Rachel Jacobsohn

LITERARY RETREATS

In June 2009, I conducted my fourth literary retreat, this one in Spring Lake, NJ. Seven women gathered from two states, AZ and NY, and the District of Columbia. From Tuesday evening until Thursday afternoon we discussed four short stories, one each by Grace Paley, Eudora Welty, Alice Munro, and Shirley Jackson. Each discussion was enriched by the one before, and the group was able to build literary and analytical skills as they became more and more comfortable with themselves as individuals and as a processing group. I stayed on after the formal ending of the retreat to spend relaxing time in that beautiful town on the Jersey shore. The last day we walked the boardwalk in the wind, cold, and rain. The weather didn't darken the spirits; bonding by that time was solid, strong, intimate.
The participants felt a safe, validating, and intellectual atmosphere which they had not know could exist in a book group discussion.
Our close readings were transformative. I was very pleased.

Testimonials:
First Nancy's email, then Robin's response---
*Just wanted to let you all know how very special the retreat was for me. I not only enjoyed myself immensely, I also learned so much about literacy, reading, understanding, and people. Our retreat opened up a new world of adventure and self-reflection for me. From each of you I brought something new and valued home with me.

I went out with a friend Friday evening and received this email from her Sunday AM, "Nance, It was great to see you Friday night. You look fabulous and happy, almost glowing inside and out. If I didn't know you better I would think you were pregnant! (smile) Whatever you are on, I want some..."

For me , it was fabulous, and I can't wait til next year.

*And thanks to you too Nancy, and to everyone. You said it well about learning, reading, and understanding literature, as well as understanding what we have with each other. It truly brough us together in many ways.
I'm still smiling also, and savoring the glow.

****************************

If you are interested in planning a retreat of this nature, please contact me at rachelj26@​sbcglobal.net .

The mailing project explained below was very successful. I'm keeping it on my website so other publishers and authors can learn about this target marketing opportunity.

MY MAILING PROJECT--A MARKETING OPPORTUNITY

In my work with book groups, and in publishing Reverberations, ABGRL's newsjournal, for fourteen years, I have always championed the small presses,and the struggling or under known authors.

Now I am availing authors, publishers, and literary agents of ABGRL's membership database:
---500+ clean names and addresses
---individuals in at least one book group; many report to be in more
---volunteer and professional book group facilitators and educators
---librarians who run book groups

Book sales are all about marketing. Book groups generate multiple sales and sometimes bestsellers. The pass-along rate of information to ABGRL's database is 25,000+. Networking creates results! Capitalize on this offer!

Next steps:
-Send ARC's, review copies, or gallies to ABGRL to assure that ABGRL's membership is a perfect target market for you. If so---
--create a one-page press release/​publicity sheet.
--send 500 of them to ABGRL (Z-folded)

ABGRL will insert your flyer into a first
class envelope along with a letter on ABGRL's letterhead
with my endorsement of your book(s).
The 500 piece mailing will go out October 1, 2009.
This first-time offer expires September 1, 2009.

SEND ABGRL YOUR FLYER; ABGRL MAILS IT FOR YOU.
Fee: $100. Please include check payable to ABGRL with your flyers. (Invoice upon request.)
Send books/​flyers to me at: 175 E. Delaware Pl. #6909, Chicago, IL 60611

Give me a call or send me an email (rachelj26@​sbcglobal.net)
to discuss how we can create an effective flyer for ABGRL members.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Rachel