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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors–

eZine Issue #161 – February 3, 2021
Publisher: Judith Briles

Practical Publishing Advice and Guidance for Authors

In This Issue


1. Author Tools … Discover MailerLite

2. AuthorYOU VIP Member Benefit … Use AmazonSmile

3. AuthorYOU February Program … Guidelines for Children’s Books and Creating Press Releases

4. Dr. Judith Briles’ Unplugged Experiences … be there—it’s a boo-boo if you bypass these events.

5. Create an Amazon Bestseller Campaign in March

6. AuthorYOU Salons … register for February through April

7. Hot podcasts for February… add to your calendar and listen/learn

    8. Question of the Week … Should I do an eBook first?

    9. Book Shepherd “Fun” of the Week …  cats and quarantine habits


This Week Under The Book Shepherd’s Roof
Hello and Good Publishing Day to YOU …

I’m hugely HONORED this week! ... Publishing and Marketing expert Carolyn Howard Johnson has selected my book, When God Says NO, as one of her Top Twelve Books of 2020 for Reading in 2021 in her Sharing With Writers blog. It appears today: 

https://sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com/2021/01/carolyn-lists-her-top-twelve-books-from.html

AND, the paper edition is now available via Amazon with an update. My official launch for it will be planned later this month. My moving forward encompasses this first quarter. The FIRST online unplugged was a huge success for attendees—newbies plus several who had already attended previous ones. As one participant said who had been at three of the intensive in-person two or three-day events: “I loved this two-part afternoon format. The high interaction, new info added, reminders of old, and the takeaways made this my best one ever. I’ll be back for the next.” In fact, we are going to do combos forward—each month a two-part online. In June, there will be an in-person event—I’m positioning that with the vaccine; more getting out; the need for seeing others in the flesh; the energy that small groups can bring. Speaking Unplugged is slated for June 25-26 in Denver.

There are LOTS going on this time of the year. I’ve got three of my Dr. Judith Briles Unpluggeds  (Publishing, Book Marketing, Social Media) revised for two 4 ½ hours Friday and Saturday afternoons starting at NOON Mountain time in February, March, and April. The Early Bird for February is the 12th … BOOK MARKETING—get registered now. The session has limited space and is now 1/3 full as of this AM. Details are below.

The virtual Unplugged Experiences will roll out for all MONTHS except November and December this year. Next up is Book Marketing Unplugged February 26-27; and the NEW Social Media Unplugged March 26-27. Book Publishing will be available April 23-24 and then the repeat.  Info below, details are on TheBookShepherd.com website.

Several of my Amazon Bestseller participants are rolling out their launches over the next few months. Will be sharing results as they land. And congrats to Ray McKinley for moving his book, Ride the Elephant, to the printer this week.

Our podcast is doing well. AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast is now added to the Google podcast roaster. That means we are heard on 10 different platforms—very cool!
You can find the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast on Google here: http://ow.ly/qEAR30rrx2J

The virtual Unplugged Experiences will roll out online Book Marketing Unplugged February 26-27, and the NEW Social Media Unplugged March 26-27. Info below, details are on TheBookShepherd.com website.

Remember—your voice, your influence, your actions matter. That’s my week … how’s yours?

Have you ever explored the network website where I store all my podcasts? … Holy Moly … over 4 million downloads of various podcasts in 2020 already! Fun watching the download numbers—something that I look at each morning with my hot mug of tea.

Last week, press releases came alive with Mitch Davis. This week, award-winning book designer Nick Zelinger joins me for book, updates, and insights. Tune in.

Lots of info on the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast.
You can select which podcast is for you from over 350 shows and 4,000,000 total downloads … the latest will always be posted on top of the show page: http://bit.ly/BookPublishingPodcast--it goes directly to the Show Page, where you can view all podcasts at once—just scroll … you’ve got a lot to pick from to expand your learning and how to curve.

Add these to your calendar now. Details will all be posted under the Events tab on the website.

Dates are subject to change due to COVID-19 notices

1.   February 6 – First Saturday AuthorYOU program online- press release power and children’s books

2.   February 13 – AuthorYOU Salons – online for AuthorYOU members only

3.   February 26-27 – Book Marketing Unplugged Online

4.   March 6 – First Saturday AuthorYOU program online-discover the power of Medium

5.   March 10, 17, 24, 31– Amazon eBook Bestseller Online Course

6.   March 13 – AuthorYOU Salons – online

7.   March 13 – AuthorYOU Salons – online for AuthorYOU members only

8.   March 26-27 – Social Media Unplugged Online

9.   April 3 – Updates on Legal and Copyrights for Authors (huge changes!) – online

10.  April 10 – AuthorYOU Salons – online for AuthorYOU members only

11. April 23-24  – Book Publishing Unplugged Online


AuthorYOU members the February second Saturday AuthorYOU Salons of the year is slated for February 13th   WILL BE VIRTUAL, most likely through April. It starts at 9.00 a.m., ending at 11.30 a.m. This is where the ONLY agenda is YOU … and YOUR questions … bring and ask … and get answers.

Held via Zoom, a special email blast will be sent to AuthorYOU members … it’s a day by day scenario in a COVID world. BRING YOUR QUESTIONS—see you there.

 
I love mentoring authors, their books, and supporting their vision. If you want intense, one-on-one time with me over a several month time frame PLUS the ability to call me or email with a quick response, join my Mentor Program. There is 2 spot opening in February —if you want an accelerated six months that deals with your infrastructure; your influence building; your what? … this may be the missing ingredient in your mix.

Want tips for authoring and Publishing? Last week’s podcast was all about swag and bling for your book, to support your book and book marketing forward! Make sure you have paper and pen out … and ready to click on your computer fast.
http://bit.ly/BookPublishingPodcast

 
1
Discover and Experience MailerLite

Are you looking for a new email marketing platform? MailerLite is also a great free version for authors to start with. Like Mail Chimp, MailerLite is free for up to 1000 subscribers, but unlike Mail Chimp, with MailerLite you create a multi-step automatic email dip system campaign for your subscribers without upgrading right away. The upside of Mail Chimp, is that you can store files like PDF's to drop directly into the email. But you can only create 1 automatic welcome letter to start unless you upgrade. With MailerLite, the file or PDF will need to be stored somewhere else (like your website) and the download link dropped into the email instead. This is an easy extra step to overcome if you are in favor of creating multiple automated emails for different books or programs to send to your subscribers. https://www.mailerlite.com/

 
2
AuthorYOU VIP Member Benefit …
AmazonSmile
If you buy ANYTHING via Amazon did you know that you can support the Colorado Authors’ Hall of Fame? Now you do … all you need to do is add the AmazonSmile feature to your Amazon account – It’s a “feel-good shopping” shopping experience. Shop at smile.amazon.com and Amazon donates to your favorite charitable organization, at no cost to you. Get started here: https://smile.amazon.com/
3
 
 
 
 
Take the freeze off of February… Attend AuthorYou online program—it’s FEB 6
early bird ends
tomorrow.

Part I PRESS RELEASE POWER …
You want your press releases to work for you. Tips and Tactics galore on the first Saturday in February via Michell Davis and ExpertClick.com.

1. Push technology for your news releases — pushing your news out ten ways including Google News. Plus, blog syndication to pull your posts and push syndicate. — PR Week called us: “dating service of PR.”

2. Use of an Internet Press Room designed for SEO with inbound links from tens of thousands of other member’s press rooms and news releases – driving inbound links to your website. — USA Today called our website: “A Hot Site.”

3. Be in the 35th annual Yearbook of Experts, Authorities & Spokespersons. — The New York Times called it: “Dial-an-Expert.”

Special 15% discount link for AuthorYOU members:
www.ExpertClick.com/discount/AuthorU

Part II THE INS AND OUTS OF PRODUCING CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Award-winning book designer Nick Zelinger tackles the challenging task of how to create a children’s book you can be proud of — and sell by the boatload!

In the Art of Children’s Books, he will set the stage for:

· What to look for in an illustrator.

· Setting guidelines for you and your artist.

· The most common mistakes authors make and how to avoid them.

· Identifying pitfalls to avoid — saving you time, money, and aggravation.

· How to determine size, fonts, and printer.

· The challenges and limitations of printing in color.

· And much more.

Even if you don’t think of yourself as a children’s author, there’s lots of takeaways in this session including why adults should be reading children’s books for their own writing. Nick Zelinger of NZ Graphics is a multiple award-winning book designer with over 30 years’ experience in graphic design, print media, and publishing.

He and his clients have garnered more than 150 national and international book awards. Nick’s dedication to detail, his commitment to deadlines, and his fervent belief that being a team player is essential for success in the publishing world, have kept his clients coming back.


And … he’s loved reading children’s books since he was a kid … and still does.

WHEN: Saturday, February 6th
TIME: 9 AM Mountain
WHERE: Your computer via Zoom
COST: $15 AuthorYOU members - $25 non-members

REGISTER:  https://authoru.org/event/feb?instance_id=1551

4
Register for Unplugged Experiences Now!
They are all up on the website with discounts for participating in multiples. The Speaking Unplugged Experience will be held in person this summer in Denver.
Are you ready to take your writing, your manuscript, your book to Book Marketing Success?
Would you be willing to invest two afternoons over a Friday and Saturday to get all the book marketing, strategy, and tools you need ... information and strategies that will create the Marketing Game Plan to be an awesome and seriously successful author?  

It’s Book Marketing or Bust time February 26-27, 2021

Location: Your Computer.

Savvy, successful authors have learned that they cannot solve their marketing problem the next day by simply repeating what you did yesterday, last week, last month … or certainly, last year. Reserve Your Spot NOW
It’s time to morph … it’s time to get help.

Details here for Online Book Marketing Unplugged in February
https://thebookshepherd.com/online-book-marketing-on-february.html

Would you like to turn YOU and the BOOK you have or are creating into the book and authoring success you want?
Would you be willing to trade just 2 afternoons over the weekend to get all the social media influence building and positioning information you need ... information and strategies that will create the success ladder to be an awesome author?  

-This is the WHY
-This is the STRATEGY
-This is the HOW
-This is the WHAT to USE
-This is the YES … YOU CAN!

It’s time for Kick Butt Social Media Influencing March 26-27, 2021

Location: Your Computer.

Create the bestseller you dream of ... turn into the award-winning and sought after author you aspire to ... get the answers to the questions you have ... all of them … become the influencer you and your book should be. Reserve Your Spot NOW

Details here for Online Social Media Unplugged in March
https://thebookshepherd.com/11522-2.html


Are you ready to take your writing, your manuscript, your book to Publishing Success?
Would you be willing to invest two afternoons over a Friday and Saturday to get all the publishing and strategy information you need ... information and strategies that will create the Game Plan to be an awesome and seriously successful author?   

April 23-24, 2021 will change your authoring life ...

Experience two days of Judith ... no pitches, just Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged delivering an amazing depth of publishing, authoring, and marketing information that she has derived from her 30 + years in the publishing field and as The Book Shepherd.

Create the bestseller you dream of ... turn into the award-winning and sought after author you aspire to ... brainstorm the crowdfunding program to fund your project ... get the answers to the questions you have ... all of them.

Reserve Your Spot NOW

Location? Your computer.

Details here for Online Book Publishing Unplugged in April
https://thebookshepherd.com/online-book-publishing-unplugged-on-april.html

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AuthorYOU Salons … register for February - April
FORWARD … Salons are a Free benefit for VIP AuthorYOU members.

If you have book marketing, writing, publishing questions, show up. It’s online on the second Saturday beginning at 9 am Mountain time. Here’s the link to register: https://www.meetup.com/authoryousalons/

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Create an Amazon Bestseller Campaign in March 2021 … for Your bestseller course in 4 weeks
November and January were SOLD OUTnew session begins March 10—get registered … it works

There are 23 steps in your journey … a journey where you could pay someone to travel and implement for you … or one where you can roll up your sleeves and learn how to create, implement, and execute. As in DIY.

The Create an Amazon Bestseller Campaign for Your eBook Online course is the latest. I will take you through each step during the four weeks. When you complete #17, you are ready to execute.

My goal is for you to have all components for your campaign DONE before your implementation/execution day. All social media tease pushouts done and scheduled before the big day starts—and I help you write each one of them!

Dates:  WEDNESDAYs at 4 pm MT for each 90-minute session: :
March 2021: 10, 17, 24, 31
 

Register: https://thebookshepherd.com/create-an-amazon-bestseller-campaign-for-your-ebook-online-course-in-4-weeks.html

 
7
Hot podcasts slated for this month
You can always listen in via our websites: www.AuthorYOU.org  (click on the On the Air image on the Home page—wait for it to upload. Or
www.TheBookShepherd.com (click on the Resources tab).

February 4   Creating and Publishing a Children’s Book – Nick Zelinger

February 11  Zoom Tips for Authors and Connecting Paul Griffin

February 18  How to Turn Your Book into a Speech Patricia Fripp

February 25  
Essential Book Printing Questions Answered – Rebecca Humrich



8
Questions of the Week:


Question: Should I do an eBook first?

Answer: Maybe—my question is … Why? … Most books sold are print—and it’s a huge majority (over 60%). Why would you not do both? Release them at the same time and give readers an option when they visit your book detail page on Amazon. You can always focus on the print, then the eBook … or the eBook, then the print in a launch strategy.

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Book Shepherd “Fun” or an “Uh-Oh” of the Week

Love it when I find a fun shorty—a quick smile, a laugh out loud, a learn something new, and a sip of tea … and back to work—perfect. This cat is not keen on Mom's Quarantine Habits

 
Get your copy today – Available in Print, eBook, Audiobook  http://bit.ly/1000000speech
 
You can pick my brain … minimum time is 30 minutes. If you need one-on-one-time with me, I’m always open for a few minutes to give you some quick input. But, and it’s a BIG BUT, many call and expect far more than a few minutes.

This is called a “consult” and I would be delighted to schedule time with you for “just you and your many questions” that need answers. You can book time with me it at: http://bit.ly/JudithCoaching


Author Friendly Friday this week …

Join Author Friendly Fridays: a fun, sharing and a dynamic closed group. You can join in the next week. It’s a full hour when you can ask questions—any question. And, I always include a few strategies to get your authoring life ahead of the competition.

It’s for paid subscribers ONLY and we do it on Zoom.

This is how each call starts: I share a few strategies, tips and tools that attendees can immediately start to use. All share … and ask plenty of questions. They get answers. Definitely an excellent way to start a Friday. Those of you who aren’t participating, you are making a mistake. I love the variety of books and authors who have chosen to participate. What’s also fun, is the energy that can be felt with what everyone is working on. Love it!

Here’s the link to take advantage of it and subscribe: https://thebookshepherd.com/product/author-friendly-fridays-subscription  

Podcast expands to 7 networks … Follow us and learn …
new shows every Thursday.

GO to the SHOW page and select which podcast is for you… the latest will always be posted on top: http://bit.ly/BookPublishingPodcast

And, if you have listened, support our podcast and post a review. Thank you!

The AuthorU – Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast is now heard on SEVEN podcast channels. How cool is that? Listeners can tune into the weekly (always new – no repeats) show on:
Get the latest #AuthorU-Your Guide to #Book #Publishing radio podcast with @MyBookShepherd via iTunes here:   http://bit.ly/PublishingPodcast


That’s my author and publishing news for today … what’s yours?
About Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd

Book Publishing expert Judith Briles, aka The Book Shepherd
has shepherded more than 1,000 authors and created 500 best-sellers and award-winning books. She knows publishing inside and out from both the traditional and independent sides. Judith is an advocate for authors within her blogs, podcasts and speaking engagements. What’s her pet peeve? Two words: publishing predators.

She hosts the podcast AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing that generates over 100,000 downloads a month. Her website is www.TheBookShepherd, email: JudithBriles.com and phone: 303-885-2207.

 
 
 
The Book Shepherd


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