mediabistro.com hosted a cocktail party featuring special guest author Kristin Harmel and her new book, Italian for Beginners, on Wednesday, August 19th at Ecco Lounge in Hollywood. The first 50 guests received a free copy of the book, signed by the author.

At Ecco Lounge on Wednesday, August 19, 2009.

Photos by Debra Eckerling.

mediabistro.com party hosts: CBS Interactive editor Michelle Thatcher and Write On! Online freelance writer Debra Eckerling.

Write On! Online freelance writer Debra Eckerling, Italian for Beginners author and mediabistro.com instructor Kristin Harmel, and CBS Interactive editor Michelle Thatcher.

Warner Bros. Pictures interactive production manager Amy Morris, Miller-McCune copy editor Sharon Kaplan, Italian for Beginners author and mediabistro.com instructor Kristin Harmel, and winner of the Little Black Dress Wines gift basket Vivian Hartman.

Italian for Beginners author and mediabistro.com instructor Kristin Harmel.

Fishbowl LA editors Pandora Young and Tina Dupuy.

Mediabistro.com party volunteer Palanda Brownlow.

ERE Media editor-in-chief Todd Raphael and freelance writers Sheryl Sacchitelli and Ben Lauter.

Freelance writer Gerri Miller and JS Media brand strategist and freelance writer Judy Sandra.