. I went to Hartford. She is a past president of into his path. She may even offer to school with news that no other CAPA and now serves on the Board sit down and take dictation wherein classmates had read because they of Trustees. he expresses his thoughts verbally, probably did not know how to read and she being the kind of scribe who upside down. understands that a partnership may The Authority page 5

Meet-A- Led by Joe authors could meet the public and Member arti- Keeney, mem- sell their books. cles. Barbara bers of the South Meredith and West CAPA Joe Keeney con- chapter pub- tributed a discussion with and about lished its 2018 one CAPA member each month. If Anthology. The you have not been interviewed for stories, prose an article, please contact Joe at and poetry in [email protected] or Bar- this book bara at [email protected] and spanned a range he or she will arrange the article of subjects from with you. love to what it’s like to spend the night in a funeral home. Diverse, as CAPA Members Celebrating Suc- these subjects were, the contrib- cess. uting members provided a common Passing of Tom Santos. We were More thread in their commitment to crea- sad to report that our friend and SE than 100 tivity. CAPA chapter president passed CAPA away this year. He was a critical mem- CAPA members were invited to element of the success of that chap- bers participate ter, growing it into a formidable part contrib- in events of CAPA’s success. The March Au- uted such as the thority included a tribute to Tom, their 4th Annual and we will miss him greatly. This, success stories to the Authority over Local Au- and all previous issues of The Au- the course of the year with articles, thors Fest at thority may be found at tips and summaries of their success- the Public www.aboutcapa.com. Patti Brooks es. These included having books Library of New London. Each issue and Richard LaPorta took over as co and articles published, book sign- of The Authority lists upcoming -chairmen to provide a seamless ings and events and major sales. book and craft fairs at which mem- transition under their new bers may save money as they mar- leadership. Richard later took a Monthly columns by ket their books by sharing the cost position in Florida, moved and was Adele Annesi of events with other CAPA mem- replaced by James Bennett. James (Artisanal Prose) and bers. Want to participate in one of Bennett followed in Tom Santos’s Roberta Buland (ABCs these sales opportunities with other footsteps by hosting his own SEC- of the Editing Process) CAPA members? Log onto the CA- TV, Groton, CT cable television were augmented by PA social network (http:// show called, “Books and Beyond articles from Karen authorsandpublishersct.ning.com/) with Jimmy Bennett”, where he in- Barile, Beth Bruno, run by Peggy Gaffney. CAPA terviews CAPA authors speaking Dan Janal, Eric Kampmann, John members can also connect with about their books. Kremer, Brian Jud and others. others, find author, publisher, and Frequently, professional book-cover marketing services and list events designers described the elements of on the “CAPA, Connecticut successful cover design, with an Authors & Publishers Association” example. Facebook Group, which has over 1200+ members. SE and SW CA- CAPA completed another success- PA host- ful event at the Big-E Fair. CAPA ed members participated and sold over monthly $16,000 worth of books in 17 days. meet- Event manager Debbie Kilday ings and organized, planned and acted as a special cashier for the entire time, so Holiday party. page 6 The Authority

market segments rather than dealing with them as CAPA Members isolated groups. Here are a few novel ideas to help Celebrating Success you write your first plan - or sequel.

2020 Planets and You! According to Start by asking yourself a few questions. Your an- Elaine Kuzmeskus, CAPA member swers will create the outline for your story – your and author of Soul Cycles, 2020 will plot. How many titles will you publish? Why and be a year change with Pluto (big for whom? At what price will they be sold? How business), Saturn (conservation), and will they be distributed in traditional and non- Jupiter (expansion) all in the practical bookstore (special sales) markets? How can I use sign of Capricorn. With Uranus in publicity, advertising, sales promotion and personal Taurus, the sign of finance, money selling techniques to promote them (online or in- markets are likely to respond swiftly. line)? What will all this cost and how much can I Last but not least, Neptune in Pisces expect to make at the end of the year? How will all is about to reveal profound truths about life, death and that position my business for future growth? the hereafter. 2020 is sure to bring more innovation in medicine, along with increased interest in Theosophy. Next, identify the characters for your story. Who will Join Elaine on Thursday, February 6, 2020, 7:00 p.m., be the protagonists (distributors, retailers, readers and Theosophical Society of Springfield, 51 Center St, Lud- buyers)? What roles do they play? What are their mo- low, MA 01056. Register: Call (413) tivations for buying? How will they benefit from 610-1661 reading your content? Then define your antagonists, perhaps in the form of competitors or hidden obsta- Lisa Samia says, “You are invited to cles (subplots). my lecture at RJ JULIA, Wesleyan at 3:00 on Sunday, February 23… listen Where does your story take place? If potential buyers as Civil War history comes alive!” seek your book in libraries, then make it available Details at http://bit.ly/2ZSbQkw there. If they buy in bookstores, whether brick-and- mortar or online, that is where your books must be. If they purchase via direct mail, through catalogs, in airport stores, supermarkets, discount stores, gift shops, book clubs or at craft fairs, then that is where The Fiction of Prediction your books must be accessible. Or will you venture (A Fun Way to Write a Business Plan) into new territory and sell to non-retail buyers in cor- By Brian Jud porations, associations, the military and schools (another subplot)?

As we begin a new year it is When does your story take place? Have your plan a good time to begin creating completed in January of each year so you begin with your 2020 vision. Most au- a running start. Then rewrite it by performing quarter- thors understand the im- ly updates to make your actions more applicable to portance of doing so, but changing conditions. without an existing plan up- on which to build, they do Finally, run the numbers. Place a cost on each of the not know how to go about actions you plan to take, and how many books may writing a plan. But authors be sold if you do everything you planned. Can you be know how to create a good profitable? story, so why not use that expertise to write your plan? Just as with writing a book, action is not the same as accomplishment. A manuscript that is not released Writing your business plan as a fiction manuscript can will never lead to success. Similarly, a plan that is not be a fun way to do the necessary work of planning. It acted upon will never be profitable. The difference can also help you identify and deal with the people between a novel and a plan is that a plan does not (characters) that impact your business. Your subplots have an ending. It is a work in progress that you regu- help you recognize the value of previously unsought larly evaluate and rewrite to update and make neces- opportunities, perhaps in non-bookstore markets. And sary changes. your narrative can point of the interdependencies of The Authority page 7

SE CAPA, A Year in more, including new members, add We wish all our fellow authors, Review to a supportive environment en- publishers, and readers a happy, couraging creative expression and healthy, and productive 2020. May

By Elizabeth friendship. your head be full of ideas, your heart full of compassion, and your Saede In an effort to increase knowledge fingers nimble upon your keyboard of and support for each other, we or notebook. May this year be abun- blindly exchange gift-wrapped dant with growth, success, and grat- books with a request to provide itude. Despite busy individual schedules, written reviews of one another’s a generous number of us gathered work on Amazon and other review mid-December to share food, sites. This simple activity ensures Media Performance Tip friendship, a Capella Christmas each person leaves with good read- carols, and support. Months of reor- ing material and an ability to un- ganizing following the passing of derstand and edify a friend. Au- “The key to any good media perfor- our leader and head cheerleader, thors signed books for those who mance is preparation. Just as actors Tom Santos, prompted individuals intend to provide them as gifts. do, media guests need to know what to serve within our group. Jim Ben- What a boon for those with young they are going to say during all their nett interviews many of us on his children in their lives as our chap- performances and practice their de- cable TV show “Books and Be- ter has excellent children’s authors. livery of each word beforehand. yond” and runs meetings. Patti Adequate preparation will make you Brooks diligently identifies and more confident in your ability to schedules helpful and interesting perform and help you relax while speakers for our meetings 8-10 you are on the air.” months out of the year and facili- tates group messages. Nancy Butler Benita Zahn, Noon News anchor and Judy Rickets-White identify and talk-show host on WNYT-TV, marketing and speaking opportuni- Albany, NY ties for individuals and genres and facilitate communication. Many

Schedule of Upcoming Meetings

CAPA CENTRAL (Avon) Location: Sycamore Hills Park Community Center Avon, CT; third Saturday of each month, 10:30 am—12:30 pm (http://www.aboutcapa.com/avon.htm) January 18: Lisa Lelas; How to find/work with a major publisher February 15: Millie Grenough: Present Yourself – and Your Book(s) – with Passion, Power & Poise March 21: Missi Martin — How to Get and Use Book Reviews

CAPA SOUTHEAST (Groton) Location: Groton Regency, 1145 Poquonnock Road (Route 1) , 6:30 pm January 20: Speaker and Topic To Be Announced February 17: Speaker and Topic To Be Announced March 16: Speaker and Topic To Be Announced

CAPA SOUTHWEST (Shelton) Plumb Memorial Library, Shelton. 6:30 pm (Joe Keeney, [email protected]; find current meeting information at http://www.aboutcapa.com/capasw.htm) January 13: Speaker and Topic To Be Announced February 10: Speaker and Topic To Be Announced March 9: Speaker and Topic To Be Announced page 8 The Authority

CAPA’s Co-op Connection Free Book-Marketing Webinars Save money as you market your books by sharing the cost of events with other CAPA members. Want to participate in one of these sales opportuni- ties with other CAPA members? Log on to the CAPA social network (http:// Marketing professionals will host authorsandpublishersct.ning.com/). webinars that can help you sell more books, more profitably. These webi- February nars are free to CAPA members. 8-9 Hartford Kids Fair 9 Wallingford Train & Toy Show This month’s webinars for CAPA 15 Bristol Home & Business Expo members are: 15-16 Bristol Home & Business Expo 20-23 Hartford Connecticut Flower & Garden Show Jan 6: Forming and Using a 21-23 Uncasville Southeastern Home Show Book Marketing Street Team, by 28-3/1 Hartford Home & Remodeling Show Ally Machate

March Jan 13: Pricing Your Books Prof- 8 Hartford Bridal Showcase Expo itably, by Brian Jud 20-22 Hartford NE Fishing & Hunting Expo 28-29 Danbury Western New England Home Show

CAPA P. O. Box 715 Avon, CT 06001-0715